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by Sandy Shaw
We have been reading in Acts 19 of how Paul ministered to these twelve men in Ephesus - making sure that they had everything God wanted them to have. Paul is concerned that disciples of Jesus Christ have all they need to do the work God wants them to do. Make sure you have all God wants you to have.
But having all God wants you to have does not make you mature. We still have to learn to use all we have received. That applies to spiritual gifts - as well as to physical gifts and talents and abilities. Some of us take years to learn simple lessons and elementary theology, whereas some people, as in New Testament times, had only a few weeks, before being launched into leadership. They had to get on and minister - and lead - and pastor the local church - feeding and teaching new babes in Christ. Of course, that happens in certain countries today too, where there can be no lengthy period of training and preparation.
Somebody had brought these men so far. Paul takes them further. We never stop growing. We never cease maturing. We are always learning how to use what we have received from God - and to use these abilities and gifts responsibly.
Verse 8. Once again we see Paul reaching out to the religious people, to tell them about Jesus Christ. He goes into the synagogue, and for three months he spoke boldly, seeking to persuade the people that Jesus Christ was King in the Kingdom of God. There are many who need to be persuaded that this is as true today as it was then.
Paul spoke about Jesus Christ the King - and the way. As King, Jesus Christ has to be allowed to rule over every area of our lives. Everything has to be submitted to His Sovereign Authority - every thought - every word - every decision - Jesus Christ being consulted in prayer about everything, if we claim to serve Him as King.
Paul speaks about Jesus Christ as the "WAY". "Follow Me" - so simple - yet so very few find Him to be the WAY. He can straighten things out - and clear up and clean up situations in our lives, as He is invited to resolve all sorts of problems and difficulties.
But some don't want Jesus Christ telling them what to do and how to live their lives, and we can meet that reaction of which we read in verse 9. Some were hard and would just not believe. Some just refused to be melted by the love of God, or overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Some just would not accept the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. They did not want to be washed clean by the Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross. They would not admit their need of a Saviour - nor confess their sin - but spoke evil of the WAY.
Imagine speaking evil of the WAY, as it was proclaimed and preached and taught by Paul. Such people are still around. Be aware of that and do not let them discourage you or deceive you.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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