Do What You Can Do

Read Acts 27 thru 28
 
Acts 28:22-24 “But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.” 23 So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe.
 
AS we may doubt our ability to tell the gospel to someone, let’s be encouraged with Acts’ closing words. Paul had finally arrived in Rome! Many Christians welcomed him, and many curious Jews wanted to hear from him. It’s sad to hear their only news of Christianity was that it was denounced everywhere.
   But that’s our first point of encouragement. The world today is not rejecting Jesus for the first time in history. One grievous truth throughout Scripture and history is that Jesus is and will be rejected until history ends. So be strong against the unbelief. Others have dealt with it, and so can you. This is the reality of good versus evil.
   Second, we can be encouraged with the results of Paul’s teaching. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. Think of it. Here was one of the greatest gospel teachers in history. The Spirit of God had used him to physically and spiritually heal hundreds, perhaps thousands of people. Paul has started churches around Asia Minor and in Europe. His letters are profound teaching instruments still instructing us today. He had done magnificent work for Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Yet not all believe his teaching.
   As we determine true Christian discipleship, we must understand there are things we can control and things we can’t. One thing we can control is our own heart to obey God as fully as we can. We can control our heart with a devotion to God in reading his Word, confession of our sins, learning from others and helping to build Christ’s community with spiritual gifts.
   But we can’t control others’ hearts. Their response is not in our power. Your speaking is your response to the gospel. Their hearing is their response to the gospel.
   Do not feel, then, you have failed if people do not listen or confess. This happened even to Paul most of the time. You succeed when, in God’s view, you tell and teach the good news with your words and your actions. That’s what Paul did in the Power of the Spirit. And we can do the same.