II. TRIALS SHOULD PROMOTE HIGHER LEVELS OF HOLINESS

Paul’s response to his trials is a lesson for us all.

1. He was motivated by a jealousy for the honour of the gospel. He was determined to give none a legitimate reason to criticise the gospel, verse 3-4.

2. He met trials with much patience. With as much patience as was needed. He did not permit the trial to divert him or distract him. He patiently bore with it. It was not resentment but patience was his reaction to trials. He reacted by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, verse 6. There is an important sequence here. Here are the graces and the power that must be at work in the heart before such a reaction to trial can be forthcoming. This he maintained through honour etc, verses 8-10. Circumstances did not alter his consistency and integrity.

III. THE LESSONS THAT ARISE FROM PAUL’S TRIALS AND HIS REACTION TO THEM

His patient sufferings approved certain matters, give proof of certain matters.

1. The value of the soul. That a man should endure such for those who were strangers to him and acted as enemies of him, indicates the value he placed upon their souls. He was engaged in a great work. Acts 9/16, 26/18.

2. The nature of the Christian’s warfare. What a strange means of counter-attacking! What strange weapons to employ in defence! Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good Romans 12:21. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men, 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

2. The debt we owe to faithful ministers. What darkness would reign today if men like Paul had not suffered and endured in order to spread the gospel? The descent of Romans 1:22-31. This earth would be a hell and each one of us a devil.