PAUL REHEARSES HIS CALLING SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 695: PAUL REHEARSES HIS CALLING

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “The sins of Eli’s sons”, we learnt that: Christian workers and leaders should not take advantage of their position to satisfy their lust for power, possessions and control. Our personal and family devotion to God should be constant and fervent even in difficult moments. God blessed Elkanah’s family. Like Abraham, Joshua and others, Christian parents should lead their families to abide by God’s word and live lives that pleases the Lord. Firm resolve and corrective action are two important qualities needed for effective parental discipline.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 695: PAUL REHEARSES HIS CALLING MEMORY VERSE: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians1:11,12). TEXT: Galatians 1:11-24. The study of today touches on three points: The source of an authoritative message. The wonder of redeeming grace. The submission of an approved minister.

SUMMARY The source of an authoritative message (Galatians 1:11,12): We must wait on the Lord for an authentic message and corresponding anointing. The church must be careful not to commit anything to the hands of false ministers. To command hearing, our commission must bear the stamp of Christ’s authority. The wonder of redeeming grace (Galatians 1:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:9,10): Paul was grateful to God for his new life. Grace should make us humble, not boastful. Paul was first converted before he could minister. We must be saved from sin and then consecrate our lives to the service of God and His people. If we would be effective in service, we must press on to be filled with the Holy Ghost. The submission of an approved minister (Galatians 1:18-24): To qualify as an apostle, there must be a direct commission from Christ Himself. Apostleship should not detach one from fellowship and correspondence with leaders. Pride and an independent spirit disqualify anyone from the ministry of Christ. - - firm resolve and corrective action.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What should be the gospel minister’s response when saving truth is trampled upon? Galatians 1:11,12 1 Corinthians 11:23 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 Honoured sons above God; His sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not

QUESTION 2 What are the basic yardsticks we should apply in confirming the genuineness or otherwise of a gospel ministry? Matthew 7:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:4,5

QUESTION 3 Mention the essential features of a true gospel message? Mark 1:14,15 John 3:3,5 2 Timothy 2:19 Hebrews 13:12,13

QUESTION 4 What lessons do we learn on grace from the life and writings of Paul the apostle? 1 Corinthians 15:10 Ephesians 2:8 2 Corinthians 12:9 Hebrews 4:16

QUESTION 5 Using Paul as an example, explain how a sinner translates from an enemy to an emissary of God? 1 Timothy 1:13-15 Proverbs 28:13

CONCLUSION Ministers must wait on the Lord His message, anointing and authority. The church should not commit anything to the hands of false ministers. Grace should make us humble, not boastful. We must be saved from sin and then consecrate our lives to the service of God and His people. Moreover, we must press on to be filled with the Holy Ghost for effectiveness. An apostle receives his commission directly from Christ Himself. However, this should not detach one from fellowship and correspondence with leaders. Pride and an independent spirit disqualify anyone from the ministry of Christ.