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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In attempting to answer the questions posed in last week's first installment of, "…the battle is the Lord's,…" therefore victory is assured; we examined the lives of several Old Testament men who faced tremendous obstacles yet overcame them all – David, Noah and Gideon.
Being baffled, confused and puzzled by circumstances beyond our control and overwhelmed by decisions and tasks that seem beyond our abilities to complete are common to all men in every age. In continuing our quest this week, let's look at Paul, the quintessential over-comer; to ascertain his secret of success.
Paul, a man more accomplished in the spread of Christianity than most anyone else in history suffered immensely as he worked and struggled through his mission in life. He writes of his trials in 2Corinthians, listing the obstacles overcome. Five times he received 39 lashes from a whip (often a source of death and mutilation), he was beaten three times with rods, stoned once. He was shipwrecked three times; never settled but constantly on the move to new territory and converts. As such he was in danger along the roads and waterways from bandits as well as false believers and adversaries of the faith. Besides caring about and for his converts in various places he often labored without adequate clothing, food, water and shelter. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) All this – not for any monetary gain, career advancement or worldly acclaim but for the sake of the gospel! Throughout these unsurpassed examples of victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, success in the midst of hardship, of overcoming the ordinary with the extraordinary; his battle cry was, "I can do all things through (Christ) who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 (NASB) He wasn't reckless in his endeavors, he took precautions and the "easy" way out if the opportunity availed itself to him. (2 Corinthians 11:32,33) But he was willing to face death unafraid if need be to advance the gospel. (Acts 14:19,20) He assured those about him that, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 He had acquired the freedom of being available for whatever God asked, even death; realizing that death could – would come someday anyway. He placed himself squarely in God's hands and was then content to deal with whatever came his way with the assurance of success in what he was attempting or entry into heaven to be with his Lord and Savior. (Philippians 4:11) He had learned that, "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." 1 Corinthians 15:19 Things don't always work right here on earth. If we think to profit all the time because of our faith we will be disappointed. Sometimes things won't go right because of our faith. But heaven awaits! We must realize that like Paul, we will often be delivered through hardship and trials, not protected from them. With this understanding, we will be armed with the ability to find contentment in God's service, come what may. Paul was God's to do with as God saw fit. As such, he was able to find peace in doing God's will, even when he didn't fully understand or see how it would all play out. And of course the ultimate example of giving to gain was set by Christ himself. (See Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 12:2) So, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus" – as well as these other men of faithful action.
What's the point of these examples? What is there for us to learn? Key ingredients for effectiveness under fire! All these people benefited from challenging situations. If for no other reason, the testing of our faith and faithfulness develops the much needed character-trait of perseverance; which in turn matures us and leads us to completion in Christ. (James 1:3) We learn that God is dependable, which excites us to attempt more tasks for his glory. It's been done before, others can and will advise and cheer you on. So, "…run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 Even if suffering, of the mental, emotional or physical kind is inflicted upon us, we can rejoice... "because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3,4
These examples show us as well the proper working relationship we need to develop with Jesus Christ. "For we are God's fellow workers;" unashamed as we correctly relay the truth to others, created for good works in Jesus' name. 1Cor. 3:9,2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 2:10 As he wields us as tools of usefulness, we must remain ever-ready to work for him – with him. If not, we have failed our true purpose. Understanding what is expected, comprehending the mind of God, embracing the lifestyle he exemplified - changing our minds will be required. "Therefore, prepare your minds for action;" which will impart self-control, a key requirement for effectiveness under fire. 1 Peter 1:13 We are, "…to be made new in the attitude of our minds," putting on a "…new self, created to be like God…" Ephesians 4:23,24 How do we do that? By not conforming "…any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The result being that we acquire the ability to recognize God's will and ways. Romans 12:2 This new self takes shape as we are, "…renewed in knowledge in the image of (our) creator." Colossians 3:10 So, "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 That's very difficult to do! It takes effort, desire, commitment. "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. FOR IF YOU POSSESS THESE QUALITIES IN INCREASING MEASURE, THEY WILL KEEP YOU FROM BEING INEFFECTIVE AND UNPRODUCTIVE…" ! 2 Peter 1:5-8
By incorporating these attributes into our lifestyle we will develop the confidence to trust God to work through us to create good in our lives and in the world. "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Is. 32:17 Quiet confidence, even in times of uncertainty and trials. "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 Remember, GOD, "…is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US,…" Ephesians 3:20
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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