The Gospel Mission

Points
1. The gospel that Paul was preaching did not come from any man but from a revelation of Christ. Paul was zealous for the traditions of his fathers and went about persecuting the church and attempted to destroy it until God revealed Jesus to him.
2. Before Paul was born, God chose him, called him out by his grace, and set him apart to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
3. He did not consult anyone and the only apostle he met was James, the brother of Jesus. All the church heard was that he formerly persecuted the church but now they were glorifying God because of him.

Personalize
As we look over the various events of our life we can begin to see a pattern of God's work within our lives. Sometimes these events have been difficult times when God showed Himself merciful and brought us through times of discouragement or disobedience. Other moments in our lives have been overwhelming opportunities that revealed the power and leadership of God in our lives. Whether in difficulties or joys, God is at work in our lives to reveal His purpose and plans.

Paul discovered a God who had a plan for the church which included the spread of the gospel to the Gentile world. How ironic it is that God chose a man who was zealous for his religion of Judaism to deliver the gospel message to the Gentile world. His zealous commitment to Judaism quickly turned to a zealous commitment to the cause of Christ. Before Paul was born God had the plan to use Paul to reach the Gentile world. Throughout the scriptures, God has selected individuals to be special messengers of the gospel so that all the nations of the world and groups of people would hear the good news.

Paul's journey from one Gentile city, Damascus to another Gentile city, Arabia was a sign that he had a new journey and path to follow. The expertise of the law demonstrated in his past would not be the theme of his message, but the aim of his message would be to proclaim the good news that Jesus Christ has paid the price of the law and has provided the gift of righteousness. It is in Christ alone, not in the law that the Gentiles would discover the way to God. It was for this message that Paul was chosen. It was for the Gentile world that he was sent out as a new man equipped with the gospel.

Prayer
Lord we come before you with open hands and willing hearts to follow your lead in our lives. We pray that our lives will find direction from the preaching of the gospel to the ends of the earth. You have selected us for a mission. We commit to the mission to proclaim the gospel. As Paul went, so we go "where ever" You may lead us. Lord may your Gospel transform our lives and our purpose in life. Lead us to the cities, nations, and people groups you have chosen us to carry the Gospel. We commit to the Gospel Mission set before us.

Created 6 months ago