Why would some Christian leaders teach that God’s will for His children always involves freedom from physical pain, emotional struggles, and spiritual battles? We know that this is a false doctrine or teaching. In 2 Corinthians 12, we read about Paul’s thorn in the flesh. He asked the LORD three times to take it away, but each time the LORD said “No, My grace is sufficient for you.”
When the apostle went to Jerusalem, he quickly contacted the church leaders.
- He shared with them his successful ministry among the Gentiles. (Acts 21:15-20)
- He presented gifts of money to be distributed among the poor. (Romans 15:14-32; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15)
While his reception was positive and encouraging, he was informed that many Jews who had believed in Jesus had been told false rumors about Paul – In Acts 21:21 we read, “But they have been informed about you – that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to live according to our customs.”
Paul had taught that no one could be saved via circumcision or keeping the Mosaic Law. On the other hand, Paul taught that salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone.
James and the other elders were fearful of what the Jews might do to Paul; so they hatched a plan to protect him. They remembered that four Jewish Christians had made a vow and were about to go through a time of purification. The elders insisted that Paul join these men in these rites and even pay their expenses. (Acts 21:22-24)
Paul took their advice in harmony with the freedom to practice his Jewishness without compromising the Christian gospel of salvation by grace. The plan didn’t work because some of the Jews who had rejected Jesus as the Messiah, recognized Paul and they incited a riot against Paul falsely saying that he had brought some Greeks into the temple. (Acts 21:26-30)
As you read the passage, you will see that the Jewish leaders couldn’t agree among themselves, and the scene became violent, so the Roman commander took Paul into custody. Later, the commander learned that the Jews were planning to make an attempt on Paul’s life, so he moved him to Caesarea, where Paul would be able to appear before a Roman governor. (Acts 23:1-35)
I wonder if a movie has ever been made of all this activity concerning Paul?
One thing Paul was convinced of and he tells us what it was in Romans 8:28 – “But we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose.” God has a perfect plan for each life. It is a plan that includes good things and painful things.
Consider two different principles:
1. Living in God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will doesn’t guarantee freedom from environmental disasters that cause physical pain, emotional stress, and spiritual battles. Be sure you read 1 Peter 1:6-7
2. Life struggles often offer the greatest opportunities to demonstrate character and to be a strong witness for our Lord. In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul wrote – “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most brothers have gained confidence in the LORD from my imprisonment and dare to speak even more fearlessly the word of God.”
Questions:
- What have you learned from your sufferings? Is your suffering due to some sin or is it something God has allowed? (John 9:1-5)
- How do you think God might use your suffering as a witness to others for His glory? (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Again, I pray that this meditation will help you to see your struggle from God’s perspective.
Blessings, Pastor Leonard
