Reading: 2 Corinthians 9, 10, 11, 12, 12
My Verse: "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [throughly by ever-increasing experiences] that Jesus Christ is in you - unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?" (13:5)
I find it fascinating that Paul is addressing a group within the church. So these are people that claim to be believers - believers that are not accepting Paul as a spiritual leader or the message that he is teaching.
Paul goes all out in these chapters appealing to these individuals. He finally concludes that each of us must "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves . . .". He also points out that there should be evidence in our lives if Christ is really in us. We should be "showing the proper fruits of it (the indwelling of Christ)". We should also be having an "ever-increasing experience" of Christ's indwelling in us - in other words we should be maturing!
This passage really speaks to me, Lord. Unfortunately this is something we struggle with constantly. Our pride can destroy a church and so often has. We become convinced of some particular doctrine - end up taking sides - hurt one another - break fellowship. Churches split and much damage is done not only to those that believe but to the testimony of the church. All because no one wants to admit error. No one wants to give in or submit to one another's needs.
Yes, in times of disagreement we must focus in on ourselves - "unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected". We need to question why we are arguing. We need to cry out to You, Lord for wisdom and guidance. We need to allow You to heal and correct any wrong thinking we may have. If we are not willing to do that then we should be forced to do as Paul and question our very salvation.
Throughout Scripture we are admonsihed to examine ourselves and to submit to one another.
"But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work" (Galations 6:4).
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love . . ." (Romans 12:10).
" . . . be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:32)
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21)
Yes, how I deal with my relationships with others is very telling about my relationship with You.
Help me, Lord, to keep myself open to You, allowing You to ever heal and correct me. And help me to be willing to submit to the needs of others and not place my opinions above the needs of others.
Thank You for this message.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [throughly by ever-increasing experiences] that Jesus Christ is in you - unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?" (13:5)
I find it fascinating that Paul is addressing a group within the church. So these are people that claim to be believers - believers that are not accepting Paul as a spiritual leader or the message that he is teaching.
Paul goes all out in these chapters appealing to these individuals. He finally concludes that each of us must "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves . . .". He also points out that there should be evidence in our lives if Christ is really in us. We should be "showing the proper fruits of it (the indwelling of Christ)". We should also be having an "ever-increasing experience" of Christ's indwelling in us - in other words we should be maturing!
This passage really speaks to me, Lord. Unfortunately this is something we struggle with constantly. Our pride can destroy a church and so often has. We become convinced of some particular doctrine - end up taking sides - hurt one another - break fellowship. Churches split and much damage is done not only to those that believe but to the testimony of the church. All because no one wants to admit error. No one wants to give in or submit to one another's needs.
Yes, in times of disagreement we must focus in on ourselves - "unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected". We need to question why we are arguing. We need to cry out to You, Lord for wisdom and guidance. We need to allow You to heal and correct any wrong thinking we may have. If we are not willing to do that then we should be forced to do as Paul and question our very salvation.
Throughout Scripture we are admonsihed to examine ourselves and to submit to one another.
"But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work" (Galations 6:4).
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love . . ." (Romans 12:10).
" . . . be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:32)
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21)
Yes, how I deal with my relationships with others is very telling about my relationship with You.
Help me, Lord, to keep myself open to You, allowing You to ever heal and correct me. And help me to be willing to submit to the needs of others and not place my opinions above the needs of others.
Thank You for this message.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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