Transcendent    
by Chris Cumming
 

Some years back, I had a counseling session with a member over the phone.  In the course of the session, it came out that this person was engaged in a situation which warranted spiritual attention in the form of repentance.  When I questioned the person about this need for spiritual remedy, the person exclaimed, “Well, I am doing the best I can.”

“I’m doing the best I can.”  Is this a valid statement for a firstfruit in any area of our lives?  What does the statement mean anyway?  Why do we use it?  How is it used?  When it comes to our moment of judgment and God asks us about our spiritual progress, could a firstfruit ever say, “I did the best I could”?

Today we are going to explore this statement and see if it has any place in the vocabulary of a firstfruit.  In doing so, my purpose today will be to encourage you to do better than your best in everything you do.

What we are going to see is that God has called us to go way beyond our powers and talents.  He has called us to transcend our best.  He wants us to do His best.

Let us begin by looking at the title of this sermon, the word, “Transcendent.”  What does this word mean?

Tran·scend·ent
---going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding.

God has called us to go beyond our ordinary, human limits.  He wants us to surpass them and exceedingly more than maybe what you imagine you could do.

I am not talking just spiritually here but in all aspects of your life under the headings of physical, emotional and mental.  You are going to readily see that God wants you to transcend, He commands you to go beyond your ordinary limits, He will give you the means to surpass your best and will only allow you into the Kingdom by doing His best exceedingly.

To transcend your personal best in every area and to do His best, you will need His power.  We are about to review just how this is done

I have prepared nine areas from the Word of God on this subject of doing His best.

By “His best” I am speaking to the biblical concept of allowing Christ to do His best in and through us by the power of God, which is His Holy Spirit in us.

1] Power of God
Psalm 62:11
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

The Barnes Notes commentary says here that the strength which man needs is to be found in God.  “All else may fail, but the power of God will not fail.  The result of all, therefore should be to lead us to put our trust in God alone.”

The John Gill says that this power of God is great power that is manifested in many ways including, “the perseverance of the saints.”

Quotes: “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”  “Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance”  Reason?  The strength being referred to in that quote is man’s, but the perseverance is the work of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 6:7  …Paul speaking to how he is able to be a minister.
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

2] God gives strength [note: I will emphasize within scriptures using red]
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Ephesians 2:8-9 …not our strength
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  …definitive verse for the 10,000-year perspective
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Some, I am sure, wanted scripture to establish my teaching of having a 10,000-year perspective on everything in this life, especially trials, tribulations, pains and sorrows.  If you are operating from this 10,000-year perspective you will surely do better than your best.

Matthew 19:26 …answering the question of the disciples, “Who can be saved?”
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Psalm 18:32
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

For “maketh my way perfect” the Adam Clarke says, “by Him the issue of my labors is crowned with prosperity.”

2 Timothy 1:7 [see Lesson]
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

For “power” Barnes Notes says “it is the nature of the gospel to inspire the mind with holy courage.”

Barnes Notes has for “sound mind”: “which Timothy was exhorted to cultivate; this which Paul regarded as so necessary to the performance of the duties of his office.”

3] Christ in you
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

John Gill for, “become new”: “there is a new course of life, both of faith and holiness; a new way of serving God through Christ by the Spirit, and from principles [of God]”

Paul is telling the Corinthians they can easily exceed their personal best by manifesting His best.

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

The John Gill commentary speaks to the concept of knowing that Christ is in you by the transcendent work being done in and through you.  We can see His best being manifested in our lives.

This is why a firstfruit should never use the phrase, “I am doing the best I can.”  We are Christ-centered now and in total reliance on His power and strength.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Notice the commentary on this important scripture:

Through Christ which strengtheneth me - Of the strength which Christ can impart, Paul had had abundant experience; and now his whole reliance was there. It was not in any native ability which he had; not in any vigor of body or of mind; not in any power which there was in his own resolutions; it was in the strength that he derived from the Redeemer. By that he was enabled to bear cold, fatigue, and hunger; by that, he met temptations and persecutions; and by that, he engaged in the performance of his arduous duties let us learn, hence:

(1) that we need not sink under any trial, for there is one who can strengthen us.
(2) that we need not yield to temptation. There is one who is able to make a way for our escape.
(3) that we need not be harassed, and vexed, and tortured with improper thoughts and unholy desires. There is one who can enable us to banish such thoughts from the mind, and restore the right balance to the affections of the soul.
(4) that we need not dread what is to come. Trials, temptations, poverty, want, persecution, may await us; but we need not sink into despondency. At every step of life, Christ is able to strengthen us, and can bring us triumphantly through. ~Barnes Notes

It says in that commentary that Paul had abundant experience in Christ giving him strength and now his total reliance was on that strength.  This is how we “Prepare for the Shock” that is coming in the end time ahead.

4] In the name of Jesus Christ
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

I am emphasizing our “words and deeds” in this verse to show that this idea of doing His best permeates every area of our lives.  The John Gill says that this “word or deed” applies to everything.  It gives several spiritual examples and then says, “or in whatsoever action, civil or religious throughout the whole life and conversation, in the performance of things natural, moral, and evangelical, relating to God or man, or one another, in the world or church.

5] Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Note: God always does His best and since we are manifesting the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of these Godly principles, we are, by definition operating beyond our ordinary limits.

Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost [Spirit] which is given unto us.

John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost [Spirit], whom the Father will send in my name, [it] shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

6] Examples
Joshua 1:9-11  …example of Joshua
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

1 Samuel 30:6  …example of David
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Luke 1:35  …example of Mary
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost [Spirit] shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

2 Timothy 4:17  …example of Paul  [see Lesson]
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

1 Peter 4:11  …example of Peter
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7] Our Attitude
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.

Note: to do His best, we must decrease.

Romans 2:6 …in respect to all things
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Notice the commentary for the word deeds here:  “The word ‘deeds’ is sometimes applied to the external conduct. But it is plain that this is not its meaning here. It denotes everything connected with conduct, including the acts of the mind, the motives, the principles, as well as the mere external act.  The whole language of the Bible implies that he will judge people according to the whole of their conduct, including their thoughts, and principles, and motives.” ~Barnes Notes

1 Corinthians 9:24-25  …in respect to all things
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Note: This exhortation, “to run” was one shouted by instructors of the young in the exercise schools in Corinth and by the spectators on the race course to the pupils to stimulate them to put forth all exertions.  So God is saying to us “So run, so you can do My best.”

Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth

Matthew 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mark 10:52
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

8] Transcending Physically, Emotionally and Mentally

Does God want us to do His best at work?
Proverbs 10:4
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 12:24a
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule…

Proverbs 12:27
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Proverbs 13:4b
… but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 14:23a
In all labour there is profit…

Proverbs 21:5a
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness…

Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 27:23
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Does God want us to do His best emotionally?
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Note:  The latter part of the verse clearly covers all emotions we have.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Look at this order of how words, feelings and actions are intertwined.  Notice the process.

■Words produce thoughts
■Thoughts produces emotions
■Emotions produce decisions
■Decisions produce an action
■Actions produce habits
■Habits produce one’s character
■Your character produces your destiny

Our emotions and this intertwining of words, feelings and actions begins with our words.  Control your words by the power of God and you will do the best emotionally.

Proverbs 8:8
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

Two important truths that the Bible will tell you:
You can take control of your emotions by controlling what you are thinking.
Self-control is given by God so that you can walk in the plans God has for you.

Notice how God gives us this self-control of our emotions which originate from words:
John 15:7
 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

This leads us directly to doing our best mentally.

Does God want us to do His best mentally?
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Note:  For the “will of God” we could easily have a long discussion on Godly purpose or sanctification couldn’t we?  The more you know sanctification the more you know the will of God and the result will be you doing His best.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Does God want us to do His best in all things? How?
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Luke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

How do we become Tran*scend*ent?
John 15:4-5
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

9] Doing His best
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Answers to my opening questions for “I’m doing the best I can.”:
1] Is this a valid statement for a firstfruit in any area of our lives?
Answer: No, it is not.

2] What does the statement mean anyway? 
Answer: It speaks to what you did by your own power and devices.

3] Why do we use it? 
Answer:  To justify our not accomplishing the goal or our missing the mark.

4] How is it used? 
Answer: It is used as excuse and justification for failure.

5] When it comes to our moment of judgment and God asks us about our spiritual progress, could a firstfruit ever say, “I did the best I could”?
Answer: No, a firstfruit could never say this.  He is judged based on the measure to which he allowed God to do His best through him, the firstfruit.

In a nutshell:  This sermon is about removing from your vocabulary the phrase, "I'm doing the best I can" and manifesting the power of the Holy Spirit doing God's best.  As you proceed through this life, you still DO the best you can with God-given talents, gifts, knowledge and understanding.  The point here is that when you attain your best, you then go beyond the human limit and do His best.  The person declaring, "Well, I did the best I could" is usually, if not always, stopping at the human limit and failing to do God's best.  Firstfruits have the power in them to do God's best every time they manifest the power of the Holy Spirit.  Firstfruits count on God and give Him the glory for both the best they humanly do and for the best He does in and through them.

One famous person once said, “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.”

So go now and continue your journey through the salvation process going beyond your ordinary limits and invoking His best.         

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