25 Nov Is The Quest For Excellence Biblical?
Deacon Hui Zhen - 13 March 2014
Spiritual Eye And Strength In The Last Days
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 2 Ti 3:1-5 We are living in the end times where godlessness prevails. In the constantly changing situation in life and the disheartening moments, can you see the Lord who stands by your side and give you strength? Yet Paul had the spiritual eye and strength which all people in this world would yearn to have, because he could always see the God who has always been working faithfully at the background. Restore the spiritual eye and strength through the complete gospel today. The spiritual power of a remnant to stand against the godlessness comes not from his determination but the truth he knows, confirmed and inscribed in his heart.
From Series: "All English Service"
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Is The Quest For Excellence Biblical?
We are living in a merited world, and the quest for excellence does not escape the eyes of men. Likewise, many Christians pray for excellence in what they are doing, so that they can testify the blessing of the Lord. Yet is that kind of strive for excellence right to start with? And is the quest for excellence biblical after all?
Verses to read:
<Dan 1:2-5,8; 19-20; 2:17-19>
<Php 1:9-10> <2 Cor 8:7> <1 Cor 12:31>
Introduction
- Human being possesses the sense of excellence.
- The World is merit driven, thus excellence focus.
– School ⟹ Grades, Achievements
– Workplace ⟹ Performance
– Church and ministry?
King Saul
<1 Sam 14:52>: All the days of King Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service.
Daniel in Babylon
<Dan 1:3-4>: Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
*** Heart Vs Excellence
1. Worldliness Vs Christianity
1) The World believes in Superiority, thereby pushes everyone to pursue Excellence.
2) Yet, the Christian call is first about Purpose.
- Therefore, even with purpose, there must be a Purpose for that excellence.
** Consider carefully:
E.g. Daniel and friends: Were they 10 times wiser than all the magicians and enchanters first, or did they set themselves apart first?
E.g. David: Was he anointed as king after he beaten Goliath or before? Did he glorify God as a shepherd boy or after he became king?
E.g. Joseph: Did Jospeh glorify God when he was the PM of Egypt or when he was a slave, a prisoner.
** Yet the Bible did NOT say we can be cavalier about studying, learning and working. In fact, getting the purpose right pushes us towards a Spirit-driven excellence.
2. With godly purpose right, pursue excellence in 5 areas:
1) Achieve excellence in the knowledge and application of truth
2) Embrace excellence in the grace of giving
3) Pursue excellence in gifting through serving
4) Seek excellence in loving others
5) Seek excellence while knowing there is a price to excellence
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