Sister Alice Sunday School 4/14/13

Sister Alice Sunday School 4/14/13

We have a mission that is larger than our life.

It is thought that Luke wrote the book of Acts.  We are going to read in this book where they first mention Saul.

Act 7:58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

It is told by the commentaries that Saul was a short man.  This is one of the reasons that it was so easy to call him Paul as Paul meant little.

This lesson of Saul is good to me if we think that we are serving God and doing our best at it then even if we do something terrible wrong God can show us the right way.

Act 9:1  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Act 9:2  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Act 9:3  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Act 9:4  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Act 9:5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Act 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Act 9:7  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

Act 9:8  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Saul discovered that he had been against the Son of God even though he thought he had been doing right.   After this he did not see anything or eat or drink.  It was a difficult time in Saul’s life even though he had a complete turnaround.

Act 9:9  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Act 9:10  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Act 9:11  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

We see that during those dark days that Saul had been praying.  God sees those that are praying.

Act 9:12  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Act 9:13  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

When God speaks to us sometimes we think, “Is this really God?”  It is not wrong for us to put up a question or ask for clarification as long as we stay right there and get our direction all the way.

Act 9:14  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Act 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Act 9:16  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

We see right away that Paul was to stand before kings.  I wonder if when he appealed to Caesar, when they could have let him go otherwise, if this is not why.

Act 9:17  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Ananias put all the glory where it belonged.  He told Saul that Jesus had sent him. 

Act 9:18  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

After Saul was straightened out he went God’s way 100%.  If we haven’t given Jesus first priority then even if we haven’t gone out into sin, we have been wrong.  We must first acknowledge that we have been wrong and give God 100%

As soon as Saul knew that his mission was to preach Christ he straightway did it.

Act 9:19  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Act 9:20  And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Act 9:21  But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Act 9:22  But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Saul did not hesitate.  He was God’s vessel. 

Our topic is a mission larger than life.

Act 16:8  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

Act 16:9  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Act 16:10  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Immediately he took off for Macedonia.  He didn’t say, wait a while, or I need to finish here first.  There were two opportunities that they had before and those doors closed.  Then God spoke to Saul in a vision and they went to Macedonia.

Seek God to know His voice better.  These people knew the voice of God.  We know that the voice of God will not contradict His word.  In my life I need to learn the voice of God better. 

God knew who He could use like Ananias.  He knew that what He was asking was contrary to reason and established facts.  This is a good thing for every dispensation of time.  Some say God told me this or that but whether He did or not, I leave that alone.  We need to know the voice of God.

Gal 1:16  To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

He didn’t just go to the brethren but went to every part of the scripture that he had.  He had an entire consecration.  He was completely consecrated.

Act 21:10  And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Act 21:11  And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Act 21:12  And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Act 21:13  Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 21:14  And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Each of us has an opportunity to minister where we are and we need to have a mission that is larger than our life. 

He said, “This is what the Holy Ghost has said”, not, “This is my idea”, or anything else.”  Everyone besought him not to go.  “You’ve heard from this prophet so don’t go.” 

What did Paul say?  There is a safety in counselors but if there is a time in our life when others try to dissuade us from that mission that is larger than life then we must hold fast to that purpose.

Paul told them that this mission was more important than his life that he was not only willing to be bound but to also die for the name of the lord Jesus.  When we get to the place where we are willing to die for Christ then really truly are we ready to live.

Stephen was willing to die and this must have had an impact on Saul.  He saw death come to Stephen and was in consent to it.  Now he realized that that could happen to him.  It was definitely a reality.

Php 3:7  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Php 3:10  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Php 3:11  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

It is important that we let the old life go.  Forget those things that are behind.  And press to the prize that is ahead.

Here he is explaining his mission to all that were in the courts that would listen:

Act 26:12  Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

Act 26:13  At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

Act 26:14  And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Act 26:15  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

Act 26:16  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Act 26:17  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Act 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Act 26:19  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

Act 26:20  But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Act 26:21  For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

Act 26:22  Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Act 26:23  That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Jesus appeared to him for this purpose.  We want to identify with this purpose in our lives.  We are going to be a minister of the gospel and how our life is lived will show to others.  “Delivering him from the people,” He was not owned by any sect but by the Holy Spirit of God.

From darkness to light is a wonderful thing and from the power of Satan to God is a wonderful thing.  Paul said that he was not disobedient but went out and showed first to them of Damascus and then to Jerusalem.

Can we say as strongly and clearly as Paul that “I was not disobedient to the conviction that God laid on my heart?”  We first felt conviction that we should not sin but leave sin and follow Christ.  Can we say, “I was not disobedient to that conviction?”

Paul went back and studied in the prophets and said, “Of course this is right; how could I have not seen it.  This is exactly what Moses taught should come.  Christ should suffer and be the first that would rise from the dead.”

Act 27:21  But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Act 27:22  And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

Act 27:23  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Act 27:24  Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Act 27:25  Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Here they were all to be saved because of Paul and his mission.  His mission is utmost here.  Because he was to be brought before Caesar, they were to be saved.  Paul held his mission larger than his life.  It was not just a narrow mission but for the whole body of Christ.

Act 20:17  And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Act 20:18  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Act 20:19  Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Act 20:20  And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Act 20:21  Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Act 20:22  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Act 20:23  Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Act 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Act 20:25  And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Act 20:26  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Act 20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Paul had a mission to all the church and called the elders and talked to them.  His mission was to declare to them the counsel of God and he was true to it.  We want to claim and hold onto that inheritance that is to all that are cleansed and sanctified before God.

2Co 12:14  Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

2Co 12:15  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

To spend and be spent was Paul’s mission.

2Ti 2:8  Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

2Ti 2:9  Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

2Ti 2:10  Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

I endure all things for the elect’s sake.  It was not just for his mission but for the whole body. 

Keeping our eyes on the mission will cause us to endure.  Having true love for the saints will cause our mission to stay alive.

2Co 2:13  I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

2Co 2:14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Do we leave a sweet smelling savor when we go out?  Is it a savor of Christ?

Paul was hurt because he didn’t find Titus.  He was human.

Rom 9:1  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

Rom 9:2  That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

Rom 9:3  For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Rom 9:4  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Rom 9:5  Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Here Paul showed the same spirit that Moses had.  Moses said, “Blot my name out before you blot these people.”  Even though they were stiff-necked he loved them beyond himself.