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Nov. 28,2007; The Series - Jesus, Unique & Unequaled Teacher Focus Text: 2 Corinthians 4.1-14

Yesterday, I wrote: “Men of sound mind do not hazard their lives for causes in which they do not believe. The apostles knew from empirical evidences which they personally witnessed that Jesus was the resurrected Messiah; no amount of coercion or threats could erase or weaken their conviction in this matter. Their hope was not in some earthly reward, but their lives were spent in pursuit of the reward that Jesus had promised in the world to come!”

Now read the same thing stated by the Holy Spirit in an infinitely better way: “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.” (2 Corinthians 4.1-14).

Paul was one of the best and brightest of his day; he was a logician, a precise and accomplished speaker, a believer in the Law of Moses, but also a follower of Jesus Christ. He did not take his duties as a believer lightly any more than he accepted the fact lightly that Jesus was Messiah; he was a man in every sense of the word and lived a life dedicated to the cause of Christ. His life was as nothing to him had he been unable to live it and give it for his Lord! Only a unique and unequaled teacher can inspire the way Jesus inspired.

Having cited the case of Paul as an example of Jesus’ ability to lead and direct men, there is one thing about His devotees of which we must not lose sight; Jesus requires no less of us in this present age than He required of the apostle Paul – that is when it comes to the devotion that we show in our discipleship. I may never be a Paul, but I can show the same degree of affection and patience that he showed in following Jesus. I can refuse to give up the pursuit of excellence which Jesus instilled in Paul and His other followers. I must never be satisfied with the status quo, but ever looking to push further than I have ever been! Eternity depends on it!

Questions:

1. Paul said, “We do not lose heart.” What does that mean? What is the practical application?

2. For whose sake, or to what end, did Paul say the believers were delivered unto death?

3. What confidence did Paul place in God as pertains to the resurrection? How sure did he believe the resurrection to be?

4. How can we honor Jesus in life? How can we honor Him in death? If we honor Him in life and in death, of what reward are we assured?

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Longing For God