QUITTERS, CAMPERS AND CLIMBERS

2/4/01

 

Num 13:17-21

17 And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto

them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:

18 And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein,

whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19 And what the land is

that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that

they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20 And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be

ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was

the time of the firstripe grapes. 21 So they went up, and searched the

land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

 

Num 13:25-33

25 And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.  27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

 

   THE CONQUEST FOR THE PROMISED LAND WAS THE DESTINY OF EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD THAT CAME OUT OF EGYPT AND REPRESENTS THE UP HILL CLIMB TOWARDS PROSPERITY, BLESSING AND SUCCESS.  EGYPT IS A TYPE OF SALVATION AND DELIVERANCE BUT THE PROMISED LAND, WHICH BY THE WAY IS NOT HEAVEN, IS OUR DESTINY.  BETWEEN EGYPT AND THE PROMISED LAND THERE ARE OBSTICALES, SETBACKS AND DETOURS CALLED GIANTS THAT ARE TRYING TO PREVENT US FROM REACHING OUR DESTINY IN CHRIST.  HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU HAVE THE DETERMINATION OF TWO CLIMBERS LIKE JOSHUA AND CALEB THAT GIANTS ARE THE BREAKFAST OF CHANPIONS.  AFTER SEARCHING THE LAND AND REPORTING BACK TO MOSES THEY SAID IN VERSE 30

“LET US GO UP AT ONCE.” 

 

YOU SEE, SUCCESS IN LIFE IS AN UP HILL CLIMB AND CLIMBING UP IS ALWAYS HARDER THAN QUITTING OR CAMPING.  SO WE CAN SEE THREE KINDS OF PEOPLE ON THIS UP HILL JOURNEY OF LIFE: QUITTERS, CAMPERS AND CLIMBERS.  LET ME QUICKLY DEFINE EACH ONE OF THEM THIS MORNING AND THEN WE’LL LOOK AT SOME OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF EACH ONE OF THEM AS THEY APPLY TO OUR UP HILL JOURNEY IN LIFE.

 

QUITTERS.  IF LIFE IS AN ASCENT UP A MOUNTAIN, QUITTERS ABANDON THEIR CLIMB WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH.  THEY DESERT THE INNER DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARD AND THEY ABANDON AND ABORT THEIR DREAMS.   HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT QUITTING IS THE EASIEST THING TO DO AND THAT’S WHY IT’S THE BIGGEST CROWD.  LISTEN, WE ARE ALL TEMPTED TO QUIT BUT WE MUST FIGHT THROUGH  PAIN AND DISCOURAGEMENT AND KEEP FOCUSSED PRESSING ON TOWARDS THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.

 

2. CAMPERS: CAMPERS WILL ACHIEVE A LITTLE SUCCESS AND STOP.  THEY WILL SAY SOMEHTING LIKE: THIS IS BETTER THAN MOST OR THIS IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. NOW IF LIFE IS AN UP HILL TREK THEY GET TIRED OF THE CLIMB.  SO CAMPERS DO CLIMB BUT IN GETTING TIRED THEY TEND TO MOVE THEIR VISION FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP TO A SMOOTH COMFORTABLE PLATEAU IN WHICH TO HIDE FROM THE PRESSURE AND ADVERSITY OF THE CLIMB.  NOW THEY’VE TAKEN SOME CHALLENGES IN LIFE BUT THEY’VE REACH THE CAMP GOUNDS AND THEY FOCUS ON BEING COMFORTABLE AND PREDICTIBLE.  LISTEN, CAMPERS CHOOSE PREDICTIBILITY OVER FULFILLMENT.  THEY SEE SUCCESS IN LIFE AS A DESTINATION RATHER THAN AN ADVENTEROUS JOURNEY.  THOSE ARE CAMPERS.  NOW LET’S LOOK AT THE THIRD ONE:

 

Prov 29:18

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he

that keepeth the law, happy is he.

 

1 Cor 9:24-27

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth

for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not

 as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I

keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any

means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

 

3. CLIMBERS.  CLIMBERS ARE DEDICATED TO THE LIFE LONG JOURNEY.  THEY LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST.  SO IF LIFE IS AN ASCENT  CLIMBERS CONTINUE UP AND ONWARD REGARDLESS  OF ADVANTAGE, BACKGROUND, DISADVANTAGES, MISFORTUNE, OR PAST ACHEIVEMENT.  THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ALWAYS VISION ORIENTED.   THEY SEE OBSTICALES AS OPPORTUNITIES AND THEY FEEL A DEEP SENSE OF PURPOSE AND PASSION.  THEY EMBRACE CHANGE AND CHALLENGE.  THEY HAVE STRONG FAITH, THEY’RE TENACIOUS, REZILLENT AND DETEREMINED.  THEY GET KNOCKED DOWN BUT THEY GET UP AGAIN.  CLIMBERS, LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE GET HURT, USED OR BETRAYED BY FAMILY OR FRIENDS BUT THEY GET OVER IT.  THEY WILL STOP AT A CAMP GOUND TO  BE REFRESHED AND REFUEL BUT THEY DON’T STAY IN THE CAMPGOUND.  CAMPERS SEE THEIR CAMPGROUND AS A PERMANENT ADDRESS, CLIMBERS SEE CAMPGROUND AS A BASE CAMP BUT THE GOAL IS THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN.

 

THIS MORNING WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON THE SECOND GROUP OF PEOPLE: CAMPERS.  IF SUCCESS IN LIFE IS AN UP HILL CLIMB, CAMPERS GET TIRED OF THE CLIMB AND AFTER A LITTLE SUCCESS OPT OUT FOR COMFORT AND PREDICTIBILITY.  IN ORDER TO STAY IN THE CLIMB AFTER A LITTLE SUCCESS WE MUST DETERMINE TO FOLD UP OUR TENTS OF COMPLACENCY AT THE CAMPGROUND.

 

Prov 1:32-33

32    For they are simpeltons who have turned away from me-- to death;

33    your own complacency will kill you. Fools! 33 But all who listen to me

shall live in peace and safety, unafraid."

 

COMPLACENCY IS A DEADLY FORCE THAT DEADENS YOU TO WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND YOU SO THAT YOU’RE NOT EVEN ALERT TO THE EMMINIENT DANGER THAT CAN DESTROY YOU.  NOW, WHAT IS COMPLACENCY?  DEFINED IT MEANS CONTENTED TO A FAULT.  SELF SATISFIED AND UNCONCERNED.  COMPLACENCY IS WHAT KILLS CAMPERS.   HOW COMPLACENT ARE YOU THIS MORNING.  LET’S LOOK AT A FEW AREAS THAT SHOULD CONCERN US:

1Thes 4:11-12

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

 

II Th 3:10-13

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

 

Titus 3:8

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

 

1.  LET’S FOLD UP THE TENT OF COMPLACENCY IN OUR VOCATIONAL CAMPGROUND.  THAT MEANS ON THE JOB.  WE KNOW HOW TO PUNCH THE CLOCK, SHUFFEL PAPERS, WHO TO SMILE AT AND SUCK UP TO AND HOW TO GET BY WITHOUT LOOSING OUR JOB.  BUT TO GET BY WITH A COMPLACENT ATTITUDE SACRIFICES EXCELLENCE, AND ROBS US OF AN OPPRTUNITY TO REALLY SHINE FOR GOD ON THE JOB AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE.  COMPLACENCY IS NOT A CHALLENGE.  SO I DON’T WANT TO GET COMPLACENT AND LET MY GUARD DOWN AND BE SELF SATISFIED.

 

1 Cor 7:38-40

38 So the person who marries does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better. 39 The wife is part of her husband as long as he lives; if her husband dies, then she may marry again, but only if she marries a Christian. 40 But in my opinion she will be happier if she doesn't marry again; and I think I am giving you counsel from God's Spirit when I say this.

 

2. HERE’S ANOTHER AREA WE NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR AND THAT’S COMPLACENCY IN OUR MARRIAGES. 

 

Eph 5:21-33

21 Honor Christ by submitting to each other. 22 You wives must submit to your husbands' leadership in the same way you submit to the Lord.

23 For a husband is in charge of his wife in the same way Christ is in charge of his body the Church. (He gave his very life to take care of it and be its Savior!) 24 So you wives must willingly obey your husbands in everything, just as the Church obeys Christ.  25 And you husbands, show the same kind of love to your wives as Christ showed to the Church when he died for her,

26 to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's Word; 27 so

that he could give her to himself as a glorious Church without a single spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, being holy and without a single fault. 28 That is how husbands should treat their wives, loving them as parts of themselves. For since a man and his wife are now one, a man is really doing himself a favor and loving himself when he loves his wife! 29 No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body the Church, of which we are parts. 31 (That the husband and wife are one body is proved by the Scripture, which says, "A man must leave his father and mother when he marries so that he can be perfectly joined to his wife, and the two shall be one.") 32 I know this is hard to understand, but it is an illustration of the way we are parts of the body of Christ. 33 So again I say, a man must love his wife as a part of himself; and the wife must see to it that she deeply respects her husband-- obeying, praising, and honoring him.

 

NOW IF YOUR ATTITUDE IS THAT WE’RE NOT ANY WORSE THAN ANY OTHER MARRIAGES, YOU’RE ALREADY CAMPING.  SO YOU’RE SHARING A NAME AND A BED TOGETHER AND YOUR CIVIL AND YOU’RE NOT ANY WORSE THAN ANYBODY ELSE.  BUT YOU SEE, THAT’S A CAMPING ATTITUDE THAT WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE AND EVERYTHING GOD MEANT MARRIAGE TO BE.  SO WE NEED TO FOLD UP THAT TENT OF COMPLACENCY IN OUR MARRIAGES CAUSE IT CAN BE A LOT BETTER THAN WHAT IT IS.  NOW WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?  IT MEANS THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE WILLING TO CHANGE.  MOST ARE NOT SO THEY GET A DIVORCE.  OUR NATION IS FULL OF CAMPERS WHO REFUSE TO GROW UP AND CHANGE AND BE CONFORMED INTO CHRIST’S IMAGE AND LIKENESS IN THEIR CHARACTER SO THEY KEEP CHANGING CHURCHES AND CHANGING FRIENDS AS FAST AS THEY CHANGE THEIR UNDERWEAR.  LISTEN, THAT’S NOT THE KIND OF CHANGE THAT GOD WANTS TO SEE IN OUR LIVES.  HE WANTS US TO GO THE DISTANCE IN PERSONAL CHANGE SO THAT WE CAN BUY UP EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN OUR MARRIAGES AND IN OUR OTHER MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS.  WE MUST WORK AT HAVING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR SPOUSES, OUR CHILDREN, OUR PARENTS AND OUR FRIENDS.  SO FOLD UP THAT TENT OF COMPLACENCY AND WORK AT CHANGING YOU SORRY SELF. OTHER PEOPLE ARE NOT YOUR PROBLEM, YOU ARE YOUR GREATEST PROBLEM.  QUITTERS AND CAMPERS WILL ALWAYS PLAY THE BLAME GAME.  CLIMBERS GET OVER IT AND GET BACK IN THE CLIMB.

 

 

Ps 41:12

12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity,

and settest me before thy face for ever.

(Lvg)

12 You have preserved me because I was honest;

you have admitted me forever to your presence.

 

3. LET’S FOLD UP OUR TENT OF COMPLACENCY IN OUR MORAL AND ETHICAL CAMPGROUND.  WE SAY THINGS LIKE, “WELL THAT’S JUST THE WAY I AM, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.” OR “THAT’S JUST MY PERSONALITY.”  WELL,  YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PERSONALITY.  “WELL I LIE A LITTLE BIT BUT SO DOES EVERYBODY ELSE.”  OR YOU CHEAT ON YOUR INCOME TAXES BUT THAT KIND OF COMPLACENCY WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE.  WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT.

 

IKing 9:4-7

4 And if you live in honesty and truth as your father David did, always obeying me, 5 then I will cause your descendants to be the kings of Israel forever, just as I promised your father David when I told him, 'One of your sons shall always be upon the throne of Israel.' 6 "However, if you or your children turn away from me and worship other gods and do not obey my laws, 7 then I will take away the people of Israel from this land that have given them. I will take them from this Temple which I have hallowed for my name, and I will cast them out of my sight; and Israel will become a joke to the nations and an example and proverb of sudden disaster.

 

Prov 11:3

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

 

Prov 20:7

7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

 

   HERE WE SEE THAT GOD HAS MADE A COVENANT OF PRESERVATION WITH THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO LEAD A QUIET, PEACFUL AND HONEST LIFE.  GOD WILL UPHOLD ME IN MINE INTEGRITY NOT IN MY LACK OF ETHICS AND HONESTY.  YOU SEE, IT’S THE LITTLE FOXES THAT DESTROY THE VINE.  ITS THOSE LITTLE THINGS THAT YOU DON’T TAKE CARE OF EARLY THAT COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU LATER IN LIFE AND CAN TAKE YOU DOWN AND COST YOU A GREAT FUTURE.

 

Eph 4:14-15

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 

2 Pet 3:18

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

4.  FOLDING UP THE TENT OF COMPLACANCY IN OUR SPIRITUAL  LIFE.  SPIRITUAL COMPLACANCY SAYS: “WELL I GO TO CHURCH, I’M HERE.”  BUT GOING TO CHURCH IS ONLY ONE SLICE OF THE PIE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT SPIRITUAL GROWTH.  LISTEN TO CHURCH SWINDOL FROM ONE OF HIS BOOKS:

 

      “THERE’S A BIG DIFFERENCE IN GROWING OLD IN THE LORD AND  

GROWING UP IN HIM.   ONES AUTOMATIC, IT REQUIRES NO EFFORT AT ALL, JUST AGING.  THE OTHER IS NEVER AUTOMATIC OR EASY, IT CALLS FOR PERSONAL DISCIPLINE, CONTINUAL DETERMINATION AND SPIRITUAL DESIRE.  CHURCHES ARE FULL OF SLEEPY SAINTS WHO ARE MERELY LOGGING TIME IN GOD’S FAMILY.”  YOU SEE, GET OUT OF THAT STAGNANT, COMPLACENT ATTITUDE AND SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS AND GET BACK ON THE  MOUNTIAN AND CLIMB.  SO YOU’VE HAD SOMETHING BAD HAPPEN. WELL FINE, WE ALL HAVE JUST GET OVER IT AND GET BACK IN THE CLIMB.  BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE AND YOU DIDN’T DO ANYTHING WRONG.  CAIN SLEW HIS BROTHER ABLE BUT ABEL DID NOT SOW ONE SEED OF EVIL TO DESERVE IT.  HE SIMPLY HAD A WICKED BROTHER.  BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE.  THAT’S WHY I GAVE MY LIFE TO CHRIST: I AM NOT A VICTIM.  THE WORST YOU COULD DO IS KILL MY BODY BUT I GOT ETERNAL LIFE IN ME.  SO I’M NOT A VICTIM OF A DRIVE BY SHOOTING.  I MAY GET SHOT BUT I’M NOT A VICTIM.  I LIVE IN A SIN CURSED WORLD BUT THAT’S WHY I GAVE MY LIFE TO CHRIST TO REMOVE THE UNCERTAINTY OF THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN TO ANY OF US.  SO BUILD YOU PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND GET OUT OF COMPLACENCY.

 

1 Pet 2:1-3

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies,

and  envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire

the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so

be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

 

THERE IS A BOOK CALLED: INSIDE THE MAGIC KINGDOM, WHICH IS ABOUT DISNEYLAND AND THEIR UNIQUENESS ABOUT BEING SUCCESSFUL.  ONE OF THE CHAPTERS SAYS THIS: ONE OF THE BY PRODUCTS QUICK PHENOMENAL SUCCESS IS ARROGANCE AND COMPLACENCY.  YOU GET PROUD AND THEN YOU GET COMFORTABLE AND YOU SOP CLIMBING.  SO YOU REACH SOME PLACE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN, YOU’RE BETTER THAN MOST SO YOU STOP LEARNING, GROWING, CHANING AND CLIMBING AND YOU BECOME INDIFFERENT AND YOU START LOOSING YOUR MARKET EDGE.  YOU CAN DO THAT IN A CAREER, IN YOUR MARRIAGE OR IN YOUR MINISTRY. 

 

CAMPERS STOP CLIMBING AFTER A LITTLE SUCCESS BUT WHEN YOU STOP CLIMBING YOU GROW OLD.  SO I’M NEVER GOING TO STOP CLIMBING.  I DON’T WANT TO GET OLD.  SOME OF YOU HAVE QUIT CLIMBING AT 28, YOU’RE ALREADY OLD.  YOU NEED SOMETHING TO CHALLENGE YOU.  YOU GOT YOUR KIDS OUT OF YOUR HOUSE AND YOU GOT YOUR MORTGAGE PAID AND YOU CAMP.  THEN YOU’LL GET OLD AND ALL YOU’LL BE ABLE TO DO IS TO LISTEN TO YOUR ARTRIES HARDEN ON THE PORCH OR WATCH PAINT DRY OR SOMETHING.  NO WAY, I’M NOT GONNA GET OLD, I’M GONNA STAY IN THE CLIMB AND REMAIN OPEN AND TEACHABLE.  I REMEMBER MY MOM TELLING ME THAT YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS AND THAT’S WHY I’M NOT GOING TO GET OLD CAUSE I WANT TO CHANGE AND STAY IN THE UP HILL CLIMB OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS.

 

5. LET ALL DETERMINE TO CLIMB AGAIN. IF YOU’VE BECOME A  QUITTER OR YOU’VE BECOME A CAMPER, DETERMINE TO CLIMB AGAIN.  LISTEN, ENDURANCE NOW EQUALS ENJOYMENT LATER.

 

Phil.3:12 (Amp)

Not as though I have already attained this ideal or have already been made perfect but I press on to lay hold of and make my own for that for which Christ Jesus the Messiah has laid hold of me and made me His own.

 

NOW PAUL HAD BEEN TO HEAVEN, HE’D BEEN IN THE THRID HEAVEN; HE WROTE 75% OF THE N.T.  HE HAD MET JESUS FACE TO FACE.  HE HAS HEARD THINGS THAT WERE UNLAWFUL TO BE WRITTEN AND HE WASN’T INTERESTED IN GOING TO HEAVEN BUT HE WAS INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT WHY CHRIST HAD MADE HIM AND SAVED HIM AND IF HE COULD FIND OUT THEN HE’D BE SUCCESSFUL.  FOR PAUL IT WAS BEING AN APOSTLE  BUT WHY DID CHRIST SAVE YOU.  WHAT’S HIS PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE.  YOU SEE, APUL WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD AND SO SHOULD WE.

Phil 3:13-14 (Lvg)

13 No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14    I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.

 

LISTEN WE HAVE GOT TO LET GO OF OUR PAST SUCCESSES AND FAILURES.  LIVING IN THE PAST WILL NOT HELP YOU IN ANY WAY SO LET IT GO AND GET BACK IN THE UP HILL CLIMB OF LIFE.  LISTEN, WE CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE THE PAST BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE.  SO HERE IN PHIL.3;13 PAUL IS SAYING THAT I HAVEN’T MADE IT YET, I HAVEN’T ARRIVED AND I’M NOT READY FOR THE CAMPGROUND.  GOD ISN’T FINISHED WITH MY LIFE YET SO I PRESS ON TOWARDS THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD FOR MY LIFE.  PAUL LEARNED TO GET OVER HIS PAST:

 

2 Cor 11:23-27

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

 

   PAUL LEARNED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO ABOUT ALL THE BAD THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO HIM BUT HE COULD CHANGE HIS FUTURE.  WE NEED TO ADOPT THAT SAME PHILOSOPY IN LIFE: THIS ONE THING I DO: FOGETTING THOSE THING WHICH ARE PAST AND REACHING FORTH FOR THOSE THINGS THAT LIE AHEAD.  WHATEVER HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE YEAR 2000 GET OVER IT AND GET BACK INTO THE UP HILL CLIMB OF LIFE.  FOLD UP YOUR TENT OF COMPLACANCY AND GET BACK IN THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH AND MOVE ONWARD AND UPWARD IN YOUR CAREER, IN YOUR MARRIAGE, IN YOUR OTHER MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS AND IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIVES.  LISTEN, YOU DON’T HAVE TO JOIN THE MARINES TO BE ALL YOU CAN BE JUST GET BACK INTO THE FIGHT AND INTO THE CLIMB.

 

1 Tim 6:11-12

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

2 Tim 4:7-8

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 

Heb 11:32-40

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they

without us should not be made perfect.

 

ALL THESE PEOPLE WERE CLIMBERS.  THEY WERE ALL DEALT A CRUMMY HAND IN LIFE BUT THEY GOT OVER IT AND GOT BACK IN THE CLIMB AND OBTAINED A GOOD REPORT BECAUSE OF THEIR STRONG, UNDYING FAITH IN CHRIST.  THESE WERE PEOPLE, WHO IN THE FACE OF STRONG OPPOSITION WOULDN’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.  EVEN JOSHUA AND CALEB, AFTER FORTY YEARS, WERE JUST AS STRONG IN CHARACTER AND FAITH TO CROSS OVER AND TAKE THE PROMISED LAND.  SO WE MUST FOLD UP OUR TENT OF COMPLACANCY AND DETERMINE TO GET BACK IN THE UP HILL CLIMB OF LIFE DURING THIS NEXT YEAR.

 

2 Tim 2:3-4

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.