THE PATH TO GREATNESS

2 TM. 4:6-8

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There are people the world considers great, but a Christian should want the approval of God rather than the applause of men. Most great people are not born - they are made. John the Baptist being a good example. Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Greatness for the Christian comes through planning and hard work sometimes, through circumstances sometimes, but by God’s grace always. By having convictions and holding to them some people stand out from the crowd. Paul was such a man. We certainly need more people like Paul. The question is- what would it take to make us, any of us, into a great Christian like Paul?

Of course, in talking about what makes one a great Christian it must first be that one is a Christian. That is accomplished by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation based on His death, burial, & resurrection [3:15, Rm. 1:16]

The path to greatness involves:

 

I. A SACRIFICAL ATTITUDE [v. 6, 1 Corinthians 15:31 …, I die daily. ]

 

Here is a matter Paul had settled long ago [Phil. 1:20-24]

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. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour : yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Here is a matter Jesus taught in John 12:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Matthew 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister

 

II. A FIGHTING SPIRIT [v. 7a]

 

Jude wrote, “it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” [v. 3]

“It’s a battlefield brother not a recreation room…”

184 years ago less than 200 men fought off over 4000 men to give Sam Houston time to organize- they fought a good fight. For us to fight a good fight we need a fighting spirit. [Eph. 6:10-13]

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

III. A NEVER QUIT CONSTITUTION [v. 7b] “finished my course”

 

No detours. Not disqualified- following the Lord’s rules staying in the boundaries- 2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

 

IV. A DEDICATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS [v. 7c] “kept the faith”

 

Paul Started by faith- Eph. 2:8-9.

Lived by faith- Gal. 3:11 “ The just shall live by faith.”

- and though he may have failed he confessed it and moved on - FIDO= Forsake It & Drive On!.

Paul could die by faith- 2:11-12. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

V. AN EYE FOR JESUS [v. 8] His Coming, His Life. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

We all, if Jesus tarries His coming, are going to die someday. Let us use the time we have to serve the Lord. Someone says, “I will do that at 40” What if you die at 39? Paul died old but Stephen died young. Are you ready? Are you on the path?