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PULPIT TODAY SERMONS
Ambitions of the Righteous
by Robert D. Pace
At the twilight of a calendar year, people tend to make promises to themselves. They are most often called “resolutions.” Sometimes, we ask others: “What are your resolutions for the year?” And then, they proceed to list their goals. But you don’t need to be at the start of a calendar year to invoke resolutions, goals, or ambitions. And I really like the word “ambition.” To me, the word “ambition” describes a determination that originates in the deep recesses of the heart and soul; it’s a word of strength and persuasion. That’s why I entitled this message “Ambitions of the Righteous.”
What is the primary purpose of goal-setting? What is the fundamental intention of invoking specific ambitions? Well, they are all about self-improvement and personal enrichment. For example:
When we promise to improve our nutritional habits by eating fruits and vegetables and taking vitamins, we will have a more resilient immune system and a strengthened body.
When we seek to control our temper, suppress anger, and live by the Golden Rule, God’s favor grows stronger, and everybody likes us more!
A goal for people over fifty is to exercise their brains by reading more, taking memory drills, and working with word tests. Why? We are seeking to improve our brain function.
Again, the primary reason we set goals is to stabilize our lives and ensure personal growth. This is why Christians, in particular, should practice Bible-based goal-setting.
(Example) Years ago, someone said to me: “There’s a reason I never set goals or make resolutions. It keeps me from ever being disappointed from not achieving them.” Wow! That takes a lot of faith, doesn’t it! It’s almost always detrimental when we never set goals. As a motivational speaker said: “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Did you know Solomon agreed with the motivational speaker? Open your Bible to Proverbs 21:5 where he portrays two types of people. He writes: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” [ESV]. Is anyone here who wants to avoid poverty and claim the abundant life that’s in Christ Jesus? Yes, that’s the desire of everyone! We do this by following the words of Solomon. Let’s reread his words: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Here’s the analogy that Solomon makes: he first describes people who live “life by design.” They plan, set goals, and consider the outcome of their choices. Thus, their life of intentionality brings God’s blessing. Then Solomon described others living hastily—that is, by impulse and without reflection. They go through each day making spur-of-the-moment decisions. Subsequently, their thoughtless, moment-to-moment approach to life brings impoverishment.
(Transition) This leads to the first ambition I want you to consider. It’s one that should reside at the core of your existence. What is it? It’s the all-consuming ambition to constantly improve your walk with Christ!
The Ambition to Ever-Improve Your Walk With Christ
Have you ever considered making spiritual improvement the enduring ambition of your life? I’m talking about placing this ambition at the center of your heart, soul, and mind and then ‘staying the course’ forever. This would bring God’s blessing to Christians in an unprecedented manner!
When you study the book of Hebrews, you find that it speaks to this ambition in a unique and insightful way. I’ll disclose how Hebrews does this momentarily. But before disclosing that, I want you to notice what makes Hebrews unique:
First, scholars are unsure of who authored the book. Most think Paul wrote it, while others surmise that Apollos, Barnabas, or another mystery person authored it.
Besides the anonymous nature of authorship, it is also uncertain who the writer’s audience was. This double anonymity almost led to Hebrews being excluded from being canonized. But it eventually found acceptance because of its sound theology and eloquent presentation.
Third, other than Romans, Hebrews addresses more doctrinal issues than all other books of the New Testament.
Fourth, I want to highlight the most distinctive feature of this book. And it’s this distinction that equates with the ambition to ever-improve our walk with Christ. You see, Hebrews is recognized for its thematic repetition of the word “better.” This key term encapsulates the book’s overarching theme. In fact, “better” appears twelve times in Hebrews. Here are some examples:
Hebrews 1:4: Jesus is described as being “better” than the angels.
Hebrews 7:19, 22, and 8:6 show that the New Covenant of Grace is better than the Old Covenant of Moses and the Law.
Hebrews 10:34—36 notes that Believers’ possessions stored in Heaven are “better” than their treasures on Earth.
Hebrews 11:13–16 assures Believers that Heaven is “better” than any country on Earth.
Hebrews 11:35—40 describe people failing to receive their promises in this life and choosing a reward of better promises through their resurrection in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:24 describes the Blood of Jesus as better than the blood of Abel’s sacrifice.
If “better” is the central theme of an entire book of the Bible, that convinces me that God also wants Christians to pursue Biblical betterment. It’s in exact keeping with the ambition of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:10—14.
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (11) and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (13) Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [NIV]
(Transition) I think you’ll find that my next point is an odd suggestion in this list of ambitions. At least, it will seem odd at first. Anyway, I want you to make it your ambition to live repentantly … always!
II. Repent of Sin Regularly
Take spiritual checkups frequently. Confess your sins as needed. And repent regularly. Jesus said John the Baptist was a preeminent prophet of the OT. Since John held that eminent stature, Christians should submit to his prophetic message. What was John’s message? It was “Repent!” Turn from your sins. Rid yourself of unnecessary weights of sin.
Open your Bible to James 4:7—10 and let’s read the words of Christ’s brother:
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (9) Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (10) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
The Bible most often instructs us to rejoice and praise God, thank him, and worship him. However, there are occasions when Scripture tells us to cleanse our hands, repent, and even wail and lament. Let me encourage you to never overlook this admonition.
The Sins of King David
I want to revisit David and two of his greatest sins. I’ll start with his sin of conducting an unscriptural census of Israel. He appointed Joab to oversee this project. After Joab returned with the report, the Prophet Gad rebuked David with a stern warning from God. I want to emphasize how David responded.
David did not offer one word of defense for his action. His response is recorded in 2 Samuel 24:10, which says this: “David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, Lord, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”
However, this was not the only occasion when David grievously transgressed the Law of God. David also committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed on the battlefield. Oh, the heartache this brought to David. And when the prophet Nathan confronted him about these sins, David didn’t offer one objection. He made no denials or excuses. He totally, unreservedly poured out his soul and confessed his sins. Consequently, God gave him mercy and forgiveness.
And you will find the same! You will never regret pouring out your heart to God and confessing your sins. Never! The Apostle Peter said this in Acts 3:19.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (20) and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”
(Transition) Now, let’s consider a third ambition you can vigorously pursue. Remember, these are Biblical ambitions; they aren’t carnal. Paul said in Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” So, thirdly, make it your aspiration to live so close to God that his blessings will overtake you.
III. Live So Close To God That His Blessings Will Overtake You!
I can perceive the thoughts of some people now: “Oh no! God forbid that I should pray that way. There are too many impoverished and suffering Christians and nations to expect God to richly bless me.” Saints of God, never let the welfare of others or the world’s belief system dictate your theology and convictions Always, persistently, look to the Word, not the world, to determine your beliefs and then exercise your faith accordingly.
Let’s read some Scriptures that support this ambition. I’ll start with how God commanded the OT Priests to bless the Israelites. It’s found in the fourth book of the Bible. Turn to Numbers 6:22—27.
“The Lord said to Moses, (23) “Tell Aaron and his sons [the priests], ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: (24) “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; (25) the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; (26) the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ (27) “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Yes, it is God’s will to bless his people! However, there is a prerequisite to receiving his blessing: You must make it your ambition to claim and accept God’s blessing. Here’s what Deuteronomy 30:15 says about this:
See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. (16) For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. [Let’s skip to verse 19.] This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live (20) and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:15—16 says this: “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. (16) For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 says this: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (9) As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
There’s a beautiful verse in Isaiah 30:18. I’ll read it in two versions. I’ll start with the ESV, which says this: “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”
The next version is called Young’s Literal Translation (1862), and here’s its rendering: “And therefore doth wait Jehovah to favour you, And therefore He is exalted to pity [have mercy on] you, For a God of judgment is Jehovah, O the blessedness of all waiting for Him.”
If you will humble yourself before God and wholely serve him, he can transform your welfare. God will pledge his goodness to you in a remarkable way! I want you to notice the statements of ‘father and son’ — that is, David and Solomon:
In Psalm 37:3—6, David said this: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. (4) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (5) Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: (6) He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
And then, in Proverbs 16:3, Solomon said this: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 16:9 that “the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” [NASB]. This is God’s determination for those who unreservedly submit to him. He’s postured to establish their plans!
(Transition) Is there a Biblical model illustrating how God blesses the person who enthrones God as Lord of their life? Yes, and it’s Abram.
Abraham, a Biblical Model of God’s Blessing
In Genesis 12, God told Abram to leave his homeland and journey to another land. When you summarize God’s plan for Abram, it discloses what the book of Hebrews suggests: God wanted to “better” or improve Abram’s entire welfare.
However, the Lord wanted to do more than grant Abram personal enrichment. God’s plan for Abram was broader, higher, and deeper than any human who has walked on this planet. When you study Abraham, you see that God did more than bless him and nobody else. God extended his blessing through Abraham to his immediate family. But it didn’t stop there because the Lord then extended the Abrahamic blessing to other people groups. Then, ultimately, God’s blessing to Abraham extended through national people groups and to every nation on the globe! Praise God!
And the same can be said about you. Ephesians 1:4 says God “chose us in him [Christ Jesus] before the creation of the world.”
That means, like Abraham, God has appointed you to receive his personal blessing.
But he’s also appointed you to pass that blessing to your immediate family.
Then, God has blessed you so you can extend that blessing to your friends and neighbors.
Finally, Christians are called to bless people in the “uttermost parts of the world.” And we accomplish the latter by either becoming missionaries or by supporting missionaries through prayer and offerings.
That is the Gospel mandate God has placed upon Christians. He has blessed us to be a blessing!
There’s an important reason we should accept the Abrahamic Mandate. It’s what should motivate us throughout this life. It’s this: One day, every Born Again Christian will stand before the Bema—the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Bema is not where people learn whether their “works” were enough to earn their place in Heaven. That was settled through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The Bema—the Judgment Seat of Christ—is reserved for Christians, not sinners.
The Apostle Paul described the Bema in 2 Corinthians 5:10.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
Two things occur here: First, God rewards the righteous for how they extended his blessings during their time on Earth. And secondly, it’s where God judges Christians for failing to extend his blessings. That is a dreadful thought! And there are numerous Scriptures that speak of the coming day of judgment:
Psalm 62:12 says: “You [Lord] reward everyone according to what they have done.”
In Matthew 16:27, Jesus said: “For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.”
Romans 14:12 says: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
Hebrews 4:13 says everyone must account for themselves before God.
Revelation 22:12 says: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
Always remember that you will stand before God and account for everything you have done. Christians will stand before the Bema, and sinners will stand at the Great White Throne Judgment. We will be judged for our thoughts, our actions, our intentions, and how we obeyed the Word of God. This is why we should make it our ambition to faithfully follow the Lord and, like Abraham, dedicate ourselves to being a blessing to others.
Conclusion
Stay on the path of spiritual betterment, and trust him to lead you. Trust him to make the right decisions for you. You’ll never be disappointed. So, make it your ambition to live according to Psalm 25, where David says this:
Psalm 25:1–5
“In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
(2) I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
(3) No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
(4) Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
(5) Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.”