We often hear various presidents
and other public officials speak of their concern for their legacy
and how they will be remembered. A certain amount of self-centeredness
is always going to be in those who seek public office. It is
simply a part of the corruptible nature of man which the Lord
does ordain and direct in a useful manner. While this trait of desiring
remembrance is prominent in politicians, there is a bit of it in all men
born of Adam's race. One only has to ride by a cemetery
and notice the monuments which are there, marking out the place
where each one of the dead resides to see that this is true. The
natural man desires not to be forgotten, and so he is willing
to heap accolades upon the departed, hoping that the favor will be
returned to him when his time upon the earth is done. This
is in large part what drives the funeral industry and factors
into many of the common practices which are found in most modern
funerals. In Paul's words here to Timothy,
we don't see him desiring to be remembered for the things
which he had done. Rather, he seeks to encourage
Timothy to a faithful walk in the gospel by reminding him of
those things which he saw and heard in Paul. Paul desired no
accolades nor sought any monument erected in remembrance of him.
He recounted to the Philippians the very grounds upon which he
could, in the flesh, have reason to glory. Yet he summed all of
it up as done. Paul clearly understood that
any good thing which might be discovered in him was simply
the result of the work of God in him by sovereign grace. When a man has been acquainted
with his own corrupt nature and is convinced that only the grace
of God causes him to differ from another, then the only place
for him to glory is in that one who does all things well. Thus
Paul, in his exhortation to Timothy, is merely recognizing that grace
which the Lord has been pleased to exhibit in him. And his purpose
in pointing this out to Timothy is that the name of Christ might
be magnified in all things. He exhorts Timothy to recall
those things that the Lord has demonstrated in himself. These
include, one, his doctrine. No one else in the scriptures
has been given a clearer view of the teachings of Christ as
they are to be applied among the saints in the preaching of
the gospel than the Apostle Paul. This doctrine can be summed up
in what he said to the Corinthians, For I determined not to know
anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And as he reiterated to the Colossians,
Christ is all. Paul's doctrine was not with
enticing words, but in a demonstration of the power of the Holy Ghost. Secondly, his manner of life.
Paul did not say one thing and then do another. In fact, he
was not ashamed to say, Brethren, be followers together of me,
and mark them which walk so as ye have us, for an example. Thirdly,
his purpose. Paul was indeed a man with a
single eye. He was focused upon the one object
of his affection. His purpose was to exalt and
honor Jesus Christ. No other motivation is to enter
into the mind of those who would follow him, most especially those
who have been called to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Any preaching which does not give all glory and praise to
Christ alone cannot be the preaching of the gospel of Christ. And
then, fourthly, his faith. Paul understood the source of
faith as well as its foundation. For by grace are you saved through
faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ. And then he spoke of his longsuffering.
Paul exhorts the Philippians, let nothing be done through strife
or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other
better than themselves. and then also his charity or
love. Paul understood that every event
was an occasion to demonstrate love for the brethren rather
than himself. And lastly, his patience. Paul
was taught by the Lord that his grace is sufficient in all things. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at ForThePoor at WinStream.net.