Do we have the
attitude of Paul or Jonah and Elijah? And which is the attitude of Christ?
A look at the
difference in attitudes of the Apostle Paul and the Prophets of Jonah and
Elijah. {ref. Christ Preeminent by Theodore Epp pgs. 39-42}
Paul
Apostle
Paul says, ÒFor to me to live is Christ, and to die is gainÓ – Phil 1:21
ÒIt
is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the
flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up
for me.Ó Gal 2:20
Jonah
Read
Jonah 3 for the miracle that came from JonahÕs prophesying the word of God.
Read
Jonah 4 to see JonahÕs attitude toward the people he didnÕt like and GodÕs
attitude towards the Ninevites. Jonah was compassionate towards his own people
but wanted the Ninevites judged.
Question: Do we sometimes put our desires ahead of GodÕs?
Question: What was JonahÕs attitude about serving, living,
and dying?
Elijah
Read 1 Kings 18:20-39 Then read ElijahÕs reaction and finish to this great story
of GodÕs power. 1 Kings 19:1-4
Question: if Elijah had just been used in such a mighty
way, why was he afraid of Jezebel? Would not God save him?
Question: What was ElijahÕs attitude about serving,
living, and dying?
Lesson Points
Contrast the attitude of
Paul with Jonah and Elijah.
Paul surmises, Ò..according
to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in
anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be
exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.Ó
ÒBut if I live in the
flesh, this is the fruit of my labour; yet what I shall choose I wont 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.Ó Phil 1:22-24
Paul thought it to be to
his personal advantage to be with Christ but knew that the Lord had a purpose
for his service here on earth and it was not PaulÕs appointed time to go to
heaven.
Examination
Ask: Are the things we are doing in life designed to
further our own interests or glorify Christ?
Do we then, desire to
see lost sinners that are undesirable to us be saved? Do I have a compassion
for them and do I want to see them spared the judgment of God? Often we find
ourselves thinking about people we find detestable, Òboy, itÕll sure be sweet
when that person gets toasted on judgment dayÓ, or ÒÉheÕs got his coming from
the LordÉthink IÕll just let it passÉÓ
Psalm 126:5,6 ÒThose
who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to an fro
weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.Ó
Ask: Where was God during Jonah and ElijahÕs
witnessing and their misery?
Transformation
If we allow Christ to
have control of us as He did of the Apostle Paul, we will be more positive and
triumphant even in times of extremely troubling circumstances.
Many of us ought to be
ashamed of ourselves because of the grumbling we do over minor difficulties.
Those observing us might wonder what we are living for. Are we really living for
Christ and Him alone?
If Christ is our life,
it will be reflected in our conduct. Suffering for Christ is a part of the
ChristianÕs life. A double honor is extended to those who suffer.
To believe means life;
to suffer means reward.
Prayer
O merciful God in
heaven, we beseech you to forgive us for our attitudes and our sin of
favoritism. It does not bring you glory. Search our hearts, examine our lives O
Lord. Create in us a clean heart O God. Reveal to us any transgression or
impurity in our lives. Call us to confession. Transform our hearts that we may
live to serve and love you. Transform our hearts that we may love others as we
love ourselves and our people. Amen and amen.