Paul’s Example: The Way of Peace

Paul's Example: The Way of Peace
Acts 18:18-23
• This is the beginning of Paul's third missionary journey - which is centered on the city of Ephesus.
• What we are to glean from it - Paul, his approach to ministry, what gives him success and peace.
• Paul is well-accustomed to sufferings and yet finds joy and peace despite them.
• We have his incredible example to follow
1 Cor. 11:1 "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."
***Foundation of Paul's Peace***
i. Commitment to personal worship
Paul's life is so busy about planting churches. Yet, no matter how busy he is, he makes time for personal worship.
(Acts 18:18 "...at Cenchraea he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow."
Nazirite vow - act of personal worship, way of consecrating one's life to God)
A lot of us have the tendency to neglect our devotions and our reasons are mostly about "busyness". If there was ever a man who could use such a reason, it was Paul but he did not.
Probably, the very reason why many of us are burdened is because we fail to set aside intimate time with God, which is the secret to joy and peace.
ii. Commitment to evangelism
Paul finally made it to Ephesus where he wanted to go before but was not allowed by the Spirit of God. (Acts 16:6)
He loves people so much that he is committed to their salvation.
It is one of the wellsprings of peace to him - pleasing God in preaching the gospel.
The times when we can experience the most peace is when we are out on a mission - sharing the gospel, even amidst persecution and hatred.
iii. Contentment under the will of God
The people in Ephesus want Paul to stay longer but he says, "I will return to you if God wills." (v. 21)
He is saying that though he has ambitions, he is content to be under the sovereign will of God.
They key to joy and peace is to say, "Your will be done."
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of the drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit". (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Do we really think that the key to happiness is our will being done than the will of God happening?
- read your Bible
- pray
- live for the winning of souls for Christ
- in all things say "Your will be done" and rest content in His will.