Can I Really Count on Jesus?

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This is a message that is based on several different passages of Scripture that include statements by the Apostle Paul describing how the Lord stood by him and provided what he needed in times of crisis and difficulty.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As I was thinking and praying about what message to bring today, I began thinking about all the students going back to school and to college. I thought about all the pressures of reading & research, taking exams, writing papers, extra curricular activities, etc., etc. In conjunction with these thoughts, I thought about all the times that we can feel totally overwhelmed with life and all the responsibilities we all have even after we’re out of school. As these things were going through my mind, this question came to my mind, “Can I really count on Jesus?” As you can see, that is the question I have used for the title of the message.

The verses that we read earlier in the service (Acts 18:9-10; 23:10-11; 27:20-25; and 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-18) were passages that all pertained to the life of the Apostle Paul in various kinds of circumstances that he was facing in his life.

I am very much aware that the kinds of trials described in these verses in Acts and 2 Timothy, are certainly much more serious and life threatening than the pressures of school life or the pressures that we often face in day-to-day activities. However, I believe that we can use these references from Paul’s life to take comfort and make application to the situations that we may be facing in our lives today or will face in the future.

I want to take some of these statements of Paul’s and simply apply them to our lives to seek some encouragement from the word of God.

I. Paul found Jesus to be reliable in the course of his daily work.

Acts 18 – Engaged in missionary efforts to spread the gospel. This context describes his physical labors to provide daily needs (tent-making). He has met up with opposition from the Jews. He may be wondering what lies ahead and whether there is going to be any profit from his labors in this area. The Lord assures him, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” (9b-10)

Paul learns that he can count on Jesus during the uncertainties of work and ministry.

II. Paul found Jesus to be reliable when defending himself against enemies.

Acts 23 – Paul had recently returned to Jerusalem from his third missionary trip to evangelize and teach the new converts. After arriving back in Jerusalem, some of the Jews stirred up a riot and accused Paul of teaching against the law of Moses. Paul had spoken to the crowd in his own defense until they began another uproar.

The civil / military rulers took him into custody and then brought him before the Jewish leaders the next day to defend his beliefs and his actions. In this meeting, Paul took advantage of the differences that existed among his listeners with regard to the resurrection (Pharisees / Sadducees). So he boldly proclaims that he is merely preaching and teaching about the resurrection of one named Jesus.

Again, there arose another uproar among those two factions to the point that the Scripture says the commander feared Paul would be pulled to pieces, so he is taken back into custody. It was during this confinement that we find the words, “…the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”

The Lord assures him that He isn’t finished with Paul yet, and he will not only survive this ordeal, but he will get the opportunity to spread the message to even more important audiences.

Sometimes we may find ourselves in situations where we seemed to be overwhelmed with opposition from our enemies or enemies of Christ. But just as the Lord “stood by Paul” in those trying situations, He will also stand by us and give us the reassurance that He will not only bring us through but will give us even greater opportunities than we ever dreamed was possible.

III. Paul found Jesus to be reliable when faced with life-threatening dangers.

Acts 27 – Paul is a prisoner now and is on a ship bound for Rome to appear before Ceasar.

Severe storm at sea has threatened their very lives. (Read verses 20-25).

I can’t imagine how comforting and reassuring it must have been to experience the angel of the Lord standing by me in a time when it seems like there is no hope of survival. It appears that all possible hope for living through this storm has vanished, but in the midst of this fearful circumstance, the angel of the Lord appears and “stands by Paul.” What a comfort and what a feeling of peace must of overtaken his fears.

Most of us here today know what it is like to be swamped with storms of life. Some of the storms may have even been life-threatening. Jesus did not abandon Paul in these dire conditions, and He will not abandon you.

IV. Paul found Jesus to be reliable when reminiscing about his life and facing the end of his life.

2 Tim. 4 – Paul is nearing the end of his life. He testifies regarding his own work and faithfulness to the Lord, as well as his faith in God’s blessing and rewards awaiting him. He seems to be reminiscing about earlier trials (“my first defense”) and recalling the fact that everyone abandoned him. (v.16)

It is not real clear which “defense” he is speaking about. Perhaps when he first arrived in Rome. Or, some scholars think that there may have been another trial and imprisonment that occurred even between the first one and the present one from which he is writing to Timothy. In any case, he recalls that the “Lord stood with me and strengthened me.”

Then, in verse 18, he continues, “…the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”

He is remembering that Jesus had delivered him from every evil in the past and had stood by him through it all. So, he confidently believes that Jesus will deliver him now and get him safely to the heavenly kingdom.

Paul doesn’t expect to be delivered from prison or execution, but he does expect to be delivered from the evil world and safely arrive in the heavenly world.

Conclusion:

We have heard the testimony of a great Apostle and servant of Jesus speaking in all kinds of situations and circumstances. He has repeatedly affirmed that the Lord Jesus Christ has stood by him and faithfully delivered him.

He has affirmed that he could truly count on Jesus every day and in every circumstance.

My friends, I want to assure you today that you can count on Jesus too.

You may need Him in the pressures of school or work, or you may need Him in the suffering and pain of disease or illness, or you may need Him in any number of other situations. He will be with you every moment of every day, whether you can feel it or not.

Let us close the service by singing the song, “Moment by Moment” song on page 545.