Have you been to Arabia?
Paul’s experience should be a lesson for all .
Philippians 3:5 KJV
“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;”
His background was very rich in knowledge and training.
Rich ministry experience…
Acts 26:5 KJV
“Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.”
…And notable lifestyle.
Galatians 1:14 KJV
“And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.”
Then came the turn around:
Galatians 1:15-16 KJV
[15] “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace.”
[16] “To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:”
Salvation…
…Then ministry.
Revelation had “hit” him, way different from all he had known and done before.
Galatians 1:17-18 KJV
[17] “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”
[18] “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.”
He went off and away to Arabia; which I will call time for sober reflection – undo all that’s been done and unlearn all that’s been learnt.
Hence his starting on a fresh slate.
Philippians 3:7 KJV
[7] “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
This is needful.
He didn’t try to convince Jerusalem that he had “met the word,” he didn’t quickly start posting on social media.
His earlier attempt caused ruckus.
Acts 9:29-30 KJV
[29] “And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.”
[30] “Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.”
He was “helped.”
You need a time of quiet.
No noise.
No trying to “show Jerusalem” what you now know.
Apollos learnt this too.
Acts 18:26 KJV
“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
“They took him. ” – The text implies, he stayed under training for a while.
No preaching engagements, articles, etc.
Moments of learning can’t be used side by side with displaying knowledge.
Else, you will be immature for long, and amateur with experience.
Learn to “go off to Arabia.”
Be quiet, solemn.
Sober, avoid visibility.
Keep silent and listen.
Many keep quitting what they know and preach because they weren’t true convictions.
Convictions are birthed well over time; they take time.
To weed off and replant.
Remember, many things done in a haste lead to accidents .
Things done with speed most times never come out well.
No hurries.
For the sake of the church, please “visit Arabia.”
Even if for a few years.
Hope this helps.
I call you blessed.
July 24, 2016