Life of Paul (actual title unknown)
In this message, Dana reflects on the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul, emphasizing how Jesus' call changed his life from a zealous Pharisee to a devoted Christian. Initially, Paul was on the wrong path, persecuting Christians until Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus. This pivotal moment led Paul to seek God's guidance, resulting in a period of solitude in the wilderness where he deepened his relationship with God. Despite his eagerness to preach, Paul faced rejection and danger, prompting his return home. Dana highlights that God often calls individuals back to their roots to test their faith and obedience, particularly within the family context. Paul’s experience illustrates that true Christian living is first demonstrated at home, where one’s character is truly tested. Dana stresses the importance of learning obedience and submission, as well as living a holy life, which are essential for effective ministry. Ultimately, Dana encourages believers to embrace their calling to sanctification, recognizing that a genuine relationship with Christ transforms not only personal lives but also familial relationships.
Outline of Main Points
- Paul's dramatic transformation through Jesus' call.
- The significance of solitude for spiritual growth.
- Challenges faced by Paul in preaching and acceptance.
- The importance of demonstrating faith at home.
- Lessons of obedience and submission in Christian life.
- The call to sanctification and holy living.
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
