25 Nov Is The Quest For Excellence Biblical?
Preacher Huijun - 19 June 2014
Go Deeper Into A Gospel-Directed Life
As gospel enters into our lives, it is like a yeast, working through our knowledge on all things, sensibility and will such that we can start seeing all conditions of our lives with a kingdom purpose, even the slightest matter of our lives such as eating, sleeping and talking to others. When Holy Spirit convicts us through the gospel we hear, transformation takes places from our inside, affecting everything on the outside. However, Satan is a thief that is always stealing the joy and assurance we have in God, so that we will remain disillusioned by the big and daunting things before us. But Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Therefore, do not be deceived and continue to hold onto the truth even a little bit! Even when we have faith as small as a mustard seed, God will move mountains according to the truth we believe in. Instead of lingering in our own powerlessness, look upon the finished work on the Cross now and see how God has been helping you to this very day. Let it drive you into deep prayers and submit to the leading of God today. “To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?” - C.S Lewis
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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