The Apostle Paul. The Missing Years. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter Galatians 1:18

Transcription

1 The Missing Years Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter Galatians 1:18

2 In the epistle of Paul to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul speaks of the years after his conversion on the Damascus Road

3 Galatians 1: But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former conduct in

4 Galatians 1:11-24 Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it

5 Galatians 1:11-24 pleased God, who separated me from my mother s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who

6 Galatians 1:11-24 were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord s brother

7 Galatians 1: (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) 21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only He who

8 Galatians 1:11-24 formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy. 24 And they glorified God in me.

9 These missing years are incredible important to his ministry and impact for Christ.

10 Before Christ can make a ministry, Christ must first make the man!

11 A Conversion Every Christian must have that beginning point, a time and place of humbling, yielding, recognizing Jesus as Lord & Savior

12 A Conversion For Paul, it came as he was traveling from Jerusalem to the city of Damascus

13 A Conversion So I said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this

14 A Conversion purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. Acts 26:15-16

15 A Seasoning Revelation But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12

16 A Seasoning Education For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures... 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

17 A Seasoning Maturation Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Phili i

18 A Ministry Christ desires to give a ministry to every person!

19 A Ministry For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up

20 A Ministry 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

21 A Ministry Paul s missing years were anything but! During these years God was preparing him for the incredible impact he would have.

22 A Ministry As an evangelist! As a missionary! As a church planter!

23 A Ministry As a spiritual mentor! As a leader! As a writer!

24 So How is God working in and through you?

25 The Missing Years Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter Galatians 1:18