The Determination of the Servant of God
Image © 2011, Timothy Lee. Used with permission
Acts 20:24 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.
The apostle Paulʼs life is a picture of the determined servant of God. Paul loved the Lord Jesus dearly. The cross of Christ was more important to him than anything else. He knew he came from the pits of hell as a child of the devil destined for an eternity without Christ. Paul knew that the Lord Jesus saved him and placed him on a higher plane with a higher purpose and he was determined to complete Godʼs purpose for him in his life. How determined was Paul to serve God?
He was determined to serve God even though there were trials and tribulations that beset him
“afflictions abide me (Acts 20:23b)”
Trials in serving God were waiting for Paul; they were his life. Paul said, although knowing that he was to suffer difficulties for Christ, that he would serve God no matter what the trials were and no matter the difficulty was. Sickness would not stop him, hunger would not stop him, loneliness would not stop him, unjust offences by others towards him would not stop him, failure would not stop him. He would serve God no matter what the trials and troubles.
He was determined to serve God even if it cost him his life.
“neither count I my life dear unto myself”
What could be more precious to a person than his own life? Yet, Paul said that the ministry of God was more important to him than life itself. He would have gladly surrendered his life as long as God was honoured and His plan accomplished.
He was determined to serve God because he was determined to be loyal and faithful to Christ, bringing glory to His Saviour.
“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.”
The completion of the purpose of God in Christʼs life was the Lord Jesusʼ ambition
My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish it
John 4:34.
Paul had the same ambition and determination: to complete the ministry and course that was given to him.
Are you a servant of God, determined to do the will of God? What will it take to stop you from persevering in doing Godʼs will and finish His will? When Godʼs will and what you want conflict, what will be your decision? Will you choose the things of this life or the things of God? Will you aim to glorify God through your life, though you may have suffer loss? Your ambition and your desires may need to be surrendered to perform the will of God in your life, will you allow that? Do you have the determination of a servant of God?
Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church