PURSUE GOD’S AGENDA

So we are all still here and the world did not end. Remember the Bible says that “no man” will know when the end of times will happen. I guess that the person saying the end would come on 5/21 was not named “no man”. Most confuse the “end of the world” with rapture. I heard that on the news at least twice. Rapture, by that name, is not in the Bible. But as you study the Bible, especially Revelations, it is clear that rapture could occur at any time, but that is not the “end of the world”.  Then the Bible clearly says it will be 7 years from rapture before Christ comes again and “ends” the world as we know it. This is God’s agenda.

Today we will spend some time pursuing God’s agenda by recognizing our accountability, holding uncompromisingly to the gospel, and living out our devotion to the church. We know that we need to commit ourselves to pursuing God’s agenda wherever it leads and whatever it costs. However, many times we all pursue our own agenda. We are going to look at three different scripture areas, all written by Paul. As a servant of God, we need to seek what God is telling us to do through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right.

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Recognize Your Accountability to God

In a recent previous lesson we talked above the immorality of Corinth, as a city. In fact, this past Sunday, the Pastor repeated all of the background and description of Corinth as we had talked in some detail before. Also I have mentioned at least twice that we all get spiritual gifts when we become Christians and it is always nice when the Pastor re-affirms specifics from our lesson (like he did over and over this past week’s sermon). That background helps us understand- again- what Paul is saying about the Corinthian church’s need for accountability. Paul starts by setting himself up as a “manager of God’s mysteries”. Managers can mean “stewards” (KJV) and describes someone who receives responsibility to care for the property of another. God’s mysteries are the hidden wonders in God’s plan that he was revealing to the Corinthians. Paul is emphasizing that they must be faithful and accountable to God. So when Paul talks about- that it is not important to be evaluated by them, or even any human court, he is not being arrogant but that we all need to be accountable only to God.   It is tempting to judge fellow Christians but only God knows a person’s heart, and He is the only one with the right to judge us and others. We are to confront those who are sinning (5:12-13) but we must not judge who is a better servant for Christ. What are we likely saying when we judge others?  (That we know best, we are better than they are and/or it is arrogance.)“Hidden in darkness” and “reveal intentions” refer to the inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes which only God can know. Since our Heavenly rewards will be based, not just on outward service, but on inward devotion, only God can give the praise each deserves. So Paul affirmed that at Christ’s coming “praise will come to each one from God”. God will judge our actions and motives related to our work. God does not want to bless our agendas; rather, He wants us to pursue His.

Read Galatians 1:6-10 Hold Uncompromisingly to the Gospel

Galatians was written around 48-52 AD to churches in Galatia, located in what is not central Turkey. The book of Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. Paul proclaims the reality of our liberty in Christ- freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve our living Lord. Galatians was written to refute the Judaizers (extremist Jewish faction who were Christians within the church of the Galatians) and to all believers back to pure gospel. Paul was teaching that faith in Christ means true freedom, but many in the church were turning their back to this truth. Paul was expressing amazement that many had turned so quickly from the Lord. They were probably doing so because of their Jewish heritage. It appears they were probably doing so because of their Jewish heritage. It appears they were attempting to combine the two religions but using the law instead of faith in Christ for salvation. This teaching and beliefs were threatening these new churches in Galatia as they were trying to change the gospel about the Messiah. Paul used the comment about even if an angel from Heaven preached a gospel other than the true good news a curse would come upon the angel to indicate how important it was to maintain the proper doctrine. What do you think Paul might be thinking about any angel who may try to present another doctrine?  (Paul also warned that Satan could disguise himself as an angel of light. Satan is always trying to fool everyone.)

Paul was trying to impress on all of us that twisting the truth is more difficult to spot than an outright lie. There could be no other gospel and that were some in those Galatians who were the trouble makers. Those guilty of trying to “twist the truth” with false messages would be cursed. The actual word was a Greek term that has been carried over into English, “anathema”. It was used to translate a Hebrew word meaning devoted to God for destruction. It was, of course, totally rejected by God; like idols and valuable goods captured by Israelites in battle with their enemies which they had been commanded to destroy. Paul felt the Judaizers offenses were so serious that drastic action was warranted. In verse 10 Paul countered the charge by the Judaizers that Paul was leaving out the law by indicating it was God’s favor he sought. Paul was a servant of Christ and that he would not compromise even for the sake of popularity. Pursuing God’s agenda means holding uncompromisingly to and making known the gospel! The gospel does not have a human origin but comes from the Lord Himself (Galatians 1:11-12).

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 Live Out Your Devotion to the Church

The church at Thessalonica (in Macedonia the northern part of Greece) was very young, having been established only 2 or 3 years before this letter was written. The Thessalonians Christians needed to mature in their faith. In addition, there was a growing misunderstanding concerning Christ’s second coming. Some thought Christ would return immediately. So they were confused when their loved ones died because they expected Christ to return before hand. Paul was trying to help them understand the events of Christ’s return and that they would not know the timing, which was discussed in the latter part of this book. Paul and his companions “were like children” in that they were honest, straightforward, and without guile in their presentation of the gospel and their lives. Paul may have had in mind Moses’ portrayal of himself as a nursing mother to Israel (Numbers 11:12). He had used the same tender picture with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:14) and the Galatians (Galatians 4:19). Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians was like that felt by a mother willing to sacrifice her life for her child as was Christ who was willing to give up His own life for those who would be born again into the family of God (Matt. 20:28). Verses 7 and 8 both contain strong contrasts. Paul’s group could have been a burden; instead they were gentle nurturers. They could have shared only the gospel; instead they shared their very lives. Believers today also need to have love for other people. Love for others is one of the great motivators to share our faith. The word “dear” can mean “beloved” and is related to the word agape- unconditional love expressing itself in self-denying commitment.

Although Paul had the right to receive financial support from the people he taught, he supported himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18-13) so he wouldn’t be a burden to the new Thessalonians believers. Paul explained “laboring night and day” in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. Paul lived on what he made so that his motives could not be questioned, unlike the false teachers who always sought money. Are there some of those types around today? (Just turn on TV) (Billy Graham was a great example of how to do it right.) Then it says they “preached God’s gospel” which Paul said included these truths: 1) the authority and truthfulness of Scripture (v-13); 2) the deity of Christ (Roman 10:9); 3) the sinfulness of mankind (Romans 3:23); 4) Christ’s death and Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:4); and 5) salvation by God’s grace through man’s faith in God (Eph 2:8-9). Paul’s summary of the gospel is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. To ensure that Paul was believed and followed, he wanted the Thessalonians to see him as a man of integrity, devoted to the church. So he said “you are witnesses, and so is God”. Under Old Testament law it took two or more witnesses to verify truth (Numbers 35:30, Deut. 17:6 19:15, 2 Cor. 13:1). Here, Paul called on both the Thessalonians and God as witnesses to affirm his holy conduct in the ministry (2 Cor. 1:12). Paul and his companions had lived devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly, and had given sacrificially of themselves to provide spiritual leadership. Paul used three words to describe his fatherly relationship with the Thessalonians since they were his children in the faith: exhorted, comforted, and charged. They emphasized the personal touch of a loving father (1 Cor. 4:14-15). Paul is laying out the way we used to take new believers under our wing until they mature enough to stand firm in their faith. This help of new believers should continue until they are strong enough to influence others for the sake of the Good News.

Finally, Paul speaks of the sphere of eternal salvation (Colossians 1:13-14) when he says-“calls you into His own kingdom” and thus culminating in the splendor of Heaven. So verse 12 is encouraging all of us to walk worthy of God” because of God’s promise of eternal life. The Bible stresses again and again that God is guiding history and He wants us to pursue His agenda and will. Doing so brings Him glory and honor, which is the goal of all creation (Eph. 1:5-6, 14; Rev. 5:11-14). As He pursues His agenda, He invites people everywhere to pursue it with Him. Paul is saying that those who lead, need to communicate clearly and often God’s agenda. We can better pursue God’s agenda when we take three steps. First, we must recognize our accountability to God. We have a ministry as stewards of God’s work and He expects our faithfulness. Second, we must hold uncompromisingly to the gospel. There is only one gospel, and we must take a stand for the truth. Third, we must live out our devotion to the church. As we demonstrate loving concern for people and their spiritual growth, we will see God’s work advance. We can only find true and lasting fulfillment when we pursue God’s agenda (will).

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