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The Carpenter's Chapel (4)
- Thread starter Jim1999
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Friday, July 2, 2004
2 Corinthians 6
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the
grace of God in vain.” Vs 1
Here we have a passage speaking directly to the ministers of the gospel. The phrase
“with him” does not appear in the original Greek versions of scripture, but has been
inserted in the English translations. Commentators have differing understandings of
this text regarding just whom Paul is co-working with. Some suggest it is the
Corinthian believers whilst others believe is is co-working with God. The latter
consideration is not foreign to Paul’s writing. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 we have “We are
God’s fellow-workers.” In chapter 5, Paul says that the ambassadorial role of the
believer, the minister, was entreating men to Christ through him (Paul).
Think about this. We do not take lightly the task of preaching the gospel and
entering the service of the Lord as ministers. We do not work independent, and God
does not work independently of man. We are co-workers with God. As such we are
charged with an awesome responsibility in our role. We have a responsibility to
prepare and present the best sermon possible given our human talents. There is no
excuse for slothful preaching. God does use His word to convince and convict men,
but how? By the foolishness of preaching. This does not infer that we can slap
anything together and call it a sermon. We are to employ our best learning including
emotion and intellect and the power of persuasion. We have been entreated
(beseech) to receive not the grace of God in vain.
Contrary to some interpretations, this is not referring to some who might receive the
gospel externally, but never experiencing conversion. It is not a proof text that we
are not eternally secure in Him once we believe. This is totally, in context, dealing
with the fact that we are co-workers with God, and the early English translators
inserted “with him” to make this point clear. It is dealing with our presentation of
the gospel, and our own personal lives as co-workers with God.
This can, and should be, applied to all believers. We each have the same
responsibility to live the gospel and truly walk in the light rather than confuse those
in darkness. It is here where we can infer just what we should do about the things of
the world, and just how we should behave in society. Later in this chapter, Paul will
say, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” Vs 17
Now we will each understand the specific events differently. Can we attend the
pictures? Can we attend sporting events on the Lord’s Day? Should we get involved
in secular societies that do good work in our society? These are all personal
decisions that each Christian must decide for himself. The underlying principle is
the truth that we are co-workers with God, and we do not behave independent of
God. Paul gives his response to this question in verse 16 when he quotes from
Leviticus, “ I (God) will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.” We are not our own. We have been bought with a
price. Jesus paid the price of sin on the cross, and we are His only representatives in
this world. I think this leaves few questions about how we ought to behave in our
daily lives.
Lord, help us each one to know that we do not live and have our being independent
of You, but rather we are your representative, day in and day out.
Cheers,
Jim
2 Corinthians 6
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the
grace of God in vain.” Vs 1
Here we have a passage speaking directly to the ministers of the gospel. The phrase
“with him” does not appear in the original Greek versions of scripture, but has been
inserted in the English translations. Commentators have differing understandings of
this text regarding just whom Paul is co-working with. Some suggest it is the
Corinthian believers whilst others believe is is co-working with God. The latter
consideration is not foreign to Paul’s writing. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 we have “We are
God’s fellow-workers.” In chapter 5, Paul says that the ambassadorial role of the
believer, the minister, was entreating men to Christ through him (Paul).
Think about this. We do not take lightly the task of preaching the gospel and
entering the service of the Lord as ministers. We do not work independent, and God
does not work independently of man. We are co-workers with God. As such we are
charged with an awesome responsibility in our role. We have a responsibility to
prepare and present the best sermon possible given our human talents. There is no
excuse for slothful preaching. God does use His word to convince and convict men,
but how? By the foolishness of preaching. This does not infer that we can slap
anything together and call it a sermon. We are to employ our best learning including
emotion and intellect and the power of persuasion. We have been entreated
(beseech) to receive not the grace of God in vain.
Contrary to some interpretations, this is not referring to some who might receive the
gospel externally, but never experiencing conversion. It is not a proof text that we
are not eternally secure in Him once we believe. This is totally, in context, dealing
with the fact that we are co-workers with God, and the early English translators
inserted “with him” to make this point clear. It is dealing with our presentation of
the gospel, and our own personal lives as co-workers with God.
This can, and should be, applied to all believers. We each have the same
responsibility to live the gospel and truly walk in the light rather than confuse those
in darkness. It is here where we can infer just what we should do about the things of
the world, and just how we should behave in society. Later in this chapter, Paul will
say, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” Vs 17
Now we will each understand the specific events differently. Can we attend the
pictures? Can we attend sporting events on the Lord’s Day? Should we get involved
in secular societies that do good work in our society? These are all personal
decisions that each Christian must decide for himself. The underlying principle is
the truth that we are co-workers with God, and we do not behave independent of
God. Paul gives his response to this question in verse 16 when he quotes from
Leviticus, “ I (God) will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.” We are not our own. We have been bought with a
price. Jesus paid the price of sin on the cross, and we are His only representatives in
this world. I think this leaves few questions about how we ought to behave in our
daily lives.
Lord, help us each one to know that we do not live and have our being independent
of You, but rather we are your representative, day in and day out.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
What an amazing thought a co-worker with the Creator of the universe!
"Abide in Me, and I in you, As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)
Thanks Jim.
Thanks Jim.
following-Him
Active Member
Thank you Jim,
God Bless
Sheila
God Bless
Sheila
Saturday July 3, 2004
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
(Matthew 5:48)
Since God is creator of the universe, all that He does is right, and all He says is truth. The world He created was perfect; the Word He inscripturated is perfect; every work He accomplishes is perfect; all the ways He follows are perfect, and the will He reveals is perfect.
His perfect world:
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.
(Genesis 1:31). Of course, because of sin, the creation is now groaning in pain, but it was perfect as it came from God in the beginning. It will again be perfect when God makes "all things new" (Revelation 21:5).
His perfect Word:
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7). God has given us His inspired Word, providing perfect guidance for every need, "That the man of God may be perfect" (2Timothy 3:17).
His perfect works:
He is the rock, His work is perfect, for all His pays are judgement: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Not only His work in creation, but also His works of redemption and reconciliation-all His works throughout history.
His perfect ways:
As for God, His way is perfect, the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.
(Psalm 18:30). His ways may not be our ways (Isaiah 55:9), but always, they are the best ways.
His perfect will:
And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that...perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). His will is invariably right.
Thus God is our standard of perfection, and we must never set a lower standard for ourselves.
"Therefore you shall be perfect, as just as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
(Matthew 5:48)
Since God is creator of the universe, all that He does is right, and all He says is truth. The world He created was perfect; the Word He inscripturated is perfect; every work He accomplishes is perfect; all the ways He follows are perfect, and the will He reveals is perfect.
His perfect world:
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.
(Genesis 1:31). Of course, because of sin, the creation is now groaning in pain, but it was perfect as it came from God in the beginning. It will again be perfect when God makes "all things new" (Revelation 21:5).
His perfect Word:
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7). God has given us His inspired Word, providing perfect guidance for every need, "That the man of God may be perfect" (2Timothy 3:17).
His perfect works:
He is the rock, His work is perfect, for all His pays are judgement: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Not only His work in creation, but also His works of redemption and reconciliation-all His works throughout history.
His perfect ways:
As for God, His way is perfect, the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.
(Psalm 18:30). His ways may not be our ways (Isaiah 55:9), but always, they are the best ways.
His perfect will:
And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that...perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). His will is invariably right.
Thus God is our standard of perfection, and we must never set a lower standard for ourselves.
"Therefore you shall be perfect, as just as your Father in heaven is perfect."
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Practical sanctification - growing toward perfection! Amen!
It ties in very well with my previous devotional showing us a co-worker with God, doesn't it?
Indeed, we are enroute to total sanctification, but we have a long journey yet. We have just begun, even as the word says, He has begun,,,,,a good work in you (us).
Cheers, with thanks,
Jim
Indeed, we are enroute to total sanctification, but we have a long journey yet. We have just begun, even as the word says, He has begun,,,,,a good work in you (us).
Cheers, with thanks,
Jim
following-Him
Active Member
Thank you Charles.
God Bless
Sheila
God Bless
Sheila
Sunday July 4, 2004
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” (1Thessalonans 4:9).
The Christian life involves both individual accountability and interpersonal involvement. Each of us is individually responsible for maintaining the right sort of relationship to others, especially others in our Christian fellowship.
For example, we are commanded:
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32)
Furthermore, we are to "be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility" (1Peter 5:5) And: "in honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:10).
There are many other such admonitions, all built around the beautiful phrase, "one another." Although we have indeed "been called into liberty," we are nevertheless to, "serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).
We are also to "exhort one another daily" (Hebrews 5:13) and to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24).
"Use hospitality one to another without grudging" (1Peter 4:9).
We are told: "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
In times of sorrow Christians are admonished to "comfort one another"
(1Thessalonians 4:18). "Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another" (1Thessalonians 5:11), and "pray one for another" (James 5:16)
.
By far the most frequently repeated admonition is in our text: "Love one another. There is no less than 15 times where this command is given in the New Testament.
Most significantly of all, it s Christ's own "new commandment...By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” (1Thessalonans 4:9).
The Christian life involves both individual accountability and interpersonal involvement. Each of us is individually responsible for maintaining the right sort of relationship to others, especially others in our Christian fellowship.
For example, we are commanded:
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32)
Furthermore, we are to "be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility" (1Peter 5:5) And: "in honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:10).
There are many other such admonitions, all built around the beautiful phrase, "one another." Although we have indeed "been called into liberty," we are nevertheless to, "serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).
We are also to "exhort one another daily" (Hebrews 5:13) and to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24).
"Use hospitality one to another without grudging" (1Peter 4:9).
We are told: "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
In times of sorrow Christians are admonished to "comfort one another"
(1Thessalonians 4:18). "Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another" (1Thessalonians 5:11), and "pray one for another" (James 5:16)
.
By far the most frequently repeated admonition is in our text: "Love one another. There is no less than 15 times where this command is given in the New Testament.
Most significantly of all, it s Christ's own "new commandment...By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Monday, 5th July, 2004
Christian and Faithful continue their discussion of their new companion –Talkative.
Note as well Christian’s reply to him – “…saying, if it be alone, is a dead carcass.” In our Christian walk we may paraphrase apply another Biblical principle – “Words without works are dead.”
Christian then mentions James 1v22-27:
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.
To keep himself unspotted from the world.
Just for a moment let us forget about all that we know. Let us forget about our ability to communicate and share great truths. Let us forget about saying all the right words. Let us instead meditate on these two simple challenges. How are we doing when it comes to helping others and how are we doing in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world?
Christian and Faithful continue their discussion of their new companion –Talkative.
First note Faithful’s wise comment that we noted in the last devotion – “Saying and doing are two things.” We do well to remember that daily and to follow the example of Faithful – “…hereafter I shall better observe this distinction.
Note as well Christian’s reply to him – “…saying, if it be alone, is a dead carcass.” In our Christian walk we may paraphrase apply another Biblical principle – “Words without works are dead.”
Christian then mentions James 1v22-27:
Christian focuses on the very end, what he calls the “practical part.” Pure religion is not words and speaking, it is not showing our intelligence (or ignorance) by speaking about all kinds of issues. Here is what it is in a practical way.
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.
To keep himself unspotted from the world.
Just for a moment let us forget about all that we know. Let us forget about our ability to communicate and share great truths. Let us forget about saying all the right words. Let us instead meditate on these two simple challenges. How are we doing when it comes to helping others and how are we doing in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world?
Tuesday, July 6, 2004
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
There is no question that the Corinthian church was the most corrupt and spiritual church in existence in Paul's time. A dichotomy with which we are all too familiar in to-day's church. We hae the duality of a people who indeed speak the truths of God on Sunday, and speak the things of the world outside the church.
Paul is not condemnatory here. He says "let us..." He includes his own party with this church. "Let us cleanse ourselves..." We have the individual duty to strive toward holiness regardless of what direction the individual church may be following. It is our private witness that is effectual both within the church and in all the world. We are told that "the effectual prayer of a righteous man prevaileth much." The conditions of prayer reaching beyond the ceiling...a righteous man. Paul lays weight to this supposition before the Corinthian peoples.
On my most recent trip to Syracuse, I met a man at a rest stop. I make a habit of greeting strangers when I am travelling. His first utterance was to mention the Lord. I was quite impressed and I let him talk. His talk was consistent. He was not trying to witness to me, but he was. He did not ask me if I knew the Saviour, but his conversation left no doubt what he intended. It was into our conversation before my wife told him that I was a baptist minister. His tone did not change, and neither did he change it one iota. He was consistent throughout and he gave me his email address.
Isn't this what the Christian life is all about? Our walk in the Lord is continuous whether we are with the saints or with the sinners of the world. "perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Paul, throughout his writings to the Corinthians, followed the same theme. Our godly lives are to shine through at all times. I hear some people say they find it hard to witness in the world. My friends, it is not hard. All we need do is live what we believe, and the witness will come to you. All around us we see a wicked world, but I assure you, that if you (we) are consistent in our lives, someone will come to you. The Christian is like a magnet in a basket of nails. He naturally attracts. This leaves doors open to witness when it counts.
One thing I learned in ministry is that the world expected us, the clergy, to be religious. What they did not expect was the average church goer to be as the minister. It is this consistency that speaks volumes outside the church body.
When I left the ministry because I was no longer physically able because of the strokes, I found a new ministry. People in the community did not expect me to behave the same. They actually thought I might curse God for allowing these things to strike me. They watched and they listened. When I decided to continue visitation, especially at the nursing homes, I found the people to be more attentive than before. It was y duty, my job, beforehand, but now it was out of genuine concern for the people. God never closes doors that He does not open others, if we are consistent with our witness. It is here that we find understanding in what Paul is saying in verse 6, "Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforteth us by the coming of Titus." The comforts of God are delivered even by the visitation of one man of God. Let us strive to be that one person who also delivers the comfort of God.
Lord, lead us each day in that path whereby we are known by all men to be true to Your word, in spirit and in truth, in everyway.
Cheers,
Jim
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
There is no question that the Corinthian church was the most corrupt and spiritual church in existence in Paul's time. A dichotomy with which we are all too familiar in to-day's church. We hae the duality of a people who indeed speak the truths of God on Sunday, and speak the things of the world outside the church.
Paul is not condemnatory here. He says "let us..." He includes his own party with this church. "Let us cleanse ourselves..." We have the individual duty to strive toward holiness regardless of what direction the individual church may be following. It is our private witness that is effectual both within the church and in all the world. We are told that "the effectual prayer of a righteous man prevaileth much." The conditions of prayer reaching beyond the ceiling...a righteous man. Paul lays weight to this supposition before the Corinthian peoples.
On my most recent trip to Syracuse, I met a man at a rest stop. I make a habit of greeting strangers when I am travelling. His first utterance was to mention the Lord. I was quite impressed and I let him talk. His talk was consistent. He was not trying to witness to me, but he was. He did not ask me if I knew the Saviour, but his conversation left no doubt what he intended. It was into our conversation before my wife told him that I was a baptist minister. His tone did not change, and neither did he change it one iota. He was consistent throughout and he gave me his email address.
Isn't this what the Christian life is all about? Our walk in the Lord is continuous whether we are with the saints or with the sinners of the world. "perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Paul, throughout his writings to the Corinthians, followed the same theme. Our godly lives are to shine through at all times. I hear some people say they find it hard to witness in the world. My friends, it is not hard. All we need do is live what we believe, and the witness will come to you. All around us we see a wicked world, but I assure you, that if you (we) are consistent in our lives, someone will come to you. The Christian is like a magnet in a basket of nails. He naturally attracts. This leaves doors open to witness when it counts.
One thing I learned in ministry is that the world expected us, the clergy, to be religious. What they did not expect was the average church goer to be as the minister. It is this consistency that speaks volumes outside the church body.
When I left the ministry because I was no longer physically able because of the strokes, I found a new ministry. People in the community did not expect me to behave the same. They actually thought I might curse God for allowing these things to strike me. They watched and they listened. When I decided to continue visitation, especially at the nursing homes, I found the people to be more attentive than before. It was y duty, my job, beforehand, but now it was out of genuine concern for the people. God never closes doors that He does not open others, if we are consistent with our witness. It is here that we find understanding in what Paul is saying in verse 6, "Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforteth us by the coming of Titus." The comforts of God are delivered even by the visitation of one man of God. Let us strive to be that one person who also delivers the comfort of God.
Lord, lead us each day in that path whereby we are known by all men to be true to Your word, in spirit and in truth, in everyway.
Cheers,
Jim
following-Him
Active Member
Jim,
Thank you for this devotion. We really do not have any idea who may be watching us and the example we set. I pray we will always be a living witness for the Lord, not only in what we say but what we do.
God Bless, have a good day
Sheila
Thank you for this devotion. We really do not have any idea who may be watching us and the example we set. I pray we will always be a living witness for the Lord, not only in what we say but what we do.
God Bless, have a good day
Sheila
following-Him
Active Member
Absolutely !! Truly a blessing here.
Sheila