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).
Les Feldick Ministries
30706 W. Lona Valley Rd.
Kinta, OK 74552
Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey
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