Paul’s Mission P

Introduction The Purpose of Suffering Going Outside the Box

The Purpose of Suffering Acts 9:10-16 – “he must suffer for my [name]...” – “undergo evils or be maligned”

The Purpose of Suffering Philippians 3:10 – fellowship of his suffering – Idea: joint participation

The Purpose of Suffering Learn obedience – Father removes a sense of presence – “Conform us into his image”

The Purpose of Suffering Develop character – ‘face the giants within us’ – drive us into Jesus, the Word

The Purpose of Suffering Instill the heart of God – Empty of ourselves – filled w/ Spirit – Take ownership of His will

Going Outside the Box Paradigm Shift – Jeremiah 31:33 – Ezekiel 36:26-27 – “I will give you a new heart... put a new spirit within you... move you to follow me...”

Going Outside the Box The Jews reject the gospel – A light to the gentiles (Is 42:6) – Paul goes to the unsaved

Going Outside the Box Mission – find believers – Individual vs. community – Build them into community – Commission the community

God’s Upper Story Redeem a people – To the Jew first then to gentiles Include people in His plan

Their Story The passion of the apostles The defense of tradition

Our Story Saved individually Become community Broad Vision