Day 18 - Understanding Self And Authority by Pastor Philip Olubakin: MP3 Download & Sermon Notes

Paul Waited 14 Years

Galatians 2:1

After his conversion and calling, Paul waited 14 years before going up to Jerusalem. He did not rush. He did not jump in before his season. Even though God's work requires haste, God himself is never in a rush. There is always a season of preparation for every significant move of God.

You do not go by opinions, trends, or what people observe in you. You go by revelation.

Paul said: I went up by revelation. Not because someone told him his gifts were obvious. Not because the opportunity presented itself. He moved when God said move, not a moment before.

The Wisdom of Meeting the Right People

Galatians 2:2

When Paul arrived, he met privately with those of reputation — the leaders who already had influence among the people. This is not politics. This is wisdom.

When you come into a new place — a new city, a new organization, a new assignment — find out who already has influence. Meeting people of influence shortens the work you need to do. Fighting against established influence while trying to build something new is counterproductive.

• The colonial masters understood this. They went to the traditional chiefs — people who already had the trust of the people.
• When Reinhard Bonnke came into a state, he met with the governor. Not because he was being political, but because those people have influence.
• Daniel, the moment he was promoted, immediately asked the king to also promote Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He used his position to build a circle.

Let God give you favour with people of influence. It will make your work faster and your impact greater.

Results Are a Silencer

Galatians 2:9

When James, Peter, and John saw the grace of God evident in Paul's life and ministry, they gave him the right hand of fellowship. They accepted him — not because of his credentials, not because he lobbied for recognition, but because of visible results.

Results cut off opposition that nothing else can silence.

People follow results. People do business with those who already have success in business. People want to connect with those whose work is growing. That is not how things should be — but that is how things are. Instead of fighting that reality, focus on producing results that make the reality work in your favour.

Favour is not pity. Pharaoh did not pity Joseph — he favoured him. Ahasuerus did not pity Esther — he favoured her. Mordecai's instruction to Esther was clear: do not go in showing your weakness, showing your pain, asking for sympathy. Put your best foot forward. Push value forward. People reward value, not pity.