Is The Quest For Excellence Biblical?

Is The Quest For Excellence Biblical?

Pastor Vincent - 26 September 2013

Answers We Need To Receive For Evangelism

All English Service

To most people, "World Evangelism (WE)" seems too hardcore to accept, and it is not at all relevant to this world, it's so unachievable. But God's promise is all relevant to our conditions, daily living and level of faith. His promise stays and He will bring it to pass. Instead of soaking in self-insufficiencies, sinks in the truth and accept WE as your destiny. And when you are walking towards world evangelism, the problems and limitations that are unveiled before you are exactly where you need to find answers. Every part of you = Perfect Conditions for World Evangelism

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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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Pastor Vincent Choo
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Vincent serves as the President of The Blessed Run Church. He is also the Senior Pastor of The Life Church and Missions (Singapore) and is an ardent missionary to the Chinese World. He currently lives in Singapore with his wife, Qiufen, and has three kids, Mary, David, and Caleb.

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