RLJ-605 - OL

March 29, 1998

"HOW GOD DEALS WITH HIS SERVANTS"

Paul, The Apostle - Part 3

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Despite that the apostle Paul had a personal encounter with Jesus, and having been baptized in the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas were attacked by the spirit of offense and were not able to have victory over it.  Acts 15:36-41 

This unforgiveness on Paul's part caused Satan to have permission and greatly afflict not only Paul but Silas also. Matthew 6:14-15  The crack in Paul's protective armour was there and after God had called Paul and Silas through a vision to Greece, Satan attacked.

Confusion now overtook Paul and he circumcised Timotheus - Acts 16:1-5  It took a few more years for the Holy Spirit to set Paul's thinking correct.  By that time, Paul had come to understand that THERE COULD BE NO COMPROMISE! Galatians 2:1-20, 3:1-13, 5:1-15

In later years, Paul had repented of his rejection of Mark (Colossians 4:7-11) and Mark was a beloved worker assisting Paul during his first  prison term in Rome.  During Paul's last year on the earth, AD 66, when he was in Rome waiting to be executed, Paul calls for Mark to come to him. II Timothy 4:6-11

Despite the fact that Paul had failed in his faith when he circumcised Timotheus, God was still working with him and gave him a vision - Acts 16:6-12

After successfully sharing the Gospel (verses 13-15) Satan sent his emissary in the shape of a young woman possessed with a spirit of divination (verses 16-18).  Paul, standing on the Words of Jesus, dealt swiftly with the demon. Matthew 10:1.  But the devil struck back and caused much pain for Paul and Silas. Acts 16:19-24

It must have been by revelation knowledge that Paul and Silas turned to praising the Lord instead of moaning, groaning and complaining. (verse 25)

Some years later, Paul was able to explain this experience. Philippians 4:4-13  God responded and not only set Paul and Silas free, but saved a number of people through this event. Acts 16:26-34.  There must have been a tremendous change in the heart of Paul and Silas as they boldly confronted the rulers who had them beaten and sent to prison. (verses 35-40)

CONCLUSION ON THESE CHAPTERS:
God is not a respecter of persons. Romans 2:11.  From the moment a person is saved, God will begin to use that person, even if the person at times makes errors and commits sin.  God will use strong corrections, and God is not SENTIMENTAL, but will do what is needed to bring the Christian to repentance and into spiritual growth.  Romans 8:26-30.

            ARE YOU BORN AGAIN?

                            HOW IS YOUR WALK WITH GOD?

This is the sequence of being offended (spirit of offense)

        Spirit of OFFENSE comes in to a person

            which leads to UNFORGIVENESS

                    then HATE,  ANGER,  BITTERNESS . . . . MURDER!