By Pastor Daniel Yaw

Introduction
As we come near to the end of the year, it is always a time to recall and look back to see what has one achieved throughout the year.  Sometimes, we reflect with joy as we see what we have accomplished but sometimes with regret when we realize that there are things we have not even begun.

For many and according to world statistics survey, only about 20% of people actually make plans and set goals for their lives.  What then do the rest of the 80% do?  I think we sometimes have no clue what we are doing and for what reason we are living?

I thought of that myself and I must admit that I have been living my life like that in the past many years, simply drifting and hoping for the best.

Someone came and visited me and as we talked, he popped up a question that set me thinking and in that short time expected me to have an answer.  He asked, “Pastor Daniel, how would you summarize the life of the Apostle Paul?”

That was a tough question that needed some time to think about.  After all, he wrote the most of the New Testament, he planted more churches, travelled most distance in his time to do what God had commissioned him to do.  How would I summarize his life in those given few minutes of our conversation!

If I am allowed to use 3 words to describe or summarize Paul’s life, they would be;  FOCUS, FERVENCY, and FAITH.

FOCUS.
One of the things that is outstanding in the life of Paul is his focus.  In all that he did, there was only one focus - that the gospel of Jesus Christ be preached.

When he wrote to the Romans in chapter 1:14-16, he said that he was under obligation or indebted to the Jews and to the Gentiles, the wise and the foolish, the Greeks and the barbarians to preach the gospel.

He also wrote to the church in I Corinthians 9:20, that for the sake of the gospel, he became a Jew to the Jews, to those under the law, as one under the law and to those outside the law as one of them as well with the same one focus - that I might win them for Jesus Christ.

When he was in prison in Rome, he thought of the Philippians and wrote to them in 1:12-13, that though in chains, he saw his goal accomplished while in chains, he chose to rejoice because he saw that it had served to advance the gospel, of his ability to preach to the whole imperial guard where he could otherwise would not be able to reach.

That is how Paul lived his life - with a sense of focus.  And that focus is to preach the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If we were asked, “What is your focus in life?”, what then can we say?
Paul’s focus:  The Gospel must be Preached!

FERVENCY (Determination)
The next word I have chosen to use is fervency or determination.  If we were asked, “What is the one thing you must have or do in your life?”, it is never an easy question.  But for Paul, he had no problem with that one.  

He said, “One thing I do;  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I pressed on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

It is the one thing that determines all things.  It is the one thing that is crucial.  It is like Jesus saying of Mary that there is only one thing needful and Mary has chosen it.

What is that one thing?  It is in the pursuit of God.  It is the desire to know Christ and the power of the life of resurrection.  

We have many pursuits but should we narrow them to just one important one, what would it be?  The life of Paul is always about this one thing - to be more like Christ in every aspect, in holiness, in obedience, in character and in everything.

In Romans 8:28-29, he said that all things would work out together for good to those who loved Him and were called according to His purpose - what purpose?  That we might be conformed to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, everything is seen as playing a part in making me more like Christ - that the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.  Whether they are trials, crisis, problems, sickness, etc - all are but instrumental to making me more and more like Christ.
Paul’s Fervency:  The Goal must be Pursued!

FAITH (Courage)
This is the last word I have chosen for the life of this apostle.  It is a life of faith in God.  His life is about experiencing God in a special way.  That is what kept Paul alive and fervent and focused - his faith in God.

During the shipwrecked experience on his way to Rome, when all had lost hope of being alive, Paul could say, “Take heart for there will be no lost of lives.  For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, “Do not be afraid Paul; you must stand before Caesar and behold God has granted you all those who sail with you.”

His faith is anchored on the fact that God is always with Him and will take care of him and will keep his promise to fulfill His intention and plans.
Paul’s Faith:  That God must be my Priority.

Conclusion
What defines your life?  What summarizes your life?  May they be like thsoe of Paul's - Focus, Fervency and Faith.