The Abundant Christian

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Introduction: The life of Paul is an example to us all.

• 1Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
• 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

I.          HIS SALVATION (9:5-6) 

A.       By the Imputed Righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:4-9) 

B.        As an Example of All Longsuffering (1Timothy 1:15-16) 

C.       ILLUSTRATION: 1831 Baptist Camp Meeting held in the Northern Neck of Virginia 

1.        Salvation of John Grinstead. Over six feet tall and about 350 pounds with the strength of an ox. Good-natured but full of worldly amusements. The recent deathbed pleadings of a godly daughter brought his to seek the Lord. He was converted at this meeting and had great effect on reaching many others for the Lord.

2.        Salvation of 14 year old daughter of a preacher, Henrietta Hall. Had been brought to conviction by a teacher who asked, “Where will you be a hundred years hence?” Followed the Lord in baptism and fervently followed Him in service. (More about her later) 

II.        HIS SURRENDER (9:6) 

A.       To Present His Body a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-20; Philippians 1:20-21; 1Corinthians 6:19-20) 

B.        To Finish the Course Given to Him by the Lord (Acts 20:24) 

C.       ILLUSTRATION: At the 1835 Baptist Triennial Convention, an offering was taken up for missions. One young man of the age of 21, Lewis Shuck, simply wrote three words on a slip of paper and put the paper in the offering plate. The three words he had written were, “I give myself.” With this, he surrendered to go to the mission field of China. Later that year, Lewis married an 18 year old young lady who surrendered to go with him. Her name: Henrietta Hall.  

III.     HIS SERVICE (9:15) 

A.       To Spend and Be Spent (2Corinthians 12:15) 

B.        To Labor Night and Day (1Thessalonians 2:9) 

C.       ILLUSTRATION: Lewis and Henrietta Shuck went to China as missionaries in 1836. Henrietta was the first American lady missionary to China. They lived in Macao until the end of the Opium War (1842) and then moved to Hong Kong where they established the first Baptist Church there. Henrietta opened a school for Chinese children and took Chinese orphans into her home. In Hong Kong, they fed, clothed, and cared for 32 children.  

IV.     HIS SACRIFICE (9:16) 

A.       In His Sufferings (2Corinthians 11:23-28) 

B.        In His Death (2Timothy 4:6-8) 

C.       ILLUSTRATION: At the age of 27, shortly after giving birth to her fifth child, Henrietta Hall Shuck died. Letters from her father to her before she left for the field emphasized the likely cost of her going. Yet, she remained steadfast in her resolve to go.  

Conclusion: Where will you be a hundred years hence? What will it matter that you ever lived? When are you going to make the commitment that will make your life one that made a difference?