Attitudes and Actions of Paul
1 Corinthians 11 is what I call Paul’s resume on difficulties. It is an amazing list of challenges, assaults, neglect and difficulties. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, lays it out as a fact sheet of his life.
1 Corinthians 11:24-33 I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness
31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me.
33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
What attitudes, what actions, what choices did Paul adopt to allow his effectiveness to be so great in the face of such challenges?
What can I learn from Paul to assist me today as I strive for effectiveness in Ministry?
Acts 20 we see the attitudes and actions of Paul that will help us minister effectively in our current situation.
Acts 20:19-22
1. Make Ministry about Jesus rather than making it about you.
19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.
2. Always put in more than you take out
19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.
3. Teach the truth – don’t hold back
20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
4. Follow the Spirit of God
22 "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.