1133. Paul's Purpose
Paul's Purpose
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Php_3:14).
Let us consider under this phase of our study the way that Paul looked upon his privations his perils, and his pains.
1. Paul said, "I glory in my infirmities" (see 2Co_11:23-33). He also said, "I take pleasure in my infirmities" (2Co_12:10). We have before us two striking words–"I glory" and "I take pleasure." What a high measure of grace is here displayed. Most of us are running away from suffering. We are living in a milk and water age. We have forgotten that we should endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. When Peter shunned the cross he began to backslide. Let us ask God to lift our feet onto the plane where Paul stood. Let us say with Paul: "I glory," "I take pleasure" in infirmities, in necessities, in reproaches, in distresses.
2. Paul said, "I am content" (see Php_4:10-13). Let us notice the quotation in full. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
The Apostle Paul seemed just as satisfied when he was dispossessed of his goods, as when he possessed them. He was just as satisfied when he suffered need, as when he had all sufficiency. It did not matter where he was. He could sing just as easily in a Philippian jail, as in the home of Lydia. His trials never moved him, he was content.
3. Paul said, "That I may know Him * * and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." Nothing ever moved Paul from his integrity and from his passion for the Lord. He even coveted the opportunity to suffer for Christ. Two examples may be given to establish this fact.
(1) The first in Act_20:22-27. Paul stood in Ephesus surrounded by his friends. He was intent on going to Jerusalem. He knew what the trip would mean, for he said: "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnessed in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God."
What a magnificent spirit does Paul display. Most of us are willing to serve, as long as preferment lies ahead, but who of us are willing to press straight forward when we know that bonds and afflictions abide?
Illustration: We remember as a youth when Charles L. Helmick stood in one of the churches of Parsons, Kans. He was on the eve of his departure for Africa. A man of beautiful countenance, unusually loved and admired by the people. In the midst of his address he said, "Do you want me to go?" From all parts of the crowded church came out, "No," but none of these things moved him. To Africa he went. There, among the natives, he toiled for six months, when he laid down his life. After his death, a friend opened his Bible, and they found where he had written there these words: "Though every step be over the grave of a missionary, yet the command of our Lord to preach the Gospel to every creature must be obeyed."
Thank God, for Charles L. Helmick. Thank God, for Paul. Who will follow him as he followed Christ?
(2) The second passage is found in Act_21:10-14. This happened in Caesarea. The Apostle Paul had tarried there certain days when a certain Prophet named Agabus came down, and coming into the midst of them, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet. Then Agabus said: "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."
As soon as the saints heard the words of Agabus they besought Paul that he would not go to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done."
Are there any of us who have been called of God to some service of sacrifice? Then a mother, a father, a husband, a wife or friends bemoaned us, and pled with us not to go. Were we persuaded? For very shame! If we will follow Him, let us take up our cross. If we would be His disciples, let us go outside the camp with Him and bear His reproach.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR