“And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” — Acts 23:1
Paul’s testimony was that he “lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” To Timothy, he says he lived with a “pure conscience” (2 Timothy 1:3). And in Acts 24:16, he says he had a conscience “void of offence toward God, and toward men.”
A conscience is what will force a person to live miserably or happy. A guilty conscience will force someone to confess his crime to the police. A guilty conscience drives some to the point of committing suicide. A good conscience, on the other hand, will make a person content, satisfied, and live joyfully. A good conscience, or pure conscience, or conscience void of offense, is important for any individual, but it’s essential for a Christian. Having a good conscience will be a great benefit to your ministry, to your family, and to your own heart.
The way to have a good conscience is to keep short accounts with the Lord and with others. Whenever there’s an offense against the Lord or against others, it is very important to seek forgiveness and get things right. Live “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Peter 3:16). It should be a prayer and desire of every one of God’s children to work at gaining and maintaining a good conscience.
“But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” — Acts 19:9-10
Upon arriving to Ephesus, Paul was preaching in the synagogue. Visiting and speaking at the synagogue was his common practice when entering into a city (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 14:1; 17:1-2; 18:4). This time he was run out of the synagogue within a short time, so he began teaching at the “school of one Tyrannus.”
Some seem to think this was a Bible college, but this was not the case. Tyrannus was a philosopher during Paul’s day, and had a school of philosophy. Since custom of that region was to work and do business in shifts (probably four hours in the morning, break in the afternoon, and four more hours of business before concluding the work day), Paul took advantage of using the school during the break time. While some were sleeping during the hot part of the day or enjoying free time, Paul found his new favorite teaching spot. Whether he used the inside or outside of the school, the location and timeframe made it possible to speak to the most people possible.
Paul did this “daily,” staying for a period of two years. No wonder that such a great impact was made to the point that “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (vs. 10). There are notable ministerial lessons we can implement from this passage:
Find a Solution.
He was kicked out of the synagogue but didn’t quit. Just as Paul had to go to pivot to find what would work in that area, so you must find what works best in your area and then work it.
When your plan doesn’t work, it’s easy to get down and want to quit, but Paul didn’t stop. Proverbs 24:16; Psalms 37:23-24
Paul found a spot where he could talk to people, and he worked that area. It’s easy to find excuses of what doesn’t work, but you must find what does work and work it. In the synagogue, where he was disputing, he could most likely only do it once a week, but now in this school he could dispute every day. In the synagogues, the Gentiles were excluded, but now in this school, both Jews and Gentiles were welcomed. He found a solution.
Make an Investment.
What you put into something will determine what you receive from it. Paul taught many hours, days, weeks, and years. If he would have only taught once a week, he would likely not have same results he was seeing now. Remember that after he taught “daily,” over a period of two years, “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (vs. 10)
Whatever you invest in will yield fruit. Spend more time reading the Bible and you will learn the Bible more. The same with witnessing, reading other books, exercising, and any other area. It’s the sowing and reaping process, which should be a warning to be purposeful about what areas we are sowing, or investing most time, in our lives.
As a missionary, we should invest in Bible teaching opportunities, more church services, more discipleship, and more evangelistic efforts. The more we make an investment, the more impact it will yield.
Use Wisdom.
Work smarter, not harder. By teaching many people for many hours, Paul was recruiting help. He could not do the work alone, so recruiting help was essential. A missionary can’t do it alone, he must pray and seek out future Timothy’s and Titus’ to help him. But he must be willing to put the work in if he’s going to see the results.
Focus on Equipping.
After finding the solution to preach where he could make the biggest impact, and wisely invest his time by teaching many hours, he found his focus. If he was to equip others for the work of the ministry, more would be done in an efficient manner. After Jethro asked Moses, “Why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?” (Exodus 18:14), he responded by saying, “The thing that thou doest is not good” (Exodus 18:17). His wise recommendation was, “thou shalt teach them… the work that they must do” (Exodus 18:20). Moses changed his focus, and as a result, it changed his future.
Later, Paul told the church of Ephesus that God gave spiritual leaders to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Who are you teaching right now? Paul’s strategy was the same as the Lord’s, he was “teaching faithful men” (2 Timothy 2:2). The ministerial focus of the leader should be to equip others so more lost can be reached, more saints can serve, and the Gospel can advance.
“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ..” — Acts 5:40-42
The apostles were wrongly put in prison, mistreated, and then beaten. When released, they didn’t go home crying, they went away rejoicing. They counted it a privilege that they were “counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” What an attitude!
How do we continue after we feel mistreated or after going through a trial? No matter the circumstances, God’s children should move forward, joyfully serving Him! Serve the Lord with joy, both when life seems good as when life seems difficult.
Life will throw you into many unfair and undesirable situations. We would be wise to take pointers from the apostles, the men who moved forward joyfully.
They Departed
The first, most obvious thing you must do after a situation is learn to depart. Whether mentally, spiritually, or emotionally, just move on. Don’t allow negative situations to play over and over in your mind like horror movies. If you’re going to move forward with joy, you must begin “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”
They Determined to Suffer Joyfully
We can pray for escape, relief, or acceptance, but we must determine to continue forward no matter what happens. Suffering for God is part of the Christian life, and it’s also an acceptable gift to God (Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12). None of us would choose suffering if we had a choice, but God allows it in our life for our good and His glory. We might not choose suffering, but we can choose to suffer joyfully for our Lord. The apostles didn’t just suffer, they did it willingly and joyfully.
They Daily Served
After the apostles were beaten, they didn’t throw in the towel, they continued serving. They “daily” served the Lord by preaching and ministering to others. And we as God’s children must not allow the trials of life to quench our fire for God. Get back up and serve God daily. May we be busy every day about our Father’s business.
“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” — Acts 12:21-23
There was no doubt Herod was a man of authority. According to Romans 13:1, the position of authority is given by God. For one to abuse a God-given position is foolish.
It was not necessarily Herod’s fault that people thought he was great, but it made him prideful, which in turn led to his destruction.
Nebuchadnezzar had a similar situation in Daniel 4:30-34. He had authority, position, and power. He looked at all he had, and swelling in pride, he said all he had was a result of his own doing. At that moment God sent him to eat grass in the field like an animal. His pride caused him to lose it all. Contrary to the story of Herod, Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself, recognizing that all comes from God. At the moment Nebuchadnezzar looked to God, his position was restored.
Pride always destroys, unless you recognize and repent before it’s too late. Pride looks attractive to flirt with, but it destroys every lover it’s ever had. Pride killed Herod, and pride will kill you if you do not run from it. God declares this, and history has proven it time and again. So remember, when you’re praised by others, be sure to give God the glory. Remember that when favor and fruit are evident in your life or ministry, be sure to give God the glory. All the glory belongs to the Lord, make sure you don’t forget it. Never be so arrogant as to think that who you are, what you have, or what you’ve done is because of you. Give God the glory!
“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea” — Acts 11:29
A great dearth (famine) came throughout all the world. Though food, money, and prosperity were scarce, the disciples “determined to send relief.” Several applicable lessons to notice:
Instead of focusing on self during the famine, they focused on others.
The help they sent was to “the brethren which dwelt in Judaea.” Though it’s good to be helpful to all, the priority should be those of “the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
They sent help by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. They found trustworthy people. To be considered trustworthy, one should be tested before trusted, not a novice (1 Timothy 3:6). Read Proverbs 25:19
The example in Scripture is to be a helper regardless of the situation. The Macedonians gave in deep poverty. The widow and her son gave though they were about to die. And Christ gave salvation though it cost His life. No matter what life throws your way, you can still be used by God to help others.
God is more interested in building you than building a work through you. We sometimes become egotistical thinking of all the things we can do for God, but God was working before we were around and will continue long after we leave this earth. God is building His worker, not just His work. His workers will be put to rest, but His work will continue on.
On Friday I was driving up to a meeting in Illinois and listening to preaching on podcasts. The preacher said something that really caused me to think. It was something to the affect of, “Instead of concerning ourselves with what we’ve done for God, we should ask ourselves how much we’ve become like God?” Those were not his exact words, but that was my takeaway from something he said in passing. I paused the message and did a little reflecting. I think we’re all guilty of wanting to see what we can accomplish for God, but I believe God’s measuring stick is more on how we’ve become like Him instead of what we’ve done for Him. So allow me to give you just a few thoughts:
Emotionally
Proverbs 16:32 says the strongest man is the one who can rule (control) his spirit. Our emotions, our anger, bitterness and sadness doesn’t have to control us, we can control them. God teaches us to forgive as He has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13), to put away anger and wrath (Colossians 3:8), to avoid bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) and to not sorrow as those “which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our emotions are like roller coasters, they jerk us around all over and give us a headache. The tricky emotions can begin running our lives, or we can submit them to the Lord and allow God to build us emotionally.
Spiritually
I was saved in junior high/high school and I have fond memories of being consumed with the Bible. I remember waking up early to read my Bible (I’m not a morning person, so Mindy probably doesn’t believe I used to do this lol). I remember taking walks in the woods with a deer hide in my backpack. As I read the Bible, it was like God was literally talking to me. I prayed like I believed and poured my heart out to God. I arrived to college and didn’t care what anyone thought because I truly believed I was sent by God. I truly felt in tune with God. But as years have flown by, I shamefully admit that my roles and responsibilities have smothered out that dedicated fellowship with God. I long to get back to that place. God is more interested in me getting close to Him than me doing something for Him. And interesting enough, as I grow close to Him, I’ll be more of a prepared and sanctified vessel for His use. He wants to build me spiritually, and He wants to build you as well.
Maritally
I once read in a book that the greatest test of our Christianity is seen in our home. It’s easy to smile at others in church or say something good from a pulpit or in a classroom. The truth of our walk with God is seen more in our private relationships than our public platforms. Marriage will test your love, joy, patience, long-suffering, kindness and meekness. This is not a sarcastic statement, this is true. We know we should be filled with the Spirit, and we want to be filled, but don’t forget that when we’re filled the result is having the fruit of the Spirit. It’s easy to say you are filled with the Spirit, but how is your patience, kindness and meekness? Your spouse is God’s child, meaning God loves him/her just as much as He loves you. God’s not going to choose your side over theirs… so get along. Grow together. Let God grow each of you. Be the servant at home. Let God use your spouse to strengthen your relationship with Him, and as a result your relationship with your spouse will be greater. No one said it will be easy, but following God’s way is always better. A better Christian equals a better spouse.
When I was a kid we used to sing a song that said, “He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be ‘cause He’s still working on me.” Dear friends, allow God to continue working on you and in you. We might grow older, have more kids, be in different life and ministry stages, but continue allowing God to work in and on you. He will not twist your arm, so yieldingly allow Him to continue working on you. Trials in life, ministry and marriage don’t have to destroy you, they can build you. Your emotions might go hectic, but God is building you. He’s still working on you. Don’t lose hope, don’t quit or jump ship for He is still building you!
Gratefulness is a command from God. First Thessalonians 5:18 says it is God’s will to give thanks in everything. According to Philippians 4:6 and Psalm 100:4, we are to pray with thanksgiving. God‘s children should be grateful people! Whereas whining and complaining are music to the devil’s ears, praise is a sweet sound to the ears of our Savior. If you want to really gut punch the devil, then start praising the Lord. If you want to stop anxiety in your life, lower your stress, be a happier person, and become a thankful person, then start thanking the Lord . When you are grateful for what God has done in your life, you will begin noticing God do more in your life.
Be grateful by counting your blessings.
When was the last time you thanked God for how good He is to you? Stop focusing on your problems and begin looking at your blessings.
Be grateful by expressing your gratitude.
Make a list of three people you can thank in the next couple days. Maybe it’s friends, parents, siblings, pastors, teachers, neighbors, people that encourage you, or people that pray for you. Express your gratitude through a text, a letter, a phone call, or telling them in person. Let them know specifically how grateful you are for their lives.
Be grateful by writing thank you cards.
Thank you cards seem to be a lost art from the past, but they are a powerful encouragement that can still be used today. Make a goal of writing three to five thank you cards within the next week.
Be grateful by serving others.
Be a channel of blessing with your words, your influence, your means, and your actions to others. Every individual has the power to encourage someone with their words and actions. Choose to encourage others. Give a helping hand. Smile. Don’t withhold compliments. God has been good to you, so be kind to others.
