Lessons from Paul's life - faithfulness, pure conscience

Following Paul’s conversion he served selflessly proclaiming God’s word and the gospel of Jesus Christ in many places.  God blessed, and many churches were formed because of his ministry.

As he faced trial in Rome he understood that he might soon become a martyr for Jesus Christ.  These are the words he wrote to Timothy, “⁶For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8) (NKJV).  Paul was faithful throughout his entire ministry. 

It is sad to see so many who claim to be believers who don’t finish or don’t finish strong.  They get taken captive by the philosophy of the world because they did not heed Paul’s warning. (Col 2:8)  It is our prayer that “faithfulness” like Paul’s would be one of the traits of all.

Not only was Paul faithful, but he had faith.  Even as he potentially faced death this is what he told Timothy, “2 Timothy 4:16–18 (NKJV) ¹⁶At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. ¹⁷But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. ¹⁸And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”

His faith revealed confidence in the Lord’s presence and preservation of him.  Though he might see physical death he was certain of life in the kingdom.  Do our life’s anxieties or lack of them reveal the same faith that Paul had?  Indeed, all who have true faith will find themselves being sanctified and becoming more and more faithful with time. 

Further testimony of Paul both to Timothy and the Corinthians revealed his constant pure conscience.  To Timothy he said, “II Tim. 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience…;” and to the Corinthians in II Cor. 1:12 he stated, “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.”

Paul’s life had been such that he did not violate his conscience before God. Do we have the same clear conscience before God?

Why Give Thanks???

Psalm 100:5 (NKJV) ⁵For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

The psalmist here returns to reasons why we should be thankful.  It all has to do with God and who He is!

The LORD is Jehovah the covenant God of Israel, He was known to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM”  (Ex. 3:14)  He is good.  There can be no wrong within Him or from Him.  He cannot sin, and there is no evil present within Him.

“God’s mercy is everlasting” - His mercy is His loyal love, His unfailing devotion based upon a prior covenant relationship.  This mercy is forever or for eternity, it will last an unlimited duration of time as we consider the future.

God’s “truth endures to all generations.”  This “truth” is often translated faithfulness, trustworthiness.  He is dependable both to individuals and His own holiness.

His dependability does not change based upon when I live.  He was faithful to my grandparents, my parents, to myself; and He will be faithful to my children as well.  Because God does not change He could be trusted by Israel when they went through the time of oppression by the Midianites.  He was faithful to believers that lived through the great depression. He will be faithful today to all who trust him and to every future generation.

Because God’s love and faithfulness are never ending we have the opportunity to bring unceasing praise to the LORD! Yet, how often when asked what we are thankful for and given the opportunity to share a testimony of praise do we sit silent?

In the hymn He Giveth More Grace which was written by Annie Johnson Flint we are reminded of God’s unending grace.   “His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto men.  For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!”

Similarly, Fredirick M. Lehman  challenged us in The LOVE OF GOD  by writing, “Could we with ink the oceans fill And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from Sky to sky.”

As we get more of a glimpse of God’s goodness, mercy, and faithfulness we should be ever ready to lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving for whom He is and what He has done and what He will continue to do in our lives.

I hope that after being reminded of God’s character in these areas that you will take the time to join me in thanksgiving and praise.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/churchoflittleton  FW # 42