Sunday, October 18, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Acts 18:1-4, 18-19, 24-26, I Corinthians 16:19, and Romans 16:3-4, we studied about the importance of making a difference in this life by being involved in promoting the faith. In a very real sense, Christians are supposed to be actively engaged in trying to bring others to the Lord. Many would think that we are merely trying to be better people, but that is not true. The real focus in Christianity is on ministering to others and on evangelizing the lost. People's lives become better when they have a close walk with the Lord, and as Christians, we can be helpful in bringing some of that about. An example of this in the New Testament is recorded in Acts 18:1-26 and talks about Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. They had come to Corinth from Rome, and they had quickly become friends and workers with the Apostle Paul. Each Sabbath, Paul spoke at the synagogue, and together, the three of them ministered to their community.
Understanding how one should approach their individual ministry, though, is not always easy. As a result, many Christians, who are not sure what to do, try to get involved in everything. While this is not necessarily a bad way to become active in the Lord's work, it also is not the completely correct way, either. On this earth, our boss is the Holy Spirit, so we should be constantly submitting ourselves to His leadership and letting Him guide us into our right individual ministry. Our lesson says that Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla had met in Corinth and that they had worked together to minister to that area. However, if their work had not been overseen and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, it would have failed. As Christians, we should be trying to reach others. We should be trying to see people come to know the Lord as Savior. But as Christians, we also need to always remember that the work is the Lord's and that the Holy Spirit is the One Who gives us our marching orders. Later, when Paul went to Syria, Aquila and Priscilla went with him. Eventually, the Holy Spirit prompted Paul to continue going from place to place, while He led Aquila and Priscilla to settle down at Ephesus.
Paul continued to travel all about telling others about Jesus, but Aquila and Priscilla remained in Ephesus where they set up a church in their home. They had used their means to try to reach others for the Lord by making their home available, and He was able to use what they had offered to Him. Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla had each done as the Lord had led them, and as a result, each had enjoyed some spiritual fruit from their labors. When we are faithful to follow the Holy Spirit, then we should have peace about our ministry, and we should also see some positive spiritual results. As you go through the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His place in His work for you. Then, try to be faithful to do those things that He would have you do.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com