Transcript Living Dangerously For the Kingdom of God II Corinthians 11-12

Living Dangerously For the
Kingdom of God
II Corinthians 11-12
DR. J.L. WILLIAMS
JL, PATT & FRIENDS
WWW.JLWILLIAMS.ORG
Introduction
“It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points
how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of
deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs
to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is
marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives
valiantly. Who errs and comes short again and again;
who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions.
Who spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at the
best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement;
and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while
daring greatly so that his place will never be with those
timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”
(President Teddy Roosevelt)
Introduction
Most of us as human beings and as Christians tend
to live out our lives in a rather predictable pattern
of activity.
1.


Just as water poured in a container naturally settles to its
lowest level, we humans tend to “settle down” to a level of
living far below our God-given potential.
We too often settle for middle-class mediocrity rather than
excellence for Christ.
Introduction
 We
tend to ‘live within our limits’ through the
flesh – rather than ‘live without limits’ through
the Spirit.
 The primary reason we do this is because of the
universal “fear of failure.”
 Rather than ‘running the risk’ of greatness for
God, we hunker down in a life of safe,
predictable, comfortable living.
 We create a ‘comfort zone’ that we live our lives
in – free from risk and danger.
Introduction
2. However, God calls us to “LIVE DANGEROUSLY
FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD!” He calls and
enables us to “live beyond our limits” through the
power of His Holy Spirit.
Introduction
3.
One of the primary purposes of Christian worship and
fellowship is to provoke and stimulate us to dream BIG
dreams…step out of the box…run the risk…live beyond our
limits for His Kingdom and glory and for the good of others!
 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider
how we may spur one another on toward love and
good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as
some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage
one another – and all the more as you see the Day
approaching”
(Heb. 10:23-25).
Introduction
4. Definition of Christian: One who is…
Completely fearless
Continually cheerful
Constantly in trouble!
Introduction
2.
Note Paul’s admonition to Timothy: “Mark this:
There will be terrible times in the last days…”
Or as the NASV translates: “…difficult times will
come…”
3.
For the Christian, the times between the two Advents of
Christ will be dark, difficult and dangerous! As Paul
indicated: “…dangerous times will come!”
4.
As a result of those dark, difficult & dangerous times,
many Christians – and many Christian leaders, will
become distracted… discouraged… disillusioned…
depressed… defeated!
Introduction
5.
Problem: We too often play it safe where we should be
“living dangerously”; and we “live dangerously” where
we should be playing it safe!
6.
As Francis Schaffer said: “We must be the headlights
rather than the tail lights of society!”
7.
To live that kind of visionary life, we must preach and
live prophetically – which will cause us to often “live
dangerously” – not foolishly, or presumptuously – but
dangerously for the Kingdom of God!
Introduction
8. The problem with the American and Western
Church is that she is slumbering and sleeping
through the greatest days of spiritual harvest in
human history! Therefore, the greatest leadership
challenge is to wake up the sleeping, selfish, selfserving, comfortable ecclesiastical giant called the
Church! This exhortation of Paul has never been
more relevant:
 “Wake up O sleeper,
Rise from the dead
And Christ will shine on you!”
(Eph. 5:14)
Introduction
9. We must shake off our “ecclesiastical narcissism”
and “comfortable Christianity!”
10. In the Book of Acts we read about the Church at
Antioch and how they were led by “Prophets and
Teachers” (Acts 13:1) We must have a balance of
both:
Prophets
Wake you up
Teachers
Build us up
Shake you up
Lift us up
Biblical
Balance
Grows us up
Introduction
11. Authentic Christianity is:
Offensive
Not Defensive
Proactive
Not Reactive
Outside the Box
Not Inside the Church
Cutting Edge
Not Dull Edge
Introduction
12. At his most immature and carnal church in
Corinth, Paul faced the problem of false Apostles
who came in after him to undermine his life and
leadership. They presented themselves as ‘Super
Apostles’ who were superior to Paul’s Apostolic
ministry.

They boasted in signs while he boasted in sacrifice

They gloried in the spectacular while he gloried in service
Introduction
 They
were marked by selfish-leadership while
Paul modeled servant-leadership
 They
were self-serving while Paul was selfsacrificing
 They
lived safely while Paul lived sacrificially.
Introduction
13. So the Book of Acts and Epistles reveal how Paul
lived dangerously for the Kingdom of God! Second
to Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul was one of the
most dangerous people who ever lived!
Introduction
14. Because of his dangerous living and leading, the people
at Thessalonica said this of Paul and Silas:
 “These men who have turned the world upside
down have come here also” (KJV)
 “…upset the world have come here also” (NASV)
 “…caused trouble all over the world have now
come here” (NIV) [Acts 17:6]
Introduction
15. The greatest tragedy today is that the world largely ignores
the church! There was a time when the world…the
government…social institutions…educational institutions
both respected and feared the church! Today however, the
church has largely lost that influence outside her walls.
That’s because there is more of the leaven of the world in
the Church; than there is the salt of the Church in the
world!
16. As a result, most Christians and Churches are little more
than ‘chaplains of the status quo.’ They have been
tamed…domesticated…controlled…conformed. They are no
longer a force to be reckoned with – but a pietistic,
irrelevant and impotent group to be ignored!
Introduction
17. However, if like the Apostle Paul, we will “live
dangerously,” the world will have to “live
defensively!” If by the Spirit and Word we will
“live beyond our limits,” they will have to “live
within their limits.”

At the present time, the government and educational
institutions are “exceeding their God-ordained limits” and
are increasingly encroaching on the God-ordained territory
of the spiritual family and physical family.
Introduction
 Government
is legislating to us rather than us
speaking prophetically to them.
 The
world is on the offense while the church is on
the defense.
 The
church is marked by reaction more than by
proaction.
Introduction
18. So the church must again be characterized by
Christians who “live dangerously for the Kingdom
of God.” We must be “saints who are salty” to the
degree that we “live beyond our limits” for His
Kingdom and glory!
19. Look then with me at some of the places that the
Apostle Paul lived dangerously. 7 areas where he
“lived beyond his limits” for the glory of God and
the advancement of the Kingdom of God…
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
A. Paul “lived and led beyond limits” because of his
passion for Christ and the church. Note these
words of testimony about how he…
 “…worked much harder”
 “…been in prison more frequently”
 “…been flogged more severely”
 “…exposed to death again and again”
 “…5 times I received from the Jews the 40 lashed
minus one”
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
 “…3 times I was beaten with rods”
 “…Once I was stoned”
 “…3 times I was shipwrecked”
 “… I spent a night and a day in the open sea”
 “… danger from rivers”
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
 “…danger from bandits” (terrorists)
 “…I have labored and toiled”
 “…Often gone without sleep”
 “… I have known hunger and thirst”
 “… I have often gone without food”
 “…I have been cold and naked”
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
B. We on the other hand too often:
“Protect
ourselves”
“Indulge ourselves”
“Pamper ourselves”
“Worship ourselves”
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
C.
Listen to how he expressed his physical stress earlier in this letter:
 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not
abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always
carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who
are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’
sake, so that His live may be revealed in our mortal body.
So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in
you…All this is for your benefit…Therefore, we do not lose
heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light
and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal
glory that far outweighs them all.” (II Cor. 4:8-18).
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
D. To the church at Colossians he in essence said the
same thing:
 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you,
and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking
in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake
of His body which is the church” (Col. 1:24).
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
E. So Paul put it all on the line physically…

He lived beyond his physical limits

He s-t-r-e-c-t-h-e-d himself physically

He did not stay within his “physical comfort zones”

He died to himself daily in order to live for Christ

He made his physical body a “living sacrifice” for Christ and
His Kingdom!
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
F. Immediately after his conversion on the Damascus
Road, God revealed to Ananias and to Saul that his
life would be marked by suffering
 “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to
carry My Name before the Gentiles and
their kings and before the people of Israel. I
will show him how much he must suffer for
My Name” (Acts 9:15-16)
1. Paul lived dangerously PHYSICALLY (vs. 23-27)
G. In his farewell discourse to the Ephesian elders,
Paul reminded them of this cost of discipleship God
had graced him with:
 “I know that in every city the Holy Spirit
warns me that prison and hardships are
facing me. However, I consider my life
worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the
race and complete the task the Lord Jesus
have given me…the task of testifying to the
Gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:23-24)
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
A. Paul wrote about how he was “…constantly on
the move” (vs. 27).
B. To be “constantly on the move” for the
Kingdom of God -- takes money!
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
Travel in any age is not cheap!
C.

Often Paul traveled as a prisoner at the Government’s expense
(Acts 27:1).

Often Paul “…worked with his own hands” to cover his
own travel expense – as he did on each of his 3 Major
Missionary Journeys at one time or another
(Acts 18:1-4; I Cor. 4:12; 9:6; I Thess. 4:11; II Thess. 3:6-10).

At other times he accepted the financial help from Christians -as he did with the saints at Macedonia
(II Cor. 8:3; Phil. 4:10-16).
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
D. Paul was willing to be bi-vocational because God had
called him to be a “pioneer church planter.”
 “It has always been my ambition to preach the
Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I
would not be building on someone else’s
foundation” (Rom. 15:20).
So a pioneer evangelist and church planter must either
be bi-vocational and support himself; or have the
support of other people. Paul did both as the situation
required.
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
E. He wrote to the Corinthians:
 “Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order
to elevate you by preaching the Gospel of God
free of charge? I robbed other churches by
receiving support from them so as to serve
you” (II Cor. 11:7-8).
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
F. Listen to what he said to the Ephesian elders :
 “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold
or clothing. You yourselves know that these
hands of mine have supplied my own needs
and the needs of my companions. In
everything I did, I showed you that by this
kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words of the Lord Jesus
Himself who said: ‘It is more blessed to give
than to receive’” (Acts 20:33-35)
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
G.
Paul was not an ascetic who could not enjoy life! Nor was he too
prideful to receive the financial support of others. However, he
did know the subtle dangers of materialism and the seduction of
“upward mobility!” So he would not allow himself to become
“comfortable in his calling!” He continued to “live beyond his
limits” financially and vocationally
H.
That’s why Paul especially warned against the “Prosperity Gospel”
that encourages us to use God and the Gospel for personal
financial gain. He wrote young Timothy to be on guard against…
 “…men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the
truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial
gain” (I Tim. 6:5).
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
But then he goes on to give us the Biblical balance through
contentment:
 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we
can take nothing out of it. But if we have food
and clothing, we will be content with that.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation
and a trap and into many foolish and harmful
desires that plunge men into ruin and
destruction. For the love of money is a root of all
kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money,
have wandered from the faith and pierced
themselves with many griefs” (I Tim. 6: 5-10).
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
And again he wrote the warn Timothy of the
prevalence of this in the “last days”:
 “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers
of money…lovers of pleasure rather than
lovers of God – having the form of godliness
but denying its power. Have nothing to do
with them” (II Tim. 3: 1-5)
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
I.
Therefore, our “Check Book” and “Date Book” reveal
our priorities more than anything else! Our spending
of our TIME and MONEY reveal our true values
because we always invest them together in what we
really love. Where we spend or invest our TIME and
our MONEY show where our treasure really is. That’s
why Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).
J.
Example of Aart VanWingerden and his “Business
Generators”
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
John Wesley said in 1744:
K.



Earn all you can
Save all you can
Give all you can
Wesley then gave this financial summary of his life:
“When I die I leave behind me ten pounds…you and all mankind
can bear witness against me, that I have lived and died a thief
and a robber.”
Wesley was as good as his word. When he did die in 1791, the only
money mentioned in his will was the miscellaneous coins to be
found in his pockets and dresser drawers. Most of the 30,000
pounds he had earned in his lifetime he had given away – which
was a lot of money.
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
L.
Today with our emphasis on “saving” and “storing up,”
that statement by John Wesley sounds foolish.
M. But Jim Elliot said: “He is not fool who give up what he
cannot kept in order to gain what he cannot lose!’
 We Western Christians control 80% of the Worlds
Christian money!
 We have the financial ammunition to win the spiritual
war and fulfill the Great Commission in our lifetime! But
sadly, most Western Christians are either hoarding God’s
resources or are selfishly consuming it on themselves!
2. Paul lived dangerously FINANCIALLY/VOCATIONALLY
(vs. 7-8; 27)
N.
But Paul “lived beyond his financial limits!” He invested it all for
God’s glory and the good of others. That’s why he could say with
integrity:
 “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share
with you not only the Gospel of God, but our lives as well,
because you had become so dear to us. Surely you
remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked
night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while
we preached the Gospel of God to you”
(I Thess. 2:8-9).
 “I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and
expend myself as well” (II Cor. 12:15)
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
A. Paul spoke about how he was constantly “…in
danger from Jews…my own countrymen…”
B. Faithfulness to the Gospel often brings us into
conflict with people of our own race – regardless of
what that race is! At those times we will have to
remember that we are “…new creatures in
Christ Jesus” (II Cor. 5:17) and members of
God’s “…chosen race…” (I Pet. 2:9).
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
C. Therefore, to believe that and live out the implications
of that will often cause us to “live dangerously
racially!”
 Principle: “An intentional commitment to
racial reconciliation will cause us to ‘live outside
the limits’ of our own racial, tribal, ethnic and
cultural confines.”
D. But it did not stop there for Paul. Not only did he come
into racial conflict with his fellow Jews -- he also had
racial conflict with non-Jews. He said he was “…in
danger from Gentiles…”
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
E. Paul was often in “…danger from the Jews…”
because he challenged and broke tradition; he was
in “…danger from the Gentiles…” because he
often challenged their pagan idolatry and godless
philosophy.
F. Today in the West, the church is still largely a
“racial church.” As a result, we
meet…worship…fellowship…evangelize -- along
racial and socio-economic lines.
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
G. And the churches in Asia and Africa do the same…
Asian Churches
Caste
African Churches
Tribal
H. In the local and global Body of Christ we still have
not dealt redemptively and reconcilationally with
the racial question -- and especially the “Samaritan
challenge” of racial mixture…racial halfbreeds…mixed races.
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
I.
We are still living…worshipping…fellowshipping as
though Christ has not:
 “…made the two one an destroyed the barrier,
the dividing wall of hostility…creating in Himself
one new man out of the two, thus making peace,
and in this one body to reconcile both of them to
God through the cross, by which He put to death
their hostility…for through Him we both have
access to the Father by one Spirit”
(Eph. 2:14-18).
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
J.
It was that “one Spirit” issue that gave Peter his racial
break-through at the house of Cornelius:
 “While Peter was speaking…the Holy Spirit came on
all who heard the message. The circumcised
believers who had come with Peter were astonished
that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out
even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking
in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ‘Can
anyone keep these people from being baptized with
water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we
have’” (Acts 10:44-47)
3. Paul lived dangerously RACIALLY (vs. 24-26)
K. Many of us as Christian still struggle with what Paul
called a “…worldly point of view” when it comes to
race:
 “So from now on we regard no one from a
worldly point of view. Though we once regarded
Christ in this way we do so no longer. Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (II
Cor. 5:16-17).
M. To believe that…preach that…act on that…apply
that…socialize that…fellowship around that…worship
that…will cause you to live dangerously racially!
4. Paul lived dangerously SOCIALLY (vs. 26)
A. Paul said I am…”…in danger in the city, in
danger in the country…”
B. That means that Paul was not a parochial
Christian!
C. Paul didn’t just stray in his own
known…secure…predictable socio-economic
comfort zone! He ministered in city and
country…urban and rural…town and bush
4. Paul lived dangerously SOCIALLY (vs. 26)
D. The Apostle Paul was not a stay-in-one-place-stay-
at-home-Christian!
E. He did not socially play it safe! He did not try to
run with the “right” social Crowd.
F. Like Jesus, Paul also “…made himself of no
reputation…” (Phil. 2:7; KJV)
4. Paul lived dangerously SOCIALLY (vs. 26)
G. We need to remember that Paul was a “social blue
blood” who had more than the average socioeconomic advantages.
1.
He had “…studied at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22:3),
one of the top Jewish Rabbinical scholars of his day
2.
He spoke and wrote several languages: Hebrew, Greek,
Aramaic, Latin (Acts 21:37-22:2)
3.
He knew Greek Philosophy and could converse with the
scholars at Mars Hill (Acts 17)
4. Paul lived dangerously SOCIALLY (vs. 26)
4.
He was comfortable with the high socio-economic
people like Publius, the chief official of Malta
(Acts 28)
5.
Paul was also comfortable with those of mixed race -like Timothy (Acts 16)
6.
Paul also fellowshipped and co-ministered with women
like we read about in Romans 16 -- where 6 -7 women
are listed in that group of some 26 people who were his
associates
4. Paul lived dangerously SOCIALLY (vs. 26)
H. Though he was Jewish by birth -- Paul became the first
great “Missionary to the Gentiles.” As a result he lived
dangerously socially the rest of his life!
I.
The Church is not for “social climbers!” It is not a place
to “build your reputation -- but to “…make yourself
of no reputation” (Phil. 2:7).
J.
If you do that -- you will become socially dangerous to
many people! They may not want to be seen with
you…they will not invite you to their parties… you will
not be socially cool -- or politically correct!
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
A. Paul said he was often “…in danger from false
brethren.”
B.
At Corinth it was with the “super apostles” (11:5)
who were seeking to undermine his spiritual authority
and reputation.
C.
At Galatia, it was the Judaizers who were seeking to
put all the Gentile converts under the yoke of the Law.
He wrote and warned that the “…false brothers had
infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we
have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves”
(Gal. 2:11-14)
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
D. Paul fearlessly spoke out against – and wrote
letters against the theological errors of the…
1.
Traditionalism of the Pharisees – his own theological party
(Gal. 1:14)
2.
Rationalism of the Sadducees (Acts 23:1-10)
3.
Legalism of the Circumcision Party (Gal. 2:12)
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
4.
Asceticism and Mysticism of the “super-spiritual”
(I Tim. 4:1-4; Col. 2:16)
5.
And at times, he stood up against the Spiritual
hypocrisy of his own Christian brothers like Peter and
Barnabas when they vacillated before the legalism of the
Judaizers (Gal. 2:11-14)
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
E. Concerning the “false apostles” Paul wrote:
 “And I will keep on doing what I am doing in
order to cut the ground from under those
who want an opportunity to be considered
equal with us in the things they boast about”
(11:12)
F. So there was no “live and let live” theological policy
with Paul! He did not bow at the alter of plurality!
He did not advance through theological
compromise! Paul was never a theological
chameleon!
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
G. Paul went so far as to call them “…false apostles,
deceitful workers…” and he even called them
“servants of the devil” (11:13-15)! Paul definitely
failed the “Social Course” on “How to Win Friends
and Influence People!”
H. Paul boldly blasted these false theologians and
heretics! And when necessary he named names like
“…Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have
handed over to Satan to be taught not to
blaspheme” (I Tim. 1:20; II Tim. 4:14-15).
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
I.
Paul knew that false doctrine would “…spread like
gangrene.” So he further specifically warned about:
“…Hymaneus and Philetus who have wandered
away from the truth” (II Tim. 2:17-18).
J.
Because Paul was a “truth teller,” he constantly warned
the church against those who would “distort the truth.”
To the Ephesian Elders he warned:
 “I know that after I leave you savage wolves will
come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Even from your own number men will arise and
distort the truth in order to draw away disciples
after them. So be on your guard!” (Acts 20:29-31).
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
K. So because Paul was spiritually correct and Biblically
balanced, he was often times not theologically correct
with certain groups of people. His orthodoxy and
orthopraxy caused him to be politically incorrect with
many of the religious systems of his day!
L. Paul lived dangerously theologically with the dogmas
and doctrines of man --because he “played it safe” with
the “…faith that was once for all entrusted to the
saints” (Jude 3). He sounded a clarion call against those
who “…abandon the faith and follow deceiving
spirits and things taught by demons” (I Tim. 4:1-2)
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
M. When it came to revealed truth – what he called “…the
whole council of God” (Acts 20:22) -- Paul was very
“narrow-minded”… intolerant… inflexible…
uncompromising.
N. If we too stand up and speak out against the “politically
correct issues” and “theological sacred cows of our day
and age --- we too will live dangerously!
5. Paul lived dangerously THEOLOGICALLY (vs. 26)
O. Look how anyone is portrayed in the media who dares to
question – much less speak out against
humanism…naturalism…secularism…rationalism…
scientism…relativism…egalitarianism
(equality)…abortion…homosexuality, etc...
P. So while we must always “play it safe” when it comes to
orthodoxy and stick to the Word of God, we will often
have to “live dangerously” when we are compelled to go
against the popular and prevailing tides of theological
correctness that has embraced the ideologies of the world.
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
 “In Damascus the governor under King Aretas
had the city of Damascus in order to arrest me.
But I was lowered in a basket from a window in
the wall and slipped through his hands.”
A. Right from the very beginning of his ministry, Paul
found himself in conflict with political authorities.
B. We saw that God had called Paul His “…chosen
instrument to carry My Name before the
Gentiles and their kings…” (Acts 9:15).
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
C. Later in his ministry, Paul was brought before
Governor Felix because of the accusation of the Jewish
Religious Leaders. Here we see an example of the fact
that “politics and religion make strange bed-fellows!”
But Paul did not compromise his faith in order to score
political favor. He clearly spoke to Felix and his wife,
Drusilla, a Jewess, about “…faith in Christ Jesus.”
And as a result of Paul sharing about
“…righteousness, self-control and the judgment
to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s
enough for now! You must leave. When I find
it convenient, I will send for you.”
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
D. Then Doctor Luke gives this brief commentary about
Felix: “At the same time he was hoping that Paul
would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him
frequently and talked with him” (Acts 24:1-27).
E. After two years of imprisonment to appease the Jews,
Felix had Paul arraigned before his successor, Porcius
Festus. Again Paul made his own defense:
 “I have done nothing wrong against the law of
the Jews or against the temple or against
Caesar” (Acts 25:8).
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
F.
Knowing that the Jews were seeking an opportunity to kill
Paul, he said to Festus:
 “I am now standing before Caesar’s Court where I
ought to be tried. I have not done anything wrong
to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If,
however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving
death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges
brought against me by these Jews are not true, no
one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal
to Caesar.”
On the basis of that political appeal, Festus said: “You have
appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
G. In the meantime, King Agrippa and his wife,
Bernice, arrived at Caesarea to pay respects to
Festus – where Paul was being held in prison. As a
result, Festus discussed Paul’s case with Agrippa.
Paul was brought before King Agrippa where he
made his own defense as he had done before
Festus. In the process, Paul gives his own
testimony and one of the greatest presentations of
the Gospel found in the Book of Acts about the life,
death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
H. Obviously under conviction by the Holy Spirit, Festus
“…interrupted Paul’s defense. ‘You are out of
your mind,’ Paul, he shouted, ‘Your great
learning is driving you insane.’” To this
accusation, Paul replied:
 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus…what I
am saying is true and reasonable. The king is
familiar with these things, and I can speak freely
to him. I am convinced that none of this has
escaped his notice, because it was not done in a
corner. ‘King Agrippa, do you believe the
prophets? I know you do.’”
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think
that in such a short time you can persuade
me to be a Christian?”
 Paul replied, ‘Short time or long – I pray
God that not only you but all who are
listening to me today may become what I am,
except for these chains.’”
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
I.
Even though Paul’s witness was not “politically correct,” he
did not compromise his faith or message. And as a result,
King Agrippa said to Festus:
 “This man is not doing any thing that deserves death
or imprisonment. He could have been set free if he
had not appealed to Caesar.”
J.
Soon Paul sails for Italy to appear before Ceasar under the
Imperial Guard. In route they were shipwrecked on the Isle
of Malta. God uses Paul to save the entire ship of soldiers,
sailors and prisoners. And while on Malta, God opens the
door for Paul to witness to “Publius, the chief official of
the Island” (Acts 28:1-10).
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
K. Finally Paul and his companions “…came to Rome.”
There he was allowed a measure of political freedom
under “house arrest.” Thus, the Book of Acts ends with
these words:
 “For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his
own rented house and welcomed all who came
to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he
preached the Kingdom of God and taught
about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
L. There has never been a time when more men and
women are “burning out” in ministry as now!
M. Question: How do you “burn inwardly” like Paul
without “burning out?”
6. Paul lived dangerously POLITICALLY (v. 32-33)
N.
Answer: Through the ‘confidence of our calling’ through the Holy
Spirit, Word of God, Fellowship, Mentoring, Accountability,
Sacraments and servant leadership.

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this
ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have
renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use
deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the
contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend
ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of
God…For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ
as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’
sake…We always carry around in our body the death of
Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in
our body…So then, death is at work in us, but life is at
work in you” (II Cor. 4:1-12).
Conclusions
1.
We can see that it was costly and not cheap for the Apostle
Paul to “live dangerously for the Kingdom of God.”
2.
For Paul to “live beyond his limits” literally cost him
everything!
3.
But his passion for the Lord Jesus and extension of His
Kingdom caused him to put it all on the line…hold nothing
back…give it all…‘bet the farm!’
4.
And it was not Paul’s strengths that enabled him to “live
dangerously for the Kingdom of God” – but his weaknesses.
Conclusions
5.
He constantly “lived beyond his limits” because his
weaknesses drove him to a deep dependency upon the Spirit
rather than upon the flesh.
Paul learned the great paradox of exchanging his weakness
for Christ’s strength:
 “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show
my weakness…My grace is sufficient for you, for
My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore
I will boast all the more gladly about my
weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak
then I am strong” (II Cor. 11:30; 12:9-10).
6.
Conclusions
7. Knowing the “fear of the Lord” (II Cor. 5:11),
Paul feared nothing or no one else. As a result, he
constantly “lived without limits.” He lived and led
dangerously for the Kingdom of God”…







Physically
Financially
Racially
Socially
Theologically
Politically
Emotionally
Conclusions
8. Question: Are you living “Within your limits” or
“Beyond your limits” for the Kingdom of God?
9. It is only when we live and lead “Beyond our limits”
that His Holy Spirit manifests His…




Power in our weakness
Limitlessness for our limitations
Sufficiency in our insufficiency
Ability in our availability
Conclusions
10. Now I well realize that “living dangerously” and
“living beyond limits” can be radically different
things in different life-styles.
11. But basically it means:
 “Laying it all on the line for the Lord Jesus!”
 Being a “living sacrifice” for Him in our sphere of influence.
Conclusions
12. True Christianity has always been radical! It has
always been dangerous!
13. When Jesus said we would be filled with the power
of the Holy Spirit and “…be His witnesses” --the
word is martus, from which we get the word
“martyr”-- “one who bears witness by his death.”
14. I don’t need to remind you that there are 500 new
martyrs every day for the faith!
Conclusions
15. Nor do I need to remind you that this is the 20th
Century was the bloodiest Century in history! That
means that more Christians died for their faith in
the last Century than in all of the previous
Centuries combined! And the 21st Century is
proving to be just as hostile to the faith!
16. We must not only pray for the persecuted Church
around the world; we must prepare to be that
church!
Conclusion
17. Quote: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming – ‘Wow! What a ride!’”
Conclusions
18. Sam Shoemaker Quote: “You have pampered yourself
into mediocrity; when God wanted you to forget
yourself into immortality!”
19. Prayer of Commitment:
 “Lord, by the power of your Holy Spirit, I want to
quit playing it safe! I want to give up playing
church! I want to get out of my comfort zones
and into the world’s danger zones! I want to get
off the pew –and on to the front lines! I am
willing to start to live dangerously for You and
Your Kingdom!” Amen!