Press Into Christ

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 14:19-20

Have you ever thought about your life and what motivates you? Why do you do the things you do? These are questions that come to my mind when reading the above scripture. We see in Acts 14 that Paul continues to preach the gospel regardless of what context he finds himself in. The book of Acts, up to this point, has illustrated an explosion—in a good way—in the church. We see thousands upon thousands saved—Jews and Gentiles alike. This explosion is encouraging. This explosion brings confidence. This explosion brings boldness. This explosion also brings murder, persecution, arrests and a host of other horrible reactions towards those who are preaching the gospel. So why do it?

Why preach the gospel if this could be the reaction from those we are preaching it to? Why risk ridicule? Why risk losing friends? Why risk losing our lives—actually dying—for this gospel? We must not run from these questions or keep these questions locked away inside of our hearts. These questions should make us press into Christ and His Word because that is the only place answers will be found.

Take another look at verse 19. Paul, after preaching the gospel is stoned and dragged out of the city to be left for dead. Do you think Paul knew this was a possibility? Do you believe he was shocked at the reaction of the crowd? Of course he wasn’t. This reaction was of no surprise. Paul, himself, participated in this type of persecution before God saved him and was well aware of the desire of some to suppress the gospel.

So why do this, why preach the gospel if Paul knew what could happen? He answers this question in Philippians 1:12-14.

             I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

He did this for the advancement of the gospel. Paul did not walk into the mission field to lift himself up. Paul did not seek his own glory. Paul’s only motive was bringing God glory. We know this because even while he was in prison he was concerned with the spread of the gospel. Paul was not worried about his safety or comfort. Paul is exclaiming the good news and can have peace, while locked up, knowing that the gospel is being advanced. Paul’s imprisonment brought about boldness and confidence in the gospel. Brothers and sisters didn’t tuck their tale and run, no, instead they stiffened up and fearlessly preached the gospel.

2 Corinthians 11 tells us that Paul faced a great deal of obstacles during his life; beatings, stoned, danger of robbers, danger from people, danger in the wilderness, sleepless nights, and anxiety. Paul was prepared to risk it all because he understood what mattered most—Christ and His glory. Jesus transforms us—our hearts, minds, and desires.

We see this clearly in Paul’s journey. God grabbed a murderer, a terrorist and completely changed him and his focus. Please don’t miss that. Paul could face those stone throwers because he had glory on his mind. Paul could face imprisonment because he knew that the chains that held him on this earth would be broken for eternity. Paul could face anxiety and sleepless nights because he knew and trusted that his eternity was secure and he would be soaking in the glory of the Almighty Lord forever and ever amen.

Did Paul rethink his calling after the stoning—the attempted murder? Did Paul turn in a letter of resignation because things were starting to get tough? No, he rose to his feet and joined Barnabas on the mission field. Paul could not be sidetracked.

So I ask again, what motivates you? Why do you do the things that you do? I pray that you are motivated by the truth found in the inspired Word of God. This truth shows us that apart from Christ we are truly hopeless. We need a Savior. This truth motivated Paul to completely sell out to Christ. It is this motivation that allowed Paul to get up after being stoned, nearly to death, and continue to preach the gospel.

When this is our motivation we share Paul's anxiety for the lost and intentionally preach the gospel without fear. Truth-motivation allows us to let go of the superficial longings of this world and hold fast to eternal longings for Christ.