We Never Give Up | August 2022 Monthly Newsletter
Written by Ps. Nicholas Hung | Senior Pastor of Antioch Gospel Church
Hi Church,
“We – never – give - up!”
Four simple words; but when arranged together in this order they form an awesome declaration – an unstoppable commitment.
To the Church in Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:
“… as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:15-16 NLT)
Through the course of history countless men and women have made ‘never give up’ commitments and declarations and yet ultimately failed to fulfil their claim. Paul’s declaration, however, wasn’t merely empty words – he said he’d never give up, and he never did. We have a lot to learn from leaders like Paul.
In this month’s newsletter I want to draw our attention to at least three reasons (demonstrated in this scripture) that reveal how and why Paul was able to fulfil his unstoppable never giving up commitment:
1. Paul’s vision, mission and purpose were crystal clear – both to him and to others
Focus on these italicised words in particular - “That is why we never give up!”
Paul’s ‘why’ (his driving passion and purpose) was so clear to him and those around him that it gave them plenty of reasons to just keep on going, no matter what. They knew exactly what it was that they were hoping to achieve.
Those who have a ‘this is why,’ or ‘that is why,’ that under-girds their life pursuits typically have a greater tenacity, enduring through hardships, trials, circumstances and other struggles more-so than those who don’t. Being clear about ‘why’ we’re focused on our vision, mission and purpose plays a big part in ensuring nothing and no-one will prevent us from bringing the vision to fulfilment.
The author of Proverbs wrote that where there’s no revelatory vision the people cast off restraint (Proverbs 29:18). In other words, without a clear ‘why,’ humans tend to wander through their lives unrestrained and undisciplined – ultimately achieving far less than they ought to.
Paul’s ‘why’ was for people to be reached with the truth and for God to receive all the glory! This ‘why’ was such a huge pursuit that it would take him a lifetime and drive him with all-consuming passion until his final dying breath. Indeed every Christian ought to have this same ‘why’ at the core of our hearts and life purpose – preaching the gospel, winning the lost, making disciples, raising leaders and giving God all the glory is a vision that is eternal in its nature, eternal in its outcomes and eternal in its rewards. Having an eternal ‘why’ brings huge meaning to our existence.
2. Paul discovered that Godly strength accompanies Godly purpose
So many Christians pray and hope for Godly strength to empower them in their personal pursuits and the fulfilment of their own dreams. And God may support some of our personal pursuits, but Paul shows us in this passage that God’s strength and ability primarily empower us as we pursue His purposes. In Paul’s case, great thanksgiving overflowed in his heart and his spirit was renewed each and every day.
When the purpose we pursue is God’s purpose for our lives there’s an energising strength and empowerment that engulfs our souls and spirits. Even in seasons that are physically draining, and tiring, our inner being is empowered by God and becomes stronger every day. Getting ourselves involved in God’s mission of preaching the gospel, winning the lost, making disciples and raising leaders is where this strength is discovered and experienced.
3. Paul had a clear understanding of the rewards he was going to receive
Humans chase all manner of things in pursuit of what they think it will bring their way. As an example; many chase fame, wealth and relationships because of the happiness and sense of security they think will come as a result. In a cruel twist, many of the things humans chase don’t end up delivering what we were promised they would.
But Paul knew God as a rewarder of those who seek Him and His purposes.
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT)
Seeing the eternal reward ahead of him enabled Paul to look beyond his earthly struggles and problems to wholeheartedly pursue his Godly purpose. This eternal outlook empowered Paul to keep his heart and mind fixed on the eternal things that really matter the most, instead of being allured by temporal issues or worldly pleasures. The result of this kind of thinking is proven by history – he was able to fulfil God’s given vision for his life; to live with purpose and mission; to run his race leaving a spiritual legacy that is still multiplying even to this day.
Truly, “That is why we [will] never give up!”
Church, let’s never give up! With God’s vision as our crystal clear vision, living in the strength of the Holy Spirit and with a realisation of the eternal reward to come, let’s preach the word, win the lost, make disciples and raise up leaders.
Blessings,
Pastor Nicholas Hung