Bible Thoughts

July 4, 1999

The apostle Paul recognized that pleasing the God of Heaven takes a dedicated life to righteousness. Even though he had suffered far beyond the ordinary, faced perils at every turn, confronted false teachers on every hand, was despised by many people, rejected by some brethren, often lacked the necessities of life, falsely accused, shipwrecked and imprisoned, he did it all for the Lord he loved. How can a great man of God, under these circumstances, say that he did not count himself "to have laid hold"(completing his work and mission on earth)? Outside of Christ in his humanity, it would seem there never lived a human any more dedicated to the Lord and the truth of His word.

How did Paul deal with all of the problems and troubles he encountered? How could he face new perils each day, with the knowledge that things may not get better in this life? How could a mere human stand up under such suffering and trials? Is there something different about Paul that could not be found in other humans? Did he never have doubts and just want to give up? Was he jealous of those who seemed to have few problems? Did he envy people who were able to drift through life without any apparent sufferings, seldom being opposed or mistreated?

What Paul did in order to face the trials and tribulations of this life was preparing him for a home in heaven. If we can identify the way in which Paul dealt with the problems and adversaries of this life, we can face the future with a determination that whatever may come our way, we can survive misgivings and doubts we confront. Paul was a survivor because of his faith and the type of life he was willing to live. His example can motivate us to live for Christ and truth in our present age.

Paul's Solution

The apostle learned not to dwell on the past. Whatever had happened to him, what sufferings he faced, and what unkindness he had experienced, those things belonged to the past. Paul would have been a miserable individual if he had constantly reminded himself of those events which had taken place in the past. He had enough difficulty in remembering that he had persecuted the church of God, which made him to reflect upon his own unworthiness. But he did not let that thought or other events of the past keep him from holding on to the gospel and the way of salvation. The apostle knew that his past was forgiven, the deeds were forgotten by God, and he did not have to dwell upon those events about which he would have been ashamed.

What a lesson for the present. Past hurts, transgressions, heartaches, and unpleasantries are to be forgiven and forgotten. Those who dwell upon such make themselves miserable and unhappy, finding it difficult to enjoy the peace and happiness that comes from being a Christian.

The apostle stretched forward to live in the future. Living in the past has no stretching, no foresight, and no hope. Hope can be found only in what we can do now and in the days to come. Paul knew what was ahead of him. He knew the Lord would take care of him and reward him for his service to him. Even the persecutions and imprisonments he would suffer did not change his attitude toward what was to come.

The epistles from this great man of God abound with references to the future and a home in heaven. So long as one's eyes are on the future and not on the past, that disciple possesses an attitude that will conquer any adversity, destroy any doubt, and overcome all that Satan may offer to entice one away from God. Are we stretching forward in our service to God?

Paul pressed on "unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Remembering the sacrifices and promises made by the Lord, the apostle had no problem with keeping on. It never entered his mind to give up because things did not go right for him or someone hurt his feelings or the brethren did not treat him as he felt he should be treated or they did not fully meet his needs. The measure of a Christian's faith and fidelity is measured by whether one will press on when the going gets tough and it seems that nobody cares. If one is working for a home in heaven rather than the satisfaction of a physical or emotional experience, the minor difficulties of life will not serve as a barrier to one being faithful to the Lord. Did not someone say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." The tenderhearted, conscientious Paul was ready to face anything in order to please the one who died for him.

When no one stood by Paul, he still did not waver from his determination to "press on." On one occasion, "At my first defense, no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account"(II Timothy 4:16). Was Paul standing alone when this happened? Not so, for he said, "But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me"(II Timothy 4:17). With the Lord at his side, Paul had no fear. His hope rested not in man, but in God. When it meant that he must stand for right and against evil, he took a stand and wavered not.

The confidence of the apostle can be seen in these words: "The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom"(II Timothy 4:18). A faith such as this has nothing that will interfere with one standing always for the gospel, whatever men may say or whatever they may do.