Dr David Petts speaks to a local congregation about Secrets to the Success of the Early Church (Acts Chapter 4)

The Power of Prayer (5 Themes in the book of Acts, Part 4)

The Power of the Name of Jesus (5 Themes in the Book of Acts)

The Power of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts.

In this final part of the series, Dr David Petts preaches that all Christians can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues.

Part 2 of this three part series originally preached at Brixham Community Church but Dr David Petts – Repent, Be Baptized, Be Filled!

The Situation

Paul was in prison

He was lacking fellowship

verse 11 – only Luke was with him

verse 10 – Demas had deserted him (cf v16)

verse 14 – Alexander had harmed him

verse 20 – Trophimus was sick

He was in danger of death

verse 17 (lion = lion or Nero or devil)

verse 6 – indeed he was about to die (cf. 3:11)

Paul’s attitude and reaction in the situation

He realised God’s presence with him despite the circumstances

verse 1 – in the presence of God……… I give you this charge

He faced the situation realistically

He did not seek  to deny the reality of his impending death

He took practical steps to alleviate the immediate situation as best he could

He urged Timothy to come as quickly as possible (with Mark) and bring his cloak, scrolls and parchments (9, 11-12)

He made what long-term provision for the future he could

He sought to ensure that his work would continue through Timothy after his death by giving him instructions (1-5)

He recognised the overall importance of the proclamation of the Gospel

In his instruction to Timothy –  preach the Word – do the work of an evangelist

From his own  mouth even when on trial for his life (17)

He concentrated on the certainty of his ultimate destiny

Jesus is coming to reign! 1 – his appearing and his kingdom

Jesus is coming to judge! – all (1) righteously (8) so I can leave Alexander to him! (14)

Jesus is coming for me personally!  – verse 18

Jesus is coming with a crown of righteousness for all who love his appearing! – verse 8

And finally…

 …perhaps Paul was able to do all this in the face of death because he was able to look back and view the past with satisfaction:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith – verse 7

I want to be able to say that too – but that will be determined by how I’m living now.