St. Patrick’s Day – Lessons

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St. Patrick’s Day – Lessons

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr


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LESSONS FROM OUR CALENDAR (6)

 

Today, we want to address a lesser-known day on our Calendars.  I do not say lesser known because we don’t know when it is, but what the story behind the day involves.  The day is observed each year on March 17th.  When we think of this day, we think of wearing green to avoid being pinched, eating corned beef and cabbage, and for some drinking.  It is about a 5th century “saint” who was instrumental in introducing Jesus in Ireland.

As I begin this lesson, it is with the usual caveat, the day is based upon a faith-based man.  We are certainly not honoring him, but as with all such days, there are lessons to be learned from what we know of his history.

 

  1. Background of “Saint” Patrick[1]
    1. We do not know when he was born, but it was in England to a wealthy family, in the late 4th (300s) to early 5th (400s) century. His father was a “deacon” in the church in his community.  Resources indicate that as a youth he was not interested in serving God.  He was described as living on the wild side.  But at the age of 16, Patrick was taken captive by a band of Irish raiders and taken to Ireland where for 6 years he served as a captive herdsman.  It was during this time of slavery that he developed a strong faith in God and Jesus.  We do not know the details of his faith, but he likely closer to a true Christian than what Catholicism teaches today (the Catholic church had not fully formed while he lived, though history records apostacy in church organization during his time).
    2. After 6 years, he claims to have had a dream that a ship was awaiting him. So, he fled from his captors and found passage back to Britain.  After a while, he was reunited with his family.  Because of events (including another dream), he believed he needed to return to Ireland and teach the people the gospel.  He prepared and increased in learning for several years to teach them and wrestling with his confidence to do the work.
    3. Around 432 AD, he finally went to Ireland. He journeyed through the land baptizing and adding them to the church. He was very successful.
    4. AT the time, Ireland was a pagan Island & nation that was not part of the Roman empire (forerunner to the Catholic church). They were viewed as barbarians by the “civilized” world.   This brought criticism because some thought they were unteachable.  Patrick did not let that deter him from going to as many places in Ireland as he could and bringing the gospel to them.
    5. He is believed to have died on March 17, 461 AD. This is why he is remembered on that date.
    6. Patrick is credited with introducing Jesus and the gospel to Ireland. Because of his efforts, the religious climate of that culture changed from paganism. They remember him because of that.
    7. Later, he was recognized as a “saint” though he was never formally “canonized” (the ritual of Catholicism that leads to their definition of sainthood) because that process did not materialize until the tenth century (~993 AD).
    8. He has been remembered for many centuries in Ireland (~700s AD) and today his name is recognized in various places throughout the world. In America, is where the first parades are recorded in Irish communities. They also observed the day with Corned Beef and cabbage (a cheap vegetable).  Later beer was incorporated into the celebrations of some.  NOTE: This day is always in the midst of Lent, so for some it afforded an excuse to take a day to take a break from their fasting and abstinence.
  2. Lessons to observe:
    1. “Saints” – Note how I italicize “saint.” It is because the way that term is used by Catholicism is different than what the Bible teaches.
      1. Catholicism began to use the title “saint” to describe deceased persons who were worthy of public veneration. The formal process with the pope (known as canonization) began in the late 10th century. ~973 AD (though prior to this it was done on a more local/regional level for centuries).  To be canonized as a saint, one must die, be recommended by the pope and at least 2 miracles must be performed in the name of that person. QUESTION: Where in scripture do we read of this process?
      2. In the Bible the saint is ANYONE who is saved – dead or alive.
        1. The word “saint” is found 97 times in the NKJV. It is found 62x in the NT, of which 13x are in Revelation (Leaving 49x in the rest of the NT).
        2. Consider Romans 1:7 speaks of Paul’s audience, “called to be saints”; Philippians 1:1 “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” 2 Corinthians 13:13, “All the saints greet you.”  Even 1 Corinthians 1:2 speaks of the “church of God at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.”
        3. The term is a derivative of the same Greek word as “holy”, and it simply means “holy ones”. The point being if we belong to Christ (we ARE set apart), we ought to be living holy lives.
    2. Where the traditions of man often lead.
      1. We noted it in our last lesson about lent, especially Fat Tuesday, and what we see it today.
      2. The lessons behind this day are lost and replaced with drinking, dancing, and eating and other festivities.
      3. Recall in Matthew 15:6-9 where Jesus noted that God’s word had been made of no effect by their traditions. A study of the origin of the Pharisees and their traditions, they began with good intentions – to ensure that they were faithful to God’s law. By creating “rules” to keep them from “crossing the line”, they were seeking holiness.  But in time, the “rules” became law, and as is ALWAYS the case with man’s rules – in time they change, usually for the worse.  This is ESPECIALLY true with the uninformed.
    3. One God – Three Persons. The shamrock is the national flower of Ireland.  And it is based upon Patrick.
      1. Legend holds that Patrick used the 3-leaf clover as an example of the trinity. There is one base, with 3 leaves.  He used this to illustrate how God can be the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
      2. The Bible teaches in many places that God is 3 persons. Beginning with creation – Genesis 1:1-2, 26, Colossians 1:16 – of Jesus; Matthew 28:19 – we baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Matthew 3:16-17 as Jesus is baptized we find all three.  2 Corinthians 13:14 concludes that letter saying, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
      3. We may not understand everything about the triune God (as one said, how can we understand everything about Him? – cf. Romans 11:34-35), but scripture is abundantly clear that all 3 are God and they are “one” in that they are united in purpose. The shamrock is one way to illustrate this, but it is not perfect (as are no illustrations).
      4. A study of polytheistic religions finds NO comparison between the competing deities and the true Godhead.
    4. Lessons about evangelism –
      1. NOTE: Some of these observations are based upon what is SAID about Patrick, even claims in his memoirs. I cannot verify the accuracy or details of the events. But we find details that we CAN apply to reaching the lost.
      2. Furthermore, we must understand how important it is that we take evangelism seriously.
      3. He was willing to take the gospel to the lost. Patrick went where it was needed most and where he could do the most good.  As noted earlier, his passion was to go back to Ireland where his captors had taken him.
        1. Consider Paul and his desire to go back to his Jewish brethren – Romans 10:1-2, 9:1-3. How often was he willing to go and TRY to win His brethren back.  Without compromise, he tried to explain His work in Acts 22:1-21.
        2. Are we willing to share God’s word with others, including those who might have formerly been our enemies or antagonistic to our faith? Think of Christians accepting Paul – Galatians 1:23-24.
      4. He was willing to go to the “uncivilized”.
        1. To the “civilized” world of that time, Europe viewed the Irish as “barbarians”. Some believed they were unteachable.  But Patrick went there anyways.
        2. Don’t call anyone uncommon – Acts 10:28 as Peter meets with Cornelius he notes, …You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. See also Acts 10:34-35 after Cornelius explains why he sent for him.
        3. We sometimes look at appearance and actions and make a judgment about whether or not they would be receptive of the gospel. And while your assessment MAY be right, there are exceptions.  Often you are wrong! Consider Acts 9:13 when Ananias responded to the Lord about who Paul was. He had the Lord to instruct him.  But for us, we CANNOT make that judgment without trying (cf. Matthew 7:1-5, 12).  What would you want if the “shoe was on the other foot”?
      5. He made preparations
        1. Again, resources indicate that after he returned it was several years before he went back to Ireland with the gospel.
        2. For us, while there is a sense in which we can immediately tell others about our faith, to be effective at reaching some, we need to be prepared. Recall 1 Peter 3:15 – always be ready to give a defense.
        3. 2 Timothy 2:15 calls for us to give diligence (“study” – KJV) to present ourselves approved to God, handling His word accurately.
        4. On a regular basis we have gatherings to help us develop resources we can use to share with others. The more we learn, the more confident we will be.     The Mission of Saint Patrick | Desiring God
      6. Familiarization with those you are going to teach.
        1. One of the qualities that made him effective is that he knew the language and the culture. As Patrick went, there was no desire to “Romanize” them.  He wanted them to convert to Christ in their culture.
        2. Know their customs, beliefs, etc. Never make sharing God’s word about converting someone to your way of life.  You want to convert them to Christ.  And as long as they are not violating God’s word – ACCEPT them.  That is how they will be able to possibly increase the gospel within their community and culture.
        3. Recall Matthew 23:13-15 – the hypocritical Jews traveled land and sea to convert others to THEIR agenda, NOT to the truth.
        4. Paul sought to become all things to all men, so that, without compromise, he might save some (not all) – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
      7. He took others with him to teach the gospel.
        1. One final observation I came across. Patrick took a group with him.  They worked together.  When we are with a group, we often have a greater chance of success.  And we have a support system when we are alone.
        2. Recall Luke 10:1 – Jesus sent out the 70 in groups of 2. Mark 6:7 tells us when He sent out the apostles, He did the same thing.
        3. Remember that Jesus chose 12 to be with Him during His ministry.
        4. On each of Paul’s preaching trips, he took someone with him, and often times, he had an entourage. Acts 13:1, etc.
        5. If you have opportunity to study with others, there is great benefit in taking someone with you. They can help you find texts, give further insight, etc.  AND, perhaps you are trying to show someone newer in the faith how to study with others.
        6. There is always benefit in going out together.
      8. NOTE: Typically, when we look to examples of how to do something, we consult Biblical examples. In this case, I have made these observations about one who is clearly not in the Bible.  But, we do find his efforts to be similar to what we find in Paul as he sought to spread the true gospel in the 1st century.  It is only to that extent that can apply these things.  Having said that, we DO find in Patrick an example that doing work by following Biblical examples WORKS!

 

And thus, we are introduced to St. Patrick’s Day and some observations as it relates to the Bible.  Simply stated, it is not there in any way.  But as for the work of Patrick, I cannot account for his soul.  That is in God’s hands.  But there are still lessons to be learned from others, both for good and to avoid the bad.  It is with that in mind that I present this lesson.  What type of legacy are you leaving behind? Think about it!

[1] Many of the details of his life are taken from Encyclopedia Britanica.  Tarlach O’Raifeartaigh. “Saint Patrick | Biography, Facts, & Miracles.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick.

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