Was Paul A Frustrated Old Preacher?
Read Romans 7:14-23. The center of that passage may be this, “For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom. 6:19). Some may get the idea that Paul was frustrated in living the Christian life but that is not the case. He is simply showing the state of the non-Christian.
Remember the charge often made that Paul was an old bachelor out of touch with society because he taught (by inspiration we should note) that women are not to usurp authority over the man (1 Tim. 2:12), keep silent in the churches (1 Cor. 14:34) and women were to submit themselves to their husbands (Eph. 5:22). Another example are those who want to say that Paul’s teaching on marriage in the Corinthian letter was just his opinion and not from God (1 Cor. 7:12). It is these folks who support the above ideas who are out of touch.
The Apostle Paul was everything but frustrated. One definition of frustrate is, “to induce feelings of discouragement”; another is “to make ineffectual: to bring to nothing.” Well folks that was not Paul. He was strong. If you desire to know just how strong, read the eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians. In Paul’s meeting with the elders of Ephesus his determination is seen in his desire to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22).
Things happen in life that will frustrate you. Those who claim to be Christians do not always act like Christians. Folks don’t always do what they say they will do. Even though Forest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates” life is not always a box of chocolates. So why not take a lesson from Paul. Here are some things he wrote by inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16-17) in the Philippian letter:
“Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).
“Let your moderation be known to all men” (Phil. 4:5).
“Be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6).
“…In everything by prayer” (Phil. 4:6)
“…With thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God (Phil. 4:6).
A motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, said “Don’t become frustrated become fascinated.”
Larry