Apostle Paul: Character Study

Paul the Apostle: A Character Study

What was Paul's definition of a Christian Life?

      Paul addresses this issue more than anything else I found in his letters. Because of  transition from Judaism to Christianity Paul addresses unity in Christ many times in a number of different books (1Cor 1:10). He even goes into detail in how they can be united. Mainly he asks the Jews to lay down the law, because Jesus came to fulfill it. Paul was firm in his preaching of a united body and the truth that Jesus died for all to be reconciled to him (Col 3:12). Another matter that he addressed to keep unity was their flaunting, false teaching, and chaotic use of their spiritual gifts (1 Cor 4:1-4, 9, 26). Paul taught a lot with this as his main theme. To include everyone and be unified. He acknowledges that people have different gifts, but they are for the benefit of the whole and so they should use their gifts not for themselves but for the strengthening of the whole (1Cor 4:12-13, 12:7-13, Eph 4:1-4, 16).

      Another issue in the church was the issue of worldly philosophies and worldly wisdom that had been creeping its way in. Paul taught them that to the world they would seem foolish. They weren't meant to look good, sound smart or appear high class (1Cor 3:18-19). He refers to these people who sway back and forth with the worlds teachings as babies who still need milk and can't eat meat (3:1-4). Paul actually calls the people to lay down everything that comes from the world. All earthly desires should be laid down so that God would be their number one focus (1Cor 7:29-31, 15:58, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:15-20, Col3:5-10, 1 Thes 4:3-6). Paul gives them examples of what it means to live by the Spirit. It's not that they can keep the law and appear good to man, but its their heart and their actions. (2Cor 10:3, Eph 4:20, Col 3:11, 1Thes 4:11, 5:22). Paul mentions that sometimes that means abstaining from things for the furtherance of the gospel and the consideration of a fellow believer (1Cor 8:9-13). Paul lived that out more than he said it with words.

A number of times Paul warns against who they are spending their time with. Paul made it clear that someone elses sinful lifestyle will effect them. From the lazy (2Thes3:6-9), to fools (Eph 5:6), to sinners (1Cor15:33). He cares for them deeply and wants to see them thrive. He teaches them these things in order that they would benefit and be able to live more holy lives that glorify God. Paul was a humble man and he thought others should be as well. Instead of lifting up themselves he told them to life up God. To boast in their weakness because of Christ who has died for those very things (2Cor 10:17-18).

      Paul taught on a few more practical things. Some dealing with how they should deal with certain things that were in the church and in their lives. Some people got excited about freedom in Christ and thought they could do what they wanted, but Paul tells them that their freedom is to glorify God by living righteous. Not by allowing God to show more mercy because of their sin (1Cor 10:23). The church had those who wouldn't repent of sin and Paul tells them to send them out of the church and leave them to Satan. He tells them to give to those in need (2Cor 8:14). When others have gone astray they should lead them back to the truth of Christ (Gal 6:1). They will reap what they sow (Gal 6:7-10). He tells them to care for their leaders and their teachers to show their gratitude (Gal 6:6, 1Thes 5:12-13). He talks to families and tells them to put one another first (Col 3:18-21). He encourages them to always pray, to keep their eyes on what is true, holy, pure right, to be joyful, to be thankful, and to love those who hate them (Phil 4:8-9, 1Thes 5:14-21). And finally Everything comes down to love (1Cor 13:1-3, 16:14). In all that they do, even the good things, the motive should be love. If there are ulterior motives then their good works don't mean a thing.

How did He live it out?

      I feel like Paul definitely taught more than we see him live it out. I think some of that is because of his humility in not trying puff himself up as a righteous person all the time. He shares about what he does and his experiences a lot, but not necessarily how he always lived these things out.  Basically, Paul is someone who isn't afraid to say what he knows is right. He was blunt and got right to the issues at hand (1Cor 3:1-4). He confronts Peter and all the Jews who were trying to make the Gentiles confirm to their Christianity (Gal 2:14). Paul exemplified someone who didn't have the fear of man. He only received judgment from God. He was only concerned about honoring God (1Cor 4:3-4). He himself only judged other believers and not those of the world. He sought to reach them, but did not judge them in their blind state (1Cor 5:12). Though he thought himself able to judge other believers he took drastic measures not to offend his brothers and sisters in Christ. He makes a dramatic statement that he will never eat meat again if he offends anyone by what he eats (1Cor 8:13). Paul says that he tries to look beyond the surface when it comes to judging other people. He does what he can to look at their hearts and not just how things appear (2Cor 5:16). Paul tells everyone that he isn't perfect and that he doesn't have it all together. But he aims for that goal and reaches for the prize and the end of the race (Phil 3:12-14). Paul worked harder than anyone. Probably in his secular job as a tent maker and in all he did for the furtherance of the gospel (Col 1:29).

What was Paul's understanding of missions?

      Paul definitely lived out missions in a way that would challenge anyone. He did teach those he wrote to a thing or two about it as well. I think the most important part of Paul's teaching on missions is that anyone can do it. He taught them that there identity didn't come from their position in society, but God actually wanted to use them as they were. God didn't require that they be special, but they were completely and fully ready because God had called them and because God called them to be his special possession. Paul gave validity to praying for the workers out in the field (Col 4:3-4). He taught them that they should be praying for the furtherance of the gospel. They could help the cause of Christ by petitioning to God on the behalf of the lost. And with prayers of strength and endurance for those who were being persecuted for telling others about the good news.

How did he live it out?

      Now this is where the life of Paul really challenges. Paul suffered through so many things. He actually lists them out a few times to give the people he's writing to an idea of what he has been through. He mentions that he has been lashed, beaten with a stick, stoned, shipwrecked, and has been in great dangers. On top of that he's had sleepless nights, been hungry, thirsty and hasn't always had enough clothes to stay warm when it had been cold (2Cor 11:24-28). When he did suffer these things he only trusted God more. He claimed the power to persevere not from himself, but from the power of God working through him (2Cor 4:4-8). Paul actually claims to have been weak and fearful of his task (1Cor 2:3). But later on after he had matured in his ministry he says that he was glad to suffer for God, because it gave glory to God (Col 1:24-26).

       Paul was an excellent missionary and a great man to try and model a few things after. His whole ministry was about unity and bringing people together for a common purpose (1Cor 7:17-19). He practically lived it out by preaching unity and that Jews and Gentiles were the same, but even in his choice of ministry partners he showed unity. Paul worked with the young and old, people with different ethnic backgrounds, with, the rich and the poor, and with people from all over. It didn't matter to Paul because he knew how great of a work Christ had done on the cross and that it unified the whole world. Or at least those who would call Jesus Lord. Paul taught that anyone can be used by God and he lived that out by being used by God the way he was. Paul didn't speak exceptionally well, but he spoke a lot, he wasn't tall or didn't look anything special and he just taught a simple gospel. Not in a fancy way, but in the way he knew and from his heart (1Cor 1:17). Paul would have been a good YWAMer. He didn't care about money very much and didn't even ask for money or receive money in some places (9:17-18). He was more concerned that people were hearing the gospel and that they didn't think he was just trying to get money. In a sense he became a slave to the people he preached to. He became like them and did what he could not to offend them so that they would have no obstruction to hearing the gospel (1Cor 9:19-20).

      He worked hard, harder than anyone else and took pride in that (1Cor 15:10). Not a sinful or comparative pride, but a pride in the sense that he had validity because he was doing all that he could. He didn't brag about himself but he gave all the glory to God. He gave all the credit and adoration to God for his abilities and endurance (2Cor 5:11-15). He wasn't a rich man and like I said earlier and he suffered a whole lot. But Paul didn't complain or find any reason to be lazy, he remained joy filled and filled with passion (2Cor 6:9-10). Pleasing people was never his goal. Whether he did or not was not his concern, but only that God would be pleased with him (Gal 1:10). It's pretty clear that this is true after reading just a little in Colossians when he goes right after the false teachers. He doesn't bother being polite about their teachings, but calls it out for what it is and inserts the truth of Christ instead.

      Paul preached a lot about turning from sin and leaving all the things of the world behind. Not once do we see Paul falling into the temptations of the world. Yes we know he struggles with sin, but he doesn't let himself get caught up in the entertainment of his day. His focus is too determined on the end goal. Paul thinks the end is coming in his lifetime and so he tries to get everyone on board with getting the news out about Christ. He is urgent with his message and he makes his fleshly desires a slave to his main goal (1Cor 9:26-27).

      I don't think Paul ever taught about something he personally didn't live out. That's why he was respected and that's why his letters are in the bible. Paul was a genuine, humble servant of the Most High. He laid down his rights each day and didn't demand anything from God. Instead he gave his whole life to God in a way that I may never really come to understand.

How does Paul's definitions challenge or affirm you life/ministry?

      Paul's life was ministry and his ministry was his life. Paul was looking for the coming of Christ and he wanted to do everything he could to honor and glorify God in his lifetime. Paul knew his time was short as all our lives are short. He was set one one purpose and the measures he took to insure that he was always set on that purpose is what has challenged me the most. To answer the question are there areas of Paul's teaching that God is asking me to apply in my life? Well this is it. Since beginning Paul's letters this has been the one thing God has brought up over and over. It's the thing Paul has challenged me in and its the thing God is asking me to apply in my life. There are hundreds of things that are challenging from Paul's letters but this one thing has stuck out through almost every letter. That is the laying down of rights. We get taught that here in YWAM, but the extent Paul goes to is far greater than anyone I've met.

      I always have a hard time putting these things on paper, because I can't quite express how I've been challenged or the many feelings I've had as I read through Paul's letters. I get a sense of urgency to run the race. In a sprint there are no time for breaks or distractions, or even to look back at the other runners. This week has taught me so much about the things I value and how they are so fleeting. Without trying to sound legalistic about it, there have been many things that God has shown me that I don't really need. Like my “need” for entertainment or down time. Yes resting is good, but what things in my day are a waste of time? What things are hindering me from doing what God has called me to do? What can I do without if I simply train myself to live in a way where I am constantly maturing and working harder for God? How many TV shows do I need to watch before I have relaxed and had enough down time?

      All these questions have come up as I look at Paul's life and see that he has no desire to let anything creep in to distract him from his purpose. The way he lives almost seems unattainable because I make up excuses as to why I can't be like Paul. And not just Paul, but to be like Jesus Christ.  I can come up with so many things that aren't valid reasons to God why I am not doing as much as I can to bring honor and glory to him. I'm not talking about never having fun or downtime, but I'm talking about what I need and what I only think I need because of the culture around me and patterns in my life so far. Do I really need the things I think I need or can I leave behind many comforts of this world? I don't want to be distracted by worldly things that bring me no fulfillment and bring no glory to God. I want to set my eyes on what is true, and just, and holy. Paul's life has challenged me like never before this week and I hope I was able to communicate just a little of that. I still don't feel like I've been able to bring out all that has being going on inside, but I know that I am more ready to live a life that has a whole lot less to do with me and whole lot more to do with God. A life that has more love, more selflessness, more devotion to God, more dedication, more endurance, and more fulfillment.

Are there Sacrifices I have made/may make that are similar to Paul?

      Well living the life of a missionary would seem to some like a sacrifice, but this has been the greatest, most fulfilling time of my life. To call it a sacrifice to serve in Hawaii, and to go to the nations is a stretch for me, but there are many things that I have had to leave behind. At first, yes they seem like sacrifices, but in the end, they are worth much more than comfortable living could ever bring. So I'm not worried about comfort so much and I'm not worried about finding fulfillment through worldly things. Jesus really is enough, and the power of Christ really does give me everything I need. He really is a good friend and father who is there for me relationally and as my provider. I've never faced the kind of sacrifices Paul had faced, but I know that God is more powerful to get me through than my own ability. I know that Paul was able to do what he did because of the power of God. It's almost relieving to know that Paul was weak and scared, short and not very good at speaking. It wasn't ever about Paul, but it was always about God working through him. The power of the cross becomes greater and greater in us as we give away more of our rights. The more we give of ourselves, the more we must rely on God and he never runs out of power and strength to give us. And so I'm learning that to sacrifice is to be fulfilled. Just knowing that I am doing what I know to be right and what brings the most glory and honor to God from my life is enough.