Paul’s Testimony Pt 3
2014-09-14
Acts 26:19-29 English Standard Version (ESV)
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa,
I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem
and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they
should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their
repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews
seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I
stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the
prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to
rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the
Gentiles.” 24 And as he was saying these
things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of
your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind,
most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things,
and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped
his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the
prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And
Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a
Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether
short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this
day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
There are 3 components to a testimony:
Before Conversion (4-11), Conversion (12-18), After Conversion (19-23)
·
Today: After conversion…
we will start here, but we need to remember the unifying theme.
o
Paul’s: zeal for
serving God
Paul’s testimony proclaimed
the power of the Gospel, not only to save but also to transform lives.
·
With God’s enabling Paul didn’t ignore Jesus but rather obeyed Him. Acts 26:19-22a, Lk 6:46 &
3:8, 1 Cor 9:27, 1 Pet 1:14
o
The
proof of genuine repentance is a life characterized by obedience.
§
Not
just the getting rid of the negative “sin”, but also a positive “pursuit of ___”.
·
Works
are never the basis of salvation but are an inevitable result of genuine repentance.
o
Obedience
acknowledges God's authority & wisdom, expresses trust in God, & is proof
of love for Jesus. Heb 11:8, Jn 14:15,21
To be honest like
Paul: we need to tell a person that becoming a Christian is not an automatic
removal of struggles and difficulty.
·
Peace & joy are
fruits of salvation, but don’t use these as drawing cards for salvation.
o
If you do…the lost
will respond with impure motives & lack true repentance.
§
This is displayed
by the continuing of sin & disobedience to Jesus Christ.
o
We should NOT
JUST preach come to Jesus for happy a
lifestyle but rather to flee from the wrath to come
§
So when life
gets difficult, we are not angry at God or lose our joy/peace.
·
parachute
story: better flight or saved from sure
death.
Test into Gospel…not contrary to Scriptures/history. Act 26:22b-26, 1
Cor 1:18-25
·
Paul
is saying that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were and are proven facts
and able to be examined.
o
Festus
thought the resurrection was impossible….thinking any sensible person knows the
dead don’t rise
§
This is supreme egotism:
If I can't understand it, it isn't true, & you must be insane."
·
King Agrippa was
the last of Jewish kings until Jesus’ 2nd coming. He seems unable to
deny what has been said & unwilling to believe. Acts
26:27-29
o
By
remaining silent, Agrippa confirmed the truth of what Paul said- ie. The Gospel.
§
In the
end: the prisoner is a free man while the king remained a slave.
Like Paul, we
need to emphasize the need for a decision and response to the message.
·
But we also need
to be satisfied with knowing we were faithful & not orientated toward results.
o
There is no report
that anyone came to faith that day--though some may have believed.
Video (on LEFC
website under “What Is the Gospel) presents Gospel & encourages Christians
to obey Jesus & share Gospel…in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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