Along The Way: The Apostle Paul’s Motivation
Project
(Written by Kevin A. Hall 07.25.16)
The Apostle Paul
settled his identity in Christ.
Here’s a man who knew
his calling and so developed his Philosophy of Ministry. He considered himself a
servant/bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 1: 1 Paul, a bond-servant
of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. He
spoke often about his calling and commission during his ministry. In his letter
to the Galatians he stated that the Gospel for the uncircumcised was committed
to him (2:7) and many times in his defense, he repeated his commission from the
Lord during his conversion – “He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name
before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). In this he was
confident. His use of the titles
servant/bondservant depicted a person dedicated to the cause of his master.
Because he was confident of his calling, commission and
source, he easily declared the “true Gospel”. He could proudly declare his
message without regards of opposers – “For am I now seeking the favor of men,
or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please
men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). “He did not act
in obedience to men, but to God, who had called him to this work and office. He
did not seek to accommodate himself to the humors of persons, either to gain
their affection or to avoid their resentment; but his care was to approve
himself to God” (Matthew Henry).
Paul was motivated to
reach the lost with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
Using his own inspired words, Paul explains his motivation:
“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that
I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to
those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the
Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without
law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law
of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win
the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save
some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow
partaker of it” (1 Cor. 9:19-23). Even though, the Apostle found freedom in
Christ, he remained disciplined. At times his actions may have indicated
compromise, but they were done with an aim to win others to Christ. He was
totally sold out to Christ and his gifts and personal resources were dedicated
to that purpose.
Paul was passionate
about the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ
Without a doubt, the Apostle Paul had deep concern for the
Church. This was of great importance to him, again, part of his Ministry
Philosophy. He aimed for a united
church, a loving church, an obedient church. In his letter to the Colossians we
can hear his heart: “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your
behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not
personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit
together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full
assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery,
that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge {Col. 2:1-3} {BibleBridge}. One of his main priority in planting
churches was for the saving of souls and to see each believer grow up: “Apart
from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all
the churches” (2 Cor.11:28). As such, many of the very letters the Apostle Paul
wrote included encouragements, doctrine, warnings against false teaching as
well as instructions. At times he would
receive letters/reports from sources indicating problems/concerns within the
church, to which he responded (at times harshly) with a reply via letter to a
specific church or a general letter intended for circulation.
Paul’s Mission,
Philosophy and Purpose was evident in his Apologies
Paul’s Passion and Motivation was seen during his defenses.
During his trial before king Agrippa he stated: “All Jews, know my manner of
life from youth up… that I have lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest
sect of our religion” (Acts 26:4-5). He had always been devoted to his
religious belief, showing discipline and dedication. He said “I did not prove
to be disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). “Paul may have been a
vessel of election, marked out beforehand for the ministry to the Gentiles, and
even constrained by the Love of Christ” (Reese, 877). Before Felix, Paul stated
“In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience
both before God and before men” (Acts 24:16). According to Reese (page 846) “It
was Paul’s aim to do whatever was needed to help men come to a knowledge of
salvation…” Living a conscientious life was a major part of his Purpose
Statement.
As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, it is becoming more
and more important that we “become as Christ has called”. This involves
deliberate study of the Word of God, developing a love for him that continually
grows; the outcome of which should be fruit bearing. Like the Apostle Paul we
must “be careful and cautious, giving attention to our personal life and faith” (Reese, 780), spending more
time in prayer and seeking the Lord’s will daily as to how to win others to
Christ.
References:
Matthew Henry Commentary. Galatians 1. Retrieved from: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Gal.1.10-Gal.1.24
Reese, Gareth (2002). Acts. Moberly, MI: College Press Publishing
Company
BibleBridge. “Paul’s Passion: Motivation For Ministry”
November 27, 2011. Retrieved from: https://www.bible-bridge.com/pauls-passion-motivation-ministry/
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