Messages
from the Bible
A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick
A number of years ago, Tom Peters and Robert Waterman undertook a significant study
of a number of business institutions. Following this research, they published a book
identifying 8 attributes of excellence for corporations. Among them were the following:
action oriented, interaction with the customer, their own people respected, not used,
simplicity of organizational structure, and running a loose/tight organization. The book
was called "In Search of Excellence".
What does it mean? "Excel" is to "out-do", to "go beyond", to "surpass in good quality";
and "excellent means "extremely good of its kind, first class."
What we want to do is to stir up the desire for Christian Excellence! We could call it "In
Search of Christian Excellence." Remember this, Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount,
that we are to be "perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect." This was His call to
maturity - yes a call to excellence.
As an aside, we note that the Bible makes it clear that this is not about materialistic
pursuits - life does not consist of the abundance of things (Luke 12:15). Neither is this
about how well we keep the religious rituals. Paul made this clear when he wrote, "food
does not bring us near to God, we're no worse if we do eat, and no better."
What then should we seek in our "Search for Christian Excellence"? Paul's letter to the
young church at Thessalonica gives us some clues. In the middle of his first letter, Paul
identifies four areas for excellence: Loving Others, Pleasing God, Hope, and
Encouragement. An "Excellent Christian" will be outstanding in these four ways.
I. Love Others - 3:12; 4:9
2. LIVE for God - this is the moral aspect of excellence.
3. LONG for the Lord's coming - this is the attitudinal aspect of excellence.
4. LIFT up others by encouraging words and deeds- this is a sacrificial aspect of
excellence.
In Search of Christian Excellence
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Note these passages: Philippians 1:9-11, and I Corinthians 12:31 which leads right
into the "Love Chapter". Also notice that the word used here is our word
"philadelphia", or "brotherly love", which has to do with friendship. In this regard,
Christians are striving to become good friends with others, both in the church and
outside.
II. Pleasing God - 4:1
Jesus said that our "righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees.
Consequently, we are not content with mere behavior modification, but are concerned
about the condition of our hearts which produce the behaviors. In our text, Paul
provides two examples: we are called to be sanctified (4:3f), abstaining from sexual
immorality, and are also called on to "lead a quiet life" (4:11). It is the ambition of
the Christian to win the respect of outsiders by minding our own business, and
working hard. Why? In order to Please God.
III. Hope - 4:13
While we grieve at the loss of a loved one, we do not grieve like those who have no
hope - this is a distinguishing mark of the Christian. How well I remember the words
of my father as we paused by the newly dug grave of my 25 year old sister. He
quietly said, "Good bye dears, until the morning." He had a hope that let him believe
that this separation would only be for a time. Also note Romans 15:13.
IV. Encouragement - 4:18; 5:11.
Christians seeking "excellence" will speak words of encouragement to one another.
These words are for edification - other people's growth is our goal. Let's remember
that part of our work for the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58) is to encourage others along
the way.
Conclusion:
There are Four 4 letter words which summarize these four areas for the Christian's Pursuit
of Excellence:
1. LOVE others - this is the relational aspect of excellence.
Let's not relegate the Search or Passion for Excellence to the systems of this world. May
the church, and every member in it, be involved in the "Search for Christian Excellence."
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