The God of Purpose

“For this cause I suffer these things, nevertheless, I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
2 Timothy 1:12

The apostle Paul stated he suffered all things to preach, teach, and establish churches for the Gentiles. Every day he committed his life to God’s will; to God’s truth. Therefore Paul’s soul was secure in the Lord’s love and grace. When Paul’s life was to end he was assured of an eternity with Christ.

Though Paul suffered, God’s agenda for the propagation of the gospel was not hindered. Wherever Paul went, he preached the gospel; whether he was imprisoned or free he used every moment to tell anyone who would listen about Jesus. Paul believed God willed all men to be saved. 1 Timothy 2:4 This is an attitude which must be instilled in today’s believers. Telling people what God has done in your life incurs persecution from those who do not want any part of God or His salvation. Paul stated this in 2 Timothy 3:12. Preaching, teaching and working for God’s purpose brings to the faithful its own sufferings apart from the suffering of daily life.

Paul was not ashamed of the testimony of Christ; nor was he ashamed to say, “I die daily.”
1 Corinthians 15:31 Paul suffered all things for the sake of the gospel and was not ashamed of it. The purpose of God was accomplished through Paul because Paul’s will, his desires, his ambition died daily, but God’s great purpose lived in and through Christ’s apostle. Paul was able to replicate himself in Melita (modern day Malta) for four reasons.

1. He was unselfish. Paul literally considered himself ‘of nothing account’ Acts 20:24. His attitude was like that of Christ. Philippians 2:5-11 Both placed the interest of others first.
2. Paul was saturated with the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 He solemnly preached “repentance and faith” toward God and the Lord Jesus Christ while in Asia Minor. Acts 20:21 He labeled his message “the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
3. He declared ‘all the counsel of God’ or the ‘whole will of God’ Acts 20:27 to the inhabitants of Asia Minor. Of course a person cannot declare the plan of God without first knowing it by revelation and experience.
4. Paul was consumed with sincere concern which exhibited itself in ‘all humility and trials’ Acts 20:19-21 What a combination of characteristics the Holy Spirit is able to generate in a yielded life!

There are many things I look to learn from the apostle Paul as I diligently study God’s word. I have an abundant life in Jesus. I want others to share the joy I have continually in my heart. A joy which sustains me through suffering and persecution I endure in this life because I follow Jesus. I wait on God’s working of His purpose through me to others.

Paul was not ashamed to suffer for the purpose of God in Christ Jesus. He considered preaching and teaching a privilege. He was not ashamed to stand up for the Lord Jesus Christ, to be associated with the Lord of all glory. Paul not only knew what he believed, but Who he believed. Paul entrusted his very soul to God. He was assured of everycovenant promise of God because he openly displayed the grace God gave to Him through Jesus Christ.

Speaking his consecration to suffering Paul said, ‘But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.’ Acts 20:24

The Great Commission was committed to believers. It is the Banner of the Faithful who use every opportunity to tell others of the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

“Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28: 19, 20

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com