Acts 14:15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
Yesterday when I addressed the issues Paul encountered with the Roman Tribute, Governor Felix and King Aggrippa I had hoped to address the differences between being convinced and being convicted. My memory failed me somewhat in that effort but as I read the scriptures a new message appeared.
Similarly I find something in these opening verses which I did not expect. I have no desire to be associated with what Paul calls “peddlers”. I am no Paul, that is for sure but neither were any of those who came alongside Paul or after Paul to preach the gospel. In that effort, we are all alike.
Present the Gospel and let the Word do what the Word does best, speak to the heart of each of us, whether to convince or convict. It does not have to be one or the other.
Aggrippa was not convicted by Paul’s witness, but who is to say that as it festered in his heart that it might have done God’s will. That is not for me to judge. I can only testify that in my life what was heard early came to mind later when it served God’s will.
Over the years this pattern of seeking answers has often led to discovering something different and worthy of presenting. I cannot deny the Spirit when that happens. I am willing to put aside my personal agenda in furtherance of the gospel. It is not my gospel, it is His.
Rather than heeding too closely to my vision, pay attention to what these opening verses speak to you. That is more important than anything I think and say. As I said, I do not wish to be considered a peddler.
The reason I named this article “Likeness” is because in this we are all the same, when we do not see the same thing in the scriptures let the Spirit speak.