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Service
Considering all he had done to advance God’s Kingdom by preaching and living truth both personally and in relationship with others, Paul had every right to expect support from local churches when he visited, but he did not exercise that right. Instead, when financial support wasn’t readily available, he jumped in right alongside his brothers and sisters in Christ and worked to support himself as if he had never done all the extraordinary things they’d never had the opportunity to do. Rather than taking, Paul gave, demonstrating humility, illustrating the Gospel, and building up his brothers and sisters in Christ.
When possible and convenient for everyone, Paul went back to using his unique skill set and spiritual giftedness among his brothers and sisters for the good of the Kingdom and the Body as a whole (Acts 18:1-5).
When Paul had to be absent from a local church, rather than trying to maintain control, he appointed elders to take over leadership duties and responsibilities (Acts 14:23, 15:35). When his brothers and sisters were distracted by controversy over leadership and factions threatened, rather than take advantage of the opportunity to establish and solidify a fan base, Paul turned everyone’s attention back to the task at hand and reminded them Who their real leader was.
By following this focused, but flexible pattern of service and cooperation within the Body of Christ, Paul helped his brothers and sisters understand their role in it, embrace their responsibility to it, and appreciate their unique giftedness and individual skill sets. When he called on his brothers and sisters in Christ to live out the truth of the Gospel by demonstrating the same commitment to one another in service and love, they did not have to wonder what to do. He had explained everything and given them a memorable example to follow.
How about you? Do you contribute to the health and wellbeing of your local church body through participation and prayer, or do you drain your brothers and sisters physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
Is your local church more or less effective in its quest to preach and live truth as a result of your involvement?
What, if anything, needs to change? What would that look like?
About this Plan
Of all the apostles, Paul’s conversion/calling story was arguably the most notable and miraculous, his assignment to take the Gospel to the Gentiles the most unique, and the tangible results of his obedience the most impressive by human standards. Even so, Paul did not operate as a lone wolf, set apart from the pack and self-sufficient. On the contrary, this hero of the Christian faith understood the essential role his brothers and sisters played in his life and stayed connected to them even when his assignment to preach and live truth called him away for long stretches of time.
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