A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Steve West
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Convinced of the Superiority of the New Covenant
2 Convinced That Ministry Is a Mercy
3 Convinced of the Need for a Pure Heart
4 Convinced of the Need to Preach the Word Faithfully
5 Convinced That the Results Belong to God
6 Convinced of His Own Insignificance
7 Convinced of the Benefit of Suffering
8 Convinced of the Need for Courage
9 Convinced That Future Glory is Better Than Anything This World Could Offer
Summary
Introduction
John MacArthur’s grandfather and father were preachers, and he was blessed with exposure to excellent scholars and mentors. The most significant influence in his life, however, as a model for pastoral ministry, is the apostle Paul. In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Paul writes that he knows he is nearing the end of his race, and he will soon stand before the Lord. The apostle has confidence that he has run his race well, and his life of service has been an acceptable sacrifice in Jesus. This kind of confidence is marked by humility and gratitude; faithfulness in running one’s race is a gift from God. Paul had experienced incredible hardship, rejection, and persecution in ministry, and he was in prison for the gospel as he wrote to Timothy. Regardless of his circumstances, Paul trusted God and rejoiced in Jesus. He looked for every opportunity to engage in gospel ministry wherever he was. He imitated Christ and called others to do the same, even though this entailed suffering in the world for the sake of the truth.
When Paul had to instruct the Corinthians—with all of the difficult issues they had—he exalted Christ rather than boasted about himself. Today, many pulpits have preachers who preach themselves, but Paul preached Christ. Because he preached Christ and the gospel, Paul could write that no matter what happened he would not lose heart, give up, or turn aside. When false teachers gained influence in the church, Paul’s heart was broken. He didn’t give in to evil but remained steadfast and persevered in devotion to Christ and God’s truth. There were nine unwavering commitments that Paul had, and each one will be examined in the following chapters.
Chapter 1: Convinced of the Superiority of the New Covenant
For Paul, the inauguration of the new covenant brought a complete shift in his understanding of how to live life before the face of God. He had been the most zealous practitioner of Pharisaical Judaism, but when he met Christ on the Damascus Road everything changed. Self-righteousness based on law-keeping was not only insufficient, it was an offense to God. Paul learned that perfect obedience to the law was only achieved by Christ, and Christ’s spotless righteousness was imputed to sinners so that they could be justified before God. Far from making people righteous, the law condemns them for their sin and trespasses. The law is holy and good, but sinners cannot keep it, so it makes them guilty.
God’s law could never be kept by sinners under the old covenant, so as a result it could only condemn. However, in the new covenant, the law is written on the heart. The new covenant is based on better promises, and when it is inaugurated the old is superseded and becomes obsolete. No one could be sufficiently righteous under the old covenant, but under the new covenant we are made sufficient in Christ. Ministry in the new covenant era is ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit who was poured out on Pentecost. It is the indwelling Spirit who equips and empowers ministers to faithfully serve Jesus no matter what occurs. More than anyone else, Paul had a sense of the incredible honor it was to be called into the Lord’s service. The first key to perseverance in ministry is always remembering the magnitude of the privilege it is to be called into new covenant ministry.
Chapter 2: Convinced That Ministry Is a Mercy
Knowing that his call into the ministry was a gift of God’s mercy was a core conviction that helped Paul remain faithful in his service to Jesus. Paul knew that nobody is called into the ministry because they are more righteous than others or are naturally more competent. For Paul, the thought that he had been a violent persecutor of Christians but was met by Christ, saved, transformed, and called into gospel ministry as an apostle was an incredible, undeniable gift of mercy that he didn’t deserve. In his old life Paul tried to earn his own righteousness, but in Christ he saw himself as the chief of sinners saved by matchless grace. His entire life was motivated by remembering God’s mercy and grace, and he frequently referred to his calling into ministry as “the grace of God given to me.” Even when he was experiencing hardship and persecution, he not only persevered, he considered it an honor and privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus. Despite attacks and opposition, Paul never wavered; he counted it a joy to live a life of service for the Lord, knowing that his calling into ministry was a precious gift of the mercy of God. . . .
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