Transformative Encounters: Wesley and Paul's Journey of Faith
Summary
John Wesley and the Apostle Paul, two towering figures in Christian history, shared a remarkable journey of transformation and faith. Both began their spiritual lives with a legalistic mindset, believing they were doing God a favor through their religious zeal. However, their true encounters with God revealed that they were the ones in need of His favor. These encounters, often described as "Damascus Road experiences," were pivotal moments that shifted their paths from self-righteousness to genuine faith.
Wesley and Paul faced significant challenges after their conversions. They encountered exclusion, suspicion, and persecution, even from religious communities. Despite these obstacles, they persevered, driven by a deep sense of calling and a commitment to preach the gospel. Their stories remind us that when God begins to use someone, it often comes with trials and misunderstandings. Yet, the call to love and forgive remains paramount, even when faced with opposition.
Both men started their lives as ordinary children, nurtured by their families. Wesley's mother, Susanna, played a crucial role in his spiritual upbringing, teaching him the scriptures despite the challenges of her time. This foundation highlights the importance of instilling faith in the next generation, recognizing that children are keen observers of our actions and values.
Wesley and Paul also shared a journey from being religious enforcers to becoming preachers of grace. Initially, they sought approval from external sources, but their true calling emerged when they encountered Jesus personally. This transformation underscores the necessity of a personal relationship with God, beyond mere theological knowledge.
Their ministries were marked by a willingness to go where others would not, reaching out to the marginalized and the outcast. Wesley's outdoor preaching and Paul's mission to the Gentiles exemplify their commitment to spreading the gospel to all, regardless of societal barriers. Their lives remind us that true success in God's kingdom often defies worldly measures and that the call to serve may lead to unexpected and challenging paths.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation through Encounter: Both Wesley and Paul experienced profound transformations through personal encounters with God. These moments shifted their focus from legalism to genuine faith, reminding us that true change begins with meeting Jesus personally. [09:17]
- Perseverance in Persecution: Despite facing exclusion and persecution, both men remained steadfast in their mission. Their stories teach us that when God uses us, challenges are inevitable, but love and forgiveness should guide our responses. [19:35]
- The Role of Family in Faith Formation: Wesley's upbringing by his mother, Susanna, highlights the importance of nurturing faith in children. Our actions and values significantly impact the next generation, emphasizing the need for authentic Christian living. [09:17]
- From Enforcers to Preachers of Grace: Initially, both men sought approval from religious authorities, but their true calling emerged through personal encounters with Jesus. This transformation underscores the necessity of a personal relationship with God beyond theological knowledge. [28:47]
- Reaching the Marginalized: Wesley and Paul were committed to reaching those on the fringes of society. Their ministries remind us that true success in God's kingdom often defies worldly measures and that serving others may lead us to unexpected and challenging paths. [38:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:01] - Introduction to Wesley and Paul
- [09:17] - Early Life and Family Influence
- [19:35] - Legalism to Genuine Faith
- [28:47] - Personal Encounters with God
- [31:02] - Wesley's Struggle with Faith
- [33:41] - Turning Points in Ministry
- [35:43] - Challenges and Persecution
- [38:20] - Reaching the Marginalized
- [40:00] - The Cost of Answering the Call
- [42:00] - Final Reflections and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 9:1-19 - The Conversion of Saul (Paul)
2. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
3. Luke 14:12-14 - Jesus' teaching on inviting the marginalized
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the initial attitudes of John Wesley and the Apostle Paul towards their faith before their transformative encounters with God? [02:01]
2. How did Susanna Wesley contribute to John Wesley's spiritual upbringing, and what challenges did she face during that time? [09:17]
3. What were some of the challenges and persecutions faced by Wesley and Paul after their conversions? [19:35]
4. How did Wesley and Paul’s ministries reflect their commitment to reaching the marginalized and outcasts of society? [38:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the transformation of Wesley and Paul from legalism to genuine faith illustrate the importance of a personal encounter with God? [28:47]
2. In what ways did the upbringing and family influence of Wesley and Paul shape their later ministries and missions? [09:17]
3. How do the experiences of exclusion and persecution faced by Wesley and Paul inform our understanding of the cost of discipleship? [35:43]
4. What does the commitment of Wesley and Paul to reach the marginalized teach us about the nature of true success in God's kingdom? [38:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced a "Damascus Road" moment that shifted your focus from legalism to genuine faith? How did it change your relationship with God? [28:47]
2. Consider the role of family in your faith formation. How can you actively nurture the faith of the next generation in your family or community? [09:17]
3. When faced with opposition or misunderstanding in your faith journey, how do you typically respond? What steps can you take to ensure love and forgiveness guide your reactions? [19:35]
4. Think about the marginalized or outcast individuals in your community. How can you, like Wesley and Paul, reach out to them with the message of the gospel? [38:20]
5. Reflect on a time when you sought approval from external sources rather than from God. How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval in your daily life? [31:02]
6. How can you ensure that your actions and values align with authentic Christian living, especially when observed by children or younger believers? [09:17]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to serve, even if it leads to unexpected and challenging paths. What steps can you take this week to pursue this calling? [38:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation through Personal Encounter
In the lives of John Wesley and the Apostle Paul, transformation began with a profound personal encounter with God. Both men initially lived with a legalistic mindset, believing their religious zeal was a service to God. However, their true transformation occurred when they met Jesus personally, shifting their focus from self-righteousness to genuine faith. This encounter was not just a moment of change but a complete reorientation of their lives, leading them to understand that true faith is rooted in a personal relationship with God rather than mere adherence to religious rules. [09:17]
Acts 9:3-6 (ESV): "Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt a personal encounter with God. How did it change your perspective on faith and your relationship with Him?
Day 2: Perseverance in the Face of Persecution
After their conversions, both Wesley and Paul faced significant challenges, including exclusion and persecution, even from religious communities. Despite these obstacles, they remained steadfast in their mission, driven by a deep sense of calling. Their stories teach us that when God begins to use someone, challenges are inevitable. However, love and forgiveness should guide our responses, even when faced with opposition. This perseverance is a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to spreading the gospel. [19:35]
2 Corinthians 11:24-27 (ESV): "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure."
Reflection: Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you respond with love and forgiveness, following the example of Wesley and Paul?
Day 3: The Role of Family in Faith Formation
John Wesley's spiritual upbringing by his mother, Susanna, played a crucial role in his faith journey. Despite the challenges of her time, Susanna instilled the scriptures in Wesley, highlighting the importance of nurturing faith in children. This foundation emphasizes the significant impact our actions and values have on the next generation. Children are keen observers, and authentic Christian living can profoundly shape their spiritual development. [09:17]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can actively nurture faith in the younger generation around you. What specific actions can you take this week to model authentic Christian living?
Day 4: From Enforcers to Preachers of Grace
Initially, both Wesley and Paul sought approval from religious authorities, but their true calling emerged through personal encounters with Jesus. This transformation from religious enforcers to preachers of grace underscores the necessity of a personal relationship with God beyond theological knowledge. It highlights the shift from seeking external validation to embracing a mission of grace and love, driven by a personal understanding of God's mercy. [28:47]
Galatians 1:13-16 (ESV): "For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you seek approval from others. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval and embracing His grace?
Day 5: Reaching the Marginalized
Wesley and Paul were committed to reaching those on the fringes of society, exemplifying their dedication to spreading the gospel to all, regardless of societal barriers. Wesley's outdoor preaching and Paul's mission to the Gentiles demonstrate their willingness to go where others would not. Their lives remind us that true success in God's kingdom often defies worldly measures and that serving others may lead us to unexpected and challenging paths. [38:20]
Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is marginalized or overlooked. How can you reach out to them this week and share God's love in a tangible way?
Quotes
Both Paul the Apostle and John Wesley had a really rocky legalistic start to their spiritual life both of them thought they might be doing God a favour anybody ever felt that sometimes in your life? I'm coming along to church I'm doing God a favour I've prayed my prayer to that I'm doing God a favour but both met God for real person to person in a Damascus Road experience we call it that don't we glorious blinding God on you both of them failing gloriously beforehand and failing an awful lot after as well just because they'd met God wasn't an insurance policy that they weren't going to be plonkers alright now let's get it straight as well they weren't doing God a favour they were the ones who needed the favour once they had met God and got onto God's agenda you'd think oh you know I am your father yeah we have now met and everything's going to be hunky dory from now on once they'd met God all these guys met with was exclusion suspicion and outright persecution from some quarters and they both found that even some religious people don't like God [00:05:10] (93 seconds)
Sometimes it can be a really bad thing to find success and position and power before you are ready before your time that was true for both Paul and Wesley they thought they were ready for mission and actually they weren't ready for God neither had been birthed full size and even when they were in the kingdom and grown men they weren't full size yet not in God's eyes progress was necessary and I'm afraid some bumps in the road and ouch time are those that you rely on giving your bumps in the road of course we've never caused one have we [00:17:36] (46 seconds)
Both of them took up the role believe it or not as persecutor in one way or another Paul went on mission chasing Christians I think anybody who doesn't know that you'll hear it in a thousand other Bible stories so but he went on the road chasing Christians who he saw as apostates from Judaism he was doing God's will these were baddies John Wesley went on the mission field to the native Indians and the colonials in America and both had the applause of men people praise you and you prosper both had the official sanction from the governing bodies both in power and in the church neither were called by God they weren't abject failures Paul managed to ruin the life of a lot of Christians [00:18:36] (59 seconds)
It's a warning don't get your assurance or your approval from external sources even mom they both had a mom we can pretty much guarantee that Paul had all the right pushes from mom and dad to advance his career we know Wesley did sorry I've got time for that now but just because religious colleagues are giving you the thumbs up doesn't mean that God either approves or even desires it let alone admires it there are times when I've been praying my Lord's Prayer and I've been saying forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those and God says you forgot that one what one you know when you did well actually I was rather proud of that God says your attitude stank yeah but it worked out well not because of you son forgive us our trespasses and that one just because religious colleagues are giving you the thumbs up doesn't mean God approves or even desires it [00:19:55] (84 seconds)
Both Wesley and Paul knew theology that's Godology if you want to know what I mean theology it's Godology it's the science of God but neither knew what God wanted them to know now both of them needed something extra you can know this word for word but unless you've met the author you know nothing both needed a witness and both needed a time with Jesus now I ask you the question are you ever looking around to see who's noticing you I see how crazy I am yeah or hey just see how I'm listening to this or look at me in the Bible whoops a daisy hang on a minute [00:22:26] (47 seconds)
Wesley hit a storm and he realised he was a slave not a son and he saw other people called Moravians but don't worry if you don't know who they are but they were some real Christians real holiness types happy in the Lord who'd met the Lord singing and unafraid and Wesley realised these guys had got an unseen hand and he looked at himself and said you know what they've got sonship I've been doing all this for God he'd been abroad on mission field he says I work like a slave I'm not a son I might not be the prodigal Paul that's gone off and misbehaved worse than that I'm like the older brother that never even knew his father in the first place [00:25:33] (53 seconds)
Preach faith was what he was told. Preach faith until you have faith. Then you'll preach faith because you have faith. If you've been tempted to quit because you don't think you're quite good enough, do you know what? You might just be getting ready to be enough. You'll never be good enough anyway. But if you think you're good enough for a role, I'd have another look if I were you. Preach faith until you have faith. Then you will preach faith because you have it. Nobody else can tell the difference, funny enough. [00:28:47] (37 seconds)
Paul went on to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Because, Wesley, to answer this, those who couldn't reply, the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, the ones the church were throwing out of their meetings. If these people turned up to the church, they were kicked out for being too smelly, too common, too noisy. That's the way the church was in those days. But that's who Wesley went to. All of a sudden, we have the ships going in the right direction. [00:34:05] (32 seconds)
Churches and church hierarchy paid mobs to attack Wesley and the Methodists. One thug had a mob. He pulled a mob together. And he went to kill Wesley. And he just heard Wesley tell him that salvation was his if he wanted it. Nobody had ever told the man that before. He threw the gold bag back and got converted. These were people the church had never reached. [00:36:41] (36 seconds)
Now without the divine counter without a call from God they achieved nothing at all. Doesn't matter what role they had doesn't matter how busy they looked they got nothing. Utter failure. For all the millions of miles covered it's a waste of time. But answering the call cost it all. Wesley's name was Mud. Paul even had to change his name. Jesus said actually watch out when all men speak well of you. God's men. God's called people are never popular. [00:39:09] (36 seconds)
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