LESSONS FROM THE ATHLETE

Transcription

1 MARANATHA MESSENGER Weekly Newsletter of Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16 March 2003 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Website: * Sunday School: 9.45 am Worship Service: am Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm Pastor: Rev Jack Sin (Pager: ) LESSONS FROM THE ATHLETE Introduction Paul used the illustration of an athlete running a race to explain what a Christian life is like (1Cor. 9:24-27). Running a race requires hardwork, selfdiscipline, patience and gruelling preparations. There will be disappointments along the way that can bog us down and discourage us. But we must continue to persevere. Paul encourages us to run the race that we may receive the prize, an incorruptible crown a crown of righteousness. We are to press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). What can we learn from the Athlete? Consider the following:- Self-Discipline & Commitment To run a race, we must be trained for the race. The athlete must have good self-discipline and personal commitment to train with vigour and stamina. He is focused and objective. He plans his path carefully and draws up training methods so that his objective is met. Every athlete aims to be the very best in his or her respective sport. World champions are born overnight but made over years. Likewise we must also emulate the same example as the athlete in our spiritual life. Our devotional and prayer life must reflect zeal and determination so that we can be adequately equipped for the race. We must be constantly and regularly be in touch with heaven for spiritual nourishment which can help us in our training. The Bible should be our authoritative training manual. We must fellowship among fellow spiritual athletes so that we can learn from each other s experiences. We can take precious lessons from worship services and apply them in our life s training. We must also be diligent in our daily walk with the Lord. The apostle Peter also exhorts us to be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Pet 3:14). Healthy Lifestyle Athletes follow a healthy lifestyle. Diet and rest (sleep) are important to maintain a healthy body. They are prohibited from taking any medical substances (ie drugs) that may artificially enhance their performances in the short term but damaging to their bodies later on. Instead, they have very strict diet requirements to condition their bodies for the sports that they are participating. As athletes in Christ, we are to condition our bodies with the

2 heavenly bread and living water of the Word and prayer. We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord (Rom 12:1). We are to be careful and selective with our daily spiritual food so as to prevent any spiritual corruption to our mind. Long Term Training World-class athletes and sportsmen trained from a very young age. Success does not come to them overnight. Many spent their childhood developing their talents, peaking only in their adult years. Our training (running) also requires patience (Heb 12:1). Patience allows the body to develop and the mind to mature so that we are better prepared for the race. Likewise, it takes time to be grounded in the Scriptures. It is better to be prepared for the race than to find us lost halfway because of the lack of preparation. Worse still, we may just drop out of the race completely because the cares and glamour of the world draw us into a different route. Remember Demas who fell out because he loved the present world? (2 Tim 4:10). With patience, we can draw on the strength of the Lord; they shall run and be not weary; and they shall walk and shall not faint (Isa 40:31). A Good Coach All athletes have a trainer or coach to help them. The coach plays an important role and can be a source of comfort as well as encouragement. He knows the strengths and weaknesses of his trainees. He is strict and firm. He will discipline (punish) those who do not obey his instructions. He will be there to see that the athlete finishes the race. In the same sense, we all have Jesus as our spiritual coach, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 11:1,2). He is always here to guide us in this life s race. He knows our every need, our weaknesses and strengths. He sends help when we fall and fail and is ever ready to pick up again so that we can complete the race. His disciplining of us will be strict but loving and for our own good (Heb12:5-6). Eternal Rewards The victorious athlete not only receives the medal when he won his race but he also brings honour and pride to his country. The medal belongs to him and it symbolises his achievement after years of hard work and training. We, too, can look forward to a greater reward when we complete our race here on earth (Rev 14:13). And we must ensure that we do not disappoint our Lord when we meet Him again. May we be found faithful till the very end and receive our eternal rewards from our God one day at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). Conclusion Therefore, let us all run the race of faith with greater patience and fervour. The road is straight and narrow. Life is short but it is the lessons along the journey of life and the divine approval of God that count. At the end of his life s race, the Apostle Paul was able to say, I have fought a good fight, I have finished

3 the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Tim 4:7-8). Dn Steven Ng GREETINGS FROM SWEDEN Good to hear from you. We re doing fine! Recently, we have had a man here from the BP-church in Singapore, Jeffrey Tan. I believe that he goes to the church pastored by Dr SH Tow. Jeffrey works for the multinational company Ikea and will stay in Sweden for three years. He does not live in Stockholm but in Malmo (Sweden s third biggest city). I visited our sister church there and met him. He had looked for a Bible-believing non- charismatic church for a long time but found none. When I heard that he was from the BP ministry, I got really excited. I travel often to various parts of Sweden (and abroad) where we are planting churches. That day, we re leaving for Budapest, Hungary for a conference with different Greater Grace Churches across Europe. My wife is doing well and we sure do remember our time in Singapore. We especially enjoyed your ministry and the fervency you showed for the Word of God. I read your newsletter all the time (via your website), thank you very much! God bless You, you are in our prayers! In Christ, P Mikael & Taina (attended MYAF in 1996) Q & A Q: What is the evidence or proof of having received and being filled with the Spirit? A: That is a relevant question. Our Charismatic friends often point to speaking in tongues (the Baptism of the Spirit so-called) as the evidence that one has received the Spirit. But what does the Scripture say? Consider, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Gal 5:22-23). If one truly has received the Spirit, then we should expect to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. If you claim to have the Holy Spirit of God, then it is reasonable that we also show forth the fruit of the Spirit daily! Consider this, Paul also says, For this is the will of God, even your sanctification [holiness, same

4 word as in verse 7], that ye should abstain from fornication... For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit (1 Thess 4:3,7,8). The evidence of having received the Holy Spirit is when a person lives a holy life and keep away from sin. If I have truly received the Holy Spirit, should I not live a holy life? Consider 2 Tim 2:19 Let those who name the Name of Christ depart from iniquity. That is truly spirit-filled living without tongues! And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption (Eph 4:30). In Eph 5:18, we have the command to be filled with the Spirit. The context of this passage clearly shows what the Spirit-filled life is all about and how it is evidenced. Notice what the verses do not say: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT; speaking to yourselves in strange ecstatic utterances. Nowhere in this context are we told that the gift of tongues is the evidence of being filled with the Spirit. Here are what Paul states in a succinct form:- Verse 19 A Song in the Heart! The Spirit-filled believer is a joyful believer. The Holy Spirit, who indwells in him, creates beautiful melody in the heart of the trusting believer in reverential worship (1 Thess 5:16). Verse 20 A Thankful Heart! The Spirit-filled believer is a thankful believer. If we are always UNTHANKFUL then we have a serious problem (1 Thess 5:18). Verse 21 A Submissive Heart! Where should we look to find submission? In the basic relationships of life husband/ wife, parents/children, employer/ employee, etc (Eph 5:22-6:9). How does the believing employee react when there are occurrences of retrenchments, health and other personal problems? Do we see him / her under the influence and control of the blessed Holy Spirit? That is the real test, not a superficial way of dancing or filling in the Spirit or being slained in the Spirit so called or speaking in tongues or prophetic utterances. Jack Sin MAY DAY SEMINAR 2003 Come 1 May 2003, (Thurs) we will have our annual Walk Through the Bible Series again. The past years have witnessed overwhelming attendance of about 90 persons. This year, the Lord s messenger is Dr Jeffrey Khoo, Academic Dean of FEBC and the theme is Walk Through the Gospels. Helpful notes will be provided and the session will be from 9.45 am 5 pm, with time for questions and answers. Tea break and lunch will be provided and

5 each participant can register by , mail (with cheque of S$10/head) or telephone Ee Fong at from now till 15 Apr during office hours. Please indicate with your name, church, contact (telephone and ) for administrative purposes. It will be held at the home of Ricky & Irene Ong at Loyang Valley. Transport may be provided if necessary from the Pasir Ris MRT. Do not miss a refreshing and enlightening journey, tracing the footsteps of our Lord Jesus with the detailed study of the four gospels and the pertinent practical lessons under a trained teacher. See you at the Seminar. This poem is dedicated to Maranatha & Truth BPC. We thank God for your ministry and work of faith For zealously proclaiming Christ Jesus in this darkening age, We praise the Lord for your Christian love In reaching out to so many others including us. Let your witness go far and wide Fearlessly declaring God s truth amidst growing ecumenical tide, Let your stand be ever strong and clear That many be stirred desiring God s word to hear. For your labour will never be in vain When they are Spirit-driven and Christ-centred aims, For your fruits will be bounty and visible Because of your endearing love towards the God eternal. May your exemplary work continue to encourage and inspire In His Name on whatever you seek to endeavour, May your church grow to even greater spiritual strength and oneness Drawing in many new members yearning to capture that beauty of holiness. Victor Ho (Calvary Jaya BPC) At the Pulpit Theme for the Quarter: A Belief that Behaves Mr George Skariah "When a Christian falls ill (Jas 5:13-16) *These hyperlinks work with Word 97 and later version.

6 [End of MM, 16 March 2003]