The Devotional - A Look at the Book #901

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

What does it mean to shut ones ears to the crying of the poor? Some would say that things are different now and that we have the poor on most every street corner. True, but it is the first responder who has shut the ear; that son or daughter who is selfish, they too will cry one day soon. Proverbs 21:13

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 10:12-18 – If we compare our service with people who pride their effort as superior to those around them, then we are no better off than they. This trait of human life is common among those who are positioning or posturing for status or recognition in the world. No doubt you have run into a few of these men and women in your lifetime. The scripture section we are looking at this morning is often overlooked; this also is spiritual warfare.

 

Years ago while leading a ministry there was a bit of contention from one who frequently made the comment. “Lead, follow or get out of the way!” this statement has no place in ministry in that what is actually communicated is; “you are not leading the way I think this ministry should be lead so buckle under and follow me, or just get out of my way because I have purposed in my heart to take over”. This sort of action by any within the church family goes beyond the limits which God has appointed. One solid study of 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 will help understand this.

 

So what is the sphere that the apostle Paul is exhorting us to stay within? It is the gospel of Christ! Remember what the apostle said in 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom (wisdom of words), lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect”. Therefore; there is little to boast about. Selfishly extending our effort into another man’s ministry is not a labor of love; it is just another failure where spiritual warfare was able to place a wedge of division.

 

Faith is increased when the sphere of the gospel is enlarged in regions that are opened by God; not by trying to boast or preach in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. This does not mean that we cannot speak within the framework or authority of another man’s ministry; it simply means that we must be protecting the authority of this ministry and the gospel of Christ as God leads. Note: Isaiah 65:13-16

 

We tend to forget, the apostle has used the statement found in 2 Corinthians 10:17 before in his first epistle to the Corinthians 1:31. For me I find that there is no greater joy for me to experience than to be expressing to God the Father that I stand before Him in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ and in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Whether in ministry or my own personal walk; this I will glory in and nothing else.

 

In our brief overview of 2 Corinthians I notice something that I have not thought much about in times past, so by way of example I will try to bring it out. Ever write a letter to someone? Of course you have. Have you ever had to follow up that letter with another one? No doubt you have. Ever make references to that original letter? Yes again; no doubt you did. I am seeing many references in this second epistle to remind the church at Corinth to stay spiritually sound and to avoid spiritual warfare that seems to flourish within the church family. We should strive to stay within the framework of the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23.