Characteristics of Paul’s Ministry
INTRO
I. PAUL ALWAYS GAVE GOD THE CREDIT FOR HIS MINISTRY (vv. 17-18).
A. Paul’s boast is “in things pertaining to God” (v. 17). 2Cor. 10:17; Psa. 20:7
B. Paul’s boast is in “what Christ has accomplished” (v. 18). 1 Cor. 3:5-7.
II. PAUL’S MINISTRY PRODUCED OBEDIENCE (v. 18).
A. Christ’s work has accomplished the “obedience of the Gentiles” (v. 18).
This obedience is the same as the “obedience of faith” (1:5; 16:26) which would include both saving faith and sanctifying faith.
Theological observations:
1) “Obedience” implies that the gospel invitation is a command that requires obedience.
2) Faith is the work of God. See verses: Rom. 12:3; Acts 13:48, 16:14; 1 Tim. 1:14; Phil. 1:29; Jn. 6:37; Jam. 2:5; 2 Pet. 1:1; Eph. 2:8-9; etc.
B. Christ accomplished this through Paul (v. 18).
Notice the “through me.”
III. PAUL LIVED A CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN LIFE
“by word” –
“by deed” –
IV. PAUL MINISTERED IN THE REALM OF HIS SPIRITUL GIFTS (v. 19).
A. “in the power of signs and wonders” (v. 19).
B. “in the power of the Spirit” (v. 19).
V. PAUL’S MINISTRY WAS THOROUGH (v. 19c).
“I have “fulfilled” (lit) the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to Illyricum (v. 19).
What does “fufilled the gospel” mean?
VI. PAUL’S MINISTRY TOOK THE INITIATIVE (vv. 20-21).
A. Paul’s aspiration (v. 20).
B. Paul’s commitment to virgin gospel territory (vv. 20-21).
C. Paul’s life verse (v. 21).
CONCLUSION