Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 6:7
A popular teaching today has it that once a person becomes a Christian, all his problems - spiritual, financial, health, family, etc - are over; but in II Corinthians 6, Paul gives us the real picture of living the normal Christian life.
In verses 4-5, he describes three sets of pressures upon himself. First, the general trends of outward circumstances- "afflictions" (literally meaning "grinding pressures"), necessities" (needs), and "distresses" (literally meaning "being confined to narrow places"). Then, the sufferings inflicted by those who oppose the gospel- "stripes" (from the whip), "imprisonments" and "tumults" (Gospel meetings often ended in brawls.) Finally, the privations he voluntarily inflicted upon himself- "labors," "watchings" (sleepless nights in care, prayer, danger and service) and "fastings" (going without food).
Paul knew about all-around pressures and problems in the Christian life, but also how to have "much patience" (verse 4) and the ability to persevere by the "power of God" (verse 7). When problems and pressures seem to be coming from all sides and from every direction, we have "armor of righteousness for the right hand and for the left" (verse 7), the "whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18). There is no simple formula or short cut to standing in the battle. When he going gets tough, we, like Paul, need to take up God's armor. It alone makes us "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might ... (and) able to stand."
How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
Posted By Cecil and
Connie Spivey
Share this Bible Message with your friends
No comments:
Post a Comment