Displaying Christian Sermons by tag: paul
Daily Devotional (December-09-2023) PAUL'S EXAMPLE.
Scripture Reference: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10, The Living Bible - "For you know that you ought to follow our example. We were never lazy when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It wasn't that we didn't have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Whoever does not work should not eat."
The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about work. Paul said he and his team never accepted any free food while they were with them. He said they were never lazy, and they paid for everything they got!
They also worked hard day and night while they were there. As a pastor or servant of God you can have any work beside ministry work as the Holy Spirit directs you. A pastor is free to work if he wants to but if God called you as an ambassador for His kingdom then all your needs are taken care off. However, a “full-time” pastor is not superior to a pastor who has another job as a source of income. The Bible never said “full-time” is “the highest level”.
If Paul (who wrote half of the New Testament) found a need to work hard, so he wouldn’t be a burden, how come you are thinking or saying not doing secular work is “the highest level”? My dear servant of God, what has God told you when He called you.
Paul said they did all these because they wanted to give the Thessalonians an example to follow. It was an example of choosing work over rest and choosing work over a life of only receiving gifts. Well, people always wants to take advantage of every opportunity they get.
Please take note that the Bible did not say you are restricted to eating ONLY from your work. The important principle is that you should be working. God should see you choosing to work, rather than only sleeping or entertaining yourself.
The blessing or reward is on working, and God is not restricted to blessing you only from that specific work. God will reward your work, both from your work and from outside your work.
PRAYER - Thank you Lord God for this wisdom revealed in your world today. I choose not to be a burden but to be an example in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
TD Jakes (November-28-2023) Daily Devotional: Lessons from Apostle Paul.
Bible Quote: "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." - 1 Corinthians 12:31
Apostle Paul's teachings to the Corinthians, amidst a milieu of diverse philosophical and religious ideologies, set a foundational tone for New Testament theology. His mission in Corinth, a city where carnality and spirituality intertwined, was to instill a sense of spiritual balance and maturity among believers.
In Corinthians, Paul navigates the complexities of a community drawn to spiritual gifts yet struggling with human frailties. His writings in the 12th chapter about spiritual gifts – prophesying, speaking in tongues, and understanding mysteries – were revolutionary. Yet, he recognized the danger of these gifts being wielded by those still grappling with carnality. This is akin to entrusting great power to those not yet prepared to handle it responsibly.
Paul's central message, particularly in juxtaposing the 12th and 13th chapters of Corinthians, is to emphasize that spiritual gifts are not a means to inflate ego or assert dominance. The danger he highlights is the distortion of divine gifts into tools for self-aggrandizement and pride. It’s a poignant reminder that the possession of spiritual gifts or positions of authority in the church should not lead to arrogance or a sense of superiority.
Through his teachings, Paul sought to redirect the focus from the gifts themselves to the purpose behind them. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, as bestowed upon the believers, were meant to serve, edify, and unify the body of Christ, not to create platforms for individual glory. Paul’s insistence on love as the greatest virtue in the 13th chapter is a call to humility, service, and genuine love as the core of Christian life and ministry.
Prayer: Lord, help us to use the spiritual gifts You have bestowed upon us with humility and love. Teach us to remember that these gifts are not for our glory but for serving others and glorifying You. Guide us to balance our spiritual talents with a heart of service, humility, and a genuine love that reflects Your character. May we never lose sight of the true purpose behind our gifts – to build up Your kingdom and demonstrate Your love to the world. Amen.
TD Jakes Daily Devotional (October-31-2023) The Power of the Mind: Paul's Humble Brilliance.
Bible Quote: "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" - Romans 11:34 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul, a beacon of intellectual prowess, teaches us a profound lesson in humility. Despite his vast knowledge, training, and contributions to the New Testament, he humbly admitted, "We know not." This is a testament to the understanding that true wisdom is recognizing the limits of our understanding. Our minds are our greatest assets. They are our defense mechanisms, our tools for survival, and our sources of creativity. Just as the jungle's creatures have their unique strengths, our brilliance and intellect are our superpowers. Yet, with all its might, the mind must also be humble, recognizing that there's always more to learn and understand. Feed your mind, nurture it, and let it grow, but always remain humble in its presence. For in humility, true wisdom is found.
Final Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of intellect and the ability to think, learn, and grow. Help us to always feed our minds with knowledge and wisdom from Your Word. As we navigate the jungles of life, may we always remember the importance of humility, recognizing that our understanding has limits. Like Paul, may we use our intellect for Your glory, while always acknowledging that true wisdom comes from You. Guide our thoughts, Lord, and help us to use our minds to serve You and others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Watch David Jeremiah Sunday Sermon: Paul and His Friends - Colossians 4:7-18. You can actually become a better friend by studying other friendships, which may be why Paul included some of his at the end of Colossians. Dr. David Jeremiah considers the lessons learned from each of Paul’s friendships found in the closing verses of his epistle.
Watch Christian Movie - The Complete Story of Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles. Ever wonder how Christianity was spread to the nations? This is the complete story of Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles. From his birth in the bustling city of Tarsus to his death in the aristocratic city of Rome and everything in between, the Biblenauts take an exciting adventure to discover the biblical epic in this special mini-documentary
Derek Prince (February-18-2021) Watch Sermon: Paul Didn’t Take His Salvation For Granted. So Why Do We? It's remarkable that the apostle Paul - of all people - didn't take his salvation for granted. This has to bring us to reflection: if Paul didn't, why do we?
Gloria Copeland (October-21-2019) Sermon: Paul’s Instructions to the Rich. There’s a proper way to manage wealth! Watch Gloria Copeland and George Pearsons on Believer’s Voice of Victory as they teach you how to handle the abundance God desires for you, by giving generously and resisting pride. Learn about Paul’s instructions to the rich, and how to apply it to your life to keep you in line with God and eligible for continued increase.