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Source: https://www.sermonindex.net/speakers/eric-mccullough/pauls-ambition/
Chapter 20 of the Acts, verse number 22. And now, behold, I go bound in spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bombs and afflictions abide me.
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.
Verse 27,. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God, taking therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood, or with the blood of his own.
Now, look over again, please, to the epistle to the Philippians, chapter 1, reading at verse 20, Philippians chapter 1,. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Now back to 1 Corinthians, and chapter 8, verse number 9,. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
Verse 12,. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak consciences, ye sin against Christ. Make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Chapter 9, verse 26,. I therefore so run not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air, but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I preach to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Now the Colossian epistle for a verse, chapter 1, verse 28, the end of verse 27,. Christ in you the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect or mature in Christ Jesus.
For unto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Now one final reading in the Roman epistle, chapter 15, and verse 20,. Yet so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation.
And the Lord we know will bless the reading of his word to our hearts. I would like if God would help for a little time this afternoon to get back where our brethren were this morning and see if we can determine something of the aim, the focus and life of this little man, the Apostle Paul, the great evangel to the Gentiles.
Paul aimed high in life. I've been impressed going through his epistles, but Paul seemed to be energized and motivated and so controlled by the Spirit of God that nothing else would matter but that his life would count for God.
Some of us are getting older. I got a bit of a shock a couple of years ago at the Detroit conference. Our esteemed brother, Mr. Oswald McLeod was there, who was up in his 80s, and I said to him, well, Mr. McLeod, other than you, I'm the oldest preacher here today.
He said, not really. Well, I said, you just look around. And so suddenly it dawns upon some of us that the journey can't be too long. And if we can put something of incentive into the life and the thinking and the hearts of young men, because there are many older brethren and it's too late for them, or perhaps young women, that their life will count for God.
When Paul writes to the Philippians, you remember he says that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering. Didn't Paul know Christ? Certainly he did. But you see, in the thinking of that man was a desire to know him better, that I might know, he says, the power of his resurrection, that is, the out-resurrection, what it was that lifted him out of that past state of sin and degradation and so linked him with Christ, that the whole interest in his life might be this, that I may know him and get to know him better.
There's nothing else that really matters. I have a note in the front of my Bible that's told of George Mueller that when he was asked the secret of the success in his advanced years, Mr. Mueller said, there was a day when I died.
Died to George Mueller, his opinions, his preferences, his will, his tastes. Died to the world, its approval or its censor. Died to the approval or the blame, even of my brethren or friends. And since then, said the great Mueller, I have only studied to show myself approved unto God.
You see, brethren, that's what a conference is all about. We are here to do business for God. There are those that have come from many parts of Canada and the U .S. and perhaps other lands. And if something can get into your thinking, that as you leave the conference, you'll be reminded as you were this morning, that all that matters is that you walk with God.
We heard about that man that walked with God when the world was against God. And about Moore that walked with him when the nation was against him. You remember Moses and his relationship to God when his family was wrong, his family was against him.
And I want to say, brethren, it takes a good man to walk with God when his family's wrong. I'm convinced that Satan is making an all-out assault on the families and the leaders of the people of God. And if in your life there has never yet come a little ripple, everything seems to be smooth sailing, maybe you're just recently brought to Christ and you think, well, everything from now on is just going to be flower-strewn pathways all the way through.
It won't be long until you know something of the circumstances in life that will drive you to God. But behind it all is God's purpose is to seek to enable us to a closer walk with him. Now notice something quickly about the aim of this dear man.
In chapter 20 that our brother quoted from of the book of the Acts where we read, that touching scene when those of Ephesus that he had called together fell on his neck and they kissed him. And it says they wept.
And Paul recognizes that he's going to Rome. But he says, bonds and afflictions abide me, but none of these things move me. Neither count I my life dear unto myself. And here's what he says, 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. And I could take you to 2 Timothy chapter 4, where Paul now was about to lay down his head along the Appian Way on Nero's block.
And Paul is saying now, as a soldier I have fought the good fight. Bonds and afflictions, he says, they abide me, but as he looks back he can say I have fought the good fight. I finished my course, he says, none of these things move me.
As a runner in the race, as a good steward, the ministry that God had entrusted him with, he was faithful. And brethren, always watch a man that ministers to the gallery. Thank God for men that minister the truth of God the same, no matter where they are.
We thank God for them. That's the type of man that we need in our day. And Paul's desire was that the truth of God that he was entrusted with, he would continue to the end. I was thinking early this morning of Ruth and Naomi.
You remember those dear women after the loss of their husbands as Ruth entreated them to stay. You remember Naomi intruded Ruth to stay and she says, Where thou goest I will go, where thou lodgest I will lodge.
My people, thy people shall be my people and thy God my God. I wonder is that the desire of our hearts today? Like the apostle, in fellowship with the people of God, maybe coming near the end of the life, but that I might finish my course with joy.
And not only joy in his heart, but joy to the people of God that he was associated with. What a touching scene that was. He called the elders together and just what he said to them would take place, did take place.
For he says, after my departure, grievous woes will enter in, not sparing the flock. That church that rose to such a high status. When he writes to them, he says in every chapter, they're seated in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.
But you remember that sad record from the pen of John as he says, I have against thee. Whatever took place, there was that turning aside. And he says, thou hast left thy first love. I tell you brother, it would be a wonderful conference if all of us were restored to God, preachers included.
There's not one of my laboring brethren would deny that's what they need, every one of us. We need to cry like the psalmist, restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. And if there are changes in the hearts and restoration among the people of God, this conference will be one that we'll never, never forget.
Paul aimed high that I might finish my course with joy. But when he writes to the Philippians, here's what he says. His desire was that as always so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death, for me to live Christ.
You can leave that little word is out, it's not there. What if I were to ask you today, the object of your living. For me to live is, is it to make a name? Is it to gain popularity? Is it to amass so much of this world's system that it offers to lay it up?
I often say some of these ungodly lawyers are going to have a great time after the Lord comes dividing up inheritances. What about laying a little up there? For me to live is, you finish it. What's the prime motive in your living?
Is it to glorify God? And I speak to my own heart. What is it that governs and motivates my living? The man that was preaching when God saved me, the late David Craig. You know, it's not only the Irish that can preach the gospel.
He was a Scotchman, Mr. Hunter O 'Neill Webb. Scotch David. As far as I'm concerned, there was no one could touch him. Ministry or the gospel. I heard him tell on more than one occasion, he was saved as a boy at his mother's knee in a little miner's cottage way under in Scotland.
At 14, he went down into the mines to bring up that black gold. And one day as he was laying up timber and beams in a shaft way below the surface of the earth, the lunch break came. And there was a man, a hard living, drinking, fighting Irishman named Barney that was there with him.
Mr. Craig thought, shall I give thanks for my little lunch or shall I just eat it? And the devil said, Barney only laugh at you. But he closed his eyes and he took off his cap and he gave God thanks for his lunch.
They were sitting knee to knee down in the bowels of the earth. And he gave God thanks for a mother that pointed him to Christ. And he thanked God for his son, the one that died upon the cross to put away all the sins.
And he gave thanks for the lunch that he was about to eat. And when he opened his eyes, the big tears were running down Barney's face. And he says, David, tell me, are there any gospel meetings in the area?
And that man went to hear the gospel and God saved him. Listen, because a boy prayed. What about some of you young people? You go into the restaurant. I know all the actions, adjust your glasses and rub your forehead.
Do you bow your head and give God thanks for me to live Christ? Ah, brethren, we're only playing at the business. A godless world around us. And we have a message that will bring them life and fit them for the glory.
Oh, that like Paul, the main object in our life might be to live Christ. The world is tired of a sham Christianity. The world is looking for something real. But again, quickly, that clock moves so quickly over in first Corinthians chapter eight.
Here's another one of Paul's ambitions in life. Not only to finish his course with joy. And not only that Christ would be magnified in his life. But he's praying now that he may not offend his brethren.
You see, this section of the epistle deals with Christian liberty. After dealing with unity in chapter one to four. Those little cliques and parties that were in Corinth. Paul is rebuking them. Boy, there were some of them saying, I'm of Paul.
And you ought to hear Apollos, he's a great orator. And some, I'm of Christ, perhaps worst of all. And then he deals with that section about purity of life. And now he comes into this area of liberty.
That which is lawful but not expedient. And Paul says, if ye make my brother to offend. I will no longer eat flesh while the world standeth. Now to apply the principle. Anything that I may have a clear conscience about doing.
In first Corinthians, it was eating meat that was offered to idols. Even Paul says, if you're invited to a home. And there's meat sent before you. And it's been offered in idolatrous worship. If you don't know and no one says.
There'd be nothing wrong with eating. But if there's a brother there, a weak brother. And he says, it was offered to idols. It offends his weak conscience. Paul says, lest I make my brother to offend.
He said, I wouldn't eat it. Now you apply the principle in every area of life. Things that you go in for. Big car. Bigger house. Oh, you say, now be careful. Listen, brethren. This is what the New Testament teaches.
Whatever is offensive to my brother. According to the enablement of the spirit of God. I should refrain. Now that was Paul's desire. That his brother wouldn't be offended. Tell me, any in your assembly you're not shaking hands with.
I'm glad that I can go home to my assembly. And there's not a brother or a sister. But I can shake hands with them in happy fellowship. I wouldn't want it any other way. Or a little schisms that come in at times.
Those cold, icy handshakes. If those things are patched up. You'll be following something of the ambition of this man. As a result of the ministry of the conference. Our hearts were touched this morning.
As we heard of that man. That pleased God. That walked with God. For you can't please God unless you walk with God, you know. The man that walks with God pleases God. And the man that pleases God. Pleases his brethren.
But there's the possibility of something being wrong. And Paul's desire was that he wouldn't offend his brethren. I'm making application. I'm trying to be practical. I would like to be a help to the people of God.
My little time down here. And dear brethren. God wants us to know something of fellowship. Wonderful. Fellowship. I was in the U .S. Navy in the second war as a conscientious objector. During my better wishes.
But in those days if you were warm. That's where you were or else in jail. And that didn't appeal to me. But the best definition I know of fellowship. Is a lot of fellows in a ship. You know there's only one place.
If you don't get along. And that's over the side. And God wants us to enjoy fellowship. If there's things in my life. That are offending my brethren. Says Paul. I'll refrain. Now quickly. In chapter 9.
Paul speaking now. About his service for the master. He says. In verse 22. We didn't read it. That by all means. I might win or save some. Now we're living in a day. When there are those that are suggesting new methods.
And I want to tell you brethren. After 32 or 3 years. In full time service now. We find that the old methods still work. The simple preaching. Of the gospel of the grace of God. God by his spirit. Still uses his word.
And I have known of some that have tried new methods. And introduced other ideas. But they just don't stand. God help us. To continue. In the truth of God. That we were taught. Not so adjusting things.
So that anything goes. But Paul's desire was. That he might win some. That he might save some. He had a passion for souls. That's the kind of man we need. Not professionalism by the way. Men with a heart for God.
Men with a heart for the lost. Men that are evil. As Paul tells us. Over in chapter 15 of the Romans. Where we read. As he looked over the great harvest field. His desire was not to build on another man's foundation.
But to preach the gospel. Where it has never been named. You know brethren. There's a peculiar joy. In preaching the gospel somewhere. And I could tell you all types of areas. There are whole states in the U .S.
Without a testimony to the name of Christ. Whole states. Can I appeal to you young men. With brains and intelligence. That God has given you. You've finished your studies. You've got your degree perhaps.
Ever think of taking a job. Perhaps at a lesser salary. In some district. Where you can do a bit of work for God. Maybe a little children's work. And some gospel work. And see souls saved. And companies gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus.
I want to tell you. God will reward you 100 fold. An auditor told me one time. That that's 10 ,000 percent. 100 fold. That's what our God rewards. And anything that you do for the master. God will reward it.
You know there's some men. And they're willing to preach the gospel right beside a gospel hall. And sad to say sometimes the brethren encourage that. But look around us. The vast harvest field. You remember the prayer.
Of the master in Matthew chapter 9. Is it? Along about verse 37. He speaks about the fields. Ready, white ready to harvest. Pray the Lord of the harvest. That he would send forth laborers. And brethren when they're laboring.
I hope you don't forget them. See? And I'm not begging. And I've never stooped to it. But when a man is working in the gospel. You see to it. That he's remembered. And God will bless you for it. The harvest is great.
But the laborers are few. And then Paul says. In Colossians chapter 1. For I want to draw to a close in a minute or two. He says. His desire was that. He would present. All men. Perfect. That is brought to a realm of spiritual maturity.
That's the word there. Full growth. Or maturity. Ever see a child and they haven't made progress? I was in a home one day. And there was a youngster. I would say kindly maybe four years of age. Still in the bottle.
And I said to the mother. How old is that youngster? She said too old for that. Well I was thinking it but she said it. Hadn't made the progress. Should have been off the bottle long ago. And Paul's desire was that.
His ministry. He says. Christ Jesus. Christ in you. The hope of glory. Whom we preach. Teaching every man. And all wisdom that we may present them. Perfect. In Christ. You see behind Paul's ministry was results.
And that's the object of any ministry. There should be results. That's what we're looking for. Recovery. Restoration. We preach the gospel and look for results. Brethren what about in the ministry? Oh as we heard this morning.
There were souls. And they were drawn afresh to the foot of the cross. And if there's any pride in my heart today. As J. Carlton Steen one of the early brethren said. My first look of Calvary's bleeding land.
Took all the pride out of me. We need to get back again to the cross. And contrite. And humble spirit. Get aside afresh of that blessed man. That bore our sin. In those dark hours upon the cross. And mind you if there is recovery.
And young people's hearts are changed. And their path is altered. And their desires and their interests change. It'll be well worth their time coming to the Toronto Conference. That was Paul's desire.
That his ministry would bring about recovery. Perfection. Spiritual growth. Spiritual maturity. He says according to his working. Which worketh in me. Paul recognized he had no ability in himself. It was all of God.
Then finally. At the end of chapter nine. We're back again at the judgment seat of Christ. And if there's anything that stirs my heart. It's that day when I think. We shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
The very motives of the heart will be gone into. The motive of my effort to try and speak a little word. This afternoon. You see it doesn't say we'll give an account. This is account. This is absolute.
This is according to the assessment of our God. And Paul says. I keep my body. I buffeted black and blue. Like a boxer. I keep it in subjection. Lest he says. When I have preached to others. I myself.
Will be a castaway. Or rejected. Set on the shelf. Or we'll be in heaven. All right. But as we heard in the Bible reading. There's the possibility. Of loss. I know all of us would like some word of commendation.
Mr. Craig that I mentioned used to tell. Of the days of the sailing vessels. There was an explosion away below the decks. In a boiler room and strong men. Failed to rescue a man that was trapped there.
The little cabin boy risking his life. He went down the ladder. Threw the man over his shoulder. He's making his way up now onto the deck. About to collapse. And the captain shook him by the hand. And commended him.
For his heroism. We get into the quarters with the men. They all said Jack. It must have been a great moment. When you were able to bring that ship mate. Out from that room where he was trapped. Oh he said man.
The greatest moment was. When the captain took me by the hand. And he said well done Jack. Well done. The Lord help us brethren. In view of that day. When we will stand. In the august presence of our glorious Lord.
When by his grace. I shall look on his face. I wish I had given him more. The Lord bless his word. For his name's sake.