Not More Than We Are Able

“For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.” (2Co 8:12 AV)

The context is giving.  More specifically, giving toward Paul’s need.  Accepting is done by the LORD.  Zeal according to ability is accepted by God.  Zeal without ability is not accepted.  For this little church with big problems, this was a good one to have.  In Paul’s first letter, he addressed many issues.  Some of them were very serious.  They had a common cause in carnal thinking and selfish living.  They competed with one another.  They abused one another.  They did what they could to wreak damage on the church they loved.  Above, that same energy was exhibited in self-sacrifice beyond their abilities.  Talk about a transformation.  It reminds me of Paul’s words in Romans chapter six.  In that chapter, he encourages the Romans to take vengeance on their sin to the same degree they pursued it.  Here is an example of a church that did a complete one-eighty.  When they were young and carnal, they pursued sin almost to their destruction.  Now, they are pursuing ministry with the same degree of commitment.  That is admirable.  However, if one does not have it, one cannot use it no matter how willing one might be. 

There comes a time when our bodies or minds tell us that we are over-committed.  We have it in our heads that what we did in our thirties can still be done in our sixties.  We have limitations.  We have restraints.  What was once possible is no longer doable.  And there is no shame in that.  In fact, if we are the younger and more able, we sometimes are inpatient with those who cause more damage than is necessary by trying to be someone they are not or do something that cannot do.  Ill-advised commitment on their part is often frowned upon.  Sometimes, it can get downright scary.  We see this all the time.  Especially with the elderly.  They try to do something that cannot be done.  Commitment is never in question.  Obviously by their actions, they are committed.  Having served as a hospital chaplain and pastor for decades, I have countless stories to tell.  And it is not limited to the elderly.  Many accidents happen because of overcommitment without ability.  One year, I got a chainsaw for Christmas.  The giver made me go through chainsaw training class before he would let me use it.  Even though I had used one as a kid, he still insisted a mutual friend of ours hold a class on the safe usage of such a tool.  That was a good thing.  I think the first time I used it, this trainer had to be present to be sure I was safe with it.

There is no doubt that the Corinthian church loved God and loved Paul.  They appreciated the blunt ministry of an Apostle who was willing to call them out for ungodly behavior.  They loved him and the LORD to the point that they were willing to do more than they could.  Paul reminded them that committing to more than is possible, even with the hand of God upon them, is not acceptable to the LORD.  It is not a matter of what God can or cannot do.  It is a matter of God’s will for you or a church.  Pragmatism is involved.  Not to the exclusion of God’s miracles or mighty hand, mind you.  But sometimes, common sense is part of our decision-making process.  If I committed to cycling from one end of our nation to the other, God will not make me forty years younger.  It is simply not in the cards.  To attempt such would be misguided and irresponsible.  The same is true with our commitment in all things.  Praying it through and getting the mind of God on the matter is the answer.  What is it that God wants us to do?  Sometimes, it takes just as much faith to let a mountain stand than to try to move it.  Wisdom, humility, and faith in God are the answers.

Resoluteness with Ability

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.” (2Co 4:16 AV)

The first statement Paul makes is telling.  After giving his testimony of resiliency and resolution, he makes the statement that he will not faint.  There are two factors that contribute to this statement.  The first consideration is what we have in Christ.  The hope and life of Christ indwell the believer as well as the Holy Spirit.  We move and have our being by the power of our God.  We have no strength by which we can promise the above without the resources provided by our Creator.  So when Paul states that he will not faint, he is relying on the strength of the divine that resides within.  But I also think his statement manifests a decision.  I think his statement is one of resolve.  Regardless of how hard life gets, he will not faint.  He will go down with every ounce of strength spent for the glory of God.  He will depart this life in as much service as God allows.  What I see is the very definition of the character of Paul and why God used him.  He was resolved not to faint.  He will not quit.  He decided as much in the statement above.

When we think of resiliency, we often think of an athlete who pushes themselves beyond their limits to finish a race.  We admire the resolve.  We admire the commitment.  Yet this is not the type of resolution to which Paul is speaking. Much of that is ego-driven.  Rather, note how Paul remains vital and relevant. He is renewed day by day.  To put the analogy of the runner in perspective, imagine that there are two runners.  The first is more concerned with time rather than distance.  If so, he or she will not take the time to hydrate along the way. The ego is further fed by adding adversity when adversity is not necessary. Running and finishing a race without hydrating is considered heroic.  He or she pushes through and ignores basic human needs just to prove it can be done. There is another type of runner who is more interested in distance than time.  He or she is well aware of the toll that distance running can take on the body and is conscientious and practical.  He or she will hydrate along the way.  He or she may slow down and then speed back up.  The runner will listen to what the body is saying and adjust to go the furthest he or she can with the time allotted.

When Paul speaks of being renewed day by day, he is not limiting himself to devotions, reading, preaching or other such necessary things.  He is speaking of the whole man.  Taking care of oneself is important.  This morning, I was reminded that praying specific prayers first thing in the morning is important. Anticipating what might come and praying for God’s power and guidance is important.   If there are tasks that need to be done, ministry that needs tending to, or battles that loom ahead, praying beforehand makes all the difference.  But I think the Spirit wants us to consider other venues of refreshment as well.  A walk in the park with your dog, sitting on the porch as the rain softly falls, or taking a drive for half a day may be just what the doctor ordered.  When Paul speaks of daily renewal, of course, he is speaking primarily of the spiritual.  But the body and soul need tending to as well.  A resolute spirit that faints not does not stand under its own power.  It needs help.  It needs refreshing.  Making a determinate commitment sounds all good and well, but unless there is provision to renew that spirit day in and day out, we will quit the race early, and we will not finish well.

A Better Glory

“For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.” (2Co 3:10-11 AV)

The book of Second Corinthians is a difficult one.  Paul’s style of writing is different than all his other letters.  In Second Corinthians, his thoughts don’t always carry naturally into succeeding entries.  They are grouped into smaller thoughts that are sometimes disconnected.  In the above entry, Paul is referring to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as far more glorious than the glory that came to God by His justice through the law.  He speaks of the glory of Moses as he came from the mount with the two tables of stone upon which the law was etched.  This law was given, in part, to condemn mankind as wicked.  The principles upon which the law rested are eternal.  These principles and laws were written on the heart of man since our inception.  The two tables of stone were the written record.  They were the legal entry in a court proceeding that condemned mankind and glorified the Creator.  This is why a condemnation is referred to as a glory.  But salvation in Jesus Christ and the sealing of the soul by the Holy Spirit of God is far more glorious.  Paul states the former had been done away.  Simply, the condemnation under the law.  Not the law.  It was done away by the grace of God in the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let us follow Paul’s statement very closely.  The former, that is the letter of the law, had glory.  The glory, at least as Paul’s argument goes, is the glory of condemnation from a holy God.  The law served more than mere condemnation.  It declared the righteousness and holiness of God.  Even if man did not fall and obeyed the law, the law would still have a purpose.  But we want to reflect on the importance of the role of the law that condemns sin.  We want to understand and accept that a law that condemns is not a bad thing.  What we want to see is that the law, in that it is a standard to which all must comply, is a glorious thing.  That which violates that law must suffer for that violation.  Again, that is a beautiful thing.  Order, law, and absolutes govern our universe.  The universe itself forces conformity.  It could not function otherwise.  Things run as they should and must.  Life comes from order.  Disorder destroys.  A clock that never loses time is impressive.  An AI generated image that is indistinguishable from the real thing is astounding.  A bird that flies in the air because of the laws of aerodynamics is mind-boggling.  To see and study the order of things is fascinating.  If our universe did not function in an orderly manner, it would chaotic and unsettling.  Therefore, law and the consequences of law are glorious things.  Even if there are consequences we would rather not witness, one must admit that order is far better than chaos.  So as distasteful as it is to witness some hard things, one must admit that order is far better than disorder.

Yet there is a greater thought here.  Paul says that because mankind has failed and the order of law is upheld, there is no hope.  Man needs saving.  As glorious as it is for God to see His creation function by order and law, it is far more glorious to redeem from condemnation that which has failed.  It is like restoring a clock.  Over time, the gears of the clock wear out, and the clock ceases to keep perfect time.  The owner can be pleased that time is absolute, and the clock has ceased to function.  It is time to act.  What does he do?  Does he rejoice that regardless of the clock's ability to tell time, time does not change?  The law of time stands apart from the instrument that declares it.  Absolute time wins.  But in repairing the clock to ‘as new’ condition, time continues to be absolute.  However, there is greater joy in repairing the clock than there is that time does not change.  In this sense, the highest glory is the redemption of our souls.  Not the absolute nature of the law.  This is to what Paul is referring.  The law still stands.  It has not been replaced.  But the God of love and grace sees a greater glory than establishing and enforcing law.  He sees the redemption of those who have failed His perfect law as the greater glory!

Thank You

“For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.” (1Co 16:18 AV)

This is not foreign to Paul.  Many times he mentions people for whom he is grateful.  We know it is spoken of much, but seldom practiced.  When A famous person receives an award, he or she usually mentions those who made it possible.  They thank the supporting staff or players who did what they did, so the one who is honored could be recognized.  The thing is, we should do it far more than we do.  Paul mentions something interesting here.  He mentions several people who refreshed his spirit.  In so doing, they also refreshed the spirit of the church.  Those who are a blessing to the man of God will also, by extension, be a blessing to those who attend.  It is their nature to do so.

October is pastor appreciation month.  My church is no exception.  They are the best.  Each member and attender is special to this man of God.  Just tonight I was sitting in the song service and was grateful for the opportunity to minister the word of God to hungry souls.  I don’t have a large church.  Only a handful.  But to me it is the world.  They are awesome.  They bear this preacher up by prayers and encouragement.  They meet our needs and seek our welfare often.  They are blessed people.

We serve by the encouraging words of other people.  Sure, the Holy Spirit is our power behind our ministry.  But it is also the Holy Spirit working through the people who surround us that gets us through the hard times of ministry.  For them I am eternally grateful.  So, thank you dear saints, for who and what you are.  And thank you for what you do.  This preacher is so very blessed, and it is by your faithfulness that I am able to help you.  May God continue to use us all for His glory and our welfare!

Never On Empty

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1Co 10:12-14 AV)

Verse thirteen is often used as a standalone verse.  We usually apply it to any temptation that may come alone.  We use it for trials of faith.  We use it for temptations toward sin.  The promise is that regardless of what we face, with God’s help, we can and do overcome.  Keeping it the direct context of idol worship and self-reliance, it appears as though the temptation from which God can deliver us is the sin of self-sufficiency.  Our temptation is to max out our resources, and then when we are empty, we go to God.  Sometimes the LORD asks us to do just that.  But not always.  The better part of wisdom is to go to God first.  Let Him show us, guide us, teach us, and empower us to overcome the trials and temptations of self-sufficiency.  The idol of what we struggle is our own ego!  Having established the context, there is a piercing thought to consider.  God will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able.  Think on that for a moment.  If the temptation to which He is referring is self-reliance, then the LORD will not allow us to get so empty that we cannot survive!

Imagine a hiker off on an adventure without doing his due diligence to plan for all contingencies.  He starts out just fine.  His goal is to reach the summit of a well-known peak.  He knows he will meet some adversity, so he packs a few things.  He has some cold weather gear.  He has a few food items.  He even has fresh water.  But not having traveled this path before, every possibility was impossible to forecast.  The weather was supposed to be favorable.  The way before him had been well trod by those preceding him.  Everything looked like it could go perfect.  However, as he ascended the slopes, he quickly found that not everything could be anticipated.  The further he climbed, the more committed he became and returning the same way became more of a challenge.  For hours he climbed.  The air was getting thinner.  The temperature was dropping quickly.  He was running out of water.  He was tired.  Thinking he could climb to the summit and return the same day, he brought no shelter.  If an emergency occurred, he had an ax and some fire-starting supplies.  However, because of the thinness of the air, his strength was almost gone.  If an emergency happened, he did not possess the strength to wield the ax, gather wood, or build a shelter.  Thinking he wasn’t going to make it, he slowly crawled around a corner and came upon a waystation.  It was the prettiest sight he had ever seen.  There was a cook cabin and six small heated cabins.  He had no idea that they would be there.  But there they were.  Why?  Because the provider knew hikers better than they knew themselves.  This man was not the first to arrive, nor would he be the last.  Before he started out, his benefactors knew he couldn’t make it.  So they made provision of which he could not foresee.

God works in much the same way.  We often rely solely on our own ability, resources, and resolve.  We are also brought to the end of ourselves far more than is necessary.  If we started our journey knowing there was a waystation that awaited, the journey would be much easier to bear.  That is what the LORD is giving us.  In verse thirteen, there is a promise of a waystation.  There is relief.  We just cannot see it.  Faith assumes it.  This is to what Paul is pointing us.  Corinth was a very carnal church.  It was overly humanistic.  All the troubles that church had could be pointed to one problem.  They elevated man above the God who saved them.  There is no reason to attempt anything without God.  It is actually downright foolish.  There is a waystation.  Look for it.  Expect it.  And when it appears, take advantage of it.  Without God we are stuck on the side of a mountain with no strength to continue.

More Than We Could Ever Do

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1Co 6:20 AV)

Not an easy task.  Considering we were born in iniquity.  Our nature is to do just the opposite.  Adam partook of the fruit of the tree the knowledge of good and evil.  He passed upon all men the nature to live in rebellion and self-pleasure.  It is only by the new birth that we have hope of overcoming the Adamic curse.  Jesus died to purchase our bodies, spirits, and souls.  The process of glorification takes time.  We must learn things that can only come by a lengthy process.  The discipline of self-denial cannot be learned in heaven.  Once we have the permanent and full image of Jesus Christ, sin will be impossible.  There will be no choice, per se.  Our only desire will be to exist for the glory of our Creator.  Which brings us to our verse.  The struggle for holiness is as much a privilege and opportunity as it is a frustration.  The motive is clearly stated.  Because we are bought with the precious price of another person’s life, we owe it to Him to glorify the Father in both body and spirit.

We live in a culture that tempts us in the opposite direction.  Most advertising is designed to entice us to please self.  It doesn’t matter if the ads on our viewing device or the ads in the middle of our apps are playing, the all are designed to do the same thing.  Most are an enticement for something we do not need and perhaps may even cause great harm.  There are the occasional ads promoting a better quality of life, but those are not the majority.  We are encouraged to follow our hearts.  That has led to a culture that expresses their emotions, feeling they are entitled to rather than filtering emotional expression through social responsibility and appropriate behavior.  All one has to do is view a real-time law enforcement show to see how out of control we really are.  Everything in the world encourages us contrary to the admonition above.  But the command still stands.

Paul’s words come after the rebuke of a improper physical relationship between a Stepmother and her Stepson.  The Corinthian church had boasted about this relationship as though it was normal and acceptable.  Even if the stepmother was widowed before this relationship blossomed, it was still against scripture.  A man is not allowed to take up with his father’s wife.  No exceptions.  There is a moral standard set for humanity.  Regardless of a person’s standing before God, the rules are the same.  If it is immoral for the believer, it is also immoral for the unbeliever.  There are not two sets of rules.  But Paul is giving us a greater motive than mere law.  He is giving us the motive of reciprocal love.  Not paying a debt, mind you.  We never can repay what Jesus has done for us.  Rather, there is an ethical and moral obligation the show our appreciation for what Jesus has done for us.  We owe Him more than we could ever repay.  It only stands to reason we should do what we can.  If Jesus bought us with His blood, the least would can do is to say thank you by living a holy life.  The least we could do is to strive against sin and toward Christlikeness.  His love would demand no less.

No Other Foundation

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Co 3:11 AV)

Paul is competing with those who believed that Jesus Christ was insufficient.  Either insufficient for the saving of the soul, or insufficient once the soul was saved.  The Corinthian church struggled with the doctrine of the resurrection and the discipline of holiness.  They put way too much stock in earthly things and carnal thinking.  They valued that which could be easily seen and devalued spiritual treasures that could not be seen.  Hence, you have the Paul, led of the Holy Spirit, comparing Jesus to the foundation of a building.  Although Paul is primarily speaking to Christians here, the truth above applies to all.  How our lives rise or fall is totally dependent on the foundation upon which they are built.  And there is no other foundation for a life that works other than the LORD Jesus Christ. The important truth for us this morning is the foundation is not open to individual preference or taste.  There are no other foundations that can be laid.  There is only one!

If you look at most buildings today, they share a common component.  They share the cinder block foundation.  This material is rather new to the building industry.  The machine that forms them was invented in 1900.  At that time, cement was used as the sole material for binding and form.  Then in 1917, another man came along and added the byproduct of coal mining called cinders to the mix, and cinders became the binding agent in building blocks.  Since that time, cinder blocks became the go-to for building foundations.  They are solid, strong, and do not decay.  Once sealed against moister, they need little maintenance.  Shifting ground is about the only threat to the integrity of a cinderblock foundation.  They are so common that cinderblock foundations have gone well beyond the industry standard.  Outside of very special situations, cinderblock foundations are the only foundations builders will or can use.  When looking at a home, rarely does one see the importance or beauty of the cinderblock foundation.  It is the house that rises above that people notice.  But without that foundation, the house has nothing upon which to rest.  If a different type of foundation is used, collapse becomes a real possibility.  If one does not have the right foundation, the security of the building above is in jeopardy.  It may not be flashy.  It may not be the selling point.  But without it, the house collapses.

My heart breaks for the human race.  Far too many have lives absent of the only foundation upon which one can be built.  Freedom from foundation seems to be the pursuit.  Yet ruin lies at the end of a life like that.  Jesus Christ is the very definition of life.  There would be no reason to exist outside of our relationship with the One who made us.  What other purpose would there be?  We were created to know the Creator.  We were created to please the Creator.  This purpose can only be met if He is our foundation.  If He is the one who gives the floor plan, then He is the one for whom the house is built.  If He is the one who bears the weight of the house above, then He is the source of strength to stand.  There is no other foundation upon which a life can be built.  At least not a fulfilling one.  There is no other foundation upon which a life can be built if the life is going to live with purpose and joy.  He is the only foundation.  He is not one among others.  He is the only one!