New Brunswick
Bible institute GOD’S PURPOSE
OUR PASSION
OPEN BIBLE VOL. 56 NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2015
FOCUS
BY STEVE WAGSTAFF
LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY Call me odd if you like, but I have always been intrigued by people’s last words before they take their final breaths. For instance, Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian (d. 1702) said this before being declared dead, “I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct.” John Sedgwick (d. 1864) said this, “Nonsense, they couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance,” (in response to a suggestion that he should not show himself over the bunker during the Battle of the Wilderness.) One man was prepared, the other caught off guard. I recently had the pure delight (insert sarcasm) of penning my final will and testament at the lawyer’s office, not wanting to burden my family should the Lord see fit to call me home. What a sobering experience that reminded me there will be a definite end to what I now call “life.” The apostle Paul also thought it important to pen his final will and testament. He did so in writing a two part letter to his “son” in the faith, Timothy. In doing so, Paul left an indelible mark for every Christ follower to strive for if they are interested in leaving a lasting legacy for the generation to follow. Notice in this “will,” three areas of wealth Paul desires his benefactors to inherit.
A Passion for Prayer
“I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day”. 2 Timothy 1:3. “I thank God.” Here Paul was in a cold damp prison, lonely, cut off from the outside world and chained to guards, with possible injuries, deplorable sanitation and poor food. Believers were being tortured and he was awaiting his own execution. Yet, some of his final words to young Timothy were about his prayer life. Prayer and thanksgiving were certainly not circumstantial for Paul. I sometimes get an incredible shrinking feeling when I consider my prayer life upon reading those words. How about you?
Genuine Faith
“...when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” 2 Timothy 1:5. “The real deal,” “sincere,” “genuine” and “legit” are all expressions we use to describe that which is proven to be real. Paul reminds Timothy that a “must have” factor in leaving a lasting legacy, is the characteristic of authenticity in one’s spiritual life. A major factor for the lack of interest in spiritual things among our younger generation stems from an
BULLETIN
observation of a “cheap knock off” in the Christian faith. May we be the Loises and Eunices to a watching world as opposed to the polished pharisees who were “full of dead men’s bones.” Matthew 23:27.
Glowing Gifts
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” 2 Timothy 1:6. In the original language the meaning of “stir up” is to “fan the flames.” It is what air does when it is blown on to burning embers. It makes them burn hotter and brighter. The Lord gave each of us spiritual gifts at the time of our conversion. We are to use those gifts in coordination with others of like precious faith to fulfil our role in the body of Christ and reach the lost. A gift that is left smouldering is not only useless to the ministry but can also be an irritation to the body. So, in the final analysis, beautiful words spoken in a well-crafted eulogy can stir emotions. But what will be truly beneficial and far more rewarding, are the numerous lives that were changed because of who you really were, not who you portrayed yourself to be.
Thanks to those who participated in Vacation with a Vision 2015. Much was accomplished through your ministry to us! 1