Not What But Why!

Intro. Motives are important in our lives. God is concerned, not only with what you do, but why you do it. A good deed performed with an evil motive becomes an evil deed.

Few men have done as much or more for Christ as Paul the Apostle. Why did he serve as he did, suffer as he did and obey as he did?

What are our real motives for service?

Why did he serve as he did, suffer as he did and obey as he did?

I. FOR HIS BODY’S SAKE

Analytical Bible Expositor: Galatians–Philemon 1. His Selection as a Servant (Colossians 1:23,25)

1. His Selection as a Servant (Colossians 1:23,25)

“Whereof I Paul am made a minister … I am made a minister, according to the dispensation [purpose] of God” (Colossians 1:23,25). This selection for God’s servant was a Divine calling. Men did not want Him, and Paul certainly was not thinking in terms of a Gospel ministry. But God selected Paul to serve Him much to the amazement of men and of Paul.

Paul is Selected vs.23, 25

Paul is Suffering vs.24

This selection for God’s servant was a Divine calling. Men did not want Him, and Paul certainly was not thinking in terms of a Gospel ministry.

But God selected Paul to serve Him much to the amazement of men and of Paul.

2. Paul is Suffering vs.24

This suffering is not the suffering common to all mankind but is suffering that is related to Jesus Christ.

Paul suffered much in the flesh because of his service for God. Many suffer in the world today because of their faith in Christ.

Leave out Christ and all that suffering will stop. But in eternity suffering will begin for all Christ rejecters and it will be horrible and will never end ().

3. Paul is Serving vs.26, 27

Analytical Bible Expositor: Galatians–Philemon 3. His Speaking of the Servant (Colossians 1:26,27)

Paul’s calling as God’s servant included a message for him to speak. Our text gives some particulars of this message.

Paul’s calling as God’s servant included a message for him to speak. Our text gives some particulars of this message.

Message to the Heathen vs.26,27

Message of Hope vs.27

II. FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE

See

The Fellowship of the Gospel

Philippians 1:5 AV

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Philippians 1:5 KJV 1900

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Phil 1

2. The Fighting for the Gospel

Philippians 1:7 AV

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Phil

3. The Furtherance of the Gospel

Philippians 1:12 AV

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Phil. 1

III. FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

1 Corinthians 12:10 AV

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

2 Corinthians 12:10 AV

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“Thorn in the flesh”

Preference in the thorn vs.9

Preference in the thorn vs.9

Pleasure in the thorn vs.10

Perspective in the thorn vs.10

Conclusion:

It is not simply what you do that counts, but why you do it. Right motives lead to a right life.