Tried and True

August 28

The Apostle Paul was a man of singleness of vision. Whether he was traversing the countryside to persecute Christians prior to his conversion (see Acts, Chapter 9) or whether he was sharing the good news of Christ with unbelievers from his own rented house in Rome (Acts 28:30, 31), he did it with resolute purpose.

He stated his vision clearly in his letter to the Colossians 1:28, where he said, “We proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” This determined man recognized his own inadequacy to please our holy God but was unwavering in his determination to do so through His enabling.

In I Corinthians 1:18-29 Paul states that the gospel may appear foolish to man in his smug assessment of life and its origins and its ultimate destination, but that the “foolishness of God is wiser than men.” The apostle states that the death of Christ on the cross may appear to be the weakness of God, but it is actually the ultimate manifestation of His matchless power!

This methodology is temperate but relentless as Peter clearly states in I Peter 3:15, 16, “Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” If the two greatest proponents of the gospel who ever lived share this philosophy and vision, shouldn’t we who follow in their steps espouse their tried and true methods!