Today's message comes from our most popular series called Legacies of Light. Stephen has a new book. Legacies of Light Volume two We're sending that as a gift to those who make a special donation to our ministry during this series. We need your financial support to make this ministry possible, and this new book is our way of saying thank you. I've put a link in the show notes that gives you all the information you need.
Now, here's Steven. Learning from other believers is not the same thing as longing to live the life they have. to experience the same blessings. God. gives them have the same spiritual gifting.
You have never been told by God to run someone else's race. Your race is yours. Designed by God. Every missionary will not become world famous like Jim and Elizabeth Elliott. In the end, God does not measure fame.
Measures. Faithful. Jim and Elizabeth Elliott are familiar to you, perhaps if you're older in the faith. They served as missionaries in Ecuador in 1952. Less than four years after beginning their missionary service there, Jim, along with four other men, were speared to death.
by the natives that they had hoped to have a face-to-face meeting as they flew that little Piper Plain onto that sandy bar down in that valley. Their story went global. The news of their martyrdom became a catalyst. Really for a generation. of individuals for world missions.
Jim's biography would become a bestseller. Thousands of people would be impacted to answer the call to world missions and go to the fields of the world. And that's often the way God works. Isn't it? He takes tragedy all according to his plan and brings from it triumph.
He uses the biography of a believer. to inspire us to convict us, to challenge us. To Perhaps warn us, rebuke us. That's why I read one biography. after another and after for many years, I learned from their mistakes.
As I see what they did or what they went through, I'm convicted by their example. And I'm also very encouraged because it lets me know that the challenges of the Christian life from century to century. Really don't change. They don't change. And most of all, it's a reminder that God is not timing.
How fast We run our race, or how many people we influence along the way, faithfulness is the true measure of running your race well. You know, when you think about it, the Bible is a book. of biographies. Isn't it? It seems that God favors teaching volumes of truth by wrapping it around the lives of Men and women.
Young and old. The Apostle Paul wrote, Didn't he in Romans chapter 15 that the history of the nation Israel has been recorded? for our instruction. Our observation. He writes, It's been given to us for our instruction that through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures, that is, the record of their history.
we might have hope. The writer of Hebrews wrote in chapter 12 that we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses.
So because of that, let us also lay aside every weight. That besetting sin That clings so closely to us, the dogs are heels, And let us run with endurance the race that is set. Before us, that cloud of witnesses are the biographies of faithful believers who've gone on before us. By the way, you can learn not only from the lives of people in the Bible, but Those down through the ages who faithfully served God, some of them Even alive. in your lifetime, in mine.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, Join in imitating me. And keep your eyes, note this: keep your eyes on those who walk. according to the example you have in us. In other words, keep your eyes on other people. who are living a godly life and learn from them.
Now, ultimately, we're focusing on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, which is why Paul will clarify later to the Corinthian church, be imitators of me as I am of Christ.
So even the Apostle Paul He's worthy of being studied, being watched only if he imitates the character of Christ. The writer of Hebrews put it this way: Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life. and imitate their faith. In other words, watch how they live, take note of where they end up, and if the way they're going is godly and it's leading in a righteous manner, Well Imitate their Faith.
By the way, let me add a caution here, beloved. You're not told to copy somebody's experiences. Their ministry. their occupation. They're gifting.
We are imitating there faith, that is their resolve. To follow Christ. Have you ever thought about the fact that one of the purposes we meet together on the Lord's Day? is to observe one another. And be encouraged.
Hebrews 10, 24 says it this way: Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some.
So, the assembly on the Lord's Day is a place to observe living. Biographies. One another.
Someone in here may be observing you. Your attitude, your spirit. Your joy, your service. And you're inspiring them, and you may never have a word with them. But they see you, and they're inspired to follow what they read.
in your living. Biography.
Now we have to be careful here, beloved, not to allow imitation to become. competition. We're imitating integrity. Not ministry. The places where God puts us.
The danger in watching other believers is that we are. Frankly, we're imitators by nature, aren't we? I mean, that starts very young. You want the same lunchbox everybody else has, and the same backpack, and then the same car, and then whatever. We have that naturally.
But the danger is in watching other believers is that it can lead you to wonder why God isn't doing with you what He's doing with Him. And that's where imitation can become. Comparison. In the wrong way. That believer that you admire for their walk with God might start a business.
And it prospers. You start a business and it goes bankrupt. They have an illness and they recover and. You get it and you just can't get past it. Learning from other believers is not the same thing as longing to live the life they have.
To experience the same blessings that God. gives them to have the same spiritual gifting. That God has given them. That's when the imitation of faith. turns into a comparison of life.
And that's when imitation can become. competition. You have never been told by God to run someone else's race. Your race is yours. Uniquely.
Designed by God. Every missionary will not become world famous like Jim and Elizabeth Eliot. Every biography will not become a bestseller. This is a reminder that in the end, God does not measure fame. He measures Faithfulness.
Located next to the country of Ecuador, where Jim and Elizabeth served is the country of Peru I've had the opportunity to to visit each of these countries. Another missionary couple, Bert and Colleen. We're serving when Jim Elliott and his fellow missionaries were martyred. Of course, news spread around the globe. Everyone was stunned by their death.
Books and movies would. produced about their ministry. Their children would grow up and Serve the Lord. We've had Nate Saint. one of the sons of A martyr missionary, Steve Saint, has spoken here.
But this other couple He probably never heard of Bert. And Colleen Even though their ministries were only about 350 miles apart.
Now if you compare Jim and Bert. They would have entirely different ministries, they were very different missionaries. Jim was a natural leader. A gifted speaker, he was a bold influence. When he was martyred, he was only 28 years of age.
Bert would live to the age of 87. He was a quiet Disciple maker. Church planter, he worked often with his hands. He would teach the Peruvians. How to manage crops and rotate them and tend animals.
Jim served for less than four years. Bert would serve. Elizabeth Elliott actually knew Bert and Colleen. And years later, she would write this, and I quote, I often think of Bert and Colleen as examples of godly self-sacrifice. simple perseverance in jungle heat Mildew Mud and rain.
humbly ministering to lonely. and needy people. Bert and Colleen both passed away. in 2012. Several years ago, Bert was asked to compare his ministry with Jim.
Which is probably the wrong question to ask somebody, right? But Bert smiled and said this, Jim was a brilliant meteor lighting up the sky. I was kind of like a faint star. rising. Night After nine.
On another occasion, Burt referred to Jim as a meteor. And he to himself said he was a He was a plotter. He just plotted. along. He refused to compare.
He knew that the gospel is spread not just by meteors. But by plotters. I read that. during their 55 years in Peru, Bert and Colleen would travel by canoe. On horseback.
or walk for days on foot camping out in the jungle. Facing illnesses. Alone. Flood seasons. Even bandits.
who threaten their lives. But they just kept plodding through the jungles. the Andes mountain regions and into coastal cities in Peru.
Someone wrote it this way: Jim's martyrdom inspired thousands to go. Bert's life showed us How to stay. These two missionary Biographies brought to my mind a text of scripture We didn't get to. But I want to cover it because it it an inspired account of what Jesus is going to say. to one of his disciples.
Before ascending back into heaven, you may remember if you were with us, Jesus prepared breakfast for these disciples: Peter, James, and John, and Nathaniel, and Thomas, some others unnamed. After breakfast, he recommissioned Peter. Let me show you what happened after that.
So take your Bibles to John chapter 21. Let's find out what happens next. It's easy to miss. But it's so significant for us today as we imitate others while being careful. not to compare in the wrong way.
Let's get a running start. Yeah. Verse 15. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.
He said to him, Feed my lambs. He said to him a second time, Simon, son of John, Do you love me? And he said to him, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. And he said to him, Tend my sheep. He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me?
And Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he said to him, Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep.
Now With that, let's carry on. He makes a prediction. Truly, truly, I say to you, Peter, When you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands. And another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.
In other words, Peter, when you were young, you were independent and free, and you could go where you wanted to go and do what you wanted to do, unfettered.
Sort of unlimited. And you know Peter would Go anywhere. But when you're old, Jesus says, somebody's going to stretch out your hands. That's an expression used by an executioner who is tying someone's hands to the cross beam. to prepare to crucify them.
We know from history that was Peter's future. Clement of Rome in AD 96 referred to Peter's martyrdom. In the second century, Origen wrote that Peter was put to death by crucifixion. Peter himself wrote in 2 Peter 1:14 that Jesus had made it clear to him now he was going to die. even though he didn't give us the details.
He knew.
Now, here in John. twenty one Verse 19, the Lord follows that prediction up by saying, after saying this, He said to him, Follow me. Literally, Peter, keep on following. Me. You can render that, keep on plotting.
It's implied, though, Peter, follow me all the way. to your death. Ever thought about the fact that Peter would live the rest of his life in the shadow of his own cross.
Now with that Uh I want to Carry forward and find out what happens next. Verse 20. Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved. Following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper. This is the way John refers to himself, always in this case.
He never names himself. And this is the one who had said, Lord, who is going to betray you?
Now verse 21, when Peter saw him, that is John. He said to Jesus, Lord, What about this man? In other words, what are you going to do? What are you going to do with John? How's he gonna die?
How long is He gonna live. What's his ministry going to look like? What's his life going to look like?
Now, get this, verse 22. Jesus said to him, If it is my will that he remain until I come, he's referring to the rapture, I come back. What is that? to you You follow. Me.
Peter, don't worry about My plans for For John. I have mapped out a race for him. Yours is different. You just Follow. Me.
Well This brought to my mind a question. How do we avoid Unbiblical comparisons. While at the same time allowing ourselves to be Stirred and inspired by people we see or know or read about. How do you keep a balance in this regard? Let me suggest four principles to help us.
First, Recognize that your race of faith is uniquely designed by God. And it's for you. Peter is going to reach primarily a Jewish audience. John is going to reach a much broader Gentile. Audience.
Peter is this Bold preacher who launched the New Testament. Church age. With that Courageous sermon. John is going to pastor A small church. for several years.
Peter's nickname. was the rock. He had that first, by the way. John's nickname was the elder. The statesman.
Peter was impulsive. John was steady. Peter was loud. John was Reflective and quiet. Peter will die courageously as a martyr.
John is going to live into his 90s, as best we can determine. And there's debate on this, but he perhaps is the only disciple to die a natural death.
So, recognize number one that your race of faith is uniquely designed by God. Secondly, Remember that your gifting and personality are the creative handiwork of God. God's put you together differently. One source I read. Said that Peter Shows us the grit.
of discipleship. John shows us the heart. of discipleship. Two different men, two different personalities, two different physiques. Two different races to run.
The point of 1 Corinthians 12, which we could have easily looked at as well in detail, is to inform us that we're all uniquely different. We're adding thirty Three or thirty-four, I can't remember, today to our membership. Very different. Different roles to play. But we all have a place.
In the body of Christ. He goes on in that chapter with the analogy of a body. He says some are feet and some are ears.
Some of our eyes.
Some are visible. Muscle There is invisible support systems. keeping us alive. resourcing us.
Some are sensitive. flesh. Others are calloused. Hands. In other words, face up to Who you are.
and come to terms with Who you are not. Grammar's rugged, but you get the point. I referenced an interview that still Swirling in my mind and heart with Chuck Swindoll. I mentioned him a few days. few Sundays ago.
Maybe last Lord's Day. This veteran pastor, now 90 years old, nearly completely blind. When I asked him what kept him in the race, pastoring for more than sixty years. He gave several reasons for it. The first one surprise me.
Uh a little. But the more I thought about it, and it surfaced again in our study today. It it fit perfectly with the text and what The Lord is teaching us. He said this.
Well, to start with, you need Three things. First, Know who you are. Second, Except Who you are. And third, B. Who you are.
Know who you are. How God has made you. Accept that. Accept it. And then know that God has determined you're to live accordingly.
to how he's Put you together. Heart and soul, mind and body. Jesus is effectively saying to Peter, look, you're not John. I've got something different for you. Your life isn't to be compared with his life.
Your ministry, Peter. We know from studying the rest of Scripture that it's going to be a busy tour, it's going to take him. He's surrounded by people. He's going to go from Jerusalem all the way to modern Turkey. John You're gonna be just sort of tucked away in this Little village called Ephesus, and you're gonna spend a lot of time.
in obscurity writing. And then over to an island where you're going to be exiled for three years alone to write.
So he would write the Gospel of John, 1st, 2nd, 3rd John. The book of Revelation.
Now that kind of life would have driven Peter mad. It was suitable. For John. Remember that you're gifting and Personality are the creative handiwork of God. Here's another principle to keep in mind.
Number three: remind yourself that the object of comparison is another human being. Which means they have their own problems. They have their own challenges. I have the privilege of interviewing, meeting with every individual. on the platform today.
And it's a joy of mine to meet with them. And I can tell you that To a man, to a woman. It is A story of challenge. Unique Suffering? Difficulty?
Resolution? We have this, you know, this greener pasture myth that. Over there, on the other side of the fence, you know, they're happier. They're more prosperous. They're more blessed.
They seem to be more peaceful. They seem to have it together. We don't. If all you know about somebody's life is from Facebook or Snapchat. Or TikTok.
The Wicked Witch is dead. I always think of that when I hear TikTok. I know it's Ding Dong, but she's dead. Whatever. And we're probably just as dead wrong.
to think that somebody else has it better. What does better mean anyway? Paul writes in Second Corinthians that those who measure themselves. By one another. who compare themselves with others are not Wise.
2 Corinthians 10, 12. For one thing, remember, you are comparing your clay pot. to another clay pot. Get to know them and they will tell you. of their challenges.
And they're suffering. Let me give you one final principle. Recognize that comparing your life to others. And I mean in this unhealthy, unbiblical manner. will never bring contentment.
Security For joy. In other words, it's going to breed sinful infections in your mind. your soul. On the one hand, it can produce Pride. And arrogance.
Boasting. Yeah, I'm looking at somebody and man, am I better than they are? I'm so much further down the road than they are. That's a disease of the soul. More often than not, it will produce Discouragement.
I'm not measuring up to where they are. That person. Or It can breed apathy.
Well, since I'm not as gifted as that person, I'm never going to volunteer. God can't use me. I don't have as much to offer. I'll put a sit-out. On the sidelines of ministry and service, it can breed envy.
I can't believe God has used that person like that more than me. I'm just as deserving as they are. I want the breadth of ministry and opportunity they have. And let me tell you, that's like letting the air out of your tires. contentment and joy and and peace Just Leak out.
And leave you empty. I have admired F. B. Meyer, I have all his books. pastored a century ago.
He once admitted That he struggled with the nagging thought that God's hand of blessing was always on someone else. And I look at him and I think, how gifted and blessed. But he had to battle that.
So there's a blessing from watching Or reading the biographies of others, and there is this danger. We can become preoccupied. with other believers. And We're going to want to run their race. That's going to lead to trouble.
If we're too preoccupied with them. I remember when I was about thirteen or fourteen. I was ordered. I was on a scooter. Racing another kid.
He's on a mini bike. And I was way ahead of them. Man, it was fun. Going down a gravel road. And I Turned to to look to see how far ahead I was.
I hit a pothole and th that those handlebars jerked over and locked. And I went flying over those handlebars and landed in the ditch next to that gravel road. Fortunately, the ditch was filled with waist-high grass. And it was like landing on a mattress. I got up without a scratch.
so that I could become your pastor one day.
Well, years ago, I tried to use that story. to convince my wife that I ought to have a motorcycle. Because God gave me special protection. She used that story to tell me something else. Which doesn't fit my sermon, so I'm not going to tell you what she said, but I didn't get a motorcycle.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can Learn from this cloud of witnesses, but the next verse, two down, he says. But stay preoccupied. with Christ.
So that you will not grow weary. or faint-hearted. Peter, don't become preoccupied with John. Don't focus on him or you're going to lose heart. You're going to lose your hope.
Instead, you, and then the original Greek, the emphasis is there. You, he probably pointed at him, you, Peter. You. Follow. Me.
Peter was not meant to be John. John was not meant to be Peter. Jim Elliott was not Bert. Bert was not Jim. They were both missionaries.
In the same region. But with different ministries, different perspectives. different races to run See, Jim Elliott was Indeed, a meteor. He lit up the sky for the glory of God for this brilliant moment. in time.
But his older brother, Bert. Bert Elliott. Call himself a faint star. He would rise And go up into the sky night after night. Just plodding along.
Bert Elliott is probably the Elliott. you've never heard of. But through the faithful ministry of Bert and his wife Colleen. They would reach people tucked back into places No one else would visit. And after 55 years of service, though, they had planted.
150 churches. Never in the limelight. Just quietly serving. God uses meteors. and plotters.
Alike. But for both to be used, including you and me, and we're somewhere between meteor and plotter, right? The secret for all of us. is to slip into the sandals of Peter and Hear the word of the Lord. Uh As he points his finger at your heart and mine, Look, you...
Who you are. Yeah. How you've been Wired and gifted by God, you. I want you. Alyssa.
You Just Follow. Me.
