STOP WHINING AND START WINNING

Are we on the verge of World War III?  Is the economy shrinking?  What are we to say of the apparent decline of the church and depravity of the culture?  We can just whine about it—and that will only make things worse.  Or, we can start winning souls to Christ!  That will make a difference!  Spurgeon put it this way:

I know that with many of us there is a tendency to sit down and say, “All things are wrong,  the world gets darker and darker, and everything is going to the bad.” We sit and fret together in most delightful misery, and try to cheer each other downwards into greater depths of despair!  Do we not often act thus? Alas! it is so, and we feel happy to think that other people will blend in blessed harmony of misery with us in all our melancholies; or if we do stir ourselves at little, we feel that there is not much good in our service, and that very little can possibly come of it. This message of our Master seems to me to be something like fine sound of a  trumpet. I have given you the strains of a dulcimer, but now there rings out the clarion note of a trumpet. Here is the power to enable you to “go.” Therefore, “go” away from your dunghills,  away from your ashes and your dust. Shake yourselves from your melancholy. The bugle calls, “Boot and saddle! Up and away!” The battle has begun, and every good soldier of Jesus Christ must be to the front for his Captain and his Lord.  Because all power is given unto Christ, He passes on that power  to His people, and sends them forth to battle and to victory.

I don’t know all that the future holds, but I know Who holds the future. God has made the outcome clear, but the timing is only known to Him. May we have the desperate drive of the four lepers who sat starving outside the besieged city of Samaria and asked, “Why are we sitting here until we die?” (2 Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭3).  God not only provided a miracle for them, but poured out blessing on His people through them.

I think of the thousands of starfish that washed up on the beach in a storm, where they would die. A little lad knowing this picked one up and tossed it into the water, again and again. An old fellow watched with amusement and asked, “Son, do you think that will make any difference?”  The boy picked up another and cast it into the surf. He said, “It did for that one!” 

So, whatever challenges you are facing today—get up and go forward. Stop whining and start winning. 

STAY THE COURSE

 

Paul reminds us in this text that God is sovereign. He sets the terms of our service. He ordains the place where we serve and the period for our service. We are tempted when seeing the apparent success of others to covet their status. Why them?  We may be tempted to give up when facing adversity. Why us?  We need to hear the Apostle’s challenge to us. 

He calls for COMMITMENT to our calling. “Let each one remain with God.”  It is not so much what we do for God, but who we are in God. He is shaping us into the image of Christ for His glory. Sometimes we will be painfully pruned in order to bear much fruit. Abiding is the key, (cf. John 15). I heard a pastor this week who had complained at a Bible Conference that he was being mistreated at his church. The evangelist asked, “Have they nailed you to a cross yet?”  Lesson learned. To follow Jesus is to walk the Calvary Road. 

Paul demands CONTENTMENT in our calling, “remain…in that state in which he was called.”  We must stay in that state—even if it is Arkansas!  God divinely directs us. In His providence, He places us where He knows best. God does not want us to be tumble-weeds but trees that are rooted.   For trees that are rooted become fruited!  Unpack your bags, hang the pictures on the walls of the pastorium, throw away the business card of the moving company, and be grateful for the high and holy privilege of serving Him. As my mentor in ministry told me, “God knows where you are and He can get you where He wants you to be!”

Love and prayers to you my brothers—may we stay the course!

SEMPER FIDELIS

 

“Semper Fidelis,” is the Marine Corps motto. It is Latin for, “always faithful.”  It is an apt description for a soldier of the cross, also, and is illustrated by the Gospel general, Paul, as we see him in his ministry. Like the Apostle here, we find ourselves in a carnal Corinthian culture.  The words of our Lord to Paul speak to our ministry today. 

It is a call to COURAGE, “Do not be afraid.”  Fear will bid us flee if we listen to its threats. Yet, we are called to go forward in faith. Don’t look around at the danger, but look up to the Savior—“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb.‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬‬). 

It is a call to COMMUNICATE, “speak, and do not keep silent… for I have many people in this city.”  There is power in the Word of God. It is the Sword of the Spirit and will always accomplish its purpose, (cf. Rom. 1:16-17; Isa. 55:11). We call out those God has already chosen. We do the speaking, God does the saving. Even in a pagan place like Corinth, God had His elect.

It is a call to COMMUNION, “for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you.”  God + 1 = a majority!  With Christ by our side, what do we have to fear?  Let us cultivate our communion with Him instead of concentrating on the challenges before us.  That communion will inspire confidence.

It is a call to COMMITMENT, “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”  Stick with it—always faithful. Stay in the Word and share it consistently. It will get the job done.

Semper Fidelis!

A CHOSEN VESSEL

God informed Ananias that Saul of Tarsus—better known as Paul the Apostle—would be “a chosen vessel.”  In His sovereign grace, the Lord Jesus saved him and would set him apart to serve Him. Christ made the choice to reveal Himself and Saul chose to respond to His call. Those who are set apart for God’s use have no reason to boast of their worthiness, but only to glory in the grace of God. We are mere vessels that He pours into that we may pour out His Word.

Paul’s task would be to take the saving name of Jesus to all the world—Gentiles, Jews, even kings. It is such a privilege to represent the King of kings—to be His ambassador, (cf. 2 Cor. 4:20-21). 

While it is a privilege, it comes with a price.  Paul was to be told upfront that he would suffer much for the cause of Christ. As His ambassadors, we travel into hostile territory, and our message while welcomed by some, will bring the wrath of many. The world has a measure of tolerance—at least indifference—to religion. It is the exclusivity of the Gospel—the name of Jesus as the only means where one must be saved—that is the demand that ignites the world’s fury. 

There are several characteristics of a chosen vessel suggested in Acts 9:10-25. 

First, we see PRAYER.  Ananias was told of Saul of Tarsus, “behold, he is praying,” (v. 11). As natural as an infant who is born, crying out at his or her arrival, this is indicative of a spiritual birth into the family of God. Instinctively, we know we must pray. Yet, too often as we get busy in public work, we may neglect private worship. We will never be a choice vessel that God can use apart from a consistent prayer life. Paul was a productive worker, because he was a prayer warrior. 

Then, consider PERCEPTION. Ananias was to lay hands on him and pray, “so that he might receive his sight,” (v. 12). Paul had been blinded by the glorious light radiating from the Risen Christ—a light brighter than the noonday sun. Now, physically the scales would fall from his eyes so he could see, but spiritually his eyes would be opened also to see God’s purpose for his life. God gives vision to those He uses in His service. We can lead others because we have seen the path to travel.

Also, we must have POWER.  Paul would, “be filled with the Holy Spirit,” (v. 17). The assignment God has for us is too great for us. It is spiritual work and demands supernatural power. When we are saved, we have the Spirit residing in us, but when we are serving, we need the Spirit presiding over us. As we die to sin and become empty of self, the risen life of Christ fills us and makes us fruitful.  God fills the chosen vessel with His Spirit and pours out His power through us. 

This enables PERSISTENCE. We are told that Paul ate and, “was strengthened,” (v. 19). Just as his physical healing gave him sight, this literal food gave him strength. Metaphorically, this would be true in the spiritual dimension. Feeding upon the Bread of Life, he would be able to persist in service despite the opposition he would face. This might for ministry is mentioned in verse 22, “But Saul increased all the more in strength.”  God supported and sustained him as the Jews sought to kill him, (v. 24). J. Vernon McGee noted, “That all of God’s men are immortal until God is through with them.”

There will also be PROCLAMATION. “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God,” (v. 20). God called this chosen vessel to be a preacher. His proclamation pointed to a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to open the Bible, preach it, and point people to the Savior!  While it is true that every child of God is called to confess Christ—to bear witness to the world—there are those selected to stand in the pulpit and preach. Spurgeon put it, “If God calls you to be a minister, don’t stoop to becoming a king.”

THE FARMER AND HIS FIELD

 

Perhaps the most common metaphor to describe the pastor’s role is that of the shepherd and his flock. In fact, that is the meaning behind the word, “pastor.”  Yet, there are others, and if not as frequently mentioned, no less significant. One of these would be the farmer and his field.  Jesus spoke often of those sowing the seeds of the Gospel and reaping the harvest that was grown.  Paul’s commendation of Timothy’s labor for the Lord in 1 Thessalonians 3:2 will illustrate this principle.

We examine first THE CONNECTION IN THE HARVEST. Paul calls Timothy, “our brother.”  It is a family farm. Our Father God is the Lord of the Harvest, and we who are His children are employed not first because of our farming capability but our family connection. Our labor is a labor of love. 

There is a connection with our Father. In the secular world, there are gifted communicators, skilled counselors, and effective leaders, yet having these abilities does not in itself qualify one for work in the Lord’s field. That takes a new birth and spiritual gifting—the anointing of the Holy Spirit which enables us to speak, lead, and counsel the saints.  We do not function as a hired hand, but a loving son. That relationship will sustain us when the field is hard and the fruit is scant.

There is also a connection with our family. Our love is for the Lord with all our being—the Great Commandment—but is also love for our brothers—the second commandment, like unto the first. The pastor is to love the people. It is not foremost about projects to finish but people to further.  Never forget that within the family, there are brothers and sisters who also have gifts, and our ministry is most effective when we equip them in their ministry. Recall also the extended family—that there are fellow pastors who are serving in the same harvest—for the field is the world. We are not in competition with our brother in a nearby acre, but in connection working alongside him. Our joy and not our jealousy is called for when their crops appear more lush; our encouragement and assistance are required when their corner is withering and weed infested.

Paul also speaks to Timothy of THE CALLING TO THE HARVEST. He calls him a “minister of God.”  We are reminded that the field is the Lord’s. He owns it—not us. It is His church and not ours. He treasures His church and we should view our labor as a sacred calling to fulfill.

This speaks of our Master. We are foremost serving the Lord. Whatever His assignment for this day—wherever field He would send us—our work is for God. He is God and we are not. He is the Lord of the Harvest and determines our duty. In His sovereignty He calls us to specific places for set periods for select purposes. Frankly, there will be seasons of productivity when the ministry is rewarding, but there may also be seasons of paucity when the ministry is discouraging.  That is not our call. Faithfulness is our work and fruitfulness is God’s.

It also speaks of our manner. To be a minister is to serve God by serving others. We are not to pursue vanity in wanting the people to serve us, but we are to display humility by stooping to serve them. No work is too menial and no task too trivial, if we are serving our members. The Lord of Glory set the standard with taking a basin and towel, washing feet!

Then, the Apostle points to THE COMMITMENT TO THE HARVEST.  This is indicated by Paul’s reference to the young pastor as, “our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ.”  It takes commitment because farming requires toil and time. You do not just wander into a field, dump out a bag of seed and expect a harvest the next day. It takes toil. This is labor. There is no room for laziness in the ministry!  It is work where you sweat and get dirt under the fingernails of calloused hands. It takes time. Farming is continual business. After a harvest is gathered, it is time to till up the soil and get it prepared for the next season of growth. There is no occasion for impatience in the ministry! You cannot tug on a tender plant to expect it to grow more quickly or burn it up with excessive fertilizer. All you will do is kill it.

We must be committed to plowing and planting. Paul sent Timothy to the church “to establish [them].”  The Word of God is used to plow up the fallow ground. The sharp spade of Scripture will often meet a hard, resistant soil.  What are we to do?  Keep plowing!  Yet that is not sufficient, for we must also take Gospel seed and plant it. There is power in the Seed of Scripture. It contains life.  In it is latent a great harvest. Do not pursue the carnal and the novel in an effort to get a crowd—it may be just a quick, abundant crop of weeds!  Keep plowing and planting by preaching the Word, publicly and privately, in faith that the Lord of the Harvest will enable you to reap wheat in due season, if you do not faint.

We are further committed to watering and weeding. Timothy is also instructed “to encourage [them].”  Gospel work is ongoing. The cultivating of the crop is needed to sustain growth. In a fallen world, there will be times of spiritual drought and yet God has sent us to irrigate the tender plants with the water of the Word.  Because of the curse there will always be the need to pull weeds—taking great care not to uproot plants. Be on the watch for Satan to sow weeds among the wheat.  The consistently expounded truth will weed out carnality. They will get in or get out!

Then, in accordance with God’s purpose, there will be gathering and garnering. All the hardships of labor under the sun are quickly forgotten in the harvest of souls. Different fields produce different yields. Not every place will produce a bumper crop, but there will be some fruit.  The rigor is for us to bear and the results are for God to bring. Whatever He gives we garner to conserve. It is placed in the granary not only for the present use, but as future seed for many more harvests to come.  Paul’s labor produced a young plant named Timothy. Timothy would then produce others, and on down to us. Long after we are gone, the harvest we have gathered will still be yielding crops and producing more seed until the final harvest is gathered at the end of time! 

MAINTAINING YOUR MINISTRY

It is likely that you have watched an Olympic track meet. The runners place their feet in the starting blocks and listen for the starter’s pistol to fire. Getting off to a good start is vital, but a good finish means victory. It is possible to start strong, but then to stumble.  This is likewise true of ministry. 

Paul is speaking to a young man in ministry named Archippus. We know little of him. He is mentioned in Scripture perhaps only one other time.  Paul mentions him along with Philemon, and Philemon’s wife Apphia (v.1-2) “and to the church in your house.”  So, it would seem Archippus was their son. The Apostle further refers to him as “our fellow soldier.”  Thus, we may conclude that this was a preacher boy Paul had recruited for the Lord’s army. 

There are three exhortations suggested here for those of us who preach the Gospel and lead the church. 

First, TAKE HEED!  Paul says, “Take heed to the ministry.”  Have a solid conviction that God has called you. Revisit persistently that assignment and meditate on God’s mandate for you. Saturate your mind with the Word of God.  Be alert to danger about you—moral disqualification or doctrinal deviation. Satan is like a lion ready to pounce.  Take heed to the truth. 

Secondly, TAKE HOLD!  Paul speaks of, “the ministry which you have received in the Lord.”  The opportunity to serve Christ had been offered and young Archippus had responded with enthusiasm, reaching out his hand to receive the grace to do  Gospel ministry.  When we begin to just show up because it is expected or to show off only when others are watching, we are in danger of service slipping from our grasp. Cherish your call as a treasure and hold to it firmly and joyfully.  Take hold of the task. 

Thirdly, TREAD ON!  The Apostle urges, “fulfill it.”  The road will not always be smooth. There are potholes and perils. It is an uphill slog.  There are a few like Stephen who are Gospel sprinters whose race is short as they run into immediate crisis. Yet, as difficult as that is, most in ministry will find it a cross-country mountain marathon.  It is a race of ups and downs—a race of endurance. You dare not give out or give up.  Tread on with tenacity.

Man of God, maintain your ministry. Don’t quit!  Fulfill it—fill it full by taking heed to the truth, taking hold of the task, and treading on with tenacity.

WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL

 

Paul challenges us to a manner of life that is worthy of the Gospel. By this, he does not mean that we are deserving of the grace we have received, nor could ever be. Rather, it is about bringing our lives into alignment with the Gospel we proclaim—one with conduct consistent with our claim. How can we do this?

It demands FIRMNESS, “standing firm…striving…for the faith of the gospel.”  The way is steep, the occasion for retreat—under withering fire from the enemy—is ever present, and many a soldier of the cross has slipped and fallen. The way to stand firm is to stand beside other warriors, “in one spirit, with one mind…side by side.”  I want to remind you that you are not in this battle alone. It is not a sign of weakness to call on your fellow soldiers, but an indication of wisdom to do so.

It demands FEARLESSNESS, “not frightened in anything by your opponents.”  Those who stand for truth and speak the Gospel will face opposition. The devil will see to that. They may come in the form of a hostile secular culture, in the guise of a fellow church member, or even one of our own family. Do not be blind-sided. Expect there will be an enemy. Not all will be your friends to help you stand firmly, but there will be the foes intent to make you run fearfully.

It demands FAITHFULNESS, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have,” (.29-30). ‬‬The Apostle had been a faithful example and now challenges us to walk the same pathway—the bloody Calvary Road. He writes as a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel. His sufferings were intense and inescapable. If we should be faithful, then we will find them inevitable.  Be faithful to the end!  

This is a life worthy of the Gospel!

GOALS IN GODLINESS

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. The Lord has set before us his standard—goals written in His Word by the pen of His apostle,.  As Paul concludes 1 Corinthians, these are significant among his final words to that church immersed in a culture of corruption. As such, they speak to us today—particularly to God’s men, seeking to lead the church as holy men of God in an unholy age.

1) BE VIGILANT, “Be watchful.”  Keep your eyes open, lest the enemy sneaks in unawares. Sometimes, he is a roaring lion, but at other times, a subtle snake. Every quarterback knows how devastating a blind-side hit can be. When a pastor is blind-sided, it can crush his spirit and break his resolve. 

2) BE CONSISTENT,  “stand firm in the faith.”  Know what you believe. Know why you believe it. Be able to defend it.  Jude wrote, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” (v.3). Do not have the backbone of a jellyfish, but that of an elephant that will not bend under pressure nor bow to compromise, but stands firm on sound doctrine.

3) BE MASCULINE, “act like men.”  The culture has become increasingly feminized and sadly this has infected the church, as we see effeminate leaders who prance around the pulpit. Thank God for women that He has designed to support and nurture the ministry. They can only do what women can and should do. But, where are the men?  God has designed them to be strong and lead. Pastors are to be manly, not sissies!

4) BE STRONG, “be strong.”  This flows out of the first three traits. When a church leader is vigilant, consistent, and masculine, then he will be a strong servant of the Lord. There will be a spiritual vitality and tenacity about him. This is strength from the Lord.  He does not rest in his own power, but is braced by grace. There is courage and conviction in battle, as he leads God’s army dressed in the whole armor of God.

5) BE LOVING, “Let all that you do be done in love.”  The pastor can be vigilant without being vicious. He can be consistent without being contentious. He can be masculine without being mean. He can be strong without being stubborn. Love should permeate all our ways. Love of the flock will help us watch over them. Love for truth will help us use Scripture for a rod against the foe, but a staff for the flock. Love for God’s design will enable us to be the men God created us to be. Love for our calling will equip us to exert strength when tempted to quit.

Man of God, arise, set your eyes and heart on these goals!