NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVED ME ACTS 20:22-24

NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVED ME… PHYSICAL AFFLICTIONS

I. PHYSICAL AFFLICTIONS A.Persecutions 1)To make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away. (Thayer’s Lexicon): 2)To pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment; to annoy or trouble persistently. (Random House Dictionary)

 Paul’s life seemed to be in jeopardy at all times (Acts 14:19-20; 2 Cor. 11:24-27)  However, Paul understood that all who live godly would suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12) I. PHYSICAL AFFLICTIONS: PERSECUTION CONT’D

B. Physical Problems Paul was also afflicted with some physical malady. (2 Cor. 12:7-10) I. PHYSICAL AFFLICTIONS CONT'D He viewed it as a messenger of Satan to keep him humble. Though God did not remove it, he did not allow it to keep him from his task of preaching (Gal. 4:12-14)

CRITICISM NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME… TODAY’S TOPIC: Acts 20: Cor. 10:10

CRITICISM DEFINES  The art of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing (Merriam-Webster)  To Find-fault (21 st Century Dictionary)

1. See the Criticism as an Opportunity  The opportunity can come in many forms;  It might be an opportunity to learn about your strengths and weaknesses HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM

1. See the Criticism as an Opportunity cont’d  Your ability to handle tough situations  Or to learn more about the critic.  It might simply be an opportunity to learn how to manage your anger HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM CONT’D

2. Engage in Honest Assessment  It is important to be honest with yourself and recognize that criticism - even if poorly delivered - may still have a ring of truth HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM CONT’D

3. If it is Correct, Accept and Learn from the Criticism  Try to embrace the criticism and examine the lesson that it provides. HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM CONT’D

4. Do Not Dwell on the Criticism If the criticism is accurate then: a)Learn the lesson b)Consider what needs to be done to improve c)Make the improvement d)Get over it and move on HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM CONT’D

Life Is Too Short To Spin Your Wheels On Some Single Episode Of Criticism. Get Rid Of The Replay Button; Instead Think Of It As Repair Button That Has Fixed The Problem- with No Need For Further Attention

Fleshly Appetites NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVED ME…

II. FLESHLY APPETITES 1.It is a war between the desire to do right against the propensity to do evil. 2.Being a man, he fought this battle himself. 3.Paul was determined the flesh would not keep him from his eternal prize (1 Cor. 9:27) Paul’s Help in overcoming fleshly lusts: 1.He listed the works of the flesh so we are able to identify them (Gal. 5:19-21) 2.He let us know we are to hate evil (Rom. 12:9) 3.He told us to abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thess. 5:22)

FRIENDS and FAMILY Relationships NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVED ME…

III. FRIENDS AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS A.Paul had a very rich heritage – Phil. 3:4-11 B.He had been a student of Gamaliel, respected teacher of his day (Acts 22:3; 5:34) C.He had excelled in his studies. (Gal. 1:14)

Yet, When Paul Learned The Truth, He:  Did not say, “I cannot accept this doctrine for I would be condemning my people.” III. FRIENDS AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS CONT’D  Obeyed the gospel for his own salvation. (Gal. 1:5-17; 9:18)  Made every effort he could to reach his people with the truth. (Acts 26:19-20; Rom. 9:1-3)

OPPOSITION WITHIN THE CHURCH NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVED ME…

IV. OPPOSITION WITHIN THE CHURCH  When one stands for the truth, he might expect opposition from outside the church

 Some in the church greatly opposed Paul  They endeavored to discredit his apostleship  They sought to destroy his influence for good IV. OPPOSITION WITHIN THE CHURCH CONT’D

 There are those today, supposedly in the church, who, for reason known to them, will oppose efforts for good As difficult as it may be, one who is striving to do right must not be stopped by them As Paul, one must continually press on IV. OPPOSITION WITHIN THE CHURCH CONT’D

STANDING ALONE NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVED ME…

V. STANDING ALONE  Someone said “sometimes you have to stand alone to prove that you can still stand”  It takes great faith and courage to stand alone when it seems all the world is going in a different direction

 Paul knew what it was to stand alone and be forsaken by fellow members of the church (2 Tim. 4:16)  Even though all forsook him, Paul did not allow this to move him from his goal. (2 Tim. 4:17) V. STANDING ALONE CONT’D

 Sometimes in serving Christ you will be all alone  In reality, as a Christian you are never alone for the Lord is with you. (Matt. 28:20)  Remember, also, the majority does not necessarily make right V. STANDING ALONE CONT’D

It Is Easy To Stand With The Crowd. It Takes COURAGE To Stand Alone

CONCLUSION i.Paul says “None of these things move me” ii.Is heaven your goal? iii.If it is, then do not let anything in this world move you from attaining it