November 27 - II Corinthians 4-6
This part of II Corinthians resonates with me so much that I find it difficult to know what to include in these notes and what to leave out. Again, it is filled with passion about the ministry and our relationship with Christ. I am so glad that God gave us emotions, so we could feel our love and devotion to Him and to others. We would miss so much if we were unfeeling robots. God's way makes life rich in both joys and sorrows. He is with us through them all. Let Paul's inspired words sink deep into your heart.
Chapter 4 seems to me to be a presentation of Paul's philosophy for ministry. He must be speaking for his critics and for his followers, so they could all see why he does what he does. Paul desires to handle the word of God correctly and live in integrity. (.v2) He does not want people to be drawn to him, but to Christ. (v.5) He desires for the light of God to shine through his life in such a way that Christ gets all of the glory for what is done. (v.7) He lives to serve Jesus and others, but not himself. (v.15) All the while he is concentrating on the eternal things which are the unseen things of life. (v.18) How different is that philosophy of life and ministry? Is that how God is leading you? I hope we can all see that this is the way of Christ. It is not just Paul's way.
Chapter 5 continues to speak about philosophy and motivation for life. We should always keep eternity in mind. It is reality. (v.8) One day we will leave this body to be with the Lord, if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. That fact should motivate us to live a life well pleasing to Him and to show others the way to Him. (v.9,11) It is Christ's love for us that compels us to move forward for Him. (v.14) We are new creations in Christ, and it is His righteousness that is in us, not our own. (v.21) Do you live for today or for eternity? Think about it. If you live for the present, all you do in your 70 or 80 years on earth will be over when you die. If you live for eternity, what you do in life will make an eternal difference. Which is more in line with God's way of thinking?
Finally, chapter 6 is an emotional appeal for the believers at Corinth, both the followers of Paul and the critics to realize his sincerity and to realize that all believers must pull together to accomplish God's will while there is still time. If we compromise with the world and become yolked up with unbelievers in worldly pursuits, what will we accomplish? We will not really do anything lasting. If we bind together with believers to do God's will and to share Christ, we will please God and make a real difference in this world. The work is tough, but I can say that looking back over 30 plus years of ministry, it has been worth it all. The victories have been fewer than the defeats in many ways, but the victories are sweet, since they are eternal. Hopefully, many of the defeats will be reversed before we get to the next life. If not, we can still say that we were faithful to do God's will and fight the good fight.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 7-9.
Chapter 4 seems to me to be a presentation of Paul's philosophy for ministry. He must be speaking for his critics and for his followers, so they could all see why he does what he does. Paul desires to handle the word of God correctly and live in integrity. (.v2) He does not want people to be drawn to him, but to Christ. (v.5) He desires for the light of God to shine through his life in such a way that Christ gets all of the glory for what is done. (v.7) He lives to serve Jesus and others, but not himself. (v.15) All the while he is concentrating on the eternal things which are the unseen things of life. (v.18) How different is that philosophy of life and ministry? Is that how God is leading you? I hope we can all see that this is the way of Christ. It is not just Paul's way.
Chapter 5 continues to speak about philosophy and motivation for life. We should always keep eternity in mind. It is reality. (v.8) One day we will leave this body to be with the Lord, if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. That fact should motivate us to live a life well pleasing to Him and to show others the way to Him. (v.9,11) It is Christ's love for us that compels us to move forward for Him. (v.14) We are new creations in Christ, and it is His righteousness that is in us, not our own. (v.21) Do you live for today or for eternity? Think about it. If you live for the present, all you do in your 70 or 80 years on earth will be over when you die. If you live for eternity, what you do in life will make an eternal difference. Which is more in line with God's way of thinking?
Finally, chapter 6 is an emotional appeal for the believers at Corinth, both the followers of Paul and the critics to realize his sincerity and to realize that all believers must pull together to accomplish God's will while there is still time. If we compromise with the world and become yolked up with unbelievers in worldly pursuits, what will we accomplish? We will not really do anything lasting. If we bind together with believers to do God's will and to share Christ, we will please God and make a real difference in this world. The work is tough, but I can say that looking back over 30 plus years of ministry, it has been worth it all. The victories have been fewer than the defeats in many ways, but the victories are sweet, since they are eternal. Hopefully, many of the defeats will be reversed before we get to the next life. If not, we can still say that we were faithful to do God's will and fight the good fight.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 7-9.