(Read Acts 18:9-11)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Last week I told you how the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision saying, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” God’s words brought true comfort to Paul, a man who had faced much opposition in ministry. Once he accepted his call to the Gentiles and he started to focus on them, the Apostle was walking in the Blessing and favor of the Lord.
Since the Lord promised to bless him in Corinth, and especially since the promise included protection, the Apostle who had been beaten close to death, chased, accosted, arrested and imprisoned, chose to stay in Corinth and do the work he was called to do. After about a year and a half the region received a new Governor, Gallio. A group of Jews, seeing this as an opportunity to stop Paul, rose up together against the Apostle and they brought him before the governor for judgment. They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”
Paul knew he had done nothing wrong. Paul knew the Lord had promised to protect him. Paul knew he had already experienced 18 months of opposition-free ministry. Paul’s trust was in God, and not in man. And before Paul could even make his defense, Governor Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God is always true to His Word. God gave Paul a promise in a vision and He made sure that promise came to pass. He will do the same for you. The Bible says, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Num 23:19). So, if God speaks to you — through His Word, the Holy Spirit, in prayer, through someone else, etc. — and He gives you a promise, you can rest assured that He will never fail. His promise shall come to pass!
2. The enemy is always looking for a way to stop you. As soon as a new Governor took over the enemy attempted to accuse Paul in front of the new leadership. They saw the change in government as an opportunity to attack Paul. And so it is with you. The enemy is always looking for a way to stop you. But never give up and always look to God as the source of your strength.
3. When you are doing the will of God, you have Grace for divine protection. Paul did not have to say one word. His case was thrown out of court without Paul making a defense. Why? His trust was in the Lord his God. The enemy knows he cannot stop you when you are doing the will of God, but he also knows you stop yourself when you get frustrated enough to quit. So what he does is attempt to force you to give up. Just don’t let him do it. Just like Paul’s confidence was in God, you must do the same. When you keep looking to God you will have the strength and motivation to keep going without quitting. The only way you can lose is if you quit!
4. God can open doors no man can close and close doors no man can open. God gave Paul favor with the new Governor and He can do the same for you. God can move on the hearts of others and lead them to use their power, their ability and their influence to help you in ways you cannot help yourself. Not because you earned it or deserve it, but only because of God’s amazing Grace!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for being better to me than I deserve. You have promised me things and I believe Your promises. I know You are not a man that You should lie. Since You promised it, You shall perform it. You gave me Your Word, and You shall bring it to pass. No matter how long it takes, every promise You have given me shall be manifested in my life. I seek to perform Your will, with Your Grace, and as I do I enjoy divine protection. You open doors no man can close and You close doors no man can open. You give me favor with You and with man. You raise up people who use their power, their ability, and their influence to help me in ways I cannot help myself. Your favor goes before me like a shield. Not because I have earned it, and not because I deserve it, but only because of Your Grace. You want to bless me, and I receive Your blessing. You want to do great things in my life, and I believe and receive all You want to do. My life is no longer about me, it is about You, and what You want to accomplish in me. I yield myself over to Your Kingdom plans and purposes for me, and as I do, You use me for Your glory! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
