ENABLING AND EXCELLING GRACE

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “God’s commandment is His enablement.”  Paul attests to that in 1 Timothy 1:12-14. That is the grace of God. Grace is God’s sufficiency for our inadequacy. 

That is grace to save, since we do not have the capability to save ourselves. Paul rejoices in the amazing grace that saved a wretch like he was, “formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief,” (v. 13). 

But, the grace of God extends beyond that, as it is also grace to serve.  Our efforts to serve God will be futile apart from God’s Spirit equipping us. That is the focus of these verses. 

It is ENABLING GRACE, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,” (v. 12). Paul was faithful and God made Him fruitful. Jesus used the analogy of a grape vine and its branches in John 15. He is the True Vine and we are mere branches. Only as we abide in Him, does His grace flow into us and through us, yielding fruit. The God who called us into the ministry will give us the capacity to minister.  The task is beyond my ability, but puts no strain on Omnipotent God!

This is also EXCELLING GRACE, “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus,” (v. 14). Not only is there an adequate measure of grace so I may serve the Lord, but there is an abundant supply of grace—more than enough. The demands of ministry would be overwhelming. Yet, there is no drain on Almighty God!  This grace is expressed with faith and love. 

The faith in Christ supplies this grace. This is how we connect to Him. The writer of Hebrews list the exploits of heroic people of faith in chapter 11. He concludes with a reminder that we too have work to do in our day—and it is the work of faith. “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” (Heb.‭11‬:‭39‬-‭40‬‬).

The love of Christ shares this grace. This is how we communicate Him. Grace operates in us to turn us from self-centeredness to servant-heartedness. We take up the basin and towel, following the example of Jesus in washing feet, for it is the enabling of Jesus who gives us His heart of love to do so. I need to speak of God’s love, but it will only be impactful as I show His love.

So, as you serve Him—marvel that He would reach down into the den of iniquity and summon you out of the dregs of society to be a trophy of His grace. But, then that same grace is not meant to have you displayed on a shelf, but demonstrated as you serve.

SUCCESSFUL SERVICE

Should we pursue success in the Lord’s service?  Let me put it this way, “Do you want to be a failure at such a vital assignment?”  I want to hear above all when I stand before the Judge, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord,” (Matt. 25:23). The question is, “By what metric do we measure success?”  

In the modern church world it is has often been gauged by how many buildings we put up, how many bucks we took up, and how many backsides we sat down. Those are not insignificant, but not the final measurement. Paul lists three standards for successful service in 1 Thessalonians 2:10 that any servant of the Lord can attain.

First, we are to be devoted toward God, “how devoutly…we behaved.”  This is service that is RESPONSIVE. The grace of God was not given in vain to Paul. He was devoted to the Savior who dedicated Himself to the Apostle. His service was not to earn God’s favor, but a response to God’s love. In Rom. 12:1, he set this as our standard, “ “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The first commandment is to love God with all our being. 

Second, we are to be just toward man, “how…justly…we behaved.”  This is service that is RIGHTEOUS. Our conduct in the world is to be just in how we deal with our fellowman. In the neighborhood, the marketplace, or wherever we go, we are to treat people right!  The second commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. To claim to love God is only credible as we love those who are created in His image. 

Third, we are to be blameless toward believers, “how…blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.”  This is service that is RIGOROUS. We are called to scrupulously seek sanctification. Holiness is to be the gauge of our service in the fellowship of the saints. It should be more than a claim expressed, but a conduct exhibited. God is our Creator and we are to love Him, humanity is His creation and we are to love them, but the church is His Bride and we are to love her. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another,” (John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬‬). The church is His new creation and Christ calls us to a new love that He demonstrated —a rigorous commitment to the people of God.

Be faithful in pursuing these three spheres of service and God will make you fruitful as He sees fit.

GOD WORKING IN OUR WORK

There is that street you feel moved to go and work in, — God has been there before you. Do you not remember how, when His children had to go and destroy the Canaanites, the Lord sent the hornet before them? Now, when you have to go and preach to sinners, God sends some preparatory work before you, He is sure to do so.  

In other cases God works afterwards; sometimes, immediately afterwards; at other times, years afterwards.  There are different sorts of seeds in the world. The seeds of some plants and trees, unless they undergo a peculiar process, will not grow for years. There is something about them which preserves them intact for a long time, but in due season the life-germ shoots forth: and there are certain kinds of men who do not catch the truth at the time it is uttered, and it lies hidden away in their souls till, one day, under peculiar circumstances, they recollect what they heard, and it begins to  affect their hearts.  

If we work, and God works with us, what is there that we may not expect? Therefore, the great need of any working church is for God to work with them, and therefore this ought to be our daily confession, that we need God to work with us.  We must always realize that we are nothing apart from His working; we must not pretend to compliment the Holy Ghost by now and then talking about Him, as though it were the  proper thing to say that of course the Holy Spirit must work. It must be a downright matter of fact with us that the Holy Spirit must work, as much as it would be with a miller that his sails could not go round without the wind; and then we must act as  the miller does. He sets his sails and tries to catch the wind from whatever quarter it blows; and we must try to work in such a way that the Holy Ghost is likely to bless us. I do not think the Holy Ghost will bless some service that is done even by well-meaning people, because if He did, it would seem as if He had set His seal to a great deal that was not according to the mind of the Lord. Let us so act in our work, that there is never the smudge of a dirty thumb across the page, and nothing of pride, or self-seeking, or hot-headedness, but that all is done humbly, dependently, hopefully, and always in a holy and gracious spirit, so that we may expect the Holy Spirit to own and bless it. That will, of course, involve that everything must be done prayerfully, for our Heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him; and we must ask for this greatest of blessings, that God the Holy Spirit may work with our work.  

Then we must believe in the Holy Spirit, and believe to the highest degree, so as never to be discouraged or think  anything difficult. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Can  anything be difficult to the Holy Spirit? It is a grand thing often to get into deep water so as to be obliged to swim; but we like to keep our feet touching the sand. What a mercy it is to feel that you cannot do anything, for then you must trust in God and God alone, and feel that He is quite equal to any emergency! Thus trusting, and thus doing His bidding, we shall not fail. Come, Holy Spirit, and work with all Thy people now!  Come and rouse us to work; and when we are bestirred to a holy energy, then work Thou with us!  

(Spurgeon, Service and Honor, pp. 29-31, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, pub. Kindle Edition). 

SAVED TO SERVE

Most evangelicals are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  We ought to have those words embedded in our mind. 

Yet, we may not be as acquainted with the next verse, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” (v. 10). These go together—two sides of the same coin of salvation. While we are saved apart from our works—the root of salvation is solely in the work of Christ—our salvation is never apart from producing works—the fruit of salvation is seen in the work of Christ in Christians. The quote attributed to Martin Luther states it, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”  

We are saved to serve. That is true of every child of God. This Gospel message must be preached. It must also be observed in the preacher’s life as well as heard from his lips.  Otherwise the words ring hollow and we may be branded a hypocrite.  The call is, “Practice what you preach!”

Ours is a POETIC LIFE, “For we are His workmanship…”.  The Greek word for “workmanship,” is poiema.  Our English word, “poem,” is derived from that. We might say it is a life that is “poetry in motion.”  I heard my mentor, Dr. Stephen Olford, put it, “a life of rhyme and reason.”  

God is the Author. He has written the script in His providence. As I look back over the course of my nearly seventy years of life, I can see how God has worked in me and through me. What may seem isolated events at the time, are now seen to be lines of sacred verse that God has been putting together. Since we are still here on earth, we may be sure there are more stanzas to be written.

Ours is also a PRACTICAL LIFE, “created in Christ Jesus for good works…”.  Orthodoxy in our doctrine leads to orthopraxy in our duty. If our belief is Biblical, then our behavior will be practical. God sovereignly created Adam and Eve for a sacred responsibility—to steward the creation and to shun the temptation.  Yet, they failed. Sin is now part of our natural state. 

Jesus came to give us a new nature—to fashion a new creation in Christ. This is regeneration. Yet, we are to flesh out our faith in daily duty. In Christ, His crucifixion means we die to self, sin, and this sphere of the world system (cf. Gal. 6:14), as we have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, we live, so in Christ’s resurrection we live for Him—yet, not I but Christ living in and through me, (cf. Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6). 

Further, ours is a PREPARED LIFE, “which God prepared beforehand…”. Before you were born, God already knew you. He fashioned you in your mother’s womb, infusing you with personality and capacity to be His choice servant. Then, He directed your life to the point of conviction of sin and conversion to salvation by the Gospel of grace. 

How all this transpired has been the topic of theological debate for two millennia of church history—so I will not attempt to resolve every question in this brief devotion. Yet, we cannot deny that God is sovereign and He orchestrates all things to the fulfillment of His will. This all redounds to His glory. 

Perhaps you are familiar with the quote, “Try to explain predestination and you may lose your mind.  Try to explain it away and you may lose your soul.” I am content to accept there is mystery in the harmony of God’s sovereignty in His choices and my responsibility for my choices. To paraphrase the Shorter Westminster Catechism, “The chief end of [Dennis] is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  You can insert your name into that, as well.

In conclusion, ours is a PROGRESSIVE LIFE, “that we should walk in them.”  Perfection is not attainable on earth. That awaits eternity—to be glorified when we see Jesus face to face, “but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,” (1 Jn. 3:2b). While perfection is not attainable, progression is achievable. John also said, “Beloved, now we are the children of God…. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure,” (1 Jn. 3:2a, 3). More and more, as I express the life of Christ within, I exhibit more of His likeness without. 

Jesus is the Model Servant. He set the example for us. We are being like Him than when we are serving others.  We are saved to serve!

THE CALLING OF A MAN OF GOD

 

There are many Scriptural qualifications for one who is to be a pastor. The foundational text is 1 Timothy 3:1-7. At the heart of this service is a Divine calling. Moses, the man of God received such a call. Let us consider this as we study Exodus 3:1-14. 

First, we focus on THE PREPARATIONS FOR OUR CALLING, (v. 1-3). 

Moses was prepared through shepherding, (v. 1a). He was prepared by his life experiences to shepherd God’s flock. That is what the word, “pastor,” means—to lead, feed, and be willing to bleed for the flock. What we have done is God’s training ground for future duty. Moses led his father-in-law’s sheep through the same desert where he would later lead the nation of Israel. If we are faithful to lesser responsibilities, then God will assign us to greater ones. The Lord never calls a lazy man. Gideon was threshing wheat when the Lord called him to lead Israel’s armies; David was tending sheep when the Lord called him to govern the nation; Elisha was plowing the field when called to be a prophet of God; Peter was fishing when the Lord called him to fish for men.

He was prepared through solitude, (v. 1b). The leader will often stand alone, so he must get used to it!  In quietness, Moses could be available to hear the voice of God. We need a daily quiet time for spiritual growth. It has been the persistent pattern of my Christian life that enables me to hear from God that I might then speak for Him. If I do not get still before the Lord, then I will not be fit to stand before the congregation.

Moses was prepared through signs, (v. 2). Moses would always remember the burning bush. God will confirm His call.  While our call may not be as dramatic, it is to be just as definite! 

My grandfather was a preacher. As I was in his room, as he died, a lady looked at me and said, “Maybe you will take his place.”  So, I began to seek the will of God in this. 

As, I moved to full surrender of my life—whatever God wanted me to do—I had a wife who was willing to do likewise. We heard a message from Stephen Olford as he summoned us to say, “Lord Jesus, anything, anywhere, anytime—I am ready.”  

A few days later, I heard a terrible excuse for a sermon, and the Lord said to my heart, “I have enough of this. I need someone to preach my Word.”  God’s voice was not audible to my hearing, but was indelible in my heart!  

When I announced my call that day, many came to me, and affirmed that they had seen God working in my life. That afternoon, a former youth pastor and mentor to me, showed up in the parking lot, and said, “We are having a youth service at Victory Baptist Church (where he was serving) and I want you to preach.”  Trusting God—for I had no idea how to prepare and deliver a sermon—I told him I would. God enabled me and as I gave a Gospel invitation, a twelve year old girl came to trust in Christ. I have been at it ever since—nearly 50 years. 

What is your burning bush?

Moses was prepared through separation, (v. 3). Moses chose to turn aside. We are called to turn aside from the world, and devote ourselves entirely to God. A man of God is God’s man—wholly His. There needs to be that definite dedication—no turning back. Burning bushes demand burning bridges!

Second, we see THE PLACE OF OUR CALLING, (v. 4-6). 

It was a place of commission, (v. 4). God issued a commission, and Moses committed to it. The Lord’s call to young Samuel led him to say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears,” (1 Sam. 3:10). Isaiah was in the Temple when He saw Holy God and heard Him ask, “‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then [Isaiah] said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” (Is. 6:8). Matthew was collecting taxes when Jesus passed by and said, “Follow Me,” (Matt. 9:9). He got up and followed. Paul was on the Damascus Road when Jesus shone on him with blinding light and spoke to him with booming voice—and that experience would not only bring Paul salvation, but a call to service. 

It was a place of cleansing, (v. 5-6). He was to take off those dirty sandals for Moses was standing on holy ground!  An encounter with God brings a call to cleansing—that we might be a fit vessel for Holy God to use. The scoundrel Jacob had to be broken by God in order to be blessed by God. Isaiah had a burning coal put to his mouth to purify his lips to speak God’s message. God can use a crude instrument to do His work, but it must be a clean instrument.

Third, we turn to THE PURPOSE IN OUR CALLING, (v. 7-10). Our purpose may be summed up as to get people out of Egypt’s bondage and into Canaan’s bounty. 

Our task is to liberate the slaves. Moses was to lead people out of bondage. This is evangelism. The preacher is called to go to those enslaved to sin, that by the blood of the Lamb they might be liberated to new life. 

Our job is also to lead the saints. Moses was to lead the people in to blessing. This is discipleship. The preacher is to help the saints to go forward and grow in faith. There is not only life—but we can know it more abundantly!  

Fourth, we find THE POWER FOR OUR CALLING, (v. 11-14). 

There was the request for God’s power, (v. 11-12). Moses recognized his inadequacy and appealed to God. God assured him of His presence and power. The preacher can do nothing unless God be with Him. Our ministry will be unfruitful without abiding in Christ. We must seek God’s anointing!

Then, consider the result of God’s power, (v. 13-14). People would know that God had met with Moses. I think of the Apostles, “they realized they had been with Jesus,” (Acts 4:13b). If God’s work is evident in our lives, people will know that a prophet has been among them. They may not like what we say, they may not follow what we say, but they will know that we speak for God. Our only authority is that we are sent by the Lord and speak His word. We are not hirelings employed by the church, but shepherds called by Christ. 

This call is a great privilege. God only had one Son and He made Him a preacher. You would have to stoop to become the President. 

This call brings a great pressure. Moses had an immense responsibility. Eternal souls hang in the balance. Ours is the strictest scrutiny and severest accountability. If we fail, we drag down many with us. 

Yet, there is a great promise. The Lord’s resources are available and the Lord’s reward is attainable. Faithful shepherds will gain a special crown, when Christ calls us home, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away,” (1 Pet. 5:4).

ALL OF GRACE

 

From start to finish, the Christian life is all of grace. Before we entered this world, God had set His sight on saving us—and not because we deserved it, but all because of grace. When we exit this world and enter glory, it will be all of grace. In between—every step of the way—it is grace that sustains us. 

We sing of that progression in John Newton’s beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace,” from the first verse stressing grace “that saved a wretch like me,” to then sing of its preciousness even more than “the hour I first believed,” which continues “through many dangers, toils, and snares…and grace will lead us home,” when in heaven we will “sing God’s praise,” for it is all of grace. 

In 1 Corinthians 15:9-11, Paul stresses that amazing grace in particular relationship to Gospel ministry. What is true for the man in the pew is especially descriptive of the man in the pulpit. 

There is THE GRACE THAT SAVES, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God,” (v. 9). The Apostle had no room for boasting. He stresses the sinful state from which Christ rescued him. He never got over that transforming experience with the Risen Christ. The preacher must ever be in awe of the grace that saved us, that he may have a sense of wonder at God’s amazing grace toward him and possess a passion for the lost.

Then, there is THE GRACE THAT SELECTS, “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (v. 10a).  The Lord who saves us, selects us for gifts that He might use us in service to Him.  Again, these spiritual gifts are not merited, but are all of grace. Paul was an Apostle not because he chose that as a vocation, but because God chose him by the impartation of grace gifts. All God’s children are called and equipped to serve Him, but in varying ways. Not all are called to preach, but some are selected for that task. That we stand above the congregation and lead them is not because we are better than they, just different by God’s design, directive, and dynamic. A good preacher does not seek his own glory, but the glory of God. Apart from grace, we would not be in such a position.

Further, we find THE GRACE THAT SECURES, “and His grace toward me was not in vain,” (v. 10b). As we do cannot save ourselves, nor do we select ourselves, we can neither secure ourselves apart from the grace of God. How often we hear of preachers who stumble and fall into scandal.  Never think that it cannot happen to you. We must ever say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I!”  Yet, if we will look to God and lean on grace, the Lord’s call to us need not be in vain. Again, I remind you we may testify, 

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
We have already come
‘Twas grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

Also, we have THE GRACE THAT STRENGTHENS, “but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me,” (v. 10c). The labor of Christian ministry is too great for a mere man. It is a supernatural work demanding supernatural resources. Yet, that is what grace is all about. We labor indeed—as Paul and every other man of God who fulfills his calling does—yet, are reminded once more that it is all of grace. God’s grace not only saves, selects, and secures—it strengthens. The Lord comes alongside us and enables us.  One such incident Paul experienced is documented in Acts 27. He was a prisoner on a ship, bound to be tried in Rome, when a terrible storm made the sinking of the ship inevitable. Yet, hear the man of God, 

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts‬ 27‬:‭22‬-‭25‬‬).

Storms will come in Christian ministry.  Perhaps you are in one today. God’s grace is enough to see you through!

Finally, there is THE GRACE THAT SPEAKS,  “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed,” (v. 11).  I look back over nearly a half-century of ministry, read sermons that I have written, consider how time and again I have stood behind the sacred desk and preached, and my heart is overflowing with wonder. God has never failed to speak through this old clay pot!  It is not because of my talent, but because of the treasure God has placed in me. The Apostle said it, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us,” (2 Cor.‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬‬). Out of our mouths, God pours His message, and it powerfully changes lives, by His grace!

Let us give thanks to God for His amazing grace!

THE SUCCESSFUL SERVANT

 

The story of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24 illustrates successful service for the Lord. Eliezer was sent to seek a spouse for the son, Isaac. Similarly, as servants of God, we are sent to seek those who will become the Bride of the Son, Jesus Christ. 

We begin with THE PLEDGE OF A WORKER, (v. 1-9). God—in His supremacy—did not need us, yet in His sovereignty has chosen us. He calls laborers to work in His field. He calls men to commitment. He is still calling today; but are we listening? I remember when I surrendered to Jesus to preach the Gospel in 1976. My pledge was that with the help of God: “Lord Jesus, anything, anytime, anywhere—I am ready.”

Then, we hear THE PRAYER OF THE WORKER, (v. 10-14).  The availability came from the servant, but the ability came from the Lord. This man understood the need for God’s intervention, if his work was to be successful. So he prayed. We will never see fruitfulness in our labors apart from faithfulness in our prayers. 

Further, We see THE PREPARATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 15-28).  God was already at work—even before the servant concluded his prayer!  Our intercession does not change the will of God, but includes us in the accomplishing of it. The woman was a beautiful virgin with the humble heart of a servant. This is the Bride that God the Father has prepared for His Son. Paul wrote: “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish,” (Eph. 5‬:‭26‬-‭27‬‬). 

There is THE PROVISION FOR THE WORKER, (v. 29-33a). Provisions were prepared for the servant. When we take the step of faith to pursue God’s will, He has promised He will supply our needs. I have never lacked anything that I truly needed during a half century of Gospel ministry. The Lord told His disciples, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food,” (Matt.10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬‬). Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides!

Also, note THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WITNESS, (v. 33b-49). Abraham’s servant had something to say—and it was urgent—so much so that he would not even eat until he shared it. He relates the story of his search for a bride for his master’s son, and how the Lord had providentially led him there. He delivers the word and calls for decision. Our task is to proclaim the Word; those who hear are accountable for their response to it. 

Next, observe THE PROSPERITY IN THE WORK, (v. 50-60). God blesses these words and the servant prospers in his work. He sought a bride and a bride was found!  God might have sent a heavenly angel to visit Rebekah with a vision, but instead selected a human messenger to make the appeal. This is how God typically prepares a Bride for His Son. The Father seeks a man and sends a man, supplying the man with the means for mission. When it seems the Word is falling on deaf ears, be encouraged and rejoice in the promise of God, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55‬:‭11‬‬). 

We conclude with THE PRESENTATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 61-67).  What a sight the son beheld when his bride was presented to him by the servant!  She is chaste and pure—“prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” (Rev. 21:2).   What a glorious day that will be—and to know that God used humble servants like us to bring the bride home!

“‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” ‘ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Rev. ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭9‬‬).

ALL ON THE ALTAR

Early in my Christian life, I memorized Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

This text has been significant in directing my daily walk and for nearly fifty years shaping my ministry. While the verses apply to all believers, I want to target those who serve as elders in the church. 

Paul calls us to have A SURRENDERED BODY, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies…”. God’s Spirit indwells these physical forms. He does his work through our hands. He speaks by our voice. Our body is to be surrendered to Him. That means we are to care for our body. It is His Temple. We ought to get the proper amount of exercise, eat the right food, and have enough rest, otherwise these bodies will not function at peak efficiency.

This is the summons to A SACRIFICIAL LIFE, “a living sacrifice…”. Paul reaches into the Old Testament for an illustration of a New Testament principle. As the priests would place an animal on the altar to be consumed in fire as a burnt offering, so I am to place my life on the altar of complete surrender to be consumed with God and His service. It is not a one time decision, but a day by day, moment by moment devotion. Christian ministry is a costly matter.

We are directed to A SANCTIFIED WALK, “holy, acceptable to God…”. This is the pursuit of holiness. As God is holy, we are to be holy. We are sanctified—that is, set apart for Him. Again, the Old Testament analogy is clear—an animal had to be without blemish if it was to be fit as an offering to God. Men will evaluate us and make their judgments. But, what really matters is what God knows about us. Are we acceptable to Him?

We need A SERVANT HEART, “which is your reasonable service.”  We are saved to serve. It is what we do. It is a reasonable thing based on the mercies of God bestowed to us. Paul begins this verse with the pivotal phrase, “I beseech you, therefore, by the mercies of God…”. For eleven chapters, the Apostle has given us doctrine as to what we are to believe concerning the salvation Christ has brought. Now, in the final five chapters, he moves to duty as to how we are to behave responding to that salvation Christ has wrought. When we are tempted to give up, give in, or give out—look to Calvary. Recognize the price Jesus paid. As the hymn says, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.”

That last phrase in Romans 12:1 can also be translated, “your spiritual worship.”  That would again connect this to the Old Testament sacrificial system, as the offerings were at the core of Jewish worship. This reminds us that central to why we do what we do, it is our love for God. Worship is not just a one day a week action, but a daily disposition. What God supremely desires is our heart.

This results in A STEADFAST RESISTANCE, “And do not be conformed to this world…”. The world powerfully and persistently pressures us to be conformed to its warped ideologies and sensual behaviors. To yield to these is to become disqualified for Gospel ministry. We have often seen some preacher caught up in scandal, and fail to understand that spectacle was likely the result of a sinister process. Worldliness works much like erosion—gradually eating away, unseen until there is collapse.

That resistance can only be successful if accompanied by A SCRIPTURAL MIND, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. We will be conformed to the world, unless we are transformed by the Word. The battle is in our mind, (cf. 2 Cor. 4-5). It is a marvelous computer, and the information downloaded into that mental hard drive determines the data that will be put out. Our mind will have the malicious viruses of the world ruining it or the mighty verses of the Word renewing it. 

We may recall the tragedy of the Titan—a small sub that imploded in an effort to explore the Titanic wreckage, killing the five on board. So long as the air pressure inside the vessel was as great as the water pressure against the hull, all was well. When the pressure outside exceeded the inside, then came destruction. 

I need to be consistently studying, memorizing, meditating, sharing, and applying Scripture, if my mind is to be renewed. 

The end result is A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY, “that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  The human tendency in recognizing a successful preacher is in the size of the congregation and name recognition. While these may have some significance, the true measure of success is doing all the good we can in an acceptable manner according to the will of God. It is being the shepherd God had called us to be with the flock He has assigned to us. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, there will be a lot of preachers celebrated on earth which will be burnt up under the fire of Christ’s scrutiny in eternity. Then, there will be some virtual unknowns who will be called to the front of the line and honored for faithful service though laboring in obscurity. Focus on the “good and acceptable and perfect will of God,” which is your decision and leave the results to God which He dictates.

You have longed for sweet peace,

        And for faith to increase,

        And have earnestly, fervently prayed.

But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

        Would you walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?

You must do His sweet will
To be free from all ill–
On the altar your all you must lay.

        Oh, we never can know

        What the Lord will bestow

        Of the blessings for which we have prayed,

        Till our body and soul

        He doth fully control,

        And our all on the altar is laid. 

        Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet
When our all on the altar is laid!

        Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,

        As you yield Him your body and soul. (Elisha Hoffman)

AFTER GOD’S HEART

 

There was a Marine slogan I saw on TV years ago, “We’re looking for a few good men.”  So is God. He is a seeking God—from Genesis to Revelation, we witness His search. God called Abraham, Jesus called Simon, and the Spirit and the Bride communicate the pursuit of God in saying, “Come,” (Rev. 22:16). The Lord is still after men who will respond and be “after My own heart,” as David was. We focus on Paul’s sermon illustration in Acts 13:22, as he quotes 1 Samuel 13:14. 

Consider, THE PERSON, “a man.” David was a real man—the son of Jesse. He was not Superman, but a spiritual man. We know he was a sinner saved by grace and set apart by God for God. We are aware that he was a man who sometimes stumbled—and once egregiously so—yet, the orientation of his soul was for God’s heart and the direction of his steps was toward God’s heart. 

God is not after perfection, but progression. If being a perfect man is required then we are all disqualified. There has only been One Perfect Man—Jesus Christ. This is not an excuse for sin. David paid a price for his failure—and others suffered also. Yet, God called the “chief” of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15) and made him the great Apostle Paul, who said, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,” (1 Tim. 1‬:‭12‬‬). Paul, like David, was a man—but a man after God’s own heart. 

Thus, there is THE PASSION, “after My own heart.” To be “after” the heart of God is to exhibit a relentless pursuit. Think of a dog in the hunt, who has picked up the scent of the prey and exerts all that is in it to seize that quarry. Is there a passionate fire burning in you?  Is that pursuit to find the heart of God?

This is important. Don’t bark up the wrong tree!  Success in ministry is not the goal. If you want headlines—status and significance—then even if you get it, you will find it hollow and slippery to hold.  How many church “heroes,” have a pride producing fall and become “zeroes”?

It is the heart of God we are after—to know Him, to love Him, to glorify Him, and to enjoy Him, forever. As we read David’s story and listen to David’s songs, we cannot fail to see his passion for God and God alone. Here is one such expression in Psalm 63:1-8:

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts  for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land  Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the  sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your  lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.  Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your  name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,  And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I  remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night  watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the  shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close  behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

Does your heart pound, “Amen” when you read that?

We conclude by considering THE PATTERN, “who will do all My will.”  To be “after the heart of God” is to walk in the will of God. Such a man has Christ as the pattern and seeks to conform to His heart. Our Master is our model and His mission is our mandate. Jesus described it this way in His call to disciples to follow Him, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt.‬ ‭20‬:‭28‬‬)

This is a servant mentality, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”  Do we demand, “serve us,” or engage in “service”?  The servant’s heart is revealed by how we respond when someone treats us like a servant!  The King of Glory stooped to wash dirty feet!

It is also a sacrificial ministry, “and to give His life a ransom for many.”  As John Maxwell’s leadership principle states, “you have to give up to go up.”  We are to be poured out as living sacrifices, (Rom. 12:1). Paul saw his ministry as being “poured out as a drink offering”—a sacrifice to God for men, (ref. 2 Tim. 4:6a). 

May God find in this imperfect man that I am, “a man after [God’s] own heart”!

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.”

NO KNAPSACK BUT NO LACK

 

I’ve heard it said, “Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides.”  If you want to make a fortune on earth, I would not recommend ministry as a vocation. But, if God calls you to serve Him, and He sends you into the field of Gospel work, then you can be confident of enough here and eternal reward hereafter!

I type this as I sit in a modest house. I drive a car that is about ten years old with around 200,000 miles on it. My wardrobe is not extravagant and my lifestyle not one of the rich and famous. So what?  It does not matter to me.  If I can meet my obligations—it is enough. 

The disciples testified to this reality. Jesus had sent them out without what one would consider even basic supplies. There was an urgency about the mission which did not allow a lot of preparation. They would learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It is how God wants us all to live. It is a counter-cultural approach that summons us to reject man’s natural inclination and live with supernatural direction.

My Father has never failed me. Day by day, He has cared for me. The One who feeds the fowls and robes the flowers, has kept me nourished and clothed. Sometimes what was going out demanded more than what was coming in. It is good to have a budget, but when you crunch the numbers, they may crash us to our knees.  But, that is a good place to be, and I will tell you that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬‬). He has not promised to provide for greed, but to meet need. 

I was basically bi-vocational in my first pastorate—a small country church in the mountains. The membership was mainly senior saints on fixed incomes. A typical offering was $300, of which they paid me about a third of it. We went there with my wife expecting our first child. We had no insurance.  They did provide us a place to stay, but we had to pay for the utilities. The old two story, rock farmhouse had windows that were not tight and when the winds of winter blew hard, the curtains moved!  In a hard rain, water would pour in through the worn shingles and we placed jars and cans to catch the water that dripped through. 

I remember coming home with our little family one night and the furnace was off because the fuel had run out. There was nothing to do but call one of our young deacons who let us spend the night. The next day, they put some oil in. Then the church purchased a wood furnace, and they would let me cut wood off some of their land, sometimes even helping me work it up—and we made it through the winter. When it seemed the food would run out, somebody would bring us some beef for the freezer and some beans they had canned.

There are many other stories of this nature I might tell. Nearly half a century has passed and always God has provided.  Trust Him today. Serve Him always. If you have no knapsack, the Lord promises there will still be no lack. 

My old professor, the late William Willingham, sometimes would sing this song to us in chapel:

1. Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We´re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God’s eternal day!
 
CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.
 
2. At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We’re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.
 
3. Life’s day will soon be o’re,
all storms forever past;
We’ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We’ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We’ll lay our burdens down.

ARE YOU CRAZY?

“My schedule is insane!”  Have you ever thought that?  I know I have—many times. My wife has certainly told me that. Others might look at our calendar and think likewise. 

The truth is, if there are not occasions that people accuse us of being crazy, then we have failed in this area to be like Jesus!  His family thought Him so, and came to take Him away to the looney bin!

Here we see Him so consumed with His ministry that He does not take time to consume food. This chapter in Mark’s Gospel presents relentless activity, rolling in like the continual lapping of the waves of the Sea of Galilee on the shore. 

We have a brief amount of time to do what God has called us to do. God’s work demands the work of God in and through us. At the end of our strength, that is where we discover His power. God will give you the grace you need for this day, this hour, this moment—no matter how immense the demand may be. Do not worry about tomorrow—plunge into the task at hand. When—and if—tomorrow comes, the Lord will give you grace once more for the next challenge. 

People look at us and the sacrifices we make, and the earthly benefits so small, and think, “What a waste!  They are crazy!”  Our own family may think us mad to enter the ministry. 

That is being like Jesus!

A HUMBLE SERVANT

 

John the Baptist was one of the greatest preachers ever. Jesus said that concerning those of the Old Covenant dispensation, John topped the list. There had not been a greater mere mortal than John, (cf. Matt.11:11a).  That includes a lot of remarkable preachers: Noah, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and such. John was number one, as declared by the ultimate Judge!  

Yet, that is not what John saw as he looked at his reflection in the Jordan River. He was not dressed in finery, nether dined of delicacy, as he wore a robe of camel’s hair and leather belt, eating locusts and wild honey!  Though multitudes thronged to hear him and his message of repentance, delivered in the sacred anointing, resulting in masses of baptisms, he was content to be a voice crying in the wilderness. His motivation was to gather a crowd—not for himself, but to point to Jesus.  “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease,” John said as recorded in John 3:30. John’s baptism in water was significant, but Christ’s baptism with the Spirit was superlative!  John was a herald, but Jesus was the King!

In our day of celebrity preachers, who have a name that is recognizable and a fame that is considerable, it is good for us to assume John’s position of the lowliest servant whose task was to untie his Master’s sandals. Even so, John felt unworthy of that work!  That was a lowly task, but these were the lovely feet of Jesus!  May we bow at those feet today, in anticipation of the position of worship we will assume as we fall at His nail-scarred feet in eternity!

Brothers, let us make much of Jesus!  May our voice cry out in this spiritual wilderness an announcement that, “The King is coming!  Prepare to meet Him!”

READY TO DO HIS WILL

 

There is a fascinating contrast in our Lord’s ministry witnessed in John 14. On the one hand, the multitudes are seeking His ministry and He serves them, while later He sends them away and seeks solitude!  From telling the disciples, “They do not need to go away,” we read a short time later that “He sent them away.”

God is limitless, but humans have their limitations. Christ was God Incarnate and able thus to multiply the small supply of loaves and fish to feed thousands, while also needing to withdraw for rest and to hear from His Father. That time of prayer was our Lord’s means of receiving new direction and replenished power for His ministry. In so doing, Jesus shows us how man is meant to live—taking in that we might give out. 

All of us can sympathize with the disciples when they felt their resources inadequate for the demands. They told Jesus to send the masses away. Yet, when we are in the will of God, He will always supply us with what we need to do the work. There is no excuse for laziness in Christian service. When we reach the point of exasperation, we have not necessarily come to the point of exhaustion. Little is much, when God is in it.  You may have a little more gas in the tank when the needle rests on empty.

Yet, there will come a time that the ministry must be set aside that we may be refreshed. Praying alone is not wasting time, but is making the best use of our time. While it is true that sometimes we face a challenging time and know what we need to do, yet refuse to do it for how costly it is—making the excuse, “Let me pray about it.”  That sounds spiritual, but may be cowardice. That was not the case for Jesus. He had reached His limit for the day and now it was time for solitude. 

The key whether immersed in service or isolated in supplication is to be in the will of God. The old hymn stated it:

1 Ready to suffer grief or pain,
Ready to stand the test;
Ready to stay at home and send
Others if He sees best.

Refrain:
Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great,
Ready to do His will.

2 Ready to go, ready to bear,
Ready to watch and pray;
Ready to stand aside and give
Till He shall clear the way. [Refrain]

3 Ready to speak, ready to think,
Ready with heart and mind;
Ready to stand where He sees fit,
Ready His will to find. [Refrain]

4 Ready to speak, ready to warn,
Ready o’er souls to yearn;
Ready in life or ready in death,
Ready for His return. [Refrain] (lyrics by A.C. Palmer)

Jesus would come down from the mountain of prayer and go to His disciples as they were toiling in storm-tossed seas. He was ready. Are you?

A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

 

I think of the words of the old hymn that call us to faithfulness:

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory! (E. E. Hewitt)

This anticipates the new song—the song of victory in glory mentioned in Revelation 14:2-3.  This celestial chorus arises in consideration of the faithful witness of the 144,000 and anticipates their heroic welcome to heaven at the end of the age. When the Lamb returns to earth and establishes His reign, these 144,000 will stand with Him on Mount Zion (14:1). 

Our purpose in this devotional is not prophetic, but practical. While I interpret these 144,000 to be Jewish evangelists during the seven years of tribulation—following the rapture of the church—there are principles that apply to every generation of Gospel preachers. The reality is that during the first century and down to our twenty-first century, there is a message for us in a call to readiness and faithfulness.  So, let me share some of these timeless truths to those who proclaim the Gospel as a model for to follow.

Note THEIR SALVATION,  “These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” (Rev.14:4c). Now, one might assume that every man in the pulpit has been to Calvary, but that assumption would be inaccurate. Judas Iscariot was a preacher, but a fraud who is in hell today. Demas gave appearance of being a true disciple, but he departed from the faith (2 Tim.4:10). Others could be named. Every Gospel preacher must look at his spiritual birth certificate and make sure God is his Father! 

It is good “to make your calling and election sure,” as Peter puts it (2 Pet.1:10). We should make regular trips to Calvary, even if assured of salvation. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as a regular reminder. Sadly, we can get to a place where we are so familiar with the Gospel that it becomes a presentation without a passion. You are convinced of your conversion?  That is well and good. Does it still stir you?  Are you still amazed at the price Jesus paid to purchase you?

Then, we see THEIR SANCTIFICATION, “These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.” (Rev.14:4a). This cannot be used to promote celibacy among clergy as Rome’s false system does with its priesthood. It is likely that these 144,000 will be single, however, fully consumed with the work of witness in that future day. Yet, there are spiritual applications for us, whatever our marital status.

We are to be sanctified—set apart morally. These devoted disciples refused to hear the sensual Siren song of the age. May God keep us true and faithful, understanding that our culture is increasingly defiled. Many a preacher has stumbled here.

We are to be sanctified—set apart doctrinally. These 144,000 refused to bow to the Beast and be seduced by the deception of the False Prophet. They spoke the truth of the Word, “And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev.14:5). In our days of doctrinal departure, may we abide in sound doctrine!  We are going to be subjected to increasing pressure from the anti-Christian world system to bow and bend.  Voices are rising in evangelicalism saying, “We need to be careful how the world perceives us. Let us not emphasize certain truths in order to reach people.”  This is folly!

Further, observe THEIR SERVICE, “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.”  (‭‭Rev.‬ ‭14:4‬‬b). All God’s people have been called to follow Christ faithfully. God’s shepherds need to be out front showing the way and setting the standard. Wherever Christ leads us, we are to follow, and summon His lambs to do likewise. May we walk so close to Jesus, that others can walk in our steps and it be as following Christ!  Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ,” (1 Cor.11:1).

Hear and heed the call to faithfulness as Gospel men.  “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Rev.14:12‬‬). It may be at any moment Christ could summon His saints to glory, translated into heaven!  We want to be doing His work should that be today. If that does not occur and we die, may we be as Paul, having fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith with a crown of righteousness awaiting all who loved His appearing. Here is the promise, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’”  (Rev.‬ ‭14:13).

‬‬Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we'll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory! (Hewitt)

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

 

Preachers should make much of Christ and be cautious not to make much of themselves. Some pastors have the capacity to strut while they sit and swagger as they sleep. They appear to read their press clippings as often as they read their Bible. Success to them is the number of “likes,” and “shares,” on social media and in the frequency of invitations to appear on a stage in some denominational event.

We are servants of the Lord. Some want to climb the ladder. Others want to ascend a pedestal. God’s expectation for us is in the opposite direction. We are here to take the basin and towel, stooping to serve, as did our blessed Lord!  There are some dirty feet in need of washing.  This is being like Jesus. 

BE PEACEABLE, and not pugilistic. “The servant of the Lord must not quarrel.”  There is much evil to fight against—inside us, in the hearts of the church members, and especially in our fallen world. Yet, do not be famous for your feuds. Have an open hand to lift others instead of a clenched fist to slug them. Don’t go looking for trouble. It will find you often enough without your aid.

BE GENTLE, and not harsh.  Paul says, “be gentle to all.”  Some may be characterized as “a bull in a china shop.”  They may not build a church up, but have a proven track record of knowing how to blow it up!  Picture a physician who treats a child with a broken bone. He does not grab their shattered limb and jerk them around—only increasing the pain and compounding the damage. Rather, he gently sets the bone in place, stabilizes it, and facilitates healing. We have many broken people in our pews who need such gentle care.

BE CAPABLE, especially in teaching. The Apostle says God’s servant is “able to teach.”  If a pastor cannot feed the flock, then he cannot shepherd them. We may lack competency in many areas, but we cannot be ineffective communicators. Our position calls for teaching the truth. God has spoken through His Word and uses his men to proclaim it with authority, clarity, urgency, and to do so capably.  You may not be the best, but you cannot afford to be bad. Teaching is a gift, but also a skill that can be improved if we labor at it.

BE DURABLE, and not given to quitting. We are to be “patient.”  The farmer in the field knows he cannot sow seed and reap a crop the next day. There is a season of dealing with drought, facing a deluge, winds that blow, weeds to pull, bugs to kill, varmints to stop, disease to fight, and then the work of gathering the harvest. Our church field will be like that. Do not give up or give out. Claim this promise, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” (Gal.6:9).

Dear God, 

Will you strengthen your servants today who shepherd your flock. May your peace abide in them and cause them to be peacemakers and not troublemakers. As you have been gentle to us, remind us to be tender with the broken. When we stand to speak, enable us to be effective.  To the disheartened man out there who is contemplating quitting, renew his patience.

In the Name of the Model Servant, Jesus Christ,

Amen!

IN THE MASTER’S SERVICE

Paul writes in a day when men and women were bought and sold in the marketplace. So, there is the literal application of this truth to those were saved and yet still slaves. Yet, there is a spiritual implication for the preacher of the Gospel, too. Paul frequently referred to Himself as a bondservant in his labor for the Lord.  God’s preachers are bought by the precious blood of Christ. We are held by shackles of love. We are in the service of the Master. As such, there are some lessons for church leaders here.

Consider our FOCUS (v.22). We are to serve the Master pointedly. Our focus is to please the Master and not men. We do not work for a church board, some church bosses, the congregation, but for Christ.  The hypocrisy of people-pleasing will lead you sooner or later to failure and frustration. The sincerity of God-pleasing will bring you to success and satisfaction. You cannot please people all the time, but you can please God every time. The reality is that sometimes you will displease people by pleasing God. Always focus on Who you work for—the Boss is watching.  It is the fear of the Lord and not the fear of the people that should be our pointed intent.

Note our FERVENCY (v.23). We are to serve the Master passionately. Not only do we serve the Lord sincerely (v.22), but heartily. There should be a zeal that drives us. The preacher is not merely doing a job, but honoring the Lord. Think of the difference between someone who cooks for a living, and one who grills steaks for his lover.  The former is a job, while the latter is a joy. God looks on the heart and weighs the motivation behind the ministry. Going through the motions will drain you and you will eventually burn out. Serving with loving motivation will energize you and you will faithfully burn on. It does not mean you never get physically weary in well-doing, but you will not become spiritually weary of well-doing.  This is the way we serve with passionate insistence.

Weigh our FUTURE (v.24-25). We are to serve the Master persistently. As previously seen, ministry is not about pleasing people, but God. It is not about performing a job, but fulfilling a joy.  Now, we see it is not about temporal reimbursement, but eternal reward. If you work for a paycheck you will find yourself consumed with covetousness. You will be corrupted by vanity if you have a lot and consumed with envy if you have a little. What the preacher needs is just enough to provide for his family—even, if he must be a tent-maker like Paul to do so. Do not forget, “godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Tim.6:6). Our payday will be in heaven. God is keeping account and we will secure a reward or suffer a loss accordingly (see 1 Cor,3:10-15). This is why we serve as our persistent incentive.

ALL ON THE ALTAR

The Old Testament sacrificial system with its priesthood, altar, and sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, the Great High Priest, who offered Himself as a Lamb on the cross in fulfillment.  Yet, what Christ did absolutely, we are as His followers to do spiritually as  a kingdom of priests, offering spiritual sacrifices on the altar of our commitment.  That is the imagery Paul uses in this text.  Paul so describes the sacrificial gift of money brought by Epaphroditus from the Philippian church. There is a principle that we may apply to any gifts God graces us with—and how we may worship Him through the sacrificial offering of those for God’s glory.  Allow me to specifically speak to the preacher.

THERE IS THE SCENT OF THE SERMON. It is to be “a fragrant offering.”  Now, some sermons just stink! That brings no honor to God or help to the congregation. In contrast to that, If you have smelled a steak cooking on a grill—an aroma that makes you salivate—this should be akin to the scent of our sermon. In our prayerful preparation and passionate presentation, the offering of the message can make each one attending hunger for God and His Word—as Psalm 34:8 says to, “taste and see that the LORD is good!”

THERE IS THE SACRIFICE IN THE SERMON. It is “a sacrifice.”  The Old Testament worshipper was not to bring the worst of the flock, but the best. God was to get the firstfruits and not the leftovers. As David declared, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing,” (2 Sam.24:24). There is a price to pay for preaching that is for the glory of God and good of man. You don’t grab sermon scraps from a book or podcast, stick it in the microwave and go through the motions from the pulpit!

THERE IS THE SATISFACTION FROM THE SERMON. It is “acceptable and pleasing to God.”  If meant to only satisfy yourself in doing your job, or to tickle the ears of the people so they magnify you, then as a preacher your motivation is deadly. We pray that people will be touched by the truth, but it is not that they will always react with acceptance, they may respond with anger. We will find joy if the sermon is acceptable to God. Fundamentally our focus is on God being satisfied. If God is pleased, it ultimately matters not whether anyone else is.

Dear God, may the preacher offer in the sermon his all on the altar—a living sacrifice to You, that is holy in its conception and acceptable in its communication—as his spiritual act of worship!

STUFF I‘VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #27

Leadership is not about having a title, but a testimony. I believe I first heard John Maxwell say that. A “Reverend” in front of your name carries little weight and an ordination certificate will not make the congregation respect you unless your character and conduct demonstrate that you are a leader. Credibility with the church must be earned and a seminary degree alone does not assure it. If you have to demand, “Listen to me—I am your pastor!” then it actually means that you are not—at least not yet. Serve the Lord with integrity and serve the people with fidelity and they will honor you by following you if they have an ounce of genuine spirituality.

SWORD AND TROWEL

“The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.” (Nehemiah‬ ‭4:17‬‬b)

The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls required the laborers to work with a trowel in one hand and to wield a sword in the other. It is an apt description of those God has always used in the building of His church. The sword is required because there are spiritual forces arrayed against us, led by the archenemy of our souls, Satan. The trowel is required for it is not enough to fight our foe, but we must toil in our task, as well.

This was the thought behind Spurgeon’s monthly magazine called, “The Sword and the Trowel.”  He began its publication in 1865. The subtitle read, “A Record of Combat With Sin, and Labour For the Lord.”  The first issue made clear these twin purposes of battling and building. Spurgeon wrote, “We speak in love, but not in soft words and trimming sentences. We shall not court controversy, but we shall not shun it when the cause of God demands it. ...  We would sound the trumpet, and lead our comrades to the fight. We would ply the trowel with untiring hand for the building up of Jerusalem’s dilapidated walls, and wield the sword with vigor and valour for the truth.”  This, Spurgeon faithfully did, till his ministry concluded at his death.

This is our task still. Not all appreciated Spurgeon’s commitment to the truth—and make no mistake if you take a stand for Biblical doctrine and devotion in these days, you will be attacked as a hater, when it is love for the Lord and love, indeed, for those who reject the truth which motivates us, though it is not perceived as such. Yet, we dare not be ever looking for a fight, but must exert positive service in our Master’s cause. We must employ the trowel!

Pray for those who mount the pulpit today to carry sword and trowel. Ask God to help you as you enter the church house for marching orders and construction assignments—to go forth from that assembly into the world and make a difference for the cause of Christ.