Acts 21:13 “Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.“ Acts 21:13

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8

I. He was whole hearted even When Wrong Gal. 1:14 – advanced Acts 8:1-3 – persecuted church Admire Zeal Rev. 3:14-22

II. He had learned the Truth Acts 26:9 “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” Acts 26:9 "Lord, what do You want me to do?“ Acts 9:6

When we learn the truth we should not: 1. Harden our hearts 2. Get mad 3. Try to go against God’s will

1 Pet. 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

III. He did not try to Justify Himself in Error Most try to blame others for wrong We make mistakes in life Paul asked what he was to do He wanted his soul right with God

IV. He had been baptized Into Christ It takes more than faith alone  John 12:42-43  John 1:12  James 2:19  James 2:20-24

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” Gal. 3:26-27

1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2. God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom.6:1-2

3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom.6:3-4

IV. He had been baptized Into Christ And realized that he was A Son of God

V. After baptism he was fruitful “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Tim. 4:7 Fought Finished Kept

Fought a good fight Good soldier Good soldier - 2 Tim. 2:3-4  Right Army = Lord’s  Right Leader = Christ  Right Fight = to go to heaven

Finished the course  Trained well  Trained on the course  Strained every muscle  Had his eye on finish line

Kept the faith  Regarded the gospel as a treasure.  Guarded and defended the gospel with his own life. V. After baptism he was fruitful

VI. He knew Christ would be With him even in Death Those who live with God shall die with God. Rev. 14:13 “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13

VII. He knew Death would Be Gain He would lose all pain and sorrow in this life. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21 He would gain the joy of heaven.

VIII. He Knew Christ would Keep His promise “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Tim. 1:12 NKJV

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Evening Dec. 16, 2007