Chapters 17-22 Review

22Chapter 17

The Bible exhorts us to be ready to “give a defense” for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). The Greek word us here is apolgia. In Paul’s life he faced many people who attach him. The people would level criticism not based on facts but on lies. Each time Paul responded in calm and ordered way. He did not attack them but laid out the facts. How often do I attack the person instead of laying out the facts? Paul on several occasions used his status as a Roman citizen to deliver him from beatings or death. Paul when standing before the Sanhedrin realizing that it was a no win situation. He quickly devised a clever escape plan. He pitted the Pharisees against the Sadducees. In the back of Paul’s mind he remember and trusted the promise that the Lord had given him. That he would make it to Rome. Sometime Paul’s survival seemed impossible, until the Lord intervened. We need to remember that God has a bigger plan then we could possible imagine. Some time God uses other people to deliver us from danger. Paul’s nephew heard the plan of Paul’s assignation and he told the Roman guards. This saved Paul’s life. Sometime God like to show off what other explanation do we have for the 472 guards that accompanied Paul out of Jerusalem? It was as if God was saying just trust me because see what I can do. God’s timing is always perfectly synchronized with His will. “Paul fixed his mind on what God had said, firmly believing it was true.” We should not spend our time wringing our hand over our circumstances instead we need to focus on God’s promises. God is full in control.

Chapter 18

For those who focus on spiritual matter, a tender heart is a given. There is a poem that Swindoll includes that I really like:

For eve...

... middle of paper ...

...t as a workman, and gentle as a servant.

When Paul is talking with Timothy in his letters he warns him of people who will depart from the truth. The “fact, for many, Christian life will be one giant compromise with the world.” This statement is heartbreaking because it is true. We in the church no longer point out the hypocrisy because we either do the same or are afraid of rocking the boat.

Swindoll give a little life lesion he says “When someone in authority over you has your good at heart, do exactly what they tell you.” This is something that I wish more people lived by.

Swindoll points out that we today in the church have become lazy. That has translated into we don’t want to hear what we need to hear. We want to hear what makes us feel better. This book has been used by God to reveal so many truths about Him and how I should live my life.