New Testament Faith: Part Nine
You won’t find a more dedicated teacher of God’s Word than Paul, in fact, he devoted his life to traveling and showing people the Way. As we follow his journey into Acts 18-19 it’s apparent Paul used his skills of reasoning and persuasion with the Jews first but also with the Gentiles (Rom. 2:9-10).
What is this Way? Jesus explained,
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
Paul considered it his life’s mission to show people that Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the only way into eternal life. God created people, not puppets, with decision-making ability. Which way to choose: our own way or God’s Way?
Paul took the ‘long view’ training people in the Word of God; since he wasn’t immortal stayed until he was certain they were grounded in the Kingdom of God (19:8). Isn’t that true today? Those who have received faith need discipleship, encouragement, and strengthening in the way of faith. If you aren’t active in a Bible Study learning, being encouraged, and strengthened in your faith please find one; it’s God’s way.
Arriving in Ephesus (Chapter 19) Paul found some disciples of John the Baptizer who needed teaching in God’s Word explaining their new life in Christ: the Kingdom of God. Repentance was key to their belief system but Paul showed them the Way of Christ and the power of the Spirit fell with speaking in tongues and prophesying. I love it when the gifts of the Spirit flow among people, whether tongues, prophecy, or miracles (19:11-12) their purpose is to build up and equip us to represent Christ to the world.
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! Romans 11:33
Running parallel to the ways of God are the ways of Satan, however, God’s ways are more powerful as we see in 19:13-20 when an evil spirit overpowered a group of men. It’s a fascinating story but the clincher is the enemy’s ways were overthrown by the Word of the Lord and New Testament faith continued to increase and prevail mightily.
God’s Word carries life, activity, and power (Heb. 4:12), in fact, the words Luke used when he wrote this account indicates that Paul effectively used the Word like a sword engaging, confronting, and facing the resistance until it was overpowered. He even used the same word when he encouraged the Church,
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
I can do, that’s prevailing power, and the strength He gives is the mighty power of His Spirit residing in you: Halelluia, praise the Lord.
“Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!” Revelation 15:3b
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