Vigorous for Jesus

Acts 18:27-28 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
 
YEARS after this when Paul was near the end of his life, he wrote these powerful words to Timothy, who then was a pastor at Ephesus: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Scripture knowledge is your Spirit-powered equipment to do God’s work.
   Apollos was equipped. His academic work in Alexandria, Egypt, and his gospel lessons under Priscilla and Aquila were bearing fruit. Apollos vigorously used what he had learned to be a great help to confirm and strengthen the new believers in Corinth. With a strong faith, true knowledge and determined purpose, Apollos debated the Jews to prove from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
   Consider how Apollos was similar to Paul. Both men were well-educated Jews. In each man the Spirit added to their knowledge of the Old Testament to know those Scriptures pointed to Jesus. Both men defended Jesus against the Jews’ persistent, forceful attempts to silence the gospel.
    Do you see what has happened in the early church? Jesus first appointed Paul to  his ministry and taught Paul to know Jesus is the Christ. Paul then taught Priscilla and Aquilla. This couple next taught Apollos. Paul taught as Jesus did, vigorously defending the kingdom of God against all persecution. Priscilla and Aquila preached as Paul. Apollos continued through Aquila’s and Priscilla’s mentoring. Vigorous mentors make vigorous preachers and teachers. Moving the gospel forward requires definite, forceful action. Complacency is not in a true Christian’s character.
   Your faith in Jesus requires a vigorous response, doesn’t it? The Bible tells us that In the moments, the days and the weeks after you confess, “Jesus is my Lord. He is my Savior.” evil begins his passionate assault against your faith. The Bible illustrates Satan’s methods as he quickly assaults Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve weakly submitted to Satan’s promised pleasure above God’s life-giving commands. For thousands of years the devil then systematically attacked God’s people, flawed with pride, doubt and needless fears.
   Then Satan confronted Jesus immediately after the Spirit anoints Jesus to his ministry (Matthew 3, Luke 3). The Son of God strongly completed his ministry in the Spirit’s power, vigorously defending and fulfilling the Scriptures.  
   From Jesus, to the apostles, to anointed teachers, the gospel has come to you. It is your turn to be vigorous for the Good News.