TO
STRIVE OR NOT TO STRIVE
Robert
E. Hanna
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:29, II Timothy 2:24
One of the cardinal rules in the study of Scripture is "considering what goeth before and what followeth after" (quoted from Miles Coverdale). The Apostle Paul devotedly attests that he is "striving according to His [Christ's] working, which worketh in me mightily." Yet, shortly thereafter, Paul writes to Pastor Timothy, "The servant of the Lord must not strive."
Have we, then, a dilemma-a contradiction? By no means! Considering "what goeth before and what followeth after," we find that the entire context of the first quotation is "God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect [mature] in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, STRMNG [contending, agonizing] ACCORDING TO HIS WORKING, which worketh in me mightily."
The full statement of Paul to Timothy also clarifies the meaning. "Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And THE SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT STRIVE [quarrel, dispute]; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient."
In keeping with our theme of spiritual unity, we find instruction from the apostle commensurate with his admonition to Timothy. "Let your conversation [manner of life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ .... Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving [laboring] together ... " (Philippians 1:27).
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