Scripture Reading: Acts 26:28–29
Introduction
A. When Agrippa resisted Paul’s persuasive efforts to convert him to Christianity, Paul expressed his wife for all to be “such as I am.”
B. Is it possible for us to be Christians like Paul?
Discussion
I. Paul became a Christian the right way and for the right reason.
A. He consented to the words of the Lord and of His messenger, Ananias (Acts 9:6; 26:19; 22:16).
B. He obeyed the gospel because he wished to serve God instead of men (Galatians 1:6, 10–17).
II. Paul was a Christian at all times.
A. He was a Christian in good times and also in times of great tribulation (Acts 11:20–30; 13:2–3; 16:25; 2 Timothy 4:2).
B. He was a Christian both in health and in sickness (Galatians 4:12–15; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Timothy 4:13).
C. He was a Christian both when he was in a crowd and when he was all alone (Galatians 4:15–16; 2 Timothy 4:9–18).
III. Paul was a Christian both in word and in deed.
A. Paul sought other’s benefit, not his own (1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1).
B. He did not seek vengeance against those who had wronged him (Romans 12:18–19; 2 Timothy 4:11, 14–15; 2 Corinthians 2:10).
C. He disciplined himself (1 Corinthians 10:12; 9:24–27).
D. He was subject to authorities (Romans 13:1–2; Acts 25:11).
E. He was not interested in the councils of men (Galatians 2:1–6).
F. He was willing to work and fight (2 Thessalonians 3:7–10; 2 Timothy 4:7).
G. He was never ashamed of the gospel (2 Timothy 1:11–12).
Conclusion
A. Paul says, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do” (Philippians 4:9).
B. Are you a Christian like Paul?