A MAN CALLED PAUL - By Beverly Wages

Though the Apostle Paul is not the most well-known name to children, it is important that they study and know about him for God used Paul to reveal a special message for us today. A Man Named Paul is a book written especially for young people, but it can be used by those of any age. The studies cover not only the life of Paul, but also the unique ministry that God called him to, and the special message that was entrusted to him, the revelation of the mystery.  (41 pp.)

Chapter 1
Saul of Tarsus

Scripture Reading: Acts 7:54-60, 8:1-3

If you were asked to name the man in the Bible who is the most familiar to you, who would you name? Probably some would name Daniel, or David. Some may say Moses or Noah. These are familiar and real men of God that we can read about in the Scriptures. In these lessons we are going to study about a man named Paul. Perhaps some of you have studied about Paul. All Scripture is important for us to study. It is God's Word, and is Truth. However, the man named Paul is very important for us to study about, because Paul was a man that God used to give us a special message for today.

If you have read the Scripture verses given above, you may say that you didn't find a man named Paul in this Scripture. You would be right. We see a man named Stephen, and a man named Saul. This man named Saul, is the same man that we are studying about. His name was Saul, but after he was saved and called by God for a special work, he is called by the name of Paul. Let's notice something about Stephen. If you would take time to read the entire 7th chapter of Acts, you would see that Stephen was a man that truly loved the Lord and was trying to tell others about Him. He went through a long message to these Jewish people to tell them what all the Lord Jesus had done for them. Then he told them how wrong they were to reject God's plans. This angered the people, and we find in verse 58, that they stoned Stephen to death. He died praying for them. This is a true account of a beautiful life. Stephen died proclaiming the love of God to the people.

However, in this same verse 54, we find the first mention of Paul (or Saul, as he was called here). Notice what he was doing, he was standing watching this terrible thing that was being done to a man of God. He even kept their coats for them while they stoned poor Stephen. In verse 1 of chapter 8, we see that Saul was consenting to this crime being done to Stephen. This means he was in favor, or would even help them to stone Stephen to death. He, like the others, was angered at any one who would tell about Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the whole world. In verse 3, we see that Paul went around committing to prison anyone who would preach about Jesus as the Son of God.

This, then, is the first we learn about this man named Paul. He was a strict Jewish religious man, but not a Christian. He was not a believer in the Lord Jesus, at this time. He was even fighting the people who did believe.

Stephen was willing to give his life to tell others about Jesus' dying for them. Others have done the same. Today, we don't have to die in telling others about the Lord. We have this freedom and privilege to give out the story of our Lord Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Do you have Him as your Saviour? You can be saved just by believing in your heart that He died for you. In our next lesson ,we will see that Paul did accept Jesus as Saviour, and what a change it made in his life!

Chapter 2
Religion is Not Christianity

Scripture Reading: Acts Chapter 8

Will you please read as much of the Scripture text given above as you can, before reading this chapter. For many of the men that we study about in the Bible, we have a record of their birth and childhood. For this man Paul, the first record we have of him is when he was a grown man. Another interesting fact is that during these chapters in Acts we find his name being called Saul. In Acts 13:9, we read:

"Then Saul, (who also is called Paul) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him."

In this verse, we see that Paul was called Saul at first, then later Paul. However he is one and the same man.

In chapters 7 and 8 of Acts, we have the record of Paul going around persecuting the people who would preach concerning the resurrection of Jesus and that He was the Christ, the Son of God. Paul, like most of the Jews, refused to believe that the man Jesus was the Messiah or Christ for whom the Jews were looking. Therefore, they would not accept Him as dying on the cross for the sins of the people. They would not believe that He arose from the grave. For this reason, Paul, who was very "religious," but not a Christian, thought it right to go around getting rid of all who preached Jesus as Christ.

We can see from this that "religion" is not Christianity. We can be religious just by doing good deeds, or going through some rituals or acts at church. Christianity is having Christ as our own personal Saviour. We can do this when we believe in our hearts that He was the Son of God, and He did die on the cross for each of us. If you haven't accepted Christ, you can do so today. This is the only way you will be saved. Christ is the only way to heaven. You must have Him to be a Christian.

Saul, though very religious, was not a Christian. Only when he accepted Christ as Saviour did he become a Christian.

Chapter 3
Conversion of Paul

Scripture Reading: Acts Chapter 9

In this chapter of Acts, we find again that Paul was going around trying to get rid of all who were preaching that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. In verse 1, notice who was working with Paul to do these terrible deeds. It was the high priest. Verse 2 tells us, "And desired of him (the chief priest) letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." He got his authority from the priests, the religious leaders of the Jews, to put all men and women in jail if they preached the true message about Christ.

However, in verses 3 to 9 of the 9th chatr, we see something wonderful happening to Paul. As he journeyed toward Damascus to carry out these wicked deeds, suddenly there was round about him a great light from heaven. In verse 4 we read, "And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Now read verse 5 to see what Paul did. Yes, he spoke out to the voice and asked, "Who art thou, Lord?" Did you notice Paul called Him Lord? He seemed to know immediately that it was the Lord speaking to him. And it was the Lord! This is how this man Paul, was saved. It was here that he saw the wickedness of his actions, and how wrong he was. He realized that Jesus surely was the Son of God. From this time on, Paul was a changed man and began to help preach about Christ, instead of doing wicked things to the true believers of Christ. In verse 6, we hear Paul saying, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" This really shows that Paul had accepted Jesus not only as Saviour, but also as Christ and Lord. He now wanted to do what the Lord wanted him to do, not just what he wanted to do himself. In the next lesson we will see what answer the Lord gave Paul.

As you read this lesson, I hope you will search your own heart. Are you just "religious," that is just trying to do something you think is right? Or are you a true Christian? No matter how much religion we have, no matter how much good we think we are doing, without Christ as Saviour, we are not saved—we are not Christians. If any one of us could be good enough to get to heaven on our own, then Christ would have had no need to die.

"In that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Chapter 4
The Lord Calls Paul

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:6-20

I hope you will take time to read the Bible text given above. It will help you in your study of this lesson.

In the days that Paul lived on this earth, the Bible, God's Word, was not printed so everyone could read. At this time, God would speak out in a voice from heaven. This is what happened to Paul. Today, we have God's Word, and God speaks to us through this Word given by God and recorded by men, as they were led of the Lord.

In verse 4, we see that Paul fell to the earth when he saw the great light and heard the voice of the Lord. This was the very one he had been working against, and now he saw Him as his Lord and Saviour! Now, he did believe that Jesus was the Son of God and that He had died for the sins of the whole world. He also believed that Jesus had come forth from the grave, conquering sin and death. It was Paul's belief and acceptance of the Lord that saved him, not just because his life changed. His life changed because he was saved.

Immediately, Paul said, "Lord, what will you have me do?" This is what each of us should do when we are first saved. We should seek the will of the Lord for our life. It is so wonderful to be saved, and know we are a Christian; however, it is also wonderful to know the will of the Lord for our lives, and live that life for Him. If some of you reading this have accepted Christ as your own personal Saviour, but are not living for Him, maybe you do not know the will of the Lord for you. You can know this through the study of the Word of God, your Bible. I hope that in these studies of Paul, you can see that you, too, should seek to find what the Lord would have you do. The answer to Paul's question is also found in verse 6, "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."

In the study of Paul's life, we never find him doubting anything the Lord tells him to do. Paul arose and went on into the city of Damascus, as the Lord told him.

It is my prayer for myself, and for you, that we will always be quick to obey whatever the Lord tells us to do. Remember, the Lord doesn't speak out from heaven in a voice today. He speaks to us through His Word. We must search the Scriptures to see what the Lord tells us to do today. We know there are many things the Lord told the Jews to do that are not for us to do today.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

Chapter 5
Paul and Ananias

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:6-20

When Paul was traveling to Damascus and saw the great light and heard the voice of the Lord, there were others that were with him. In verse 7 we read about them, and see that they "stood speechless." they heard a voice, but did not know it was the Lord speaking. They looked around for some man. When Paul opened his eyes, he could not see. The men that were with him took his hand and led him into Damascus. For three days, he was blind, and didn't eat or drink.

At this time the Lord brought another man into Paul's life. This man was a disciple living in Damascus. His name was Ananias. The Lord told him to go to Paul and told him just where Paul was in this city of Damascus. He also told him Paul was praying, and Ananias was to put his hands on him and heal his blindness. At first Ananias was afraid, and said that he had heard how that Saul of Tarsus was evil and went around trying to get rid of all the ones who believed in Jesus as Christ. He even knew that Paul had letters of authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on the name of the Lord. The Lord answered Ananias in verse 15,

"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel; for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."

In verse 17, we see that Ananias went his way and entered into the house where Paul was. Ananias was a true believer and a faithful man to obey the Lord. As the Lord had told him, he put his hands on Paul and his sight was returned. It is interesting to see that in verse 17, when Ananias went into the house to see Paul, he called him "brother." Ananias believed the Lord, and accepted Saul (Paul) as his brother in Christ. He also told Paul that the same Lord, even Jesus, that had appeared to him on the way, was the one that had sent him. True believers will want the Lord to have all the praise and glory for whatever happens. Ananias was just a messenger to do what the Lord told him to do. It was the Lord that healed Paul's eyes.

We notice in verse 19, that as soon as Paul was healed, he arose and was baptized. Paul was a Jew, and water baptism was an ordinance for the Jews in that day. Paul, as a Jew, obeyed this ordinance.

Verse 20 is a great climax to all that had happened to Paul.

"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."

What a change in Paul's life. He truly was a new creation. This is what Christ did for him. This is what Christ will do for everyone today. Jesus died to pay for the sins of all the world. The wages of sin is death, and Christ experienced that death to pay the price for our sinful condition. You can accept Him as your Saviour, right where you are. Just ask the Lord to come into your heart and life, and be your Saviour.

Chapter 6
Paul Delivered from Trials

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:20-31; 14:19; 16:22-34

In previous lessons we have seen how Paul was changed from one who was against the Lord to one who loved the Lord and served the Lord. He knew that the Jesus that was crucified on the cross, had indeed died for him and for all who would believe. Paul not only accepted Jesus as Saviour, but he knew Him as Lord. He immediately wanted to do whatever Jesus desired him to do. As Christians we should know and accept Him as Lord of our lives. We should seek the will of the Lord for our own lives. As Christians, young or old, we often have a fear of living openly for Him. Or maybe, we are just a little timid to live for Him, especially when other Christians are not around.

We saw in the previous lesson that in Acts 9:20, concerning Paul, "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." Paul knew how the religious Jews felt about anyone who would say that this Jesus really was the Son of God. He knew he could have been stoned to death. But he had faith in what the Lord had told him.

Remember in the previous lesson, the Lord had told Ananias that Paul was a chosen vessel. He would be used to bear the name of Christ to the Jews, Gentiles, and kings. If God was going to use him in this way, he knew God would take care of him. If Paul had any fear, this fear was put aside to do the will of his Lord.

As we read on down in this ninth chapter of Acts, e see that God did take care of Paul in many ways. However, as he preached many were amazed at the change in Paul. We see also in verse 22 that the more Paul preached and stood for the Lord the more he increased in strength. In verse 31 we read, "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."

Yes, as Paul went around preaching concerning the Lord, many believed. However, there were still many who would not accept Jesus as the Christ. Paul had many trials in taking his stand for the Lord. chapter 14 and verse 19, we find he was stoned; in chapter 16 and verses 22-23, we see that Paul and Silas were beaten; and then in verse 24 we find them put in prison in chains. However, Paul and Silas were still happy in the Lord. They were praying and praising the Lord in song at midnight right there in the prison. They were not happy to be in prison, but were happy because of their wonderful Saviour and Lord. They had the peace of knowing that the Lord would take care of them wherever they were. Also, they wanted to serve Him and praise Him wherever they were. The Lord did deliver them. In this same chapter 16, verses 25-34, we see that the Lord caused a great earthquake and opened all the doors and their chains were loosed. When the jailor saw this, he was afraid because he knew he would be punished for letting the prisoners escape. He started to kill himself, but Paul stopped him, and told him his prisoners were still there. The jailor was astonished, and because of the things that Paul and Silas had done, he asked them how he could be saved. We see in this portion of Scripture that he was saved and all his family. We can see then that many of the trials that Paul had, worked out for good. Even as a prisoner, he witnessed for the Lord and saw souls saved.

We may not understand all things that come in our lives. But, if we commit our lives to Him and live for Him, we can see that,

"All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Chapter 7
Salvation Sent to the Gentiles

Scripture Reading: Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28

The Lord said that Paul was a chosen vessel to be used for the glory of the Lord. He also gave Paul a commission. That is, the Lord told Paul just what he was to do in the ministry. Paul was to go to the Jews, the Gentiles, and kings. In this lesson we will see some Scriptures that show us that Paul fulfilled this command from the Lord.

Acts 13:46

In this 13th chapter of Acts, we find that Paul was called of the Holy Spirit to minister to the Jews. In verse 14, we see that Paul went to Antioch. Starting in verse 14, and going through verse 41, is the recording of Paul's message to the people. When the Jews refused to listen and believe, Paul turned to the Gentiles. We read in verse 46,

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."

The Jews in this area had the opportunity to believe but refused to do so, so Paul turned and preached to the Gentiles. Many Gentiles believed and were saved.

Acts 18:6

Paul continued to go the "Jews first" (Romans 1:16); when they would not believe, he would turn to the Gentiles. In the 18th chapter of Acts, we find that Paul came to Corinth. There he lived for a time, and every sabbath he would preach in the synagogues. This was the Jews' place of worship. The main message Paul wanted the Jews to see was that this Jesus they had crucified was the Christ. This angered the Jews. If they believed and accepted Jesus as Saviour, it would mean that they would have to admit they crucified the Saviour! In verse 6, we read,

"And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads: I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles."

The Jews, as a nation, rejected the Lord, although some individual Jews did believe. Paul spent more time in this area giving out the Word, and many Gentiles believed.

Acts 28:28

In this chapter we see that Paul went to Rome. Here again Paul wanted to preach to the Jews. At this time, he was a prisoner; however, he was allowed some freedom. He called some of the chief Jews together to ask to speak to them and the Jewish people. A day was set and many came to hear Paul. However, though some believed him, many didn't, and there was a disagreement among the Jews. When they would not believe, Paul told them in verse 28,

"Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it."

Paul was faithful to the Lord, and went from place to place giving the Word to the Jews, but they refused to believe it. So, God had him turn to the Gentiles. Many Gentiles believed, but as is true today, many did not.

Today, we still have many who will not believe. Salvation comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ. Unless a person believes that Jesus was the Son of God, that He died on the cross for their sins, and that He arose and ascended into heaven, they cannot be saved. Do you really believe in your heart?

Chapter 8
Paul's Faithful Witness

Scripture Reading: Acts chapters 21-26

The Lord had said that Paul would witness to the Jews, Gentiles and to kings. Paul was faithful to carry out any thing the Lord showed him to do. It took complete trust on Paul's part to fulfill his ministry.

We have seen how Paul ministered to the Jews, and then turned to the Gentiles in different places. But how was he to have the opportunity to witness to those in authority? Paul went through some suffering before this could be accomplished, but was so happy for the privilege of giving out the message concerning his Saviour and Lord.

As we have seen in previous lessons, the Jews hated Paul because of the message he would give them. He would preach the truth that Jesus, whom they had crucified was truly the Son of God and that He had risen from the dead. To get rid of Paul, the Jews began to accuse him before those in authority. We find in Acts 24 that Paul was brought before Felix, the governor. Here was Paul's chance to witness to him. Paul told the truth about how he was himself going about persecuting believers and how the Lord had saved him and gave him a command to go witness to others. In verse 25 of Acts 24, we read,

"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."

When Paul came before King Agrippa, he again witnessed concerning the Lord Jesus. In verse 28 of Acts 26, we read what King Agrippa said to Paul.

"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Paul's answer was, "I would to God, that not only thou but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds."

In these chapters in the book of Acts, we see that Paul was brought before Festus and Caesar, as well as Felix and King Agrippa. There was no hesitation to witness to all of them concerning the Lord Jesus. By the Scriptures above, we see how the message affected them. Thus Paul had fulfilled the commission from the Lord to minister to Jews, Gentiles, and kings.

As we see how faithful Paul was to witness for the Lord it should speak to our hearts. Certainly we should be ready to witness for our Lord at every opportunity. Many times we have opportunities to speak, and yet are a little afraid of those around; or perhaps we are just too timid. Paul is surely an example to us of how God can work through any who will just yield themselves to Him and love Him enough to want to speak of His goodness and righteousness. If you know the Lord as Saviour, and as your Lord you may have the privilege and opportunity to witness for Him by speaking and by living for Him. There is such a blessing to see someone who becomes a believer because we have witnessed to them. Don't let the old devil rob you of this blessing.

Chapter 9
Quiz on Paul

Scripture reading: Scriptures in Questions and Answers

In this lesson we will pause to review a little by having a quiz on some things we have studied thus far concerning A Man Named Paul. The answers will be found in the previous lessons and in Acts chapters 7-28. As you meditate and answer these questions from the Bible, write your answers on a piece of paper and then check yourself with the correct answers at the end of the lesson. Be sure to finish all the questions before looking at the answers.

Chapter 10
Apostle to the Gentiles

Scripture Reading:

Acts 9:15; 13:46-48; 15:3,7; 18:6; 22:21; 26:20; 28:28; Romans 11:13; 15:16; Galatians 2:2,8; Ephesians 3:1,6-8; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11

Paul was the only person in the Bible who was given the title, "The Apostle to the Gentiles." The Apostle Peter was sent to a Gentile at one time, but this was a special time that the Lord was dealing with Peter for a special work. Peter was never called the Apostle to the Gentiles. In fact, the Scriptures are clear that Peter's ministry was to the Jews, or the circumcision. Christ, Himself, ministered to some Gentiles, and yet He says in Matthew 15:24,

"But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

So, we see that Paul was the "Apostle to the Gentiles." This is important in Bible study. We need to see that God used Paul in a different way and to a different group of people.

Throughout all the Scriptures we find that the Gentiles, all people of the earth, had the opportunity to come to the Lord. However, while the Lord was dealing with the nation of Israel, everyone had to come as a Jew.

As the Apostle to the Gentiles, God revealed a new message through Paul. In Ephesians chapter 3, Paul tells us much about the message for us today. Paul tells us in Ephesians chapter 3 that this message was never made known to men of other ages. In other words the Old Testament prophets never knew about the message that Paul was to reveal.

All the Scripture is given to us to read, study, and learn, but not all the Scripture is given for us to practice today. For example, we all know about the Lord telling Noah to build an ark. This was very important for that time because of the flood that was to come. However, the instructions to Noah are surely not our instructions today. We would be foolish to spend our time in building an ark like Noah's. We would waste our life fulfilling what God gave to Noah to do, and it would all be useless. God has promised there would be no more such floods! And yet, we hear some people today say that they want to do everything in the Bible. Or some will say they want to do everything Jesus did while He was here on earth. It is not possible to do either of these things. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15,

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

This is why we need to see what message the Lord has for us today, and go accordingly. Remember, ALL Scripture is FOR us (to study), but not all Scripture is written TO us (to practice). In the next lesson, we will go further into this. You may want to be reading all of Ephesians chapter 3. We will study this in our next lesson.

Chapter 11
The Mystery Revealed to Paul

Scripture reading: Ephesians 3:1-9

In previous lessons, we have studied a lot about Paul, as a man. We have also seen how he was saved; and we saw how the Lord gave him his commission to minister to Jew first, then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16).

If you haven't read the Scripture text above, I hope you will do so before you continue this lesson. Then with your Bible open and referring back to this chapter you will get much more from this study.

Remember that the Spirit of God inspired Paul to write this just as the other "holy men of God" were moved of the Spirit to write the inspired Word.

In verse one of this third chapter of Ephesians, we can see several things about Paul and his ministry. Paul was a prisoner, but he looked at it as being the "prisoner of Jesus Christ." Here, too, he tells us that it was "for you Gentiles." In the next verse we are told of "the dispensation of the grace of God." For you who are reading this, I hope you won't be confused about Paul calling this the dispensation of the grace of God. The word "dispensation" here only means how God deals with us today, in this age in which we are living. The more you study the more you will understand this. This age in which we are living today is called "the dispensation of grace." That is, God is dealing with us today through pure grace. Our salvation comes from grace apart from any work we do. In Ephesians 2:8-9 we read,

"For by grace are ye saved through faith. And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast."

God has always dealt in grace, mercy, and love toward all mankind. However, under the Law of Moses, works had to be done also. Today is the only period of time that God calls "the dispensation of grace."

In Ephesians 3:3, Paul tells us that God revealed to him a "mystery" to be given to people of this age (dispensation). This wasn't and isn't a mystery like many fictional mystery stories today. It was just that it was a secret that only God knew, until he revealed it to Paul to write as part of the inspired Word for us. He was to reveal things now that had not been known by other men—not even the godly men that He used to write the Old Testament. In verse 5, we see that this was not made known to men of other ages. Verse 6 tells us about this mystery or secret that was not known or prophesied by any one else. Here we read that the Gentiles will be "fellowheirs, and of the same body." It was no secret or mystery that the Gentiles would be saved. Even in Old Testament times, Gentiles could be saved by becoming as a Jew. But this was something new and different. Paul was revealing that there would be a new body of people. This would be a "church" that would be made up of Jews and Gentiles. All would be saved just alike, that is by accepting the salvation that Christ worked out when He died on the cross of Calvary. As God looks down today, He sees neither Jew nor Gentile. He only sees all saved people in His church today. There is no spiritual difference in Jew and Gentile, today. This is the true church for today. In the next lesson, we will go further into the study of the "church."

If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are in the true church today. If you have not accepted what Christ did for all when He died on the cross, then you are not a part of this true church today. This is a serious decision for all of us to make. We must believe in our hearts that Christ died for us because we are sinners and cannot save ourselves. I pray you will do that today, if you haven't before.

"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:20-23)

Chapter 12
The Church, the Body of Christ

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 1:19-23; 5:23-32; Colossians 1:16-19,24; 1 Timothy 3:15-16; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

In our last lesson, we saw that the message that God gave to Paul was called a mystery. This means only that it was a secret until God chose to reveal it to mankind. He did this through Paul. The mystery was concerning the church today. The word "church" means "a called out group." For example, we read in Acts 7:38 concerning the "church in the wilderness." This was a "called out group" of Jews that the Lord led through the wilderness. The church today is called "the Church, the body of Christ." If you read the Scripture text given above you will see that in each of these, we are taught concerning this church. In the first ones, it is clear that the church today is called, the body of Christ. Every saved person belongs to this church. No one who has rejected or refused to accept Christ as their Saviour belongs to this Church, the body of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 12-14, we see that the Holy Spirit of God places us into this church when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our own personal Saviour. This is a spiritual act, not just something done by man to put us in a church organization. No human being can put us in this church or take us out of this church. It is something that only God does through the Holy Spirit. Our salvation and our being in the church is only from the Lord.

In Galatians 3:28 and Colossians 3:11, we are told it doesn't matter whether we are Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, we are all one in Christ in this Church, the body of Christ. We are all one in Christ who is all and in all.

It is wonderful to know that any one can be saved, and belong to His Church, the body of Christ. There may be some reading this that are Jew by nationality, or of some other nationality—you are saved in the same way and you belong to the same church when you are saved. The important thing is to accept the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour. Each of us have "sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). So, we all are sinners, and deserve death. But "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

We must not confuse this spiritual church that God calls the "Church, the body of Christ" with any local church that we may attend. All saved people from every local church are added to the "Church, the body of Christ" by the Holy Spirit when they accept Christ as Saviour. There are no unsaved ones in this church.

I trust that many who are reading this have accepted Christ as Saviour, and if so, they are also members of the Church, the body of Christ.

"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:17-18)

Chapter 13
One Baptism

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; Mark 1:8; Luke 12:50; Matthew 20:22; Mark 1:4

We are now looking into the message that God told Paul to give us for today. In this lesson we are going to look at the subject of baptism. This is an important subject because some people think that water baptism is necessary before a person is saved. When the word "baptism" is mentioned, most people think of water baptism. We must see, however, that there are a number of baptisms mentioned in the Bible. It is important to see this, or we will be reading the word "water" into the Scripture every time we see the word "baptism."

In the Scripture texts above, you will find water baptism, baptism of fire, John's baptism, baptism of the Holy Ghost, baptism of death, etc. In some of the Scriptures, we find more than one baptism in the same verse. For example, in Matthew 3:11 and also in Luke 3:16, we see that John mentioned that he baptized with water, but One coming after him would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. Then, in Mark 1:8, we see two baptisms, water and Holy Spirit.

Yes, there are many baptisms mentioned in the Scripture, and yet we find that when the Lord gave Paul the message for us today, we are told that we should only have one baptism. In Ephesians 4:4-5, we read,

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Most of us will see and agree that there is only "One Lord" or "One God." But the Lord, through the apostle Paul, is telling us here that there is only one baptism for us today. Now we can see the importance of learning which baptism is for us today. In 1 Corinthians 12:13, we read,

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

This is the one baptism that we need. This is the one baptism that puts us into the one church, the Church the Body of Christ. If we notice carefully, we see that the Holy Spirit of God is the One that baptizes us into this body, or church. It is not a human being. This is a spiritual baptism. It is the one baptism that puts us in God's church for today. This is the one baptism for today.

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:9-10)

This is what is important—to be in God's Church!

In the next lesson, we will continue this study on baptism. In the meantime, please continue to read the Scripture texts given above.

Chapter 14
Why was Jesus Baptized?

Scripture Reading:

From last lesson, plus John 1:26-33; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; Galatians 4:4; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27

We are studying concerning the message that God gave to Paul for our life and worship today. The Lord gave many apostles and others to give the law and all the message He had for the nation of Israel. We can study about this in all the Old Testament, the four gospels, and into the book of Acts. However, when God called Paul, a new message for the Church was revealed. This message was never known by any prophet or others who taught the nation of Israel.

In the last lesson, we studied concerning baptism. The Lord, through Paul, tells us in Ephesians 4:4-6 that we have only one baptism for today. Then we saw in 1 Corinthians 12:13 that this one baptism is performed by the Holy Spirit, who baptizes us in the death of Christ and puts us into the Church, the Body of Christ.

In some of the Scripture texts for this lesson we see several Scriptures that tell about Jesus being baptized with water. This was performed by John, the Baptist. However, John tells us in John 1:26-33 just why he baptized Jesus with water. In the 31st verse we read,

"And I knew him not: but that he shouldbe made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water."

Christ came into this world as a Jew; therefore he fulfilled all the law and ordinances that the Jews were to do. Some feel that we should be baptized with water because Jesus was baptized with water. However, we see in this Scripture that Jesus was to be identified with the nation of Israel. We are not Israelites, and do not have to be identified with Israel. No one could ever do all that the Lord did. We are never told that we have to follow the Lord in circumcision, baptism, worship in the synagogue, and certainly we couldn't die for the sins of the world. Christ was taken to the temple as a small child; He was circumcised, and fulfilled all that the Jews required of the Jewish people.

Today, we are to do what the Lord tells us to do. He chose Paul to give us our instructions for today. He chose Moses at one time to relay the message of the Law, and Noah to announce the flood. When the Lord chose a special person for a special reason, He made it clear what that person was to do and teach.

Therefore in this subject of baptism, we must follow the one baptism that is for today. By this one baptism every saved person is identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This baptism is performed by the Holy Spirit when we accept the free gift of salvation from sin, which Christ accomplished when He died on the cross. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into His death, puts us in the Body of Christ, and seals us. We can never be taken out of this Body!

Chapter 15
What About Ordinances?

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2

When we study the Old Testament Law we find many ordinances and rituals that the people of Israel were to go through. Even the study of the Tabernacle and the Temple will show us many rituals that God had the people to do. The Priest had many ceremonies to perform. This was according to the instructions of God. However, today, God has taken away these ordinances, rituals, and ceremonies. When He called Paul to give the message for today, these things were taken away. In 1 Corinthians 1:22, we read,

"For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified."

The Lord used signs and miracles and rituals while dealing with the nation of Israel. However, in our text today, Colossians 2, and verse 17, we read,

"Which are a shadow of things to come: but the body is of Christ."

To really understand this, we must go k up to verse 14 and read. In this verse we are told that Christ blotted out the handwriting of ordinances, or took them out of the way, nailing them to His cross. In other words, Christ fulfilled all the law, the ordinances, the rituals, and the observing of holy days, etc. when He died on the cross. That is why He says in verse 17, these things were only a shadow of things to come.

In our worship today, we should worship Him "in spirit and in truth." There is no need for outward ordinances and rituals. These things only satisfy and entertain our outward being, or our flesh. In verse 8 of our text we read,

"Beware lest any many spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

Today many people want to do things because someone has done them for years. So, they will follow along. This would be a tradition. We must go to the Word of God to see if this "tradition" is truly from the Lord and for us today. In other words, each of us is responsible to worship the Lord according to His Word and will (2 Timothy 2:15).

Since Paul is the one the Lord used to give us a message of how to worship Him today, we need to spend much time in the study of the books written to us. In Paul's epistles, we find much about our worship today. Take time each day to read some of these chapters and see what the Lord tells us concerning our worship today. This is the way we grow up spiritually. We study a little here, a little there, and finally we are mature Christians. The devil would have us get discouraged, and stop studying the Word. If you are saved then, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Chapter 16
Living for the Lord

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3

In the first three verses of this chapter, we see several things that are very important to all Christians. If we desire to live for the wonderful Lord who saved us, we should heed these verses. In the first place, we are told to seek things which are above. Or, we could say, we should look to spiritual things. So many times our minds, hearts and affections are on earthly things or material things. We think of things we want to have that will make us comfortable or things to play with or things that satisfy our flesh. In this chapter the Lord is teaching us, through Paul, that we should seek or look for heavenly things—spiritual things. We should set our affections on things above, not on things of this earth. We should desire spiritual blessings and spiritual things that would keep our minds on Christ.

One day recently I saw three young boys who had been caught stealing and doing other crimes. When they were asked why they did these things, they replied that they wanted money to buy things that some of their friends had. Their whole thoughts were on owning material things, and it didn't matter how they got them. This was an extreme case, and probably these boys were not even Christians. However, even Christian boys and girls (and adults too) need to take the warning given here to look for heavenly things, and set our affection on things above.

If we read and study all this chapter, we will see how we can do this. We are told, in verse 10, that we should let our new nature rule in our lives. is the new person that the Lord instills within us when we are saved. Verse 16 tells us that we should "let the word of God dwell" in us. This verse also tells us that this Word of God teaches us. It is from the Word that we obtain wisdom. Verse 17 is a favorite verse of mine. If you haven't learned this verse, perhaps you will memorize it. It tells us that whatever we do or say, we should do all in our Saviour's name. This means that we should do it for the glory of the Lord. This would change our attitude concerning material things we want for ourselves. We would desire that all things be for our Lord.

The remainder of this chapter speaks to different members of a family and household. Then in verse 23, it concludes by telling us to do all things from our hearts to the Lord.

This message is part of the things that the Lord told Paul to give to us today. Our lives and our worship should be done from our hearts as unto the Lord. All things should be done to please the Lord, not to please ourselves.

Many people want to go back to a message given to the Jews. They want to see miracles, and things that satisfy the human part of us. The Lord wants us to worship Him "heartily (from the heart) as to the Lord, and not unto men."

I trust you will read all the Scripture text again and again, and let the Lord lead you in your service, work, and worship for Him.

Chapter 17
Thanks to God

Scripture Reading:

1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 1:11; 2:14; 4:15; 8:16; 9:11,15; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thess 3:9; 5:18; 1 Timothy 4:3

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Throughout the writings of the apostle Paul, we find him talking about being thankful. In the above Scripture, Paul is talking about the Lord Jesus as the wonderful gift. He was thankful that Jesus died on the cross to become his Saviour. As we have seen in previous lessons Paul was a religious man, but not saved until the day that the Lord called him on the road to Damascus.

In each of the verses above in our Scripture Reading, Paul speaks of being thankful. In 1 Corinthians 15:57 we read,

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

This is a wonderful Scripture. Whatever problems we may have, whether we be young or old, the victory can come when we have the Lord Jesus Christ. He took care of our victory when He died on the cross. We can even have victory over sin because of the cross. 2 Corinthians 2:14, goes well with this Scripture, too. It tells of our triumph in Christ for which we are thankful. Also, in Philippians 4:6 we read,

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Here we are told to pray with thanksgiving instead of worrying about problems. The following verse shows the peace we can have when we commit all things to our Lord. Peace is one of the greatest gifts we can have, and is also a great victory. Even with trouble all around us, we can have this wonderful peace in our hearts and lives.

In Ephesians 5:20, we are told to give thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some things may be hard to be thankful for, but if they are according to the will of the Lord, we should be thankful. Many things may be hard to go through or even understand, and yet sometimes one can be a better person for having gone through the experience.

I wonder how many times we ask the Lordor things and never remember to thank Him for answering our prayers. I wonder how often have we thanked Him for our salvation. I wonder how often we thank Him for His Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our pathway. I wonder how often we thank Him that we, today, are complete in Christ when we are in Him and He in us. We have so many spiritual blessings today that we should be thankful always to our wonderful Lord. Then we can have victory and peace through Him.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:2-3)

Chapter 18
The Best Gift of All

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15)

If I were to ask you why Jesus was born into this world, could you tell me? The apostle Paul knew. We can see this by the Scripture above which he wrote as he was led of God. Christ came into the world to save sinners! Yes, Christ was born to die!

Because we are all sinners, we cannot save ourselves or each other. It took a perfect person to be the perfect sacrifice and pay the price for our sinful condition. The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4,

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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."

Paul knew this well. He had accepted the sacrifice that the Lord had made for him and became a child of God. He knew he was the chief of sinners, because he had spent some of his life persecuting any who would speak of Jesus as the Son of God. As we have seen in previous lessons, after Paul accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and Lord, he spent his life giving out the Word that God revealed to him. Besides teaching the wonderful truths concerning the one Church, the body of Christ and our completeness in Christ, he stressed that first we must see Jesus on the cross paying for our sins.

When Christmas time comes around, many people see His birth as a time of holiday and celebrating. As Christians, we should not just read of how Jesus was born as a baby in Bethlehem. We should see that He came to die for us. This little baby did grow up. He lived a perfect life, so that He could pay the penalty for our sins. "The wages of sin is death—" (this was our condition because of our sinful state), "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (this is our standing because of His love and grace).

If you receive gifts, and rejoice in all you have, please remember the best gift of all—our salvation in Christ. He gives us this gift because He loves us, and doesn't expect anything in payment.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Boys and girls, if you have never memorized this verse, would you start right now memorizing it? As you learn it, think much on each word and see just what the Lord has done for you. If you have never accepted Him as your Saviour, you can do that right now. You can be a new person even before this year ends. What a wonderful way to start the new year, as a child of God. I am praying for you.

Chapter 19
Summary

In previous lessons we have studied a lot about Paul. We have seen things concerning Paul as a man, and things that he taught. In review, we will list some of the things we have seen about him.

           We saw that Paul (who was also called Saul) was a religious person, before he was saved. He was very strong in standing in the Jew's religion. Because he wasn't saved, he did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, nor the Saviour of the world. In fact, he persecuted all who did teach this. (Acts 7 and 8)
        
.           We saw that Paul was saved, and immediately wanted to do what the Lord desired him to do. God gave him a special commission. He was to go to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles. He also was given a special message to preach. (Acts
          
           Paul is the only one ever to be called "the apostle to the Gentiles." He always spoke of himself as an "apostle to the Gentiles" or "apostle to the church." (Acts 15; 13:46; 18:6; 28:28; Romans 11:13)
        
           Paul preached a message that G gave to him; one that had never been given to any one before. This was a new message, not prophesied, but given by God for us today. This message is that there is one church today, the Church, the body of Christ. God sees us all one in Christ. He doesn't see Jew or Gentile. We have all become one when we are in His Church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:13-18; 3:1-12; Colossians 1:15-19)
         
           The message God gave to Paul to preaclls us that there is only one baptism for us today. This is the baptism by the Holy Spirit, as He baptizes us through the death of Christ into the one Church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 6:1-6)
          
          We are complete in Christ, and are not subject to any ordinances or rituals in our worship today. (Colossians 2:9-10, 11-17, 20-23)

. God's message to us, through Paul, is to "study" and "rightly divide the Word of truth." We are to study and understand all the Scriptures, but realize which Scriptures are to us today. We should live and worship as our wonderful Saviour and Lord desires. (2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2; 2 Corinthians 4:5)

Mp3 Studies By Pastor Gregg Bing

Ephesians - 01 - Introduction

Ephesians - 02 - Blessed be God

Ephesians - 03 - Nature of Our Blessings

Ephesians - 04 - The Will of the Father

Ephesians - 05 - The Work of the Son

Ephesians - 06 - The Fullness of the Times

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How God Saves Men

Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.

Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.

Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4

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