1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:03,480 I praise God for last night. It was such a joy to pray with 2 00:00:03,480 --> 00:00:05,600 different people and to see people praying. 3 00:00:07,320 --> 00:00:09,920 You know, as we talked about the prayer life of Paul, we have to 4 00:00:09,920 --> 00:00:13,000 remember that it is very possible that the very 5 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:15,440 conversion of Paul was the byproduct of prayer. 6 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:21,240 Many people believe that when Stephen was being martyred, 7 00:00:21,920 --> 00:00:24,440 remember Paul was in attendance and he actually approved of his 8 00:00:24,440 --> 00:00:26,640 death. And it was Stephen who prayed 9 00:00:26,640 --> 00:00:29,000 before he died. Lord, do not hold this sin 10 00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,920 against them. And then he fell asleep. 11 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:37,600 It could be that God answered Stephens prayer by saving the 12 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:40,680 Apostle Paul. Isn't that a glorious thought? 13 00:00:42,080 --> 00:00:46,680 And so perhaps Paul, and realizing that he was somewhat 14 00:00:47,080 --> 00:00:50,160 the outcome of a man who believed and loved him enough to 15 00:00:50,160 --> 00:00:53,160 pray for him, also prayed fervently. 16 00:00:53,880 --> 00:00:57,840 So don't underestimate what your prayers can do, but you also. 17 00:00:57,840 --> 00:01:02,320 Remember, I think that at the end of our time yesterday, I 18 00:01:02,320 --> 00:01:06,080 mentioned a word, a word that many of us are familiar with, 19 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:09,280 some maybe are not familiar with, but the reality, the 20 00:01:09,280 --> 00:01:16,960 glorious truth of Providence. Providence, sweet, sweet 21 00:01:17,640 --> 00:01:21,080 Providence. I love to study. 22 00:01:21,880 --> 00:01:24,040 I. Love to preach. 23 00:01:24,360 --> 00:01:30,400 I love to think and meditate about God's Providence for many 24 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:34,480 reasons, and one of them is because the more you familiarize 25 00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:39,120 yourself with that truth, the more you grow in confidence in 26 00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:42,400 that God does not work. Sometimes. 27 00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:47,080 God is always working. So if you've never heard that 28 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:49,440 word or you've heard it but you don't understand what it means, 29 00:01:49,440 --> 00:01:52,440 let me give you the the most simple definition I can offer in 30 00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:55,480 terms of what this Providence mean. 31 00:01:55,480 --> 00:02:00,160 Providence really is God sovereignly working in and 32 00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:06,360 through the non miraculous events in life to accomplish his 33 00:02:06,360 --> 00:02:09,880 will. When God works miraculously, 34 00:02:09,919 --> 00:02:15,920 it's tangibly clear, indisputable, obvious, this is 35 00:02:15,920 --> 00:02:18,880 God. When God works in providential 36 00:02:18,880 --> 00:02:24,040 ways, it's his hidden work. It's behind the scenes. 37 00:02:24,600 --> 00:02:30,520 It's not immediately perceived, but what Providence secures for 38 00:02:30,520 --> 00:02:35,480 us is that the Lord is constantly on the move, not just 39 00:02:35,480 --> 00:02:38,640 in the grand scheme of things, not just in the major stages of 40 00:02:38,640 --> 00:02:43,800 life, but in each one of our lives, Providence is working. 41 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:48,200 And one of my favorite aspects of Providence is that the Lord 42 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:53,720 in his great wisdom takes seemingly insignificant events, 43 00:02:55,960 --> 00:03:01,200 non climactic moments, and even check this out circumstances 44 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:05,480 that seem to challenge or even contradict the will of God to 45 00:03:05,480 --> 00:03:14,400 accomplish the will of God. Paul is a glorious testament of 46 00:03:14,400 --> 00:03:19,280 God's loving Providence at work in each of his children's lives. 47 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:23,160 You know, he comes to the book of Acts and people love reading 48 00:03:23,160 --> 00:03:25,200 that because it's it's a narrative, but because there's 49 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:27,760 so many episodes of the supernatural, right? 50 00:03:28,480 --> 00:03:31,080 And that's right. But there are also. 51 00:03:31,920 --> 00:03:35,240 Wonderful times where God moves in providential ways. 52 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:38,760 And I believe one of the most remarkable instances where 53 00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:42,600 Providence works in the life of Paul is when he arrived for the 54 00:03:42,600 --> 00:03:47,680 first time in a region called Corinth and ministered there. 55 00:03:48,240 --> 00:03:53,040 And where we find the record of Paul's time in Corinth for the 56 00:03:53,040 --> 00:03:57,040 first time is located in the book of Acts chapter 18. 57 00:03:57,520 --> 00:04:01,160 And I invite you to turn there with me because I want to take 58 00:04:01,160 --> 00:04:09,440 this account and consider 5 providential spheres or five 59 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:13,360 places areas in Paul's life. Where God's? 60 00:04:13,800 --> 00:04:17,720 Providence was at work and I'm sure it will encourage you. 61 00:04:17,720 --> 00:04:21,360 And if you are somebody who likes to take notes, let me tell 62 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:25,560 you in advance how God's invisible hand worked in Paul's 63 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:28,160 life. The first area where we see 64 00:04:28,160 --> 00:04:34,480 Providence at work is in Paul's relationships, how God brought 65 00:04:34,480 --> 00:04:38,240 people into Paul's life. The 2nd way in which we see 66 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:41,680 God's Providence at work is in his times of need. 67 00:04:42,640 --> 00:04:47,560 Providence in times of need. Following that, Providence. 68 00:04:47,840 --> 00:04:50,920 This is one of my favourites. Through disappointments. 69 00:04:52,440 --> 00:04:54,800 What a comforting truth it is to know that God's at work even 70 00:04:54,800 --> 00:04:56,400 when things don't seem like they're working. 71 00:04:57,200 --> 00:04:58,520 Providence through disappointments. 72 00:04:58,520 --> 00:05:02,040 That's the Third Point. But there's also Providence in 73 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:09,960 our protection. And lastly, Providence in pain, 74 00:05:10,800 --> 00:05:14,160 in pain. Let's read the 1st 3 verses of 75 00:05:14,160 --> 00:05:19,920 this chapter together to unpack Providence in Paul's life in 76 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:25,360 terms of his relationships. After this Paul left Athens and 77 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:30,120 went to Corinth and he found a Jew named Aquila, a native 78 00:05:30,120 --> 00:05:34,960 Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla. 79 00:05:35,760 --> 00:05:40,760 Because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome and 80 00:05:40,760 --> 00:05:44,880 he went to see them and because he was of the same trade, he 81 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:51,000 stayed with them and worked, for they were tent makers by trade. 82 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:54,840 So Paul before this was in Athens. 83 00:05:54,840 --> 00:05:57,840 He arrives to this region called Corinth, the prominent 1st 84 00:05:57,840 --> 00:06:01,040 century city. And Corinth was not only known 85 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:06,720 for its prosperous commercial realities and prosperity, but 86 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:12,280 also it was notorious for it's reputation of immorality. 87 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:18,720 In fact, the name Corinth became a byword in its time. 88 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:23,280 If you wanted to insult someone, or if you wanted to describe 89 00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:28,320 someone who is corrupt in character or immoral, you would 90 00:06:28,320 --> 00:06:35,120 refer to them as a Corinthian. And if you think about that, 91 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:37,720 that's what history testifies. And if you look at Paul's 92 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:41,080 letters to the Corinthians, you get that kind of impression. 93 00:06:41,280 --> 00:06:45,240 The people that he is talking to and disciple, they had rough, 94 00:06:45,640 --> 00:06:49,240 rough backgrounds. And when I just thought about, I 95 00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:51,680 thought, you know, humanly speaking, that what a strange 96 00:06:51,680 --> 00:06:54,920 strategy would be for Paul to enter into this kind of a city 97 00:06:55,560 --> 00:06:58,560 to preach the gospel and expect success. 98 00:06:59,040 --> 00:07:01,920 But such as the power of the gospel, it can save anyone from 99 00:07:01,920 --> 00:07:04,000 anywhere. But that's not the main point of 100 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:05,840 the message. What I want to highlight at the 101 00:07:05,840 --> 00:07:10,520 outset of our reading here of this text is that Paul arrived 102 00:07:10,600 --> 00:07:15,680 at Corinth alone. He rarely did this. 103 00:07:16,520 --> 00:07:19,560 Paul usually, when he went to go preach somewhere, went with a 104 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:24,280 team and last circumstances compelled him to go solo. 105 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:29,720 And this is one of those cases. So Paul here arrives alone. 106 00:07:29,720 --> 00:07:32,800 And why I find that inspirational, though not ideal 107 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:36,560 for us, because we're called to do life in the faith together, 108 00:07:37,040 --> 00:07:42,280 is that when Paul was alone, his faith was still alive. 109 00:07:44,760 --> 00:07:48,480 Paul went in there and he influenced Corinth. 110 00:07:48,480 --> 00:07:51,200 He didn't allow Corinth to influence him. 111 00:07:53,120 --> 00:07:56,280 And unfortunately, there are some believers who are overly 112 00:07:56,280 --> 00:08:02,000 depended upon the spirituality of those around them, and so 113 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:05,600 they are somewhat excited and stirred concerning spiritual 114 00:08:05,600 --> 00:08:07,920 matters when they're around spiritual people. 115 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:11,000 But the moment that they separate themselves and are 116 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:14,160 isolated, their spirituality shrivels up. 117 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:15,840 And they are. Swiftly. 118 00:08:15,840 --> 00:08:19,640 Subject to carnality, Paul wasn't such a Christian. 119 00:08:21,520 --> 00:08:26,600 Paul wasn't easily tossed to and fro concerning his surroundings. 120 00:08:27,320 --> 00:08:31,000 Paul was concrete. Paul was unwavering. 121 00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:37,120 Paul was solid. Maybe so of us, but he wouldn't. 122 00:08:37,120 --> 00:08:40,200 Be alone for too long because very quickly in our reading of 123 00:08:40,200 --> 00:08:43,480 Paul's arrival here, he would be soon reunited with his ministry 124 00:08:43,480 --> 00:08:47,080 team. But God introduces 2 Paul new. 125 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:49,840 Friends, look again here at verse two. 126 00:08:49,840 --> 00:08:53,840 We were told that he found a Jew named Aquila and his wife, 127 00:08:54,400 --> 00:08:57,360 Priscilla. He quickly encountered them. 128 00:08:57,360 --> 00:09:03,480 And I believe that Aquila and Priscilla were saved before they 129 00:09:03,480 --> 00:09:08,000 met Paul because the book of Acts has a tendency of 130 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:11,440 explaining and showing us that when Paul met somebody, he would 131 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:13,120 have, you know, led them to Christ. 132 00:09:13,120 --> 00:09:15,800 But what we see here is that these were believers who came 133 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:17,080 from Rome. We learned that there was 134 00:09:17,080 --> 00:09:19,800 already a church in Rome. There's no instance here. 135 00:09:19,800 --> 00:09:22,600 There's no indication that Paul evangelized them or Paul gave 136 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:25,760 them the gospel. It's most likely that they were 137 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:30,800 Christians when they met. It could have been one thing for 138 00:09:30,800 --> 00:09:34,160 the Holy Spirit to tell us how Paul met Aquila and Priscilla. 139 00:09:34,160 --> 00:09:36,480 He could have left it at that. But he wants to go above that 140 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:40,000 and tell us how they met. And the way that they met is 141 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:43,800 fascinating. It's through Providence because 142 00:09:43,800 --> 00:09:46,440 we're told here that the reason why Aquila and Priscilla even 143 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:51,360 came to Corinth was because of an anti-Semitic decree from the 144 00:09:51,360 --> 00:09:55,880 Roman government that forced all the Jews of that time to vacate 145 00:09:56,640 --> 00:10:01,720 and to leave. And so this couple. 146 00:10:02,560 --> 00:10:06,680 Had. To leave Rome without a choice. 147 00:10:07,920 --> 00:10:10,920 And I'd like to make a habit of, instead of just reading these 148 00:10:10,920 --> 00:10:14,520 things and nodding my head in agreement and getting clarity on 149 00:10:14,520 --> 00:10:17,800 some of these things, I'd like to feel what people go through 150 00:10:17,800 --> 00:10:19,920 as I meditate and put myself in their shoes. 151 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:24,280 So here's a married couple. Who probably had a business in 152 00:10:24,280 --> 00:10:28,360 Rome, who had a home, obviously, who were probably part of a 153 00:10:28,360 --> 00:10:32,320 church, who had a routine and had their favorite spots to go 154 00:10:32,320 --> 00:10:35,560 as a couple. And very quickly, all of that 155 00:10:35,560 --> 00:10:38,200 was turned over because of something they could not 156 00:10:38,200 --> 00:10:41,560 control. In fact, you want to see another 157 00:10:41,560 --> 00:10:43,120 testament to the historicity of the Bible. 158 00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:46,240 You can find this historical moment where Claudius actually 159 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:49,600 pushes out the Jews from Rome and it parallels with what we 160 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:54,520 have in the Scriptures. So instead of just rejoicing the 161 00:10:54,520 --> 00:10:57,120 fact that our Bible is historically accurate, I want to 162 00:10:57,120 --> 00:10:59,320 rejoice in the fact that. This. 163 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:02,760 Couple started a new life in a new place. 164 00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:05,120 Because. Of something that you would deem 165 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:08,720 as uncomfortable, unfair. Even evil. 166 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:11,560 And yet. Despite all of that, this law 167 00:11:11,560 --> 00:11:13,760 ended up being the catalyst. For. 168 00:11:13,760 --> 00:11:15,800 Aquila and Priscilla. To. 169 00:11:15,800 --> 00:11:21,480 Meet the Apostle Paul to come into contact with him, and this 170 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:26,560 would radically transform all of their destinies forever. 171 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:31,400 Aquila and Priscilla are one of the most notable couples in the 172 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:34,760 entirety of the New Testament, and they have quickly become 173 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:38,600 some of the dearest friends and ministry partners to Paul. 174 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:45,040 The Holy Spirit highly praises these two through Paul, 175 00:11:45,040 --> 00:11:47,920 especially in a text that I want to want you to see with your own 176 00:11:47,920 --> 00:11:51,480 eyes in Romans 16. Look at how Paul speaks about 177 00:11:52,040 --> 00:11:55,680 this married couple. In Romans 16 if you look here 178 00:11:55,680 --> 00:12:05,180 verse 3. Paul writes Greet Prisca and 179 00:12:05,260 --> 00:12:11,100 Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 180 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:14,840 Who? Risked their necks for my life. 181 00:12:16,360 --> 00:12:18,480 To. Whom not only I give thanks, but 182 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:21,960 all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 183 00:12:22,400 --> 00:12:25,040 Greet. Also the church in their house. 184 00:12:26,920 --> 00:12:29,520 Greet. My beloved Appayanidis, who was 185 00:12:29,520 --> 00:12:32,040 the first convert to Christ in Asia. 186 00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:34,360 So. Listen, this couple not only 187 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:38,800 Blessed Paul, they impacted the wider churches among the 188 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:41,640 Gentiles. I. 189 00:12:41,640 --> 00:12:45,240 Wonder if we would have ever heard of Aquila and Priscilla 190 00:12:45,400 --> 00:12:47,640 had it not been for the Roman government. 191 00:12:49,080 --> 00:12:51,480 To. Force them out and to start a 192 00:12:51,480 --> 00:12:54,640 new life. What? 193 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:58,320 Would have become of Paul's ministry in Corinth and beyond. 194 00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:02,760 What would have become of their future OK if they stayed in 195 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:04,200 Rome? They would have been more 196 00:13:04,200 --> 00:13:06,600 convenient. Who cares about convenience if 197 00:13:06,640 --> 00:13:09,560 inconvenience means I get to advance the purposes of Christ? 198 00:13:12,080 --> 00:13:15,520 And so it was this turn of events that position Aquila and 199 00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:20,080 Priscilla to be mightily used. By the Lord and to make 200 00:13:20,080 --> 00:13:23,520 friendships with some of the greatest people in all of church 201 00:13:23,520 --> 00:13:26,760 history. You know. 202 00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:29,600 There are a lot of Christians who are nervous about what will 203 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:32,120 become of our politics after this November. 204 00:13:32,760 --> 00:13:35,520 But the. More I read my Bible and see 205 00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:38,400 things like this, the more excited I get. 206 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:43,600 The more excited I get and an anticipation builds up in me to 207 00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:47,480 see how like Claudius and Rome. God. 208 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:51,680 Supervises over all things and positions his people exactly 209 00:13:51,680 --> 00:13:54,520 where they need to be. So I'm kind of looking forward 210 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:56,720 to what's going to happen in the next few months because I know 211 00:13:56,720 --> 00:14:00,240 God is in control. He's over everything. 212 00:14:01,440 --> 00:14:03,840 And he's not just in charge of who's going to rise up and who's 213 00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:06,440 going to come down, He's in charge of who's going to rise up 214 00:14:06,440 --> 00:14:09,920 and who's going to come down for the sake of his people being 215 00:14:09,920 --> 00:14:12,200 where they need to be to fulfill his purpose. 216 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:14,160 So you. Don't need to be nervous today. 217 00:14:14,600 --> 00:14:15,880 You don't need to wring your hands. 218 00:14:15,880 --> 00:14:19,840 You can rejoice in knowing that even when laws are established. 219 00:14:20,200 --> 00:14:22,000 God. Is controlling something for his 220 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:24,080 gospel to be more effective and efficient? 221 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:30,240 So we see here Providence. In Paul's relationships, how he 222 00:14:30,240 --> 00:14:33,240 moves these pieces to bring people together to create 223 00:14:33,240 --> 00:14:36,720 ministries, ministry teams, what a glorious thought. 224 00:14:36,720 --> 00:14:39,200 But we still have four other observations to make concerning 225 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:43,080 Providence, and the second one deals with Providence in times 226 00:14:43,080 --> 00:14:44,720 of need. Let's. 227 00:14:44,720 --> 00:14:51,720 Read here verse four and five. And he reasoned in the synagogue 228 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:57,560 every Sabbath and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks when 229 00:14:57,560 --> 00:15:00,480 Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia. 230 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:02,880 Paul. This is how the ESV reads it. 231 00:15:03,240 --> 00:15:09,120 Paul was occupied with the word testifying to the Jews that the 232 00:15:09,120 --> 00:15:15,440 Christ was Jesus. So the Apostle Paul not only met 233 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:19,200 Aquila and Priscilla because they had to leave Rome, but also 234 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:21,480 because they shared the same trade. 235 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:25,560 They were tent makers. So was the apostle. 236 00:15:25,560 --> 00:15:29,880 He was trained in this. History tells us that it was a 237 00:15:29,880 --> 00:15:32,280 rabbinical tradition that when you grew up to study the law, 238 00:15:32,280 --> 00:15:34,320 that you also picked up a trade that was. 239 00:15:34,320 --> 00:15:38,080 Transportable so that you can you can take care of yourself if 240 00:15:38,080 --> 00:15:41,520 you needed to, and Paul was in fact trained in this way. 241 00:15:41,800 --> 00:15:44,720 What I find so fascinating, though, is that Paul was set 242 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:48,200 apart to be an apostle. He was set apart to be a 243 00:15:48,200 --> 00:15:50,600 missionary, a preacher, full. Time. 244 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:53,760 So why is he here working? Look. 245 00:15:53,760 --> 00:15:56,760 Again at verse four. And he reasoned in the synagogue 246 00:15:56,800 --> 00:16:01,080 every Sabbath and try to persuade Jews and Greeks. 247 00:16:01,080 --> 00:16:04,480 And so he dedicated one day out of the week to preach and to 248 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:07,200 reason and to persuade and to explain. 249 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:09,800 But what about the other days of the week? 250 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:11,760 He was. Working. 251 00:16:13,240 --> 00:16:16,280 He. Applied for a part time job and 252 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:18,120 you would think well this is a hindrance to his ministry. 253 00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:20,240 No, in fact, it was a strategy for his ministry. 254 00:16:21,200 --> 00:16:23,640 You see, because. Paul was very mindful. 255 00:16:24,240 --> 00:16:26,080 That. There can be suspicions of 256 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:29,560 individuals who would think that he's using the gospel for 257 00:16:29,560 --> 00:16:31,880 financial gain. This was especially true when he 258 00:16:31,880 --> 00:16:34,120 walked into a new place like he does here in Corinth. 259 00:16:34,920 --> 00:16:37,920 And so in order to silence any criticism, he would he would 260 00:16:37,920 --> 00:16:41,600 work and take care of himself in order for the message to not be 261 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:45,520 muddied by any false accusations against his motives. 262 00:16:45,680 --> 00:16:47,400 And that's precisely what he is doing here. 263 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:50,080 But notice that there is a shift that takes place in verse 5. 264 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:55,240 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, the ESV reads, 265 00:16:55,240 --> 00:17:01,080 Paul was occupied with the word. Now if you have the King James 266 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:04,319 or the new King James, you might have it where it says he was 267 00:17:04,319 --> 00:17:07,280 compelled by the Spirit or pressed in the spirit. 268 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:09,960 And the reason for the difference is is due to 269 00:17:10,119 --> 00:17:12,960 manuscript variations and modern translations. 270 00:17:12,960 --> 00:17:15,520 More recent translations chose to follow the. 271 00:17:15,520 --> 00:17:22,680 Manuscripts that state that he was occupied with the word the. 272 00:17:22,680 --> 00:17:26,880 Word occupation implies that Paul suddenly there is a change 273 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:30,080 here where he gave most of his energy and his time and his 274 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:35,920 efforts to preaching and we we are told why it was because 275 00:17:35,920 --> 00:17:39,120 these two came after Silas and Timothy arrived. 276 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:42,600 Paul now says, OK, I can now have more freedom to preach the 277 00:17:42,600 --> 00:17:44,960 gospel more than just one day out of the week. 278 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:47,760 How did that happen? What? 279 00:17:47,760 --> 00:17:48,600 Happened. Was he? 280 00:17:48,600 --> 00:17:50,840 Was he? Was he not still in financial 281 00:17:50,840 --> 00:17:51,800 need? He was. 282 00:17:52,280 --> 00:17:53,480 But this? Is the beauty of the harmony of 283 00:17:53,480 --> 00:17:55,160 the Bible. You get your answer actually in 284 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:58,400 Second Corinthians in Chapter 11 verse 9. 285 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:00,760 Paul. Speaking to the same group of 286 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:04,120 people that he ministered to in Acts 18 explains this very this 287 00:18:04,120 --> 00:18:06,920 very thing right here. And it sheds more light, he says 288 00:18:06,920 --> 00:18:10,800 here in Second Corinthians 11/9. And when I was with you and was 289 00:18:10,800 --> 00:18:13,160 in need. I. 290 00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:16,440 Did not burden anyone for the brothers who came from Macedonia 291 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:19,240 supplied. My need. 292 00:18:20,920 --> 00:18:25,000 So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 293 00:18:25,800 --> 00:18:28,560 Aha. So what Paul is explaining here 294 00:18:28,560 --> 00:18:31,800 is that Silas and Timothy, when they came from Macedonia, they 295 00:18:31,800 --> 00:18:35,920 also came with a sizable donation from the Macedonian 296 00:18:35,920 --> 00:18:39,680 believers. Sizable enough for Paul to not 297 00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:44,600 give as much time to tent making and more full time time to 298 00:18:44,600 --> 00:18:46,840 preaching and teaching and evangelizing. 299 00:18:49,080 --> 00:18:52,040 And I think this is a good place to kind of think about why we as 300 00:18:52,040 --> 00:18:57,200 Christians give to ministries. This is one reason among many 301 00:18:57,200 --> 00:18:59,760 reasons. This this. 302 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:05,080 Moment allowed Paul to be more devoted to preaching, and 303 00:19:05,080 --> 00:19:09,040 realistically, if we desire the word to be excavated in terms of 304 00:19:09,040 --> 00:19:12,560 revelation and expanded in terms of reach, it's going to require 305 00:19:12,560 --> 00:19:14,880 more time for. People to devote. 306 00:19:14,880 --> 00:19:18,320 To that kind of service and that time is created when. 307 00:19:18,320 --> 00:19:22,200 Like Paul, the people of God rally together and support those 308 00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:24,000 who are. Dedicated to such service in 309 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:27,080 order for them to come to this kind of a point and dedicate 310 00:19:27,080 --> 00:19:29,480 more of their time to this kind of work. 311 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:32,840 And I say that because there are some people who boast and even 312 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:36,280 criticize those who are workers of the gospel, who actually make 313 00:19:36,280 --> 00:19:39,000 a living from the gospel, that they would even they would even 314 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:42,440 use Paul as an example as a proof text that he worked in 315 00:19:42,440 --> 00:19:44,280 such a manner in which he did not. 316 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:46,120 Take anything from the people of God. 317 00:19:46,120 --> 00:19:49,400 And that was true in some cases. But Paul also advocated that 318 00:19:49,400 --> 00:19:52,280 workers of the gospel should make their living from the 319 00:19:52,280 --> 00:19:55,720 gospel. And in fact, many of those 320 00:19:55,720 --> 00:20:00,120 people who make arguments for that their. 321 00:20:00,120 --> 00:20:03,000 Ministries in many ways suffer and some people are called to 322 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:05,560 that. And I I'm not criticizing it. 323 00:20:05,560 --> 00:20:07,560 I think if they're called to that and their conscious cause 324 00:20:07,560 --> 00:20:09,920 into that, then that's what they're supposed to do. 325 00:20:09,920 --> 00:20:13,440 But Paul shows here something quite amazing that there is a 326 00:20:13,440 --> 00:20:17,160 partnership that takes place even in our giving that gives 327 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:20,320 ministers the experience that they need to help the cause of 328 00:20:20,320 --> 00:20:22,560 the gospel. But let me also say this at the 329 00:20:22,560 --> 00:20:24,680 same time it is vital for those who have been given the 330 00:20:24,680 --> 00:20:27,880 privilege to serve in full time ministry. 331 00:20:28,760 --> 00:20:34,600 To be occupied in the word so. Ministers who have been given 332 00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:38,800 this opportunity have the responsibility to dedicate 333 00:20:38,800 --> 00:20:43,760 themselves. To being consumed with prayer, 334 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:47,600 studying and preaching the word of God. 335 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:53,600 There should be no lazy full time pastors or evangelist or 336 00:20:53,600 --> 00:20:56,960 apologist. They have. 337 00:20:56,960 --> 00:21:01,840 No excuse for providing anything less than a deep and meaningful 338 00:21:01,920 --> 00:21:05,880 spiritual service, and Paul is a model of that. 339 00:21:06,880 --> 00:21:08,920 So now he becomes occupied with the word. 340 00:21:08,920 --> 00:21:12,000 That's not the main point of this passage, at least for this 341 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:13,760 message. I want you to see again verse 342 00:21:13,760 --> 00:21:15,920 nine of First Corinthians or Second Corinthians 11. 343 00:21:16,160 --> 00:21:20,080 He writes. And when I was with you and was 344 00:21:20,120 --> 00:21:25,800 in need, the moment Paul stepped foot in Corinth, he was in need. 345 00:21:27,120 --> 00:21:33,440 He. Had basic material issues and 346 00:21:33,440 --> 00:21:37,600 requirements and my question is if he was always in need then 347 00:21:37,600 --> 00:21:41,960 why why didn't the Lord expedite the donations from Macedonia? 348 00:21:43,840 --> 00:21:47,120 Why did he have to wait for? Paul to apply for a job, work we 349 00:21:47,120 --> 00:21:51,400 don't know how long and then for Silas and Timothy come later on. 350 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:53,200 Can I? Tell you why? 351 00:21:53,360 --> 00:21:55,800 Because of Providence. Because. 352 00:21:55,800 --> 00:22:00,080 Of Providence, God. Doesn't only know what you need. 353 00:22:00,320 --> 00:22:06,520 God knows when you need it. He knows when to meet it. 354 00:22:07,560 --> 00:22:10,000 He is so surgically precise. He's. 355 00:22:10,000 --> 00:22:14,360 Aware of your bears? But sometimes your desires will 356 00:22:14,360 --> 00:22:16,920 be delayed. And there's. 357 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:18,880 A beauty in that. Do you know? 358 00:22:18,880 --> 00:22:21,120 What the beauty is in this? Had. 359 00:22:21,120 --> 00:22:23,440 Paul come into Corinth with his pockets full. 360 00:22:24,800 --> 00:22:27,040 Had. Paul come only to be greeted by 361 00:22:27,040 --> 00:22:29,840 Silas and Timothy with their generosity. 362 00:22:30,600 --> 00:22:32,760 The generosity of the Macedonians, at least. 363 00:22:34,200 --> 00:22:35,320 It's. Very possible that he would 364 00:22:35,320 --> 00:22:39,800 never met Aquila and Priscilla believers and he would have 365 00:22:39,800 --> 00:22:44,040 missed out on something much more important than money, godly 366 00:22:44,040 --> 00:22:47,720 relationships and partnerships that can make a greater impact 367 00:22:47,720 --> 00:22:50,040 for the Kingdom of God. Do you see God's wisdom here? 368 00:22:52,640 --> 00:22:54,280 And. So this man Paul shows us how 369 00:22:54,280 --> 00:22:58,640 God knows the timing of his provision for us. 370 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:04,200 Of His help for us and our concept of when God should help 371 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:08,000 us should should always be in line with the reality of His 372 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:10,880 perfect Providence. Lest you think. 373 00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:14,000 That. Your blessing is being hindered 374 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:17,040 when in fact the delays meant to deliver you something. 375 00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:23,480 Providence in our times of need. When I was in need, the brothers 376 00:23:23,480 --> 00:23:25,160 came. Yes, but why didn't it come 377 00:23:25,160 --> 00:23:26,960 right away? Because you had a couple of 378 00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:30,800 Christians to meet. So here you are today. 379 00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:32,920 Praying your. Heart. 380 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:35,480 Out because you're somewhere and you don't know why you're there 381 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:37,160 and you want to leave as soon as you can. 382 00:23:37,640 --> 00:23:41,240 And you've you've asked counsel if you even nudged your way out 383 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:44,440 and you know doors came to keep you in place. 384 00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:49,720 Perhaps God is keeping you there for something, for someone to 385 00:23:49,720 --> 00:23:52,560 accomplish something. Trust. 386 00:23:52,560 --> 00:23:53,720 Him. This is what Providence is meant 387 00:23:53,720 --> 00:23:55,320 to do. It's it's meant to give you a 388 00:23:55,320 --> 00:23:58,680 pillow to lay your weary head on and to trust. 389 00:23:59,320 --> 00:24:02,800 He knows my times of need, but He knows when to meet them. 390 00:24:06,360 --> 00:24:08,000 Providence. Not just in times of need, but 391 00:24:08,000 --> 00:24:12,080 Providence in disappointments. Look at verse six with me backs 392 00:24:12,080 --> 00:24:16,320 18. And when they opposed and 393 00:24:16,320 --> 00:24:20,440 reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, Your 394 00:24:20,440 --> 00:24:25,480 blood be on your own heads. I am innocent. 395 00:24:26,440 --> 00:24:30,760 From now on I will go to the Gentiles and he. 396 00:24:30,760 --> 00:24:34,320 Left there and went to the House of a man named Tidius Justice, a 397 00:24:34,320 --> 00:24:36,720 worshipper of God. His. 398 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:38,960 House was next door to the synagogue. 399 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:43,840 I love that Crispus. The ruler of the. 400 00:24:43,840 --> 00:24:47,960 Synagogue believed in the Lord together with his entire 401 00:24:47,960 --> 00:24:50,920 household and many of the Corinthians hearing Paul 402 00:24:50,920 --> 00:24:56,040 believed and. Were baptized, Paul had a common 403 00:24:56,040 --> 00:24:58,680 strategy whenever he entered into a city or a region. 404 00:24:58,680 --> 00:25:00,560 This was his strategy, his preaching tactic. 405 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:02,840 He would always go into the synagogue's first. 406 00:25:04,800 --> 00:25:07,920 And his his ambition was to preach the gospel to the Jew 1st 407 00:25:07,920 --> 00:25:12,160 and then to the Gentile. And so it's no different here. 408 00:25:12,760 --> 00:25:15,040 He comes into the synagogue and he preaches. 409 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:18,000 But what began to happen very quickly is that his message was 410 00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:24,840 vehemently opposed and it was met with blasphemy and and gross 411 00:25:24,840 --> 00:25:27,560 rejection. To the degree that Paul. 412 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:28,960 Says, you know what, I'm done here. 413 00:25:31,960 --> 00:25:34,360 And he says here that he should. It says here he shook his 414 00:25:34,360 --> 00:25:35,560 garments. He. 415 00:25:35,560 --> 00:25:36,920 Imagined that. Imagine a preacher doing that 416 00:25:36,920 --> 00:25:38,640 after preaching the gospel and people not responding. 417 00:25:39,120 --> 00:25:41,640 He shook his garments and he he quotes. 418 00:25:42,360 --> 00:25:43,720 The. Words of some of the prophets in 419 00:25:43,720 --> 00:25:46,600 the Old Testament. Namely Ezekiel, your blood be on 420 00:25:46,600 --> 00:25:51,840 your own heads and it says here from now on I will go to the 421 00:25:51,840 --> 00:25:55,280 Gentiles and this was this is not easy for Paul. 422 00:25:55,840 --> 00:25:58,040 The reason why it was not easy for Paul is because he had a 423 00:25:58,040 --> 00:26:00,600 tremendous heart for the Jewish people, his. 424 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:03,760 Own kinsmen and if you want a window into the heart. 425 00:26:04,120 --> 00:26:07,080 Of. Paul for the people of Israel, 426 00:26:07,120 --> 00:26:09,920 read Romans 9:00 to 11:00 and it will move you. 427 00:26:09,920 --> 00:26:12,520 You know you have people today. I'm not. 428 00:26:12,520 --> 00:26:14,520 Concerned about the world. I'm not concerned about how the 429 00:26:14,520 --> 00:26:17,640 world thinks. My preoccupation, so is yours, 430 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:20,760 is how the Church ought to act. There's a lot of. 431 00:26:20,760 --> 00:26:23,320 Discussion about the Jewish people today and how we should 432 00:26:23,320 --> 00:26:24,760 think about them, how should we should feel. 433 00:26:24,760 --> 00:26:27,120 But I'm not going to go into that rabbit trail right now, but 434 00:26:27,120 --> 00:26:30,080 I would just advocate this if you're a true born again 435 00:26:30,080 --> 00:26:31,480 believer. Go. 436 00:26:31,480 --> 00:26:35,200 To the New Testament and see how the New Testament speaks about 437 00:26:35,200 --> 00:26:40,320 this people, specifically the Apostle Paul and see his heart 438 00:26:40,320 --> 00:26:43,080 and realize that he was a person who desperately wanted to see 439 00:26:43,080 --> 00:26:46,360 the Jewish people saved. He wanted to see them come to 440 00:26:46,360 --> 00:26:52,960 meet their true Messiah. Is that your heart, Romans? 441 00:26:52,960 --> 00:26:57,160 9:00 to 11:00 is a wonderful window and yet Paul admitted 442 00:26:58,000 --> 00:26:59,480 with. His heart for this people that 443 00:26:59,480 --> 00:27:03,160 is calling as a minister had a special, special emphasis. 444 00:27:03,160 --> 00:27:04,920 I want you to see it in Galatians 2. 445 00:27:05,520 --> 00:27:08,360 And Galatians 2, verse seven, notice what he says, and 446 00:27:08,360 --> 00:27:12,240 explaining the emphasis of his ministry in contrast to the 447 00:27:12,240 --> 00:27:16,160 ministry of the apostle Peter, he writes in Galatians 2, seven. 448 00:27:16,920 --> 00:27:21,560 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with 449 00:27:21,560 --> 00:27:26,720 the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted 450 00:27:26,720 --> 00:27:29,800 with the gospel to the circumcised. 451 00:27:30,760 --> 00:27:35,080 And so he admits here that my focus, my primary focus as an 452 00:27:35,080 --> 00:27:37,200 apostle was actually. To. 453 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:41,840 Reach the Gentile people, the non Jews, and Peter's focus was 454 00:27:41,840 --> 00:27:44,760 to be for the Jews. That. 455 00:27:44,760 --> 00:27:47,320 Does not mean that Paul was unable to minister to the Jews. 456 00:27:47,320 --> 00:27:50,160 He obviously does. Nor does it mean that Peter had 457 00:27:50,160 --> 00:27:53,200 no interactive interaction with the Gentiles on any occasion. 458 00:27:53,400 --> 00:27:57,480 But he clarifies what their primary focus was. 459 00:27:57,480 --> 00:27:59,040 And he knew this about his mission. 460 00:27:59,280 --> 00:28:03,040 Even when he was called by Christ, Christ clarifies to him 461 00:28:03,160 --> 00:28:05,920 that he was to be a minister among the Gentiles. 462 00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:09,160 So Paul was was fully aware of this, but his. 463 00:28:09,160 --> 00:28:11,680 Heart could not help it. Wherever. 464 00:28:11,680 --> 00:28:13,600 He came and he knew there was a synagogue. 465 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:18,920 He was magnetized to go and to minister to this people, and I 466 00:28:18,920 --> 00:28:24,640 bring this up because I'm persuaded that the Lord used. 467 00:28:24,960 --> 00:28:28,600 The periodic rejection of the Jewish people. 468 00:28:29,240 --> 00:28:33,080 To nudge Paul to turn more of his attention to the Gentiles. 469 00:28:36,080 --> 00:28:38,680 And if that is the case of what a thrilling thought for us to 470 00:28:38,680 --> 00:28:41,560 ponder as we strive to be in the perfect will of God in our 471 00:28:41,560 --> 00:28:46,200 service to Him, you know God. Guides us not just in opening 472 00:28:46,200 --> 00:28:48,600 doors, but by slamming them in your face. 473 00:28:50,160 --> 00:28:54,440 God guides you and I even as He allows us to be overlooked. 474 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:57,960 Check. This one out God can even guide 475 00:28:57,960 --> 00:29:02,520 us through the inexplainable fruitlessness of our efforts in 476 00:29:02,520 --> 00:29:07,440 one area, ultimately to to lead us to another area where efforts 477 00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:11,360 will be blessed even in that. And that's a call for wisdom. 478 00:29:11,840 --> 00:29:13,240 Because. Some people want to know, is the 479 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,040 fruitlessness here telling me that I should stay faithful or 480 00:29:16,040 --> 00:29:20,320 is the prolonged and effective efforts here a. 481 00:29:20,320 --> 00:29:23,240 Nudging of the Lord. But here we see, I believe, that 482 00:29:23,400 --> 00:29:26,000 periodically. Because it's not the only. 483 00:29:26,000 --> 00:29:29,440 Place where Paul says I will go to the Gentiles periodically the 484 00:29:29,440 --> 00:29:32,360 Lord shoves. Him and pushes him and pivots 485 00:29:32,360 --> 00:29:35,200 him so that he can give his attention to those who are not 486 00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:40,040 Jewish. And look at the fruit of that 487 00:29:40,040 --> 00:29:43,520 here in verse 8. Crispus, the ruler of the 488 00:29:43,520 --> 00:29:47,080 synagogue, believed in the Lord together with his entire 489 00:29:47,080 --> 00:29:50,640 household. And many of the Corinthians 490 00:29:50,880 --> 00:29:54,360 hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 491 00:29:54,680 --> 00:29:57,040 Do you see that? So here is rejection. 492 00:29:58,560 --> 00:30:02,280 And Paul turned his back and he ministered to the Gentiles, and 493 00:30:02,280 --> 00:30:05,440 there was immense fruit, immense fruit. 494 00:30:05,920 --> 00:30:07,560 But I. Love Paul because again, he 495 00:30:07,560 --> 00:30:10,040 can't help it, right? He loves his kinsmen so much. 496 00:30:10,200 --> 00:30:12,240 Where did he? Where did he plant his base? 497 00:30:13,120 --> 00:30:14,680 Like. Right next to the synagogue. 498 00:30:15,640 --> 00:30:17,240 So he. Didn't want to go too far. 499 00:30:18,080 --> 00:30:19,560 He goes. Your blood be on your own ads. 500 00:30:19,560 --> 00:30:21,400 I'm going next door though. I'm right right here, OK. 501 00:30:22,680 --> 00:30:26,160 It's amazing. And so. 502 00:30:26,160 --> 00:30:29,760 People began to be saved and and Christmas, even the ruler of the 503 00:30:29,760 --> 00:30:32,280 synagogue that was that was a radical conversion. 504 00:30:32,680 --> 00:30:35,600 A radical conversion. But I want to encourage you. 505 00:30:35,600 --> 00:30:37,600 Please please let. Your heart be built up and 506 00:30:37,600 --> 00:30:39,760 knowing that even through disappointments, even in 507 00:30:39,760 --> 00:30:42,120 ministry. You. 508 00:30:42,120 --> 00:30:45,960 Have your heart, your heart is swollen for a specific group or 509 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:49,200 a specific act or specific service and things may not be 510 00:30:49,200 --> 00:30:51,520 happening the way you would like or the timing that you would 511 00:30:51,520 --> 00:30:53,680 desire. Do you realize that the Lord 512 00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:54,800 knows? What he's doing, even in that as 513 00:30:54,800 --> 00:30:56,240 you pray. Over it, and as you trust Him 514 00:30:56,240 --> 00:30:58,840 and as you surrender them. And maybe. 515 00:30:58,840 --> 00:31:00,800 It is Providence again through delay. 516 00:31:00,800 --> 00:31:02,880 There's something he wants to teach you and build in you 517 00:31:02,880 --> 00:31:05,720 before there's fruit or promotion because if you have 518 00:31:05,720 --> 00:31:08,440 fruit and promotion before your time, it can hurt you. 519 00:31:09,080 --> 00:31:11,600 And hurt others. Or maybe the Lord is even 520 00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:13,960 indicating through that. And overtime, this is not where 521 00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:16,520 you're supposed to be. There's something else that I 522 00:31:16,520 --> 00:31:18,320 need you to pray for and pray about. 523 00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:20,600 I'm not here to give you direction in your certain case. 524 00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:24,280 I'm just here to tell you that God is supervising you and He's 525 00:31:24,280 --> 00:31:27,360 watching you and He's putting something together even through 526 00:31:27,360 --> 00:31:30,320 the things. That might disappoint you. 527 00:31:31,280 --> 00:31:32,640 Providence. And disappointment. 528 00:31:35,080 --> 00:31:36,960 People. Often ask how I came to Chicago. 529 00:31:38,200 --> 00:31:41,000 There are many ways to answer that, but I can summarize it in 530 00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:46,800 this because of an. Open door here and. 531 00:31:46,800 --> 00:31:50,360 Many closed doors in Canada. Closed doors. 532 00:31:50,360 --> 00:31:51,600 That didn't really make sense to me. 533 00:31:52,400 --> 00:31:54,760 Closed. Doors, if I can be transparent 534 00:31:54,800 --> 00:31:56,440 in ways that I thought, I thought this was going to go in 535 00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:59,400 this direction and I can't, I can't explain why this is 536 00:31:59,400 --> 00:32:02,920 dissipating and I can't explain why people are walking and going 537 00:32:02,920 --> 00:32:05,920 and traveling and moving. All these, all these things 538 00:32:05,920 --> 00:32:09,720 began to shut down and there was a flickering in the horizon on 539 00:32:09,720 --> 00:32:13,720 the other side of the border. Providence through 540 00:32:13,720 --> 00:32:18,560 disappointments. Fourthly, Providence in 541 00:32:18,560 --> 00:32:22,840 protection. Look at Acts 18, verse 9. 542 00:32:25,000 --> 00:32:28,240 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision. 543 00:32:29,080 --> 00:32:30,440 Do. Not be afraid. 544 00:32:32,160 --> 00:32:33,800 But. Go on speaking and do not be 545 00:32:33,800 --> 00:32:39,400 silent for I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you, 546 00:32:39,400 --> 00:32:41,960 for I have many in this city. Who? 547 00:32:41,960 --> 00:32:47,640 Are my people and he stayed a year and six months teaching. 548 00:32:47,640 --> 00:32:49,720 The word of God. Among them. 549 00:32:50,720 --> 00:32:53,720 This is one of the. Handful of visions direct 550 00:32:53,720 --> 00:32:56,640 revelations that Paul receives from the Lord Jesus in the book 551 00:32:56,640 --> 00:32:59,680 of Acts, and every single one of those visions was a turning 552 00:32:59,680 --> 00:33:02,680 point in his ministry, and it's no different here. 553 00:33:03,360 --> 00:33:07,840 Something happens between verses 8 and verses 9. 554 00:33:09,400 --> 00:33:11,720 For the. Lord Jesus to appear to Paul and 555 00:33:11,720 --> 00:33:14,000 tell him, do not be afraid. You don't. 556 00:33:14,000 --> 00:33:16,120 Need to be a rocket? Scientist to understand that 557 00:33:16,400 --> 00:33:19,440 Paul must have been afraid. Jesus. 558 00:33:19,440 --> 00:33:24,600 Is not just greeting him with, you know, a creative salutation. 559 00:33:24,600 --> 00:33:27,640 He's telling him. I perceive that there is fear in 560 00:33:27,640 --> 00:33:32,160 you, Paul, and I'm here to tell you, do not be afraid. 561 00:33:32,160 --> 00:33:35,760 Now, why would Paul be afraid? One discomforts me because the 562 00:33:35,760 --> 00:33:39,160 man comes off as a fearless machine, right? 563 00:33:39,560 --> 00:33:43,760 But no, he's succumb to to natural anxieties like you and 564 00:33:43,760 --> 00:33:45,960 I. And I believe the reason why 565 00:33:45,960 --> 00:33:49,000 Paul was fearful is because he picked up on a pattern in his 566 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:51,400 preaching ministry. And the pattern was this. 567 00:33:51,400 --> 00:33:53,560 He would enter into a place, he would preach. 568 00:33:53,560 --> 00:33:56,760 And when there was fruit, his preaching was usually followed 569 00:33:56,760 --> 00:34:00,240 by beatings, trials and imprisonment. 570 00:34:00,240 --> 00:34:02,240 And. So what did we just learn in 571 00:34:02,240 --> 00:34:04,960 verse 8? Crispus, the ruler of the 572 00:34:04,960 --> 00:34:10,520 synagogue, get saved. And many of the Corinthians get 573 00:34:10,520 --> 00:34:13,480 saved because they're believing on the name of the Lord Jesus 574 00:34:13,480 --> 00:34:15,920 Christ. And who are his neighbors at 575 00:34:15,920 --> 00:34:17,480 this time? The. 576 00:34:17,480 --> 00:34:21,000 Jews and so. Paul. 577 00:34:22,159 --> 00:34:24,159 Is. Realizing I know where this is 578 00:34:24,159 --> 00:34:26,560 going, I know what's going to happen. 579 00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:29,840 I'm going to, I'm going to get a knock on my door or one one of 580 00:34:29,840 --> 00:34:32,040 these days while I'm preaching, a stone is going to fly and hit 581 00:34:32,040 --> 00:34:33,960 me. Something is coming. 582 00:34:33,960 --> 00:34:38,400 And Jesus perceives this and he manifests to himself, himself in 583 00:34:38,400 --> 00:34:41,159 a supernatural way. And he tells him, do not be 584 00:34:41,159 --> 00:34:43,480 afraid. And one of the few times the 585 00:34:43,480 --> 00:34:45,639 Lord tells him, here I am with you. 586 00:34:46,679 --> 00:34:50,960 And look at this, no one will attack you to harm you. 587 00:34:51,159 --> 00:34:54,320 That may not mean much to us as Christians in the West, but it 588 00:34:54,320 --> 00:34:56,159 should. See. 589 00:34:56,159 --> 00:34:58,800 Providence. Yeah. 590 00:34:58,840 --> 00:35:08,590 Thank you. We see here that he has promised 591 00:35:08,590 --> 00:35:13,110 protection and. What I love about this is in any 592 00:35:13,110 --> 00:35:16,550 area of life, if the Lord says no one or nothing will harm you, 593 00:35:16,670 --> 00:35:19,430 no one or nothing will harm you, right, It's done. 594 00:35:19,430 --> 00:35:21,750 It's a done deal. No matter what scheming is going 595 00:35:21,750 --> 00:35:23,590 on, no matter what person of. Power. 596 00:35:23,590 --> 00:35:25,870 Is standing against you. If he is. 597 00:35:25,870 --> 00:35:28,070 With you, doesn't matter who stands against you. 598 00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:30,520 There's a matter of criminals are coming against you. 599 00:35:30,520 --> 00:35:32,480 There's a matter of church people are planning to take you 600 00:35:32,480 --> 00:35:34,560 to court. Oh yes, church people like to 601 00:35:34,560 --> 00:35:37,080 take Christians to court. Doesn't. 602 00:35:37,080 --> 00:35:39,560 Matter if the Lord is with you, doesn't. 603 00:35:40,240 --> 00:35:43,520 Matter who stands against you. So Paul was reinforced. 604 00:35:43,520 --> 00:35:45,560 Paul was reinvigorated. Paul was. 605 00:35:46,040 --> 00:35:47,160 Was. Motivated now? 606 00:35:47,160 --> 00:35:49,480 We're told here that he preaches for over a year. 607 00:35:49,960 --> 00:35:52,200 Without. Any fear without any concern. 608 00:35:52,440 --> 00:35:54,400 But what I want to point out to you is that though this is a 609 00:35:54,400 --> 00:35:59,000 supernatural manifestation, the means of God's protection in 610 00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:01,440 Paul's life was through Providence. 611 00:36:01,600 --> 00:36:04,200 How would God provide this protection? 612 00:36:04,200 --> 00:36:06,440 The shielding around his servant? 613 00:36:07,160 --> 00:36:08,720 Well, let's read here in verse 12. 614 00:36:10,360 --> 00:36:14,640 But Galileo was proconsul of When Galileo was proconsul of 615 00:36:14,640 --> 00:36:20,280 IKEA, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him 616 00:36:20,280 --> 00:36:24,080 before the tribunal. Saying this man is persuading 617 00:36:24,080 --> 00:36:26,560 people to worship God contrary to the law. 618 00:36:27,960 --> 00:36:30,680 But when Paul was about to open his mouth. 619 00:36:31,360 --> 00:36:33,280 Galio. Said to the Jews, if it were a 620 00:36:33,280 --> 00:36:37,200 matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, oh Jews, I would have 621 00:36:37,200 --> 00:36:40,440 reason to accept your complaint but since it is a matter of 622 00:36:40,440 --> 00:36:44,720 questions about words and. Names in your own law, see it to 623 00:36:44,720 --> 00:36:48,200 yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these 624 00:36:48,200 --> 00:36:50,400 things. Case closed. 625 00:36:50,800 --> 00:36:55,200 Get out of here. So notice this we're we're 626 00:36:55,200 --> 00:36:59,160 reading here verse 12. But when Galio was proconsul of 627 00:36:59,160 --> 00:37:01,920 Achaeus. So it could be that this man now 628 00:37:01,920 --> 00:37:04,800 takes this position of a regional judge. 629 00:37:05,040 --> 00:37:07,920 And the Jews saw this as an advantage. 630 00:37:08,360 --> 00:37:11,880 Here's a man who is brand new to this region, this area. 631 00:37:11,880 --> 00:37:13,640 He's not really familiar with Paul. 632 00:37:13,920 --> 00:37:16,360 And so in their minds are thinking, let's make a case 633 00:37:16,360 --> 00:37:18,880 against them. And he might be more prone to 634 00:37:18,880 --> 00:37:21,680 believe our false accusations. But what the? 635 00:37:21,680 --> 00:37:28,440 Jews saw as an advantage. God in fact, was providing a 636 00:37:28,440 --> 00:37:33,440 means of protection. So Gallia Gallio is raised up 637 00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:35,800 and they make this case against them. 638 00:37:36,080 --> 00:37:40,040 And Paul doesn't even need to open his mouth as he's prepared 639 00:37:40,040 --> 00:37:42,920 to make a speech. The judge speaks on his behalf 640 00:37:42,920 --> 00:37:44,640 and he says, I'm not even going to entertain this. 641 00:37:44,880 --> 00:37:47,960 This is this is an inner Jewish thing, not my business. 642 00:37:48,080 --> 00:37:50,120 It's done. I have other matters to, to 643 00:37:50,120 --> 00:37:56,800 focus on this is this is no way on the same level as Paul, but I 644 00:37:56,800 --> 00:38:00,440 remember when I first got saved in college and, and, and our, 645 00:38:00,680 --> 00:38:04,000 and our school was much more, the classrooms were much more 646 00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:08,560 small, smaller and intimate. So I remember I got saved and 647 00:38:08,560 --> 00:38:10,760 people began to pick up on it. And so there was there was a 648 00:38:10,760 --> 00:38:12,680 couple people actually, but there was one in particular who 649 00:38:12,680 --> 00:38:16,920 was like very, very outspoken against my faith and was not 650 00:38:16,920 --> 00:38:19,160 ashamed. You know, Paul says not ashamed 651 00:38:19,160 --> 00:38:20,880 of the gospel. This person was not ashamed to 652 00:38:21,480 --> 00:38:23,960 shoot down the gospel and those who held to the gospel. 653 00:38:23,960 --> 00:38:26,600 So I remember I was in class one day and this person before the 654 00:38:26,600 --> 00:38:31,680 class started stormed into the into the room and began to look 655 00:38:31,680 --> 00:38:33,480 at me in front of everybody that was sitting in class as we 656 00:38:33,480 --> 00:38:35,960 opened our laptops, got ready for the beginning of the 657 00:38:35,960 --> 00:38:39,120 session. Oh, here we have a guy who 658 00:38:39,120 --> 00:38:42,040 believes that gays are going to go to hell and. 659 00:38:42,320 --> 00:38:44,800 Imagine I'm just sitting there thinking like I just want to go 660 00:38:44,800 --> 00:38:47,440 to class. You know, I just, I'm paying for 661 00:38:47,440 --> 00:38:49,480 my tuition here. I didn't really sign up for 662 00:38:49,480 --> 00:38:52,080 this. And she began to go on and on 663 00:38:52,080 --> 00:38:54,160 and on. In that moment, I was, Lord, 664 00:38:54,160 --> 00:38:55,360 give me wisdom. How do I do this? 665 00:38:55,360 --> 00:38:58,800 And as I'm ready about to say something, I hear another voice. 666 00:38:59,240 --> 00:39:02,400 Somebody stands up and absolutely rebukes this person, 667 00:39:03,120 --> 00:39:05,120 rebukes this person. I'm just staring at this like, 668 00:39:05,120 --> 00:39:05,800 no way. You know why? 669 00:39:05,800 --> 00:39:07,240 Because the other person was an atheist. 670 00:39:11,360 --> 00:39:12,400 I've. Had conversations with this 671 00:39:12,400 --> 00:39:15,920 other person and this person even challenged me and and made 672 00:39:15,920 --> 00:39:18,520 fun of me at sometimes and here's this person now defending 673 00:39:18,520 --> 00:39:19,600 me. I thought this is great. 674 00:39:19,600 --> 00:39:21,760 I, I I like this place now I like this. 675 00:39:25,040 --> 00:39:26,800 You know what? The Bible says in Proverbs 16, 676 00:39:26,800 --> 00:39:30,560 seven when a. Man's ways please the Lord. 677 00:39:30,560 --> 00:39:32,920 He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 678 00:39:34,160 --> 00:39:35,600 Now that. Doesn't guarantee that all your 679 00:39:35,600 --> 00:39:37,480 enemies are going to always be at peace with you, but it does 680 00:39:37,480 --> 00:39:41,120 show what God is able to do for those who please Him. 681 00:39:42,160 --> 00:39:45,280 He's able to do that. So, people. 682 00:39:45,280 --> 00:39:48,720 Often ask Well man, every time I study Providence or hear a 683 00:39:48,720 --> 00:39:50,160 message on Providence, I get so excited. 684 00:39:50,240 --> 00:39:53,600 How can I assure that Providence will be in my favor? 685 00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:55,440 And my response is always the same. 686 00:39:55,720 --> 00:39:58,480 Don't get so busy figuring out how Providence can work for you. 687 00:39:58,480 --> 00:40:00,720 Get busy simply in this, please the Lord. 688 00:40:02,000 --> 00:40:03,400 Just. Live your life in a manner in 689 00:40:03,400 --> 00:40:05,520 which you. Please, the Lord and Providence 690 00:40:05,520 --> 00:40:07,720 will take care of itself. And. 691 00:40:07,800 --> 00:40:10,880 That's one of the blessings of walking in conscious obedience 692 00:40:10,880 --> 00:40:15,600 to the ways of Christ because you are comforted by the peace 693 00:40:15,600 --> 00:40:20,160 that Providence is going before you, Providence is surrounding 694 00:40:20,160 --> 00:40:23,120 you. Providence is working even for 695 00:40:23,120 --> 00:40:26,840 your protection in many ways. But this? 696 00:40:26,840 --> 00:40:29,000 Is not the only thing. We have a final thing, and 697 00:40:29,000 --> 00:40:32,680 that's Providence in pain. There's an interesting way how 698 00:40:32,680 --> 00:40:37,440 this story ends. And I love when any snippet of 699 00:40:37,600 --> 00:40:41,200 the Bible, any snapshot concludes in an obscure or 700 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:43,960 seemingly random way. And and that's what we find 701 00:40:43,960 --> 00:40:45,760 here. You would think that this would 702 00:40:45,760 --> 00:40:48,000 end in verse 16. And he drove them from the 703 00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:51,520 tribunal, and then we would transition to Paul returning to 704 00:40:51,760 --> 00:40:53,160 Antioch. But that's not what we find 705 00:40:53,160 --> 00:40:56,000 here. I want us to focus verse 17. 706 00:40:56,000 --> 00:41:01,880 Look at verse 17. And they all seized Sosthenes. 707 00:41:02,640 --> 00:41:06,600 The. Ruler of the synagogue and beat 708 00:41:06,600 --> 00:41:11,440 him in front of the tribunal. But Galio paid no attention to 709 00:41:11,440 --> 00:41:15,120 any of this, so this isn't end with the dismissal of the 710 00:41:15,120 --> 00:41:16,680 charges. It. 711 00:41:16,680 --> 00:41:20,000 Concludes with a vignette of this ruler of the Corinthian 712 00:41:20,040 --> 00:41:24,680 synagogue. Now here's a question #31 for 713 00:41:24,680 --> 00:41:26,520 our Bible quiz. Who? 714 00:41:26,520 --> 00:41:28,520 Was the ruler of the synagogue earlier? 715 00:41:28,720 --> 00:41:31,160 What was his name? Crispus, right? 716 00:41:31,160 --> 00:41:33,080 But what do we read here in verse 17? 717 00:41:33,280 --> 00:41:35,800 And they all see Sasani is the ruler of the synagogue. 718 00:41:37,600 --> 00:41:39,680 Now, some would say that he's the ruler of another synagogue. 719 00:41:40,160 --> 00:41:43,080 I'm not persuaded. I'm persuaded that he became the 720 00:41:43,080 --> 00:41:47,120 new ruler of the synagogue that Crispus was in charge of. 721 00:41:47,960 --> 00:41:51,000 So what happened to Crispus? Well, it's very clear to me. 722 00:41:51,160 --> 00:41:53,360 He became a born again Christian and he was fired. 723 00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:58,360 You're no longer going to. Oh, you went next door, huh? 724 00:41:58,600 --> 00:42:02,880 Well, stay next door. And then they put out a job, you 725 00:42:02,880 --> 00:42:05,440 know, application. And Sosthenes came in and he 726 00:42:05,440 --> 00:42:06,720 became the new ruler of the synagogue. 727 00:42:07,040 --> 00:42:08,560 So. That's what I believe happened 728 00:42:08,560 --> 00:42:10,720 here. Sosthenes. 729 00:42:12,640 --> 00:42:14,120 He's only mentioned twice in the Bible. 730 00:42:14,800 --> 00:42:17,720 And the first time here we're told he's the ruler and he got 731 00:42:17,720 --> 00:42:18,120 beat up. I. 732 00:42:20,320 --> 00:42:21,200 Have. Two questions. 733 00:42:21,560 --> 00:42:22,400 Who? Beat him up. 734 00:42:23,480 --> 00:42:24,360 Why? Did they beat him up? 735 00:42:25,680 --> 00:42:27,840 There's some speculation. I think. 736 00:42:27,840 --> 00:42:32,280 The most persuasive argument. Persuasive case is that the Jews 737 00:42:32,280 --> 00:42:34,520 beat him up. Why? 738 00:42:34,520 --> 00:42:37,320 Did they beat him up because of Sastanese was the ruler of the 739 00:42:37,320 --> 00:42:39,680 synagogue? He was probably the spokesperson 740 00:42:39,680 --> 00:42:43,920 for the case against Paul and so he was the one who was supposed 741 00:42:43,920 --> 00:42:45,760 to persuade Galio. And. 742 00:42:45,760 --> 00:42:50,520 He failed and he didn't fight for the case and I. 743 00:42:50,520 --> 00:42:52,520 Believe the Jews. In their great frustration, not 744 00:42:52,520 --> 00:42:55,280 being able to attack, Paul turned all their anger on 745 00:42:55,280 --> 00:42:57,480 Sosthenes. So right there and then, they 746 00:42:57,480 --> 00:42:59,120 couldn't even wait till they got to the synagogue. 747 00:42:59,360 --> 00:43:03,400 They slapped them around, they bruised them up and they 748 00:43:03,400 --> 00:43:08,240 embarrassed him. So Sosthenes was attacked by the 749 00:43:08,240 --> 00:43:11,880 Jews and you? Might think that this is not a 750 00:43:11,880 --> 00:43:14,720 valuable insight until you realize that in all of the 751 00:43:14,720 --> 00:43:17,720 Bible, there's only one of the place where his name shows up. 752 00:43:18,840 --> 00:43:21,640 Go to 1st Corinthians. In chapter one. 753 00:43:22,800 --> 00:43:26,000 Verse. 1. And notice how Paul greets the 754 00:43:26,000 --> 00:43:38,220 Corinthian believers. Paul called. 755 00:43:38,220 --> 00:43:41,860 By the will of God, to be an apostle of Christ Jesus and our 756 00:43:41,860 --> 00:43:48,340 brother Sosthenes. What happened here? 757 00:43:50,220 --> 00:43:52,180 I love when people get. Excited about the Bible? 758 00:43:53,740 --> 00:43:55,900 Our. Brother Sosthenes. 759 00:43:56,540 --> 00:43:59,740 Well, here's what I believe. I believe that Sosthenes is 760 00:43:59,740 --> 00:44:05,720 beating was a turning point for him in his conversion to Christ. 761 00:44:06,840 --> 00:44:08,080 You want to talk about Providence? 762 00:44:08,080 --> 00:44:09,600 Let's talk about Providence and pain. 763 00:44:10,440 --> 00:44:14,360 Here's this man who was left to lick his wounds and when he was 764 00:44:14,360 --> 00:44:17,400 betrayed by his own people, Guess who else was in Corinth to 765 00:44:17,400 --> 00:44:19,120 embrace him? Paul. 766 00:44:23,640 --> 00:44:25,720 I know Paul enough to believe that. 767 00:44:25,720 --> 00:44:30,000 Well, while Saucenis was being tossed around, he was there, he 768 00:44:30,000 --> 00:44:32,640 witnessed it, right? He was at the same tribunal. 769 00:44:34,840 --> 00:44:39,360 Can you imagine Paul giving side eye and smearing saying yeah, 770 00:44:39,360 --> 00:44:44,240 you deserve that and going back to the House of Titus Justice, 771 00:44:46,000 --> 00:44:48,400 this is just me. This is this is not dogmatic. 772 00:44:48,400 --> 00:44:50,840 This is just imagination. What if it was? 773 00:44:51,000 --> 00:44:53,240 He got beat up. The Jews spout on him, kicked 774 00:44:53,240 --> 00:44:57,400 them, slapped him, pulled his hair, and once the dust settled, 775 00:44:57,400 --> 00:45:01,800 who was only there, Paul left there. 776 00:45:02,040 --> 00:45:05,880 And he looked at Sosthenes and he bent down and he embraced 777 00:45:05,880 --> 00:45:07,800 them. I wonder if that's what 778 00:45:07,800 --> 00:45:09,720 happened. I. 779 00:45:09,720 --> 00:45:12,760 Wonder if Sosthenes not only tasting the betrayal of his own 780 00:45:12,760 --> 00:45:17,080 people, but also the mercy of a man who is intoxicated with the 781 00:45:17,080 --> 00:45:20,720 gospel, cause him to reconsider his opposition to it? 782 00:45:22,800 --> 00:45:27,920 Sosthenes, our brother. I've preached. 783 00:45:28,560 --> 00:45:31,160 Long enough, I would think. To. 784 00:45:31,160 --> 00:45:34,480 Understand that sermons are not always the starting point for 785 00:45:34,480 --> 00:45:38,480 people to be curious or to be inquiring of Christ. 786 00:45:40,120 --> 00:45:42,360 I'm willing to admit that. Can God use sermons? 787 00:45:42,360 --> 00:45:44,400 Yes, and I pray that He uses every single one that I've ever 788 00:45:44,400 --> 00:45:46,560 preached. But I. 789 00:45:46,560 --> 00:45:54,240 Also realized that sickness, loss, devastating consequences 790 00:45:54,240 --> 00:45:55,800 of sin. Are. 791 00:45:55,800 --> 00:46:00,640 Also Catalyst. For people to reconsider their. 792 00:46:00,640 --> 00:46:03,720 Spiritual standing and their need of a savior. 793 00:46:06,000 --> 00:46:09,640 I hope it's not the case, but it's very possible that some in 794 00:46:09,640 --> 00:46:12,960 here, you didn't hear anything that was said from this pulpit. 795 00:46:13,920 --> 00:46:15,960 Nor. Will you, after I preach the 796 00:46:15,960 --> 00:46:19,280 last message? Perhaps what it will take for 797 00:46:19,280 --> 00:46:26,440 you is to experience pain, a level of pain that will give you 798 00:46:26,440 --> 00:46:29,480 a different ear to what somebody preaches to you. 799 00:46:30,080 --> 00:46:32,680 I'm convinced of that. I know I've seen it enough. 800 00:46:33,960 --> 00:46:37,520 And God, in this Providence, loving Providence, allows for 801 00:46:37,520 --> 00:46:42,120 that to happen for some to make their first steps towards 802 00:46:42,280 --> 00:46:47,560 receiving Jesus. But this Providence is not just 803 00:46:47,640 --> 00:46:50,120 in pushing people to be saved. It also has a way of sanctifying 804 00:46:50,120 --> 00:46:54,120 those who already are. Providence and pain pastor. 805 00:46:54,120 --> 00:46:56,960 Ben opened up this conference with Psalm 119, and this was 806 00:46:56,960 --> 00:46:58,480 prepared before he mentioned anything. 807 00:46:58,480 --> 00:47:01,240 But I want you to revisit with me these two verses. 808 00:47:01,760 --> 00:47:06,160 In Psalm 119 verse 67, the psalmist says before I was 809 00:47:06,160 --> 00:47:10,920 afflicted, I. Went astray before I was 810 00:47:10,920 --> 00:47:14,760 afflicted, when I was whole, when everything was going well, 811 00:47:15,200 --> 00:47:18,640 I was going astray. But once I was afflicted. 812 00:47:19,320 --> 00:47:20,160 What? Does he say? 813 00:47:20,200 --> 00:47:26,000 But now I keep your word. Affliction is what shackled me. 814 00:47:26,440 --> 00:47:28,240 Was. What kept me is what anchored 815 00:47:28,240 --> 00:47:29,200 me. Affliction. 816 00:47:30,760 --> 00:47:34,240 Not a three-point sermon, though God uses 3 point sermons. 817 00:47:34,480 --> 00:47:37,040 It was affliction that started this man's journey or. 818 00:47:37,400 --> 00:47:39,720 Brought him back to where he was supposed to be. 819 00:47:40,720 --> 00:47:44,200 And notice what he says about affliction right after verse 68. 820 00:47:44,560 --> 00:47:48,400 You are good and do good. That's in the context of him 821 00:47:48,400 --> 00:47:51,920 being afflicted. When he realized the fruit of 822 00:47:51,920 --> 00:47:53,920 the affliction, we realized what the affliction did. 823 00:47:54,120 --> 00:47:56,480 It's usually in hindsight. It's usually when we look back 824 00:47:56,560 --> 00:48:00,280 we realize. He was good and you do good. 825 00:48:00,280 --> 00:48:04,760 Even when you wound me, even when you chastise me, even when 826 00:48:04,760 --> 00:48:07,520 you bruise me, you are good and do good. 827 00:48:08,200 --> 00:48:10,760 Teach me your statutes now. Now. 828 00:48:10,760 --> 00:48:13,200 I keep your word now. You've won me over. 829 00:48:13,400 --> 00:48:16,080 You've persuaded me, even through pain. 830 00:48:16,560 --> 00:48:18,840 So now teach me I'm where I'm supposed to be. 831 00:48:19,520 --> 00:48:21,160 Was. Paul himself persuaded, because 832 00:48:21,160 --> 00:48:22,640 we're reading this is a narrative, right? 833 00:48:22,640 --> 00:48:25,840 This Is Us kind of from a helicopter view, seeing what's 834 00:48:25,840 --> 00:48:29,280 happening in Paul's life. What was Paul himself aware of? 835 00:48:29,280 --> 00:48:31,960 Providence. Was he convinced of this truth 836 00:48:31,960 --> 00:48:34,160 that we've been rejoicing in this this morning? 837 00:48:34,720 --> 00:48:37,960 Absolutely, absolutely. And there are many comments that 838 00:48:37,960 --> 00:48:39,600 he makes in his writings that prove so. 839 00:48:39,680 --> 00:48:41,760 Let me give you one as we close our time together. 840 00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:45,440 Listen to how he identifies himself while writing one of his 841 00:48:45,440 --> 00:48:49,280 prison epistles, while jailed, while chained, while confined, 842 00:48:49,440 --> 00:48:52,760 while limited in Rome, in prison. 843 00:48:52,920 --> 00:48:57,280 He says this in Ephesians one, or excuse me, Ephesians 3, verse 844 00:48:57,680 --> 00:49:00,760 one. Let's turn that together, shall 845 00:49:00,760 --> 00:49:15,280 we? For this reason, I Paul a 846 00:49:15,280 --> 00:49:19,400 prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles. 847 00:49:19,520 --> 00:49:21,200 One simple point. You know. 848 00:49:21,200 --> 00:49:26,920 What he could have said, I Paul, a prisoner of Rome, a prisoner 849 00:49:26,920 --> 00:49:29,960 of whoever was the emperor of the time, He doesn't say that. 850 00:49:30,120 --> 00:49:33,400 He says I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus. 851 00:49:33,760 --> 00:49:37,880 In another place, he says I'm a prisoner of Christ Jesus. 852 00:49:39,600 --> 00:49:44,360 What is this reveal of Paul? The authorities did arrest him. 853 00:49:44,920 --> 00:49:46,240 Though they. Did watch him. 854 00:49:46,960 --> 00:49:48,560 Though. He was in house arrest. 855 00:49:48,760 --> 00:49:52,800 He ultimately understood that I am a slave and I am not a 856 00:49:52,800 --> 00:49:55,160 victim. I'm exactly where the Lord wants 857 00:49:55,160 --> 00:49:57,240 me to be. The. 858 00:49:57,240 --> 00:49:59,320 Lord permitted this. The Lord allowed for this. 859 00:49:59,320 --> 00:50:01,840 You want to know how I believe the Lord in Providence? 860 00:50:03,200 --> 00:50:05,160 Showed. Paul that he was in fact a 861 00:50:05,160 --> 00:50:07,160 prisoner of Christ Jesus in many ways. 862 00:50:07,160 --> 00:50:09,400 But listen. If Paul had not been in prison, 863 00:50:09,400 --> 00:50:11,360 we would not have four of the epistles. 864 00:50:12,160 --> 00:50:15,080 That we love and we quote all the time, including Ephesians, 865 00:50:15,360 --> 00:50:19,800 Colossians, Philippians, so God and His Providence. 866 00:50:20,920 --> 00:50:23,560 Through. Pain blossom, something 867 00:50:23,560 --> 00:50:26,640 beautiful. You can't. 868 00:50:26,640 --> 00:50:28,360 Lose in this life. If you're in Christ, you. 869 00:50:29,200 --> 00:50:32,640 Can't and the. More you rehearse this truth of 870 00:50:32,640 --> 00:50:34,120 Providence. The. 871 00:50:34,120 --> 00:50:35,840 Greater. Peace you will inherit. 872 00:50:36,480 --> 00:50:37,720 Because. Providence is there in 873 00:50:37,720 --> 00:50:41,160 relationships, the people who come in your life, the people 874 00:50:41,160 --> 00:50:45,640 who leave your life, disappointments and times of 875 00:50:45,640 --> 00:50:46,680 need and. Your. 876 00:50:46,680 --> 00:50:51,080 Protection even in pain. What a mighty God we serve. 877 00:50:51,560 --> 00:50:52,880 Let's. Pray and thank him, shall we? 878 00:51:08,960 --> 00:51:12,760 What a mighty God we serve. Lord, we give you glory for Your 879 00:51:12,760 --> 00:51:15,640 marvelous truth. That. 880 00:51:15,640 --> 00:51:19,600 We are secure in your hand and in this very room you are 881 00:51:19,600 --> 00:51:24,520 writing hundreds of stories. Even in the mundane. 882 00:51:26,480 --> 00:51:28,240 Even. In the moments that seem to be 883 00:51:28,240 --> 00:51:33,240 dull or even painful, you're writing 100 stories, hundreds of 884 00:51:33,240 --> 00:51:35,840 stories, thousands of stories, millions of stories. 885 00:51:36,000 --> 00:51:37,720 You are the greatest author in the universe. 886 00:51:38,400 --> 00:51:42,120 Lord, we give you all the honor, all the glory, all the praise. 887 00:51:42,400 --> 00:51:45,680 Now open our mouths that we might praise you. 888 00:51:46,240 --> 00:51:50,560 And give you what is your do? In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 889 00:51:52,320 --> 00:51:53,600 Are you? Happy in Jesus. 890 00:51:54,200 --> 00:51:56,520 Amen. Amen. 891 00:51:59,640 --> 00:52:01,240 I'm. Telling you if you get this down 892 00:52:01,240 --> 00:52:04,360 deep in your soul. You won't have to hit your 893 00:52:04,360 --> 00:52:06,480 steering wheel when that flat tire comes. 894 00:52:08,120 --> 00:52:11,400 You won't be so bothered when without explanation or any kind 895 00:52:11,400 --> 00:52:16,800 of update. About your job, you. 896 00:52:16,800 --> 00:52:21,200 Lose it all of a sudden, it's just amazing how this this 897 00:52:21,200 --> 00:52:26,440 provides a fortitude and it's all of ours to experience if we 898 00:52:26,440 --> 00:52:29,680 believe it. Take it away, guys.