The Word Is Not Imprisoned

There is an open enrollment into the Kingdom of God through the gospel. I use that analogy of an open enrollment because we understand that to mean that I can get in no matter what preexisting diseases we might have. It also means no matter my age. That analogy applies to the Kingdom like this: I don’t have to get rid of my sin before enrolling in the Kingdom. I come to Jesus with all my preexisting sin and he heals me…forgives me…cleanses me through the glorious gospel.

When Billy Graham passed away, I heard a lot of things like, “If he didn’t get in, nobody will get in.” I can’t help but give thanks for the life of faithfulness we have seen in Billy Graham. But he didn’t get in because of how many sermons he had preached or because of how many people he had led to the Lord. The only reason Billy Graham or anybody gets in is because of Jesus and Jesus alone. His life gave evidence of his trust in Christ. It was only by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Jesus opens the door of the Kingdom to anyone…no matter how bad.

Jesus is not a “talking head” who sits around Capernaum basking in his popularity. His agent is not setting up book signings or interviews with the Jerusalem Journal. There is no news of this new fame leading him into corruption as is so often the case. The crowds do not persuade Jesus. He is not calling for those who have benefited from his ministry to send him money so that he can purchase a private jet…or building buildings for his new headquarters. Jesus is going about preaching the gospel.

“And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them” (Mk. 2:13). This was (and is) the means to advancing the Kingdom. Yet, the gospel demands a response. Not only did Jesus instruct his disciples by teaching, he also taught them by his actions. They needed to see him go after the outcasts and outsiders of the world. The untouchables were the very ones Jesus touched!

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him (Mk. 2:14).

This brings up an important part of following Jesus and advancing the Kingdom. To do so, we must tell the gospel to people. Though it is best that our lives not distract or discredit the gospel in any way, most often our lives are a clear testimony to the world of our NEED of the gospel. Don’t ever think that your life communicates clearly the gospel. By all means, strive for holiness but by all means speak the gospel. Never default to this common church sign lingo:

Levi needed Jesus! But Levi would not have followed had not Jesus commanded him to follow! No one has ever believed the gospel apart from either hearing it from a witness or reading it in print.

And, it was the despised of the world Jesus called to follow. Levi (Matthew) was similar to how many feel about TSA agents or meter maids. This causes us to ask, “What is required to follow Jesus?” Does Jesus ask Levi to go get cleaned up first? The absence of requirements lends me to believe that no cleanup is required. Some people have hang-ups that keep them from coming to Jesus. They can’t seem to shake them and they think Jesus will not accept them just as they are. If it is true that you must tidy the house before letting Jesus in…how much cleaning is required? What if he opens the closet? He knows what’s in the closet. It seems clear that what is required is seeing your need for forgiveness. We see Jesus forgiving this sinner of sinners. Jesus meets all the requirements.

Levi’s experience is much like Zacchaeus’. Oddly enough, Jesus didn’t ask him to straighten up but BEFORE following.

And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

Luke 19:2-8

Notice, Jesus is saying the same to this tax collector—follow me. He does not tell him to give to poor and restore what was defrauded. The result of Zacchaeus receiving Jesus happens after the receiving…not before.

When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?” And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

(Mk. 2:16-17)

This scene at Levi’s house reminds me of another scene that seems to explain what might have been going on here. See what you think.

And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

(Lk. 18:9-14)

James Edwards comments: “The fact that Jesus can be found in the company of people such as Levi reminds us of the difference between his mission and that of the scribes. They come to enlighten; he comes to redeem. Given that mission, it is as senseless for Jesus to shun tax collectors and sinners as for a doctor to shun the sick. The grace of God extends to and overcomes the worst forms of human depravity. Ironically, in one sense great sinners stand closer to God than those who think themselves righteous, for sinners are more aware of their need of the transforming grace of God.”

Come follow Jesus, dear sinner! You will not be disappointed! Jesus is, indeed, enough!

What is your mission in life? Are you calling people to follow Jesus? Are you making disciples? Do not despise the outcasts of the world. Do not think Jesus cannot save the worst of sinners.

The Gospel According to Mark! I’m excited to walk through this great story on a devotional level. I am going to work on being more intentional in suggesting responses that come from the text and encouraging you to respond in the ways the Lord would lead you in the specifics of those responses. My mission is to make disciples that makes disciples. We ought to be multiplying not merely adding disciples. This Gospel has much to teach us about discipleship!

When reading any story, the reader should seek to find out for what purpose did the author write this particular work. In this case, Mark makes it very easy to know his intent: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mk. 1:1). The purpose is to show and tell “the beginning” of this great act in history which is still going on and will continue on until Jesus returns of the good news of Jesus Christ (King/Messiah), who is the Son of God! As you will become aware, if you are not already, this statement is very controversial. In particular, the fact that Mark claimed not only that Jesus was and is the Messiah but that he is the Son of God.

As the reader, you are required to read this gospel story to see if Mark proves his claim. The entire story, in fact every word and its arrangement, is intended to prove that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah and that he is also the Son of God. So, demand that Mark prove his case to you. You must carry this purpose with you as you walk through this Gospel.

The first place Mark goes to begin this story is the Old Testament (OT). If the OT had made very specific promises about the coming Messiah, then we need to see if Jesus fulfills all of them as they were given. A little side note, the OT must be understood as the long but unified story to explain who this Savior would be. In other words, the OT are “Promises Made” and the NT is “Promises Fulfilled.” The OT puts forth possible fulfillments but none of them ever measured up. Partial fulfillment is no fulfillment.

Mark’s story is meant to prove that Jesus ticks all the boxes perfectly. You must decide if he is right. It takes a lot of hard work to read this book closely. May the Lord give us eyes to see and ears to hear.

T’he background to these OT quotes is amazing. When an author quotes from a particular passage in the OT I think he would have us go and read the context from which he is quoting. I have a guest post forthcoming on seeing these amazing connections to the contexts from which Mark is quoting. Stay tuned for that one. It’s going to be great!

This Gospel According to Mark is a story, not a research paper to argue for his position. That means, by way of narrative, Mark is certain that the lifestory of Jesus proves his identity. Everything he did makes a statement about who he is. Also, the actions and responses of others around him make clear declarations too. Jesus’s life involves many others. From the very beginning of his ministry, he prepares for his departure. The ongoing advancement of the Kingdom rested on the simple but necessary process of discipleship.

I am going to briefly state that Mark’s quote says that the LORD is coming and a messenger will be sent ahead to make his paths straight. Take note that he said the LORD was coming. In other words, YHWH was coming! That is very important to see. God was coming to save his people. Only God can meet His own demands. And this messenger, who had specific details of who he would be, comes first then after him would come this One who is mightier than he.

In verse 9, the One who comes after John in the story is Jesus of Nazareth. Mark intends for you to say, “Hey, this must be the One.” Continue looking to see if he is indeed the Promised One. At Jesus’s baptism, a voice from heaven declares him to be “My Son.” This is understood to be the Father (who is in heaven) speaking to His Son. So, God is saying that he is His Son.

There are so many, that I must skip most of them. I want to wrap this post up with some big picture views. There is a huge emphasis on the wilderness which is supposed to make you think back to the wilderness scenes of the OT. Just a side note, we ought to understand that we are still in the wilderness. We have been promised eternal life with God in His Garden someday but that day has not come. But it will!

We get to see Jesus NOT FALLING in the wilderness which is the opposite of Adam falling in the Garden. That means he was still well pleasing to His Father. Jesus began his ministry in the wilderness. The first thing he does is proclaim the gospel. This is the only hope in this wilderness like broken world. We are broken too. The gospel is our answer. What we need is forgiveness: “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mk. 1:14-15).

Yet, while in this broken world Jesus encounters broken people. He has compassion on them. Even though the gospel is their only hope, he begins to heal diseases and cast out unclean spirits. One day he will completely rid the world of all of this but for now these acts point to his love and identity. For only God can do what Jesus does. Each act is to be understood as proof that he is in fact the Son of God.

With that said, Jesus’s main task was advancing the Kingdom. Not all the healings were meant to be seen as soul saving. Some of them were merely coming to Jesus for temporary fixes. The permanent fix for humanity is the gospel. And the primary way Jesus advanced the Kingdom was by teaching and preaching. He knows the answer to humanity’s problem is the gospel which involves the sacrifice of his life. That means there must be others who will continue the advancement of the Kingdom by teaching and preaching–discipleship!

If the gospel is the answer to our brokenness and the way to be saved from this wilderness like world to be with God in His Garden forever restored then we ought to have the same priority in making disciples and proclaiming the gospel. That does not mean we neglect other acts of love. But it does mean that must never neglect the speaking of the gospel.

Here are some suggested responses: See Jesus as who he is which would demand that we worship him as the Son of God! We are not worthy to untie the throng of his sandals. Let us bow before our King and follow him. And in following him, we get to participate in the advancement of our King’s Kingdom and salvation. Let’s makes disciples that make disciples. Let’s tell anyone who will listen the glorious good news.

So, let me share that gospel with you because we never get over our need of it. God created the world and everything in it. He created mankind so that He could put His love on display for us that we might worship and serve Him. However, humanity fell into sin. Adam and Eve were not satisfied with God. They sought to be happy in the things that He said would bring death. From the fall of Adam, every single person is born with a sin nature. You might say that isn’t fair. It is fair because Adam and Eve represent exactly what you and I would have done in the Garden.

But a promise was made the day they fell that involved this child that would come to crush the head of the serpent. The entire OT is telling us who this child is. We understand this Child to be Jesus! You see, God is just and holy. He must punish all sin. And if we are sinners, He must punish us. He cannot do otherwise. His justice demands it. However, God is also merciful. And in His mercy He sent His Son to pay the penalty of our sin in our place. God’s wrath is poured out on His Son so that justice is upheld and by faith we sinful creatures can be forgiven and counted righteous though we are guilty and unrightous.

Jesus’s perfect life, death, burial and resurrection is the answer for our brokenness. If you will receive the gift offered to you you will be saved! Repent and believe in Christ and your sins will be forgiven and you will then have a right legal standing with God by faith. By God’s amazing grace, we are now His adopted children. We are no longer enemies but friends. And now He is transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. We were created in God’s image but sin does not image God. The gospel restores that image and is restoring that image. Come to Jesus and he will save you!

What will you do with Jesus?

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

(Rom. 10:9-13)

The attempt to figure out specifically what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was will continue on until Jesus returns. I’m not here to resolve that mystery. I do want to focus on its purpose which is easy to understand. Whatever thorn Paul had or you and I have while following Jesus, has the same purpose and we need to understand that in order to endure this wilderness like time as we await the consummation of the age!

Maybe it will help if I begin with the last sentence of that paragraph: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). I suppose everyone wants to be strong…seen as strong…considered strong. However, the path to being able to say “I am strong” is altogether different than the world’s path to being strong. That last sentence of this section does not say, “For when I am strong, then I am weak” though that is what worldly strength is. What appears to be strong and mighty is actually weak and powerless.

Paul had much to say about weaknesses. Indeed, those are the very things he boasts about. That’s odd, isn’t it? If we are honest, we have plenty of weaknesses to go around. Those weaknesses cause us to be needy. If hunger causes us to eat to keep us alive then being needy will cause us to remain connected to Jesus. And if we remain connected to Jesus we shall live! I think that is the cycle and purpose of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. It keeps him!

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger (this is the word for angel) of Satan to torment me– to keep me from exalting myself!

(2 Cor. 12:7) NASB

This makes me think of the plea in the song, Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing…

How is it that we are prone to wander? How is that Paul was tempted to exalt himself after seeing surpassing greatness? If you make it (and we are promised that we will) to the end and you still have your gaze set on Jesus, it will not have been according to your strength that you did. The Lord himself is keeping you in need of him so that you remain in him…connected to him. An anchor can come loose when the rope is slack…a kite will not fly if the string is not tight. But our hope is firmly anchored because Jesus keeps the chain tight and secure.

How do we participate in this process? Do we have a responsibility in this? First, we should know that “thorns in the flesh” have good purpose in our lives. Paul prayed three times for the Lord to take it away. He responded by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). This is grace! The grace of God to keep you from exalting yourself and belittling the Lord is necessary and good. When you know that grace is sufficient then gladly boast in your weaknesses.

But for what purpose? “…so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Cor. 12:9). If you exalt yourself, which would appear that you are strong then the power/strength of Christ will not dwell in you. What seems to be strength is actually weakness.

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

(Phil. 3:7-11)

Knowing Jesus and the power of his resurrection cannot be separated from the fellowship of his sufferings. There’s no other way! Our thorns are like his nails. In our thorns we are being conformed to his death. That’s why Paul can conclude: “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). And I think that’s what Paul was getting at when he said, “For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you” (2 Cor. 13:4).

In light of these surpassing truths, how might we respond? Paul has a task for us, now. Here it is: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you– unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5). Let’s look at the evidence of our lives. What does it say? So many claim to be “saved” yet there is no evidence of God’s grace in their lives.

One of the best ways is to ask ourselves what do we love most? Where do you spend your free time? What do you spend your money on beyond the things you need? What does your schedule look like? What evidence would suggest that you love something other than Jesus ultimately?

I was sharing the gospel with someone one day, here in the Bible Belt. He quickly claimed to have been saved. As the conversation continued, I asked him what he loved most. He had no clue this had anything to do with his relationship with Jesus. He said that he loves money. He had described to me why he no longer attended church because he worked every hour he could get, which fit well with his love of money. I suggested that the evidence of his life says he wasn’t in the faith. I quoted this: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matt. 6:24). He did not approve of my suggestion.

What does your examination say?

I asked this question in the last post, “Why do false teachers (here false apostles) gain so much ground in the church?” In part, I believe chapter eleven answers that when Paul says this, “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). The ESV made a good choice in their use of “cunning” instead of “craftiness.” Pinterest and the likes use “craftiness” in a way that the Bible doesn’t mean.

Let’s think more about how that which is false gains so much ground in the church. We hear in verse 3 these words “deceived” and “cunning.” You know the serpent didn’t come to Eve and say, “Hey, I’m about to trick you so get ready.” No, by definition, to be deceived is not to know it. That’s why Paul says this, “…Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14). Satan doesn’t come dressed in all red with his horns showing and carrying a pitchfork. Oh, no! He comes in beauty and sweet talk.

I chose this picture above because I think Lewis helps us understand the secret ways of Satan. If you have read the stories, you will know the woman in the photo is the White Witch of Narnia. You must pick up on the obvious. Lewis intends for you to stop and say, “Wait, witches do not dress in white!!!” And you would be correct. But this one does because Lewis would have you think that the White Witch is a type of Satan who disguises himself as an angel of light. White or light is supposed to be reserved for that which is pure and holy! But behind the mask is black and darkness in these characters.

Lewis is very helpful in describing how the White Witch deceives. In the picture above, she is in full form working her scheme and she goes after the kid Edmund. You will have to read the story (particularly ch. 4 “Turkish Delight”) for all the details, which are great by the way, but I will briefly quote enough to help us see her craftiness.

At last the Turkish Delight was all finished and Edmund was looking very hard at the empty box (which had contained several pounds) and wishing that she would ask him whether he would like some more. Probably the Queen knew quite well what he was thinking; for she knew, though Edmund did not, that this was enchanted Turkish Delight and that anyone who had once tasted it would want more and more of it, and would even, if they were allowed, go on eating it till they killed themselves. But she did not offer him any more. Instead, she said to him, “Son of Adam, I should so much like to see your brother and your two sisters. Will you bring them to see me?” “I’ll try,” said Edmund, still looking at the empty box. “Because, if you did come again–bringing them with you of course–I’d be able to give you some more Turkish Delight. I can’t do it now, the magic will only work once. In my own house it would be another matter.”

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

I hope I’ve piqued your interest to read this book! But do you get a feel of how the angel of light works by seeing the White Witch at work to lure in the whole family? The Turkish Delight was the bait and that delight will cause Edmund to lead his brother and sisters into a trap because he wants more candy. Can you believe it? He would do this just to get some more candy? Yep!

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

(2 Cor. 11:13-15)

So how does the angel of light recruit people to work for him? I’m not sure what “Turkish Delight” was used at Corinth but notice how these false apostles–deceitful workmen treat the members of the church. “For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face” (2 Cor. 11:19-20). How did they not notice? Lewis does the same thing in the “Turkish Delight” chapter. She yells at him, calls him an idiot, demands answers, speaks openly in front of Edmund about how easy it will be to deal with him and then does this “My poor child,” she said in quite a different voice, “how cold you look! Come and sit with me here on the sledge and I will put my mantle round you and we will talk.”

Does this not scare you? I hope it will cause us all to be discerning and attentive. How did the church at Corinth get to this point? Notice: “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough” (2 Cor. 11:4).

1. You need to know Jesus.

2. You need to know the Spirit.

3. You need to know the gospel.

4. You should NEVER tolerate a different Jesus, a different Spirit or a different gospel.

You might say that you already know all these things. You are the one in danger. How might we guard ourselves from these deceptions? Be in the Word regularly–reading and meditating on it. Pray earnestly that you would know the depths of these things and that the Lord would protect you. Gather regularly with a faithful body of believers and participate…talk…discuss…wrestle…seek…study the Bible with each other. Be sure your church is has a confession of faith. Good confessions of faith put up fences to protect the sheep from wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing.

Some other clues if these aren’t self evident. Be very cautious of believers who boast in their strengths and not their weaknesses (though they could do this too in order to deceive you). Be very cautious of believers who never suffer on account of Jesus and the gospel (though they will often claim they are the victims when really they are the attackers). And good grief, if one of your leaders hits you in the face you should know that’s a problem. Listen to leaders who were beaten with rods because of the gospel.

What hope do we have? I don’t want to lead you to despair. Well, in Edmund’s case Aslan came to his rescue. In fact, though Edmund had violated the law and the law demanded death, justice was upheld because Aslan (the type of Jesus figure in the story) takes his sentence of death in his place. Aslan is slain on the Stone Table! Oh, by the way, Aslan is a lion!

Our hope is the same. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah was slain for us and he was raised! He is alive. He will protect us. He will destroy the angel of light someday soon. Trust in your Savior and King! You will not be disappointed!

Share your thoughts in the comments about how you guard yourself from being deceived.

Who in your life needs to hear this? Go talk with them about how to be on guard.

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

(2 Tim. 3:12-13)

Deceived…

There will always be a battle until Jesus returns. This chapter breaks my heart. Not only for what happened in the church at Corinth but the same patterns have continued wreaking havoc (temporarily) in the church. Why do false teachers (here false apostles) gain so much ground in the church? How are they allowed to twist and deceive the church into believing wrong things about the gospel and about Paul’s apostleship? We are easily deceived and fears often control us.

The fact that Paul must defend himself says much about what is going on in this section. Obviously and thankfully, the church must have mentioned what “they” had said about Paul. Take note: For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” (2 Cor. 10:10). I’m so thankful for this being exposed. So many cases like this NEVER get exposed and the troublemakers just continue their erosive, slow destruction.

Leaders often stand alone. There is no one to defend them. I’m not saying leaders should be allowed to do things contrary to God’s Word but in the cases that I am aware of it’s more about preferences and selfishness than about what God has said in His word. These people sneak around in the shadows sowing discord in the hearts of others. They build their case and support secretly while the leader either unknowingly continues about his business or is weeping in his office not knowing how he will get through the next hour.

Paul’s defense is necessary because no one else is defending him and they should have: “I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing” (2 Cor. 12:11). What’s at stake? Think. Ask yourself. Is it merely about Paul’s character? Is he simply trying to save face? Do you really think Paul is making this whole thing about himself? Me…me…me…me…me. Is that what’s going on?

Leaders are expendable. The community often wins when it should not have. Do you know what was at stake in his defense? THE GOSPEL! When someone or some group discredited Paul’s apostleship do you think that’s all they were destroying? C.K. Barrett said this about this passage, “It is the nature of the apostolic gospel, and the apostolic authority behind it, that are at stake.” David Garland adds this, “Paul defends his reputation, but it is more to save the community from fools and a false gospel than to save his reputation.”

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.

(2 Cor. 12:19)

Silence often kills. I wish I had the confidence and courage of Paul. I weep as I write from shame of silence and pain that it caused and the continuation of the wolves among the sheep.

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

(Acts 20:29-31)

I, along with many pastors and leaders, have found comfort in this: “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth” (2 Tim. 4:17). Those who sometimes see what’s going on choose not to say anything because the loss of one pastor seems easier than the loss of many. The community bonds are hard to overcome and fear of “what if” kills our courage.

But Jesus is worth the battle and the pain. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (2 Cor. 10:17-18).

Grace leads to praise and thanksgiving!

How is it that I often read a passage and miss very important things and add in something that isn’t there? At first glance, chapter 8 and 9 appear to be mainly about securing the gift the church had been preparing for and promised to do. However, after rereading it slowly I see something very important that I missed. Yes, Paul is urging them to finish well (and I’ll have more to say about that in a moment) but if we miss the grace of God in this, God misses His deserved praise!

As I read chapter 8, I think I read it like this: ” We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God [money/gift] that has been given among the churches of Macedonia” (2 Cor. 8:1). As you might be aware, that changes everything. Why? No grace, no praise! If the example of the Macedonians’ gift and the gift the Corinthians were not by God’s grace but merely in their own strength then these churches should be praised for what they did!

But that’s not what happened and that’s not what the scripture says. The “Today Show” would love to have these stories to highlight people on their “Morning Boost.” But who gives out of poverty and affliction? I said this in a sermon when preaching about the widow who put in all she had to live on: “If you do not give in your poverty, you will not give in your abundance.” Yet, the ONLY reason these churches gave was because God gave them grace! In other words, it was by God’s grace only that they gave!

What is grace that it would cause this in them? Well, when favor with God has NOTHING to do with what you do (it’s unmerited) then it frees you to give lavishly because the love and favor of God is enough for you and causes you to do strange things like this. AND Paul pens one of the most amazing visuals of what Jesus DID: “For you know the *grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

When God’s grace lands on us, we finally get to see the beauty in the cross of Christ. Notice what Paul said again, “…you know the *grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…”. When God’s grace/favor awakens us to His amazing love, then we follow Christ and we begin to become like him. We start becoming poor though we may be rich because God has made us rich in Christ, meaning we have everything if we have Jesus. But if you have all the riches of the world and do not have Jesus, you have nothing!

These chapters are saturated with grace! Take note of what the Macedonians plead for: “…begging us earnestly for the favor (grace) of taking part in the relief of the saints” (2 Cor. 8:4). God’s unmerited favor (grace) produces in us the desire for more grace…the grace of participation (like being ambassadors in the previous chapters). But the order is important. Grace must come first and here’s what that looks like: “…but they gave themselves *first to the Lord and *then by the will of God to us” (2 Cor. 8:5). That order matters. If that order gets turned around, God’s glory is at stake!

Now to a particular grace of God in these chapters that we might miss. So here it is…all of this: Paul made known this need of the saints in Jerusalem, he prepared them, they became desirous to participate in this need, they were even zealous for this work (so much so they influenced Achaia to this work), and yet they needed to finish this work.

There’s more to this grace but let me pause to confess that I struggle at finishing. Maybe you struggle to finish as well. I can be just like the Corinthians…hear the need, desire to help, get all pumped for the work and then not cross the finish line. But let me encourage you in this: Jesus crossed the finish line for you and me and stated from the cross “it is finished!” And that’s not all, Paul’s urging and sending of Titus is God’s grace too. In other words, God is urging us on by His grace!

He provides what we need to finish the race. That’s why He gets the glory. It sort of looks like this picture/scene:

It matters that we finish. It matters how we do this. God is not glorified when it seems as though our fingers must be pried open and we are grumbling under our breath when we give. But rather, like this: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a *cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). It doesn’t make worldly sense to give and end up getting more! But that’s how God’s economy works. You must have eyes of faith to see that. And only cheerful givers glorify God.

Let’s see how this section ends and how grace results in praise. I think I’ll simply quote the verses without comment. It’s so easy to see now:

1. (2 Cor. 9:8) And God is able to make all *grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2. (2 Cor. 9:11-15) You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

All “because of the surpassing grace of God upon you! Praise be to God!

By C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e’er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;

And when at last I’ll hear the call,

I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Ambassadors for Christ!

These chapters have much to say about Paul’s ministry and our ministry or service. I will describe those various elements in a moment but let me set the stage and tell you why I chose the picture above. As followers of Christ, our citizenship is in heaven and we await our Savior and King, the Lord Jesus! Yet, “while in the body” we are ambassadors for the Kingdom of God wherever we live on this planet. In other words, our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus and he has done some amazing things for the nations that they need to hear about!

I chose that photo of a meeting of the United Nations because you get to see a room full of ambassadors making various appeals on behalf of their nation. As you can see, it demands communicating with others. The Kingdom of Jesus doesn’t have a seat at this table mainly because his Kingdom is not of this world nor would it be united with any nation. It’s message demands a renouncement of ALL other allegiances with King Jesus as Lord. The church is like an embassy and all of us are ambassadors for Christ. We represent the Kingdom of God and promote the worship of our King by way of the proclaiming the gospel! Take note of the basic definition of ambassador below.

Definition of ambassador

1: an official envoy especially: a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment.

Can you believe that we get to participate in such an endeavor? God has reconciled us to Himself in the gospel. We are then given the ministry of reconciliation: “that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). Now what does that mean for us who have been reconciled? “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

How on earth can man be reconciled to the Holy God of the universe? Justice demands perfection and justice demands satisfactory payment. Verse 21 tells us: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). Paul moves directly from this amazing truth to active participants as ambassadors! “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). Because of the grace of God, we can move from enemy combatant to active participant!

From chapters 4-7, I’m going to try and list some of what is now true of those who have repented and believe in King Jesus.

*God turned the light on by His grace so that we could see Jesus our hope!

* We are still clay pots but now we have this amazing treasure within!

*The One who raised Jesus from the dead will also raise us from the dead!

*Our temporary tent (our body) is wasting away so that we long for our permanent house (a resurrected body)!

*The love of Christ now controls us not the love of ourselves because Jesus saved us so that we who live might no longer live for ourselves but for Christ who died and rose again on our behalf!

*We not only have a new start but rather our old self is dead and we are a new creation!

*God has reconciled Himself to us. He is the primary initiator in salvation! He is the One who pursues us and saves us!

*Therefore, we are now servants of God! We were His enemy but now we are His ambassadors!

*We are the temple (or dwelling place) of God! The Holy Spirit is in us! It’s as though we are walking with God in the Garden again! He is our God and we are His people! We are adopted children with the most amazing Father!

*And if I may, I will summarize ch. 7 like this: we no longer have to hide our mistakes nor lie about who we REALLY are. We are repentant people! We walk in the light! Nothing is hidden anyway!

This is really good news for us! Let us live for Christ in the small amount of time we have here. For eternity awaits us! We are ambassadors controlled by the love of Christ. Let us represent our King well and attempt to persuade others to join his Kingdom by faith in Jesus!

This chapter is one of my favorites! But I will be brief…I think! I can remember pouring over this chapter some years ago. I was preparing to preach several revival messages. This ended up being one of them.

What first caught my attention was the idea at the end of the chapter: And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18. However, I had to understand all of chapter two in order to understand how we were to be transformed. What I discovered has changed my life forever.

Though this chapter speaks much of Moses, I think it’s important to push all the way back to creation. There we understand how things were meant to be. God had created out of nothing! Part of that creation involved mankind. God said that man was created in His image. Whatever all that entails, we know it meant that man was to be with God…in His presence and walk in His ways. This involved worshiping and serving the Creator in the Garden.

But you know, God’s creation fell into ruin because they sinned against God. Because of Adam and Eve, the entire human race would now be subjected to a sin nature. That doesn’t mean we can blame Adam for our sin because he represents exactly what any of us would have done. Knowing myself, I probably would have been much quicker than they were.

The consequence of sin was separation from God…from His presence. Sin also badly damaged man’s likeness of God because God does not sin. The marring of the image would get much worse when man was no longer in God’s presence. It was the presence of God that kept man like God. A humorous side note: is that why parents purchase a picture of Jesus to put in their kid’s dorm room when they move off to college? I bet that picture didn’t last the day in most dorm rooms!

Now we can begin talking about this chapter. Paul speaks of the letter of death. I’ve heard it said that law never made anyone better. In other words, you could obey a law but it does nothing to change your heart. Our sin nature requires us to pick up rocks and throw them at sign that says “Don’t throw rocks.” Even if we don’t, the sign beckons us to do so. We want to do it. The law is trying to make us not do what we want to do.

So how do we change or as this chapter calls it “transform”? Well the letter of the law can’t do it. How about being in the presence of God? Well that will certainly do it but we can’t (or couldn’t) come into the presence of God and survive. Yet there were ways prescribed by the Lord on how to approach Him. In this chapter we know that Moses visited with God in the tent of meeting. While in God’s presence his face would shine but Moses would put a veil over his face because of that fading glory.

Moses nor the high priests could remain in God’s presence. There was no way back in the Garden of Eden. There was no way to go and stay behind the curtain of the holy of holies. Or we would be like Aaron’s two sons or Uzzah—dead! That means we can never be transformed back into God’s image because no one can go into His presence and remain there.

Yet…yet, something amazing happened at the cross. The reason we cannot approach God is because of our sin. But Christ came to pay the penalty of sin for us…in our place. That death sentence Adam and Eve got for their rebellion was taken by Jesus the second Adam. But this Adam would not fail like every human being that has ever lived.

So what does that mean for us? It means we now have access behind the curtain that was torn in two. We now have a way back to the Garden of Eden—the transforming presence of God. Not just briefly then fade away but continually and forever because Christ dealt with our sin and sin nature. By repentance and faith we are now new creations. We have a new nature because we are forgiven and counted righteous in Christ. And just as Christ was raised to live forever so too we will as well. Eternal life awaits us because our sin has been ransomed by Jesus.

Eden will be God’s new Kingdom but way better. But for now we are being transformed by beholding the glory of the Lord. And how does this happen? By being in the presence of God! And how are we in the presence of God? The indwelling Holy Spirit is the presence and power of God. God is in us and with us transforming us back to the image of God—the image of Christ. And this time because of the cross, the Spirit and presence of God will remain in us and will therefore transform us.

In other words, our “want to” was changed because we died with Christ. The old man is dead. We now want to be like Jesus. We are slowly becoming more like him as we behold him in the Word and walk in the power and presence of the Spirit. That glory will not fade because Christ will never fade. Our future and transformation is certain because Christ is certain.

I will end with this beautiful Eden-like picture of what is to come:

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. – Revelation 22:1-5

I’m going to say it this way even though I think it’s unnecessary and a result of our culture redefining things but we often need to exercise “tough love.” Now I think it need not be stated as “tough love” but some will not understand it without the qualifier.

When I correct or discipline my children, I do not think of it as “tough love” but rather as love. I do not think it is loving to allow them to—let’s say—lie. Lying harms everyone involved. If I were to label anything as “tough love” it would have to be that same problem I must address again for the 1000th time. In other words, it’s tough to continue loving. I would get weary when our kids were younger. But I was always reminded of my own sinfulness and how patient and persistent the Lord was with me!

That gets us chapter 2 in this letter Paul has written to the church in Corinth. It is understood that the person Paul spoke of was possibly the person from chapter 5 in the first letter. Can you imagine having to confront that situation? Confrontation is not something anyone should enjoy but rather love beckons us to action. Why? Why is love not tolerating something like this?

As we saw in the love chapter, it says this: it (love) does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). If this is true, then love demands a loving attempt(s) at correcting the wrongdoing. The church member in chapter 5 of the first letter, was in a gross and embarrassing situation which made him “hard to love” as the quote above alludes to. It’s hard to love him for various reasons.

Part of the difficulties come in what Paul mentions here in chapter 2. To confront this will cause much sorrow and the sorrow will be widespread. Paul even says, “Who’s going to make me glad when all of you are sorrowful?” He wrote the letter prior to his coming so that the issue would be resolved BEFORE he arrived.

What does this type of love look like for Paul? To write such things caused him “much affliction and anguish of heart.” This letter may have had some blurred ink because he wrote it “with many tears.” He even points out the reason: For I wrote to you…not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant *love that I have for you (2 Corinthians 2:4). Love compelled him to this difficult correction.

This person needed such love. We all need people in our lives that would love us this way. It would not have been loving of Paul to hear of such things going on in this person’s life and merely avoided it. I would also add that love doesn’t only confront the wrongdoing but stands with this person to walk WITH them through it. I’ve found the confrontation to be the easy part of this journey compared to the difficulties that lie ahead in making the change.

The consequences are gut wrenching to watch but are often necessary. One must keep an eye of this person. As Paul instructed them “to reaffirm your love for him.” The punishment can cause “excessive sorrow” but they must know that you aren’t going anywhere. LOVE REMAINS! LOVE DOESN’T LEAVE! LOVE COMPELS YOU TO STAY!

We must be aware that any of us are capable of just about anything. We are often arrogant in thinking we would never do this or that. I would caution you from ever thinking this way. In fact, I think it is extremely important to think otherwise so that we remain on guard. And it is a huge help when you have to confront such things as this man in chapter 5. It helps when you are not surprised. Being surprised often leads to inaction and abandonment of the person who need you to help them OUT OF THE WRONGDOING?

I so think this way that I believe it is only wrong but also very dangerous for my soul to be in a church that would not do church discipline. Jesus’ instructions were not optional suggestions. They are the means by which he keeps and shepherds his people. May we love like this!

I will end with this:

19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back,
20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:19-20