This expression is no vain boasting. Joshua had also said long ago: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. We are told in this chapter that Paul left Ephesus soon after the uproar had ceased regarding the worship of Diana of the Ephesians. The words of our text are part of Paul’s farewell sermon to the presbyters of Ephesus in which we have a good example not only of Paul’s earnest desire for the salvation of the heathen, but also his manner of edifying the Church of God. Paul here seemed to have his eye well fixed on that elevating promise in Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” In this frame of mind, he called the elders of the Church of Ephesus together and encouraged them and explained matters to them relative to the Lord’s Cause, saying — “For I know, that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you not sparing the flock.” v. 29.
Indeed, ravenous wolves they were, who would have devoured the strong and the weak of the flock, were it not for the protection of Him who loved the church and gave Himself for it. As Paul foretold them, the Church of God then, as now, both witnessed and experienced much by way of trials and afflictions, while godless Ministers, Theologians, and Professors openly endeavoured to tear the Truth of God to shreds, to vaunt themselves, to make a display of their wisdom and learning above that of those who were divinely taught by the Holy Spirit, while as yet they themselves remained in the gall of bitterness, and totally ignorant of the transcendent excellency of the everlasting gospel, when accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us now consider three things rising out of these words —
1. Paul’s steadfastness — “But none of these things move me.”
2. His high esteem of the Gospel — “neither count I my life dear unto myself.”
3. His gracious desire — “so that I might finish my course with joy.”
1. Steadfastness in, and faithfulness to the Truth
Steadfastness in, and faithfulness to the Truth, and for the pure unadulterated doctrines of God’s Word, were ever precious to God. He spoke of Moses thus, “My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all his house.” Num. 12:7. But the unfaithfulness and settled unbelief of the Jews grieved the Lord continually; in Old Testament as well as in New Testament times, as is obvious from Psalm 5:9, “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is wickedness.” In the New Testament we find this solemn declaration from the lips of Jesus Himself, “… O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Matt. 3:7. The antedeluvians, no doubt, poured much scorn and contempt upon Noah’s preaching because they could not see any sign of the threatened judgments (like the people of our day); however, Noah could not be moved from declaring the whole counsel of God to the people: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house: by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Heb. 11:7.
God is much displeased with the instability of our times. “Except the Lord of Hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom and we should have been like unto Gomorrah;” carried about with every wind of doctrine. Such as loved the Lord in the Apostle’s time admired his steadfastness. With David he could say — “I am a wonder to many; but thou art my strong refuge.” Ps. 71:7.
There Paul stood unmoveable among his persecutors in the strength of God the Lord, while Satan’s temptations, the sophistry of the Judaising teachers, with the ridicule of a carnal world, as mighty billows went over his head. But “none of these things move me,” he says. Like Gad of old — “Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.” Gen. 49:19. His heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord.
The Psalmist asked to be delivered from the sin of covetousness as he prayed; “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.” Ps. 119:36. Similarly we find the Church saying — “Draw me we will run after thee:” Song of Solomon 1:4. Inordinate desire of worldly gain, coupled with a foolish desire for eminency among men caused many to forsake the old path, to love themselves, to sell their birthright like Esau, to cleave to their manses, their glebes, their salaries; refusing to go “without the camp bearing Christ’s reproach.” Sons of Ephraim they were indeed, who turned back in the day of battle. This was the downfall of Demas: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,” says Paul. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples this petition — “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matt. 6:11. But none of these trials moved Paul as he witnessed before all — “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” v. 33.
Oh, how stable and steadfast the fathers of our beloved Church were in 1893, while others seemed steadfast yet yielded and willingly consented to that poisonous Declaratory Act of 1892. This Act, no doubt, opposed God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. In this way, the Westminster Confession of Faith was changed, and the Church was deprived of a God-honouring Constitution. However, none of the evasive arguments of Dr Rainy and his supporters could move the Revs. D. MacFarlane, Neil Macintyre, and some others in that famous Assembly of 1893. They fully believed that the Declaratory Act infringed the Constitution of the Free Church in such a way that they should be traitors to their Ordination vows by remaining under it. To their historic Protest, and all that it involved, these men remained faithful, loyal, steadfast, and unmoveable until the day of their death. Moreover, they conscientiously contended for the principles of the Reformation of 1560, and of the Disruption Church of 1843. How sadly evident is the perpetual backsliding of the Declaratory Act Churches, as regards worship, doctrine, government and discipline. Arminian preachers are allowed in their pulpits, Sabbath observance is abolished, ecumenicalism is in full swing in their midst. All this, together with their friendly association with Roman Catholic Priests and Cardinals at ecumenical lunches, conferences, inductions and marriages constitutes a dark picture indeed. Then, with humility of heart, let us seek to praise the Lord that there is one Church in the land which holds fast and can claim scripturally — “none of these things move me.” But let us heed a word of warning. Although we should be as eminent as Revs. D Macdonald, J. Sinclair, N. Cameron, D. N. MacLeod, D. Beaton, James MacLeod and others, yet we must guard against “cruel pride,” and conceit; believing that apart from supernatural grace, and absolute dependence upon Him on whom the Church leaned coming up from the wilderness, we shall be moved. “Hold thou me up and I shall be safe.” Ps. 119:117. May the Lord teach us our need of this prayer.
II. His high esteem of the Gospel — “neither count I my life dear unto myself.”
It is obvious from many passages in Scripture that Paul’s life during his sojourn here, was often in danger. In the context he states, “. . . behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, v. 22. Again, in ch. 21:31 — “and as they went about to kill him tidings came unto the chief captain of the host, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Paul however continued to say — “neither count I my life dear unto myself.”
Life is sweet. Oh, how precious the Lord Jesus Christ, His statutes, His Church, were to Paul then — as precious as they were to David — “They more than gold, yea, much fine gold, to be desired are.” Ps. 19, 10. Paul firmly believed that he should do all in his power to preserve his own life and that of others, so he cried with a loud voice to the Philippian jailer : “Do thyself no harm.” Acts 16:28. Grace in living exercise can enable fallen men to say, “neither count I my life dear unto myself,” thus expressing their willingness to suffer and die for Him, who so graciously laid down His life for them on Calvary’s cross. Paul was actuated with that noble spirit which captivated the hearts and souls of those martyrs spoken of in the Book of Revelation: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11.
Let us not imitate the world. They love their own lives, and were ever reluctant to carry the cross with Jesus. The young man, to whom Christ said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Luke 18:22, 23. He refused, and, “went away sorrowful.” O, how it would have profited him for eternity if he had said, “Yes, indeed.” For, “I count not my life dear unto myself.” Ruth would follow Naomi come what may, with the plea; “Intreat me not to leave thee . . .” Ruth 1:16. On the other hand, Orpah loved her ease, and her idol gods, and so she went back to Moab.
Paul was filled with the noble spirit of self-denial, which caused many others to endure, when they found themselves without a roof over their heads. This Christ Himself experienced — “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matt. 8:20. There was a time in our beloved land when many, many people were concerned about that “life that shall never end.” Then our roads and streets were crowded with people on their way to the prayer-meeting. But today, we witness another sight, men and women, running to gambling dens, because they trust not in the God of providence. Paul could say with the Apostle John — “We love him because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. Paul’s life was infinitely more precious to God than any words can express, as he proceeded to proclaim the everlasting gospel to poor people who sat in the darkness of heathenism and Jewish traditionalism. Until he finished the work which God had purposed him to do, neither men or devils could deprive him of his life. Surely at times he had a sweet consciousness of what David had — “My times are wholly in thine hand.” Psalm 31:15. The martyrs of Scotland, such as James Guthrie, Richard Cameron, James Renwick and Margaret Wilson gave their life in defence of God’s Word, and the sole Headship of Christ over His Church. Similarly in England there were noble martyrs such as Hooper, Ridley, Latimer and Cranmer, and Holland too had a noble company who gave their lives for Christ. Paul’s life, and that of the other apostles, was often in peril. John the Baptist was beheaded in prison. Yet all of them could join in the triumphant song of the Church — “All this has come upon us; yet have we not forsaken thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant,” Ps. 44:17. Obviously, Daniel counted not his life dear unto him. Most willingly he endured being cast into the lion’s den. God saved his life there, as we read, “The Lord shut the lions’ mouths.” The Lord accompanied the three Hebrew youths into the fiery furnace. Oh, what mutual love that can endure to be persecuted for righteousness sake! Thus Paul himself on one occasion was stoned and left as if he were dead, Acts, 14:19. “I count not my life dear unto myself.” He was “willing to spend and be spent for Christ,” and to wait until he had completed the work that the Lord Jesus had given him to do. This was like Christ Himself, when He said — “The cup which my father hath given me shall I not drink it?” John 18:16. Oh, for grace to deny ourselves and thus to surrender ourselves unreservedly to God’s Will.
III. His gracious desire — “so that I might finish my course with joy . . .”
Not all God’s people finished their course thus. Some regretted on their death bed their unfaithfulness to Christ’s Cause. No wicked person ever finished his course with joy. No, that is impossible. Graceless Ministers, Priests, Cardinals, and Popes shall finish their course in everlasting sorrow; because, they despised God’s infallible word, and its solemn threatenings to all who take away from, or add to His Holy Word. “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy City, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:18, 19. Esau ended his course in fearful despair, for he sold his birthright, and could not have it restored, “—though he sought it carefully with tears.” Behold Judas’ sorrow, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood.” Notice his adversaries’ scathing reply; “What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matt. 27:4. Herod also terminated his reign in incalculable misery having dishonoured God by denying Him the glory due to Him — “and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” Acts 12:23.
None of God’s people shall ever utterly fall away. They may backslide and go very far astray, like David and many others. “I have gone astray like a lost sheep,” said David. Psalm 119:176. But the promise of God stood firm, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.” Psalm 37:24. David’s end was unspeakably joyful: “Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant . . .” 2 Sam. 23:5.
Solomon said; “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” Ecc. 7:8. What a joyful end Job experienced as he declared: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the last day upon the earth: and although after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” Job 19:25. The beloved Apostle John finished his course with joy in the face of many frustrations. Oh, what joy was his when he beheld the redeemed and heard their song in glory — “saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing.” Rev. 5:12.
Paul’s desire to finish his course with joy was lovingly afforded him. None ever finished his course more joyfully. Hear him as he utters these words — “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness; — 2 Tim. 4:6, 7, 8.
They are a happy people indeed to whom He shall say on the day of judgment, “Ye are they who continued with me in my temptations.” Luke 22:28. Then let us solicit daily to be endowed with gracious humility, lest cruel pride, self-importance, self-sufficiency be our downfall. Godly Rev. M. Gillies often said — “May the Lord keep us from thinking that we are ‘the whole cheese’, considering all others in the Church mere non-entities.” Mr Gillies shone in many graces, but especially in the grace of humility. He often quoted John’s words, “He must increase, I must decrease.” Stephen, too, finished his course with joy as he “looked up steadfastly unto heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Poor Lazarus, who sat at the rich man’s gate where “dogs came and licked his sores,” was escorted by angels to Heaven. Martin Luther finished his course in a similar way, after enduring much for the sake of truth and righteousness. Among his last words were: “Thee, O Lord, have I known, Thee have I loved, Thee have I served, Thee have I trusted and unto Thee I commend my spirit.”
Read the number of obituaries in our magazines, and note there the many, both young and old, who finished their course with joy. O, how joyfully the Oban and the Kenmore boys said farewell to loving parents as they welcomed the eternal dawn, and entered into the city where there is no night, “and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev. 22:5.
How can Ministers who give the sacraments to drunkards, to Sabbath-breakers, to adulterers, and such people expect to finish their course with joy? Fathers and brethren, let us be faithful to Christ, and to the Testimony which has been left to us, and God shall be as faithful to us as he was to Paul. Now, as I hand over the reins of this most honourable Office to my brother Minister, I wish to say to you all in our Dear Church what the beloved John said to the Church in Philadelphia: “hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Rev. 3:11.
Secrecy is no small advantage to the serious and lively carrying on of a private duty. Interruptions and disturbances from without are oftentimes quench-coals to private prayers.
Thomas Brooks