163 Paul - Part 3 - What to do in an impossible situation - a podcast by Dr David Petts - Pentecostal preacher, former AoG Bible College Principal

Lessons from their lives.  Talk 29. Paul (Part Three)

Welcome to Talk 29 in our series, Lessons from their lives.

Today we conclude our thoughts on the life of the apostle Paul.

 

We began by looking at his conversion.

Last time we contrasted how God used him powerfully in evangelism, working many miracles through him, with the suffering and persecution he experienced in the cause of the gospel.

Today we’ll be considering Paul’s last recorded words as we find them in 2 Tim. 4. My title for this message is What to do in an impossible situation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

The Situation in which Paul found himself

 

He was in great physical discomfort

                  He was in prison. Mamertine prison in Rome.

 

He was lacking fellowship

                    verse 11 - only Luke was with him

                    verse 10 - Demas had deserted him (cf. v16 - everyone deserted me)

                    verse 14 - Alexander had harmed him

                    verse 20 - Trophimus was sick

 

He was in danger of death

verse 17 (lion = lion or Nero or devil)

verse 6 - indeed he was about to die - the time for my departure has come

Although God had rescued him from danger and persecution many times (cf. 3:11)

Paul knew that his end was near.

 

Paul’s attitude and reaction in the situation

 

He realised God’s presence with him despite the circumstances

 

verse 1 - in the presence of God... I give you this charge

 

He faced the situation realistically

 

He did not seek to deny the reality of his problems (impending death)

 

He took practical steps to alleviate the immediate situation as best he could

 

He urged Timothy to come as quickly as possible (with Mark) and bring his cloak, scrolls and parchments (9, 11-12)

He made what long-term provision for the future he could

 

He sought to ensure that his work would continue through Timothy after his death by giving him instructions (1-5)

 

He recognised the overall importance of the proclamation of the Gospel

 

In his instruction to Timothy -  preach the Word - do the work of an evangelist

 

From his own mouth even when on trial for his life (17)

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

 

He concentrated on the certainty of his ultimate destiny

 

Jesus is coming to reign! 1 - his appearing and his kingdom

 

Jesus is coming to judge! - all (1)

                                     righteously (8)

                                     so I can leave Alexander to him! (14)

 

Jesus is coming for me personally!  - verse 18

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

Jesus is coming with a crown of righteousness for all who love his appearing! - v 8

 

and finally

 

perhaps Paul was able to do all this in the face of death because he was able to look back and view the past with satisfaction:

 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - verse 7

 

I want to be able to say that too - but that will be determined by how I’m living now.

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