“Given a man full of faith, you will have a man tenacious in purpose, absorbed in one grand object, simple in his motives, in whom selfishness has been driven out by the power of a mightier love, and indolence stirred into unwearied energy”
– Alexander MacLaren
“The man who will not lay down his lifestyle for God will never lay down his life for Him”
Leonard Ravenhill
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”
– Isaiah 1:19
“The life that intends to be wholly obedient, wholly submissive, wholly listening, is astonishing in its completeness. Its joys are ravishing, its peace profound, its humility the deepest, its power world-shaking, its love enveloping, its simplicity that of a trusting child.”
– Thomas Raymond Kelly
“Meditate upon these things;
give thyself wholly to them;
that thy profiting may appear to all”
1 Timothy 4:15
“The seed dies into a new life, and so does man.”
– George MacDonald
All true life is that which arises from death. The receiving of the eternal is known by the forsaking of the temporal. All creation is but the textbook for the true follower of Christ (Romans 1:20). In our yielding to the will of Him who is eternal life we find the withering of the passions and desires for the shadows and illusions of this world. Clarity comes to the pure in heart.
“Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God”
Brian Troxel
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience…”
II TIMOTHY 3:10
The Greek Word here for “purpose” is πρόθεσις which is translated “shewbread” in the following scriptures; Matt 12:4, Mark 2:26, Luke 6:4, Heb 9:2. Paul in this portion of Timothy is setting forth the “marks” of a true life in contrast to those who handle the truth in unrighteousness. Often the “shewbread” (see Exodus 25:30) is mentioned as a type concerning the teachings of deeper truths and revelation of the things of God. There is an element of truth in this however the “shewbread” is, first and foremost, an offering unto GOD not man. Unfortunately today there is much emphasis placed upon the ministry of men to the church with very little concept of men ministering unto the King of Kings! The reason this Greek Word is translated “purpose” in some places of the New Testament and in others “shewbread” is that Paul, especially in this context, is seeking to impress upon the heart of Timothy that the purpose of Paul’s life was to be lived as an offering of bread unto the Lord of his life. This offering was without reserve, wholly and completely given to the ONE who was worthy to break it and give it out to others as it pleased HIM. What flowed out of that offering was not Paul’s business; his business was to give his life and it was the Lord’s business to do with it as it pleased HIM (see the feeding of the multitudes).
In light of all that Jesus accomplished at Calvary we have only one offering left to give; ourselves. This offering is no longer given because of a Law that commands us, but it is the highest of offerings. It can only be given by those who have allowed the Spirit of Grace and Mercy to work within their heart. For the law of this offering is only received on the basis of a free will offering unto the ONE who gave HIMSELF for us unto the Glory of the Father. HIS heart, HIS life and HIS love are all any of us have to so freely give. We can no longer present offerings for sin, guilt and shame for that is finished in Christ. We can no longer present offerings for our failures, weaknesses and poverty for the offering has already been given. We can now only respond by giving of ourselves unto HIM and HIM alone.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service”
ROMANS 12:1
Brian Troxel
Wisdom of the Ages 