How Did Paul Do What He Did? Part 4

So we considered in earlier blogs that Paul’s strategy for revolutionizing the Roman world did not involve the military, political parties, the latest in technology or launching mega ad campaigns. His strategy centered on training new believers how to rethink who they were and what they were capable of accomplishing by tapping into the real and absolute power of their salvation. The mind was a common theme running throughout his letters. He repeatedly speaks of our minds and the part they play in learning to have confidence in who we are in Christ. No less than 39 times he writes of things such as being of one mind, having the mind of Christ, humbleness of mind and having a sound mind. In Romans 12:2, he exhorts us to,

“…not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your MIND.” (emphasis mine, NIV)

We have arrived at the heart of what I am trying to say in these blogs, so please stay with me at this point. Here lies the key to Paul’s success. This is how he did what he did. By renewing his mind in Christ, Paul grew to understand and believe all the following. First, God has all power and no one can stop what He chooses to accomplish. Second, God has a desire and a plan to achieve it. Third, that desire is that everyone should hear the name of Jesus and have an opportunity to accept Him as their Lord and Savior, thereby changing cultures, societies and nations. Fourth, His plan is to use us, you, to talk Jesus up in our various cultures, nations and societies, just as Paul did. Fifth, anyone who joins with God in this plan, just as Paul did, automatically taps the power of God. Finally, and most importantly, because God’s plan cannot be thwarted those who join Him are guaranteed success in changing their culture for Christ, just as Paul was.

Which century or decade makes no difference; success is certain. What country and which culture makes no difference; success is certain. No matter how depraved a society, success is certain. No matter what political system is in vogue, whether nationalism, capitalism, socialism, communism or some other “ism”, success is certain. In other words, failure is simply not possible to achieve in God’s plan. If a person, a group or a nation chooses to join God in the simplest of ideas (talk about Jesus); they will succeed in changing their society and culture.

We are the only variable that matters. The only real question to ask yourself is, will you be a part of God's plan or not? You do not have to be. God will find someone to replace you if you decline the invite. Therefore, how confident are we in our salvation and the power it holds? Do we really believe all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us? Do we really believe that, or is it just a feel-good fairy tale we pull out when things go wrong? If we, you, do believe, then there is no question about it. America (any nation for that matter) can still today, experience the full and awesome revolutionizing power of the Gospel simply because the faithful stop complaining about what has been lost, give up longing for the past, and start gossiping about Jesus with everyone we know, everywhere we go.   Only then will America “go back" to what it used to be.  That is what Paul knew and believed and that is how he did what he did. 

I am already starting to hear the groans and the “it’s easier said than done's.” That’s okay. Those groans and chuckles come from minds still awaiting training and renewal in Christ-minds that still lack the confidence to see the possible. For only the confidence gained by the renewing of our minds can overcome the inner doubt we can do it, silence the, it is too difficult objections, and calm the reluctance to move forward caused by timidity and fear of rejection.

So we need to talk about that confidence, where it comes from and how it should look in our lives.  We also need to discuss what it means to gossip about Jesus. For now all I will say is that it does not mean being obnoxious.  More later.