Victory in Christ (II Corinthians 2:14-17)

 

VICTORY IN CHRIST ( II Corinthians 2:14-17)

Introduction: Alexander the Great was the King of Macedonia from 336 to 323 B.C. By age thirty, he created one of the ancient world's largest empires that stretched from Greece to northwest India. Most of his ruling years were spent on an unrivaled military campaign through North Africa and Asia. He remained undefeated and is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders in history. Yet, he had nothing to display for the world to see.

His after-death wish was very peculiar: "Bury my body and don't build any monument. Keep my hands out so the people know the one who won the world had nothing in hand when he died."[1] What is the most significant victory of all in the history of humanity? Who won that greatest victory, and how was that displayed to the world? Why does that matter to us today?

Many centuries later, standing on Greek soil, on his way to Macedonia, Paul unveiled the greatest conqueror of all time and a grand display of the treasures of his conquest of the world. We will explore his remarkable proclamations that have significant implications for us today. 

I. Paul and his relationships Vs. 12-13

Some Christians find it hard to relate to Paul and his writings, thinking he is hard-hitting, unsympathetic, and less relational. On the contrary, the Apostle Paul was very loving and caring and cherished many good relationships. Romans' 16^th chapter explains his relationships.

In verses 12-13, Paul shares how he was restless and lacked peace of mind because Titus did not show up in Troas. Who was Titus, and what role did Titus play in the Apostle's life? Titus was probably a Gentile from Antioch who was brought to Christ by Paul fourteen years after Paul himself had been converted. Some dogmatic Jewish brethren insisted that Titus be circumcised, but Paul did not allow it for the sake of principle.

To do otherwise would imply that all non-Jewish Christians were second-class citizens in the Church. Over the years, Paul and Titus developed a bond, and Paul addressed him as my true son (Titus 1:4), dear brother (II Cor 2:12), and partner in Christ (II Cor 8:23). Since Titus didn't show up as expected, he went on to Macedonia in search of him.

II. Victory in Christ Vs. 14

Vs. 14, "But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume." The Apostle Paul used a war analogy when discussing Christ's victory.

Whether we realize it or not, an intense battle rages in the spirit realm over the human soul that Satan has captured and enslaved due to Adam's sin. II Timothy 2:26, "Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants." Timothy is talking about the status of unsaved people.

Romans 5:10, "For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! You and I and every non-Christian have been trapped and captured by Satan and lived like the enemies of God by doing whatever Satan wanted us to do. In a way, Satan has imprisoned us.

The Apostle Paul's imagery here was that of a Roman conquering general who took his enemies from battle and displayed them as captured slaves as he led them in a triumphal procession through Rome. During the parade, the temples would open their doors and spread the fragrance of incense. The captives would be presented as a sacrificial offering to the gods as thanks for the victory. In applying the image, Paul presents himself as the one led in the triumphal procession, not the leader. He is the captive, not the captor. This concept of God's people being prisoners of Christ comes out several times in the New Testament.

            Ephesians 3:1-2, "When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles." Philemon 1:1, "Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon, our beloved fellow worker."

            Ephesians 4: 1-1, "Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." Paul, in a spiritual sense but also literally, was a prisoner of Christ. Every time a sinner turns to God, Christ has won the spiritual battle and captured that soul from the prison of Satan.

We are to be grateful to God that we have been set free from Satan and became the prisoners of Christ. Let's ponder on this thought. How do you look at yourself? How does God look at you and display you to the world? Prophet Isaiah's prayer for Jerusalem is God's view of His people both then and now. Isaiah 62:3-5, "The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see a splendid crown in the hand of God. Never again will you be called "The Forsaken City."

or "The Desolate Land." Your new name will be "The City of God's Delight" and "The Bride of God," for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride. Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem, just as a young man commits himself to his bride.

Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride."

The Church is the bride, and Jesus Christ is the bridegroom. It is for another time, but for now, what an incredible privilege it is for us to be the prisoners of Christ! We, the prisoners of Christ, partake in God's victory parade; God wants to display his Church to the world in a great way. Romans 8:19, "For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are." One day, the world will witness this grand display of God's sons and daughters. Meanwhile, what are we to do as prisoners of Christ in day-to-day life?  

III The Fragrance of Christ Vs. 15-16

Vs.15-16, "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Paul first gave thanks for being led by a sovereign God in a triumphant procession. Secondly, for the promised victory in Christ Jesus in the future. He was also grateful for the privilege of being used as an influence for Christ wherever he went. The imagery comes from the strong, sweet smell of incense from censers in the victory Parade, which along with the fragrance of crushed flowers strew under horses' hooves, produced an aroma that filled the city.

Every believer is transformed and called by the Lord to be an influence for his Gospel throughout the world. As the prisoners of Christ, we are to spread the knowledge of Christ like a sweet perfume. Paul brings out the concept of the Law to explain people's reactions.

The Law simultaneously was life-giving and death-dealing. When people accepted and obeyed the Law of God received life but faced death when they rejected it. Similarly, the Gospel and its proclaimers are a "life-giving perfume" to those who believe the Gospel and are being saved and a "death-dealing drug" to those who repudiate it and are perishing.

What does this all mean to us today? The victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and Satan brought us salvation and freedom. Because of Christ's victory, we, too, can overcome sin and Satan. Rom 16:20, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Christ's victory gives us the power to spread the Good News like a fragrance. When one sinner turns to Christ through our Gospel sharing, Satan is defeated, and Christ becomes their triumphant King and joins His victory parade. The cycle continues.

 

---

[1] https://quotes.thefamouspeople.com/alexander-the-great-653.php

Forgiveness!

                                                             FORGIVENESS!

Introduction: "Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us…." Where does this come from? If raised in a Catholic family, you would quickly say it comes from the Lord's Prayer. We all need forgiveness, but to be forgiven, we must forgive those who have offended us. We realize it is easier said than done. For instance, if someone commits a minor offense, let's say, lied to you, it may be easier to forgive. But what if someone killed your husband and two of your sons? Could you forgive such a heartless criminal?

That was what Glady's Staines, an Australian missionary, did. On January 22, 1999, on the way back from visiting a tribal site, Graham Staines and his two young sons, Philip and Timothy, stopped to rest. During the night, as Graham and his sons slept soundly in their vehicle, a group of 50 Hindu radicals converged upon the camp, setting fire to the van.

Graham and his sons tried to escape the burning car but were prevented by the mob. Graham, Philip, and Timothy were all killed. The murders were widely condemned, but Gladys chose to forgive her husband and sons' killers stating in an affidavit, "It is far from my mind to punish the persons who were responsible for the death of my husband Graham and my two children. But it is my desire and hope that they would repent and be reformed."

"Forgiveness and the consequences of our wrongdoing should not be mixed up." "Because of forgiveness, I hold no bitterness towards the persons who killed my family. Forgiveness brought healing which is needed everywhere, from hatred and violence."

What a powerful example of forgiveness. In our passage, Paul shared a painful experience and urged the Corinthian believers to extend forgiveness and offer restoration to the offender. We will look at why we are to forgive those who offend us. What happens when we don't forgive? How is forgiveness tied to our mental health? II Corinthians 2:1-11

 

Verses 1-2 explain why Paul only made one trip to Corinth instead of two. Paul had already had a painful confrontation at Corinth and was sensitive to the pain and sadness caused to the Corinthian believers from that visit. He wanted to spare them from that by a second visit.

Verses 3-4 explain that Paul's reason for writing was that those in sin would repent—there could be mutual joy when the apostle came. He also wanted to tell them that he wrote a severe letter with much pain and tears. His motive always was one of love for the Corinthians.

In verses 5-11, we see a particular "man" several times. You may wonder who this man was? One view is that a particular person has committed a severe offense in the Corinthian Church. The Church disciplined him, and it was time to restore him to the fellowship.

Another view is that Paul refers to the man living in sin with his stepmother (I Cor 5:1-6). Whoever that man may have been, this passage is one of the best texts in all of Scripture on the goldy motivation and rationale for forgiveness. I will explore several principles regarding forgiveness, its impact on believers, and the effects of unforgiveness.

 

I. What is forgiveness concerning salvation?

Nothing weighs on a person more than the guilt of doing something wrong. The shame of sin weighs even heavier on our lives if we care to acknowledge it. The good news is that we no longer have to carry the guilt of sin because God has promised to forgive all our sins. God, out of his love for us, will deliver us from the power and the penalty of our sin.

The Scripture tells us we all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. The wages of sin is death. But thank God, in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven. Forgiveness in the Bible is a "release" or a "dismissal" of something.

When we come to Christ in faith, he releases us from or cancels all our sins. In other words, all charges against us are dropped, and we are acquitted. Forgiveness is integral to salvation; we cannot be saved without it and cannot be forgiven.

When Jesus forgives us, our sins, trespasses, wrongs, and offenses are erased and wiped off the record. Forgiveness of sin is comparable to the financial debt being erased. When Jesus said, "It is finished," from the cross (John 19:30), He was saying, "It is paid in full."

Jesus took the punishment we deserved, so we are free when God forgives us of our sins; we no longer live under that debt. Our sins are wiped out. God will never hold that sin against us. "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." Psalm 103:12.

The Amplified version of the Bible captures this cancellation of our debts. Colossians 1:14, "In whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins' penalty]. Thank God, our sins are forgiven, and what now?

 

II. What is forgiveness of others?

Forgiveness is one of the hallmarks of a Christian. Forgiveness is not an option but a command. Ephesians 4:30-32: "Do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live…Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." When we don't forgive others, it grieves the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:13, "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." The key in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Why do we forgive? Because we have been forgiven! What happens when we don't forgive others?

 

III. Unforgiveness is a bait of Satan.

II Corinthians 2:10-11, " When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes."

In his book, "The Bait of Satan," John Bevere exposes one of Satan's schemes, a bait of unforgiveness. The enemy whispers in our minds not to let go of the offense and withhold forgiveness from the offender. It is a trap! We can be imprisoned in the prison of unforgiveness.

Paul urged the Roman believers, "Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable." Romans 12:17. The most honorable thing we can do is forgive those who have offended us and not keep track of their offenses. Through unforgiveness, we open a door for anger, hatred, vengeance, and bitterness in our hearts.

Paul showed one of the ways we can free ourselves from the trap of unforgiveness is by loving the person who offended us. 1 Corinthians 13:5 "that love is not easily provoked or offended." It is unloving to be easily offended and un-Christ-like not to forgive the offender.

We live in a society where people offend people all the time. If everybody reacts and avenges the offenders, we have no one left. We will kill each other. So what is the solution for us to live amicably and peacefully? We have to "work at living in peace with everyone and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." Hebrews 12:14-15,

Unforgiveness robs us of the wholesome life God intends for us and disturbs the peace. Living in harmony with others doesn't come easily. We have to work at it, and it's worth it.

IV. Who deserves forgiveness, and what are the benefits?

We cry and beg for it when it comes to receiving pardon for our sins, but when forgiving others, we might hold back and say they don't deserve it. Really? Who deserves forgiveness? When God so lovingly and graciously forgave our sins, how can we not then forgive others? It is not a feeling but an act of choice. What happens when we forgive others?

Here are some benefits of forgiveness. When we forgive others' offenses, God forgives our offenses and heals our body, mind, and soul. Psalm 103:3 "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies."

James 5:16, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." If you have chronic sickness, you may want to check; maybe you withhold forgiveness from someone. Even secular people recognize the connection between forgiveness and healing.

According to Harvard Medical School, not forgiving someone can impact both physical and mental health. It can feel like the person has gone through a significant traumatic event.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, can lead to lowered blood pressure and a healthier heart. It decreases anxiety and depression and improves your relationships. Forgiveness and healing have an emotional and physical bond. Having one without the other is impossible."

When we forgive others as Christ has forgiven us, we love others as Christ has loved us. You may ask me, is forgiveness sought? How many times should I forgive someone who has offended me? We don't have to wait for people to ask us to forgive them.

Jesus prayed to God to forgive those who were killing Him. How many times should I forgive my offender? Jesus answered a question Peter raised: "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven! God forgives us as we come to Him and confess our sins.

"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." I John 1:9. Is there, someone you need to be forgiving today? Set yourself free from the prison of unforgiveness by being merciful to them as God has shown mercy and forgiven many of your sins. Amen! 

 

 

  

Look Up, See & Trust

                                                  LOOK UP, SEE & TRUST

Introduction: When last time did you gaze at the starry skies? It seems like that is what many people have been doing this past week. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captured some spectacular images of the edge of a nearby young star-forming region in the Carina Nebula.

This image reveals previously invisible areas of star birth. How old are these images? The very faintest, smallest blips of light in this photo are images of galaxies as they existed more than 13 billion years ago, near the very beginning of time (that light has been traveling through space ever since). We can't even imagine the age of these galaxies.

Joe Biden, who unveiled the image at a White House event, called the moment "historic" and said it provided "a new window into the history of our universe" "It's hard even to fathom," said the U.S. president. "It's astounding. It's a historic moment for science and technology, for America and all humanity."[1] These stars have been in existence since their creation.

Why now are we getting a glimpse of them? The New York Times carried an article titled, Emboldening and Humbling: Gasping at the Wonders of the Universe." Here is one response to the editor: "The James Webb Space Telescope's out-of-this-world photos propelled me to the first words in Genesis, "In the beginning …" — and as close to God as I have ever felt. Let this be a beginning of light." My response is, "Yes, Lord, let the true light dawn on people."

We thank God for the technology and the scientific development of our times. Science might explain how the universe exists but cannot explain why and who created and manages our incredible universe and the planet earth we live and enjoy? Are these stars pointing us to their creator? Why don't people look up and be amazed at the one who created this beautiful universe? What lessons do the stars in the sky teach us? Isaiah 40:12-31 perhaps answers our curiosity.

Isaiah is one of the most valuable books of the O.T. The longest prophetic book contains some profound truths about our Lord Jesus Christ. It talks about the birth (9) and the ministry of Christ in chapter 53. This amazing chapter alone is quoted from or alluded to some 85 times in the New Testament. Jesus said Isaiah saw His glory and spoke of Him (Jn. 12:41).

It was written in 740 B.C from Jerusalem. Isaiah 40 begins a major section that looks beyond Judah's return from Babylonian exile in the sixth century B.C. It starts with the words, "Comfort, comfort my people says your God." God offers comfort and security to His people.

Be mindful that it contains images, poetry, and metaphors such as grass, a flower, mountains, sheep, a shepherd, water, a bucket, scales, sand, etc. The prophet uses small things to explain the greatness of God and natural things to show us the supernatural power of God.

I approach Isaiah 40 more like a motion picture that contains several scenes. In the first scene, we see the Lord has no equal (12-17). In the second scene, we see the incomparable God (18-25); in the final and climactic scene, we will look up and see the incredible God (26-31).

Scene#1 The Lord has no equal (12-17)

            The entire stage for this motion picture was in the land of Babylon, where God's people were in exile. This forced exile in a foreign land stripped them of their human and civil rights. Amid harsh and troubling circumstances, the Israelites longed to return to their homeland.

After showing the exiles the brevity of life, the author points them to the sovereign Lord who would come with power to deliver them from the bondage of their enemies, but also as a gentle shepherd who carries the young and hurting lamb, feeds, and takes care of the flock.

The seven questions in verses 12-14 could be clubbed into three categories: Who created the universe, who counseled him, and Who in creation can be equal to Him? In the seven-day Genesis creation narrative, everything was made when God said, "Let there Be."

God can do any and everything at will. Unlike the pagan stories of origins, which speak of the gods taking counsel with one another, Jehovah God did not consult anyone in creation, except when it came to making mankind. Can any earthly king, president, or prime minister stand against God? No one, not even the Devil, can stand up to God. God has no equal.

Nehemiah 9:6, "You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you." How does God view the great nations of the earth?

We Americans think we are the most powerful and greatest nation on the earth, but in God's view, we are worth nothing. Along with other countries, we are like a drop in a bucket or regarded as dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.

 

Scene #2 The incomparable God: (18-25)

            In a worship song, "What a Beautiful Name," Brooke Fraser powerfully sang of God's unmatched character: "You have no rival, You have no equal. Now and forever, God You reign, Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory, Yours is the name above all names." To whom could we compare our God? Or what form could we give our incomparable God?

            Isaiah challenges the exiles with these words, Vs. 18-19, "To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him? Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains? The Israelites angered God by replacing their trust in Him with manufactured idols and worshipping pagan gods.

What is replacing your trust in God? Is it your wealth, knowledge, strength, or beauty? Or is it the government you trust more? Anything that replaces God and craves your attention can be an idol. We must only worship our God. Exodus 34:14, "You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you."

 

Scene # 3 Look Up & See the Incredible God. (Vs. 26-31)

Here is an invitation to see our incredible God's beautiful universe. Vs. 26, "Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing." In NASB, it reads, "Lift up your eyes on high and See."

In Hebrew, the word nasa is "to lift up or to look up." The word see means learning, understanding, being fully aware, enjoying, and having a position of trust. Remember in the beginning; I raised a question saying that science cannot answer who created the universe?

 In Genesis 1:1-16, we read that God separated the light from the darkness on the first day. He called the light "day" and the darkness "night." On the fourth day, He created lights and put them there to mark the seasons, days, and years. He made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars.

            Next time you go out at night, try to count how many stars are in the sky. "Hubble reveals an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the universe or so. Still, this number is likely to increase to about 200 billion as telescope technology in space improves."[2] There are approximately 200 billion trillion stars in the universe. The number is so big, and it's hard to imagine."[3]

God created all of them and brings them out like an army sergeant, calling each by its name. Look Up & See the incredible God who created and manages the universe without our help. That amazing God graciously allows us a glimpse of His vast universe through the James Webb Space Telescope. What should be our response to this amazing revelation? We don't boast about our intelligence and success but are humbled before God in worship.

What happens when we look up and see this incredible God. Vs. 29-31, "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Are you overwhelmed with life? Are you weary of running the Christian race? Are you afraid of inflation, COVID, or other plagues? My previous pastor Stubbs who passed away 14 years ago in India, preached once, saying, "Look Up, Trust and Smile." There is truth in it.

Whenever I am troubled with anything, "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 Here is God's promise to those who Look up and See Him.

Isaiah 43:1-5, "But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you, says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Amen!

 

 

 

---

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jul/11/nasa-james-webb-telescope-ancient-galaxy-images

[2] https://www.space.com/25303-how-many-galaxies-are-in-the-universe.html

[3] https://theconversation.com/how-many-stars-are-there-in-space-165370#:~:text=There%20are%20approximately%20200%20billion%20trillion%20stars%20in%20the%20universe.

Living With Integrity

LIVING WITH INTEGRITY

Introduction: 2006 started as a bad year for Charles Moore. He lost his job as a roofer in Toledo, Ohio, and decided to return to his hometown of Detroit in search of work. Things progressed slowly, however, and Moore soon found himself living on the street.

Then, in July, he stumbled upon 31 U.S. Savings Bonds in a city trash bin while searching for empty bottles to return for deposit money. Amazingly, Moore tracked down the family of the bonds' owner with the help of a local nonprofit group called the Neighborhood Service Organization. Ernest Lehto had initially purchased the bonds during the 1980s at a face value of $8,900. Having matured, they were worth $20,738.88 when Moore found them.

Ernest had passed away in 2004, but Moore returned the bonds to his son, Neil Lehto. For his honesty and effort, Moore was given $100. "I was thankful for it," he said. However, when local media picked up the story, Neil Lehto began receiving scores of vitriolic phone calls and e-mails from angry community members decrying him as cheap and ungrateful.

Lehto, a lawyer, blamed his 82-year-old mother, saying she was the sole beneficiary and had determined the reward amount. "That generation of people would consider $100 an adequate reward," he said. The community went ahead and rewarded Moore handsomely.[1]

What reward is genuinely adequate for integrity? Here's a man who should be worried and thinking about himself by all rights but took the time to think about others," Isn't that what we're all supposed to be doing?" The homeless man Moore exemplified integrity.

That's how God wants us to live a life with integrity. The apostle Paul showed the Corinthian believers how he lived with integrity and was straightforward and honest in all dealings with them. He pointed them to God, who values and rewards integrity. II Cor 1:12-24.

 

I. Paul's life of integrity. (12-14)

Integrity is the quality of honesty and strong moral principles you refuse to change. In the OT, the Hebrew word for "integrity" means "the condition of being without blemish, completeness, perfection, sincerity, soundness, uprightness, wholeness." Integrity in the New Testament means "honesty and adherence to a pattern of good works."

Among the other letters from Paul, the II Corinthians is the least systematic and doctrinal and the most personal letter that he wrote. Paul's intense emotion and fiery personality are revealed more clearly here than in any other Epistle. In verses 12-14, Paul clarified how he lived a life with integrity in front of the believers and the world.

Paul said with confidence and a clear conscience that he and the disciples lived among the believers with God-given holiness (honesty) and sincerity in all their dealings. What a powerful assertion, not in some transactions but in all. Could we say the same with confidence?

How do you conduct yourself in front of your family, Church, and world? Unfortunately, these days we cannot differentiate between the followers of Christ and non-believers. It is hard to tell who is right or wrong, who is telling the truth or not. Some Christians conduct their dealings as crookedly as others. Can you and I confidently say that we live a life of such Integrity as Paul's? God expects all of us, his children, to live with integrity.

Paul exhibited integrity through his words and actions. How about his writings? Paul's letters to the believers were straightforward. They didn't have to read between the lines to make sense of what he was writing to them. They were profound, yet people could easily understand them.

In other words, he did not mislead people through his writings but pointed them to God, who desires honesty and truth from our inward parts. That was the proclamation of David after he was confronted and exposed for his adultery and murder of Joab.

 Psalm 51:5-6, "For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. 6 But you desire honesty from the womb, (heart), or inward parts." On the contrary, these days, some political leaders, even after confrontation and exposure, do not admit their sins or wrongdoings. Their followers cannot care less if their leaders are living with integrity or not.

Why was Apostle Paul insistent on defending his life of integrity? The answer is found in verses 15-18. The Corinthian Church had been infiltrated by false prophets challenging both Paul's Integrity and his authority as an apostle. Because he had announced a change in his itinerary, he would now pay the Corinthians one (spending a long winter) visit instead of two (short) visits, one on the way to Macedonia and the other on the other on the way his return.

These adversaries asserted that his word was not to be trusted. In that context, Paul said, you may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say "Yes" when they really mean "No"? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between "Yes" and "No."

            Do you say yes when you mean no, and no when you mean yes? God wants us to be the men and women who would be straightforward in saying a yes or a no. It is hard for many of us to say no. Sometimes, out of our need to please others, we say yes, when we mean no.

 

II. Jesus lived with integrity

            When Paul said, in verse 18, "As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between "yes" and "No," on whom was he basing his confidence? Or who was he imitating? It was Jesus who unwaveringly lived a life of integrity. Jesus is the perfect example of a man of integrity. Jesus was wholly man and wholly God at the same time, and He was tempted in every way we are, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15); that is the definition of integrity. Jesus is the only one who was ever without blemish, perfect, and wholly truthful.

Paul exalted Jesus' Integrity in verses 19-20, recognizing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who doesn't waver between "Yes" and "No." He and other apostles preached of Jesus, who always did what he said. Then he proclaimed, "For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding, "Yes." God's promises of forgiveness, salvation, peace, joy, hope, love, etc., have been fulfilled in Christ. Paul encourages us to imitate him as He imitates Christ.

 

III. Living with Integrity

Why a life of integrity, you may wonder? If you are a follower of Christ, you are called to follow in his steps by living your life with integrity. What does living with integrity practically mean? We must obey God rather than any human authority (Acts 5:29). We are to be people who keep our word (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12). We are to love those around us in both word and deed (1 John 3:17–18; James 2:17–18; Ephesians 4:29).

Living with integrity means managing our time wisely and not taking the things that do not belong to us in the workplace or returning the borrowed items. By the way, I may have one of your books on my shelf that I need to return. None of us are perfect, but as God enables us, we will do our best to live with integrity. Why should we live a life of integrity?

Living with integrity requires personal sacrifice, but the eternal rewards outweigh whatever we give up in this life. God watches over people with integrity (Prov 10:9). God is closer to people with integrity (Psalm 24:3-4). Integrity guides us (Proverbs 11:3).

 Integrity delights our God (Proverbs 11:20). Danny Anderson notes, "Integrity is like the oil in an engine. It makes the whole thing run smoothly. Without it, everything is in danger of a breakdown."

Can God count on his children to live a life of integrity in this broken world where there are alternative facts and people who tell perpetual lies? By seeing our lives of integrity, someone might come to believe in Jesus, who is the truth, the life, and the way to God. Amen!

 

 

---

[1] Source: Kim Kozlowski, "Virtue, $100 Not His Only Reward," Chicago Tribune (7-26-06), A1, p. 3 

Comfort In The Midst Of Trouble!

 

             Life is hard, and for many, it is challenging. "No matter what job or industry you're in, life is hard, but we're all going through a difficult time, and the best thing we can do is pick each other up and move on together," said Eric Nam, the Korean American young singer.[1]

            Undoubtedly there is trouble everywhere. If you think you are having a hard time, someone may be having a much harder time than you. We all need comfort, but where to find it? In II Corinthians 1:1-11, the apostle Paul talks about his troubles and the comfort he received. Then he points the Corinthian believers to the source of all comfort.

            We have worked through the first letter of Paul to the Corinthian Church. Soon after Paul wrote I Corinthians from Ephesus, there was a riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41). After that incident, Paul had not been to Corinth for three years. The relationship between Paul and Corinthian believers was strained during that time. It was a difficult period for both of them.

            During Paul's third missionary journey, while traveling to Macedonia on his way to Corinth, he learned from Titus that his letter to the Corinthian believers accomplished much good. However, some in Corinth still denied that Paul was a true Apostle of Jesus. So, Paul decided to write the second letter and send it ahead with Titus before arriving in Corinth.

            He explains why the first letter had to be severe in the second letter. He suffered much as he waited for their reaction to the letter. He truly loved and cared for them, but he was not going to allow his Apostolic credentials to be questioned by them. In the second letter, he confronted his accusers while appealing to the brethren to help the starving Jewish Christians in Judea. The real watchword of II Corinthians is that we must all be loyal to Christ, not to human personalities. The main Word in our passage is comfort, also translated as encouragement.

            What comes to your mind when you think of comfort? How do you picture comfort? We often associate comfort with luxury, ease, and trouble-free and fun-filled existence. That may be for some, but life is generally complex and full of challenges and difficulties for many.

 

I. How do we define comfort, and what do the scriptures say about comfort?

The dictionary defines comfort as: "A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint—the easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress. What is Biblical comfort? In the Old Testament, naham is often translated as "to comfort."

When we think of God, we generally view Him as an angry, holy, and just God who is out there to punish the wrongdoers. That perception is accurate, but another side of God is very loving, caring, and tender, especially when comforting his children. God is like a mother who picks up a hurting and crying child into her lap and comforts her with her tender love.

            God punished Israelites for their sins and rebellion but also comforted them with tenderness and care. Isaiah 66:12-13, "This is what the Lord says: "I will give Jerusalem a river of peace and prosperity. The wealth of the nations will flow to her.

Her children will be nursed at her breasts, carried in her arms, and held on her lap. I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child." In the N.T, the words parakaleo and paraklesis mean to call or summon to one's aid, call for help, stand alongside, comfort, and encourage. The word comfort appears nine times in our passage to emphasize its importance.

  

II. Comfort in the midst of trouble. Vs. 8-9

In verses 8-9, Paul reminded the Corinthian believers of the trouble he and other disciples went through in the province of Asia, probably referring to the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19). It was crushing, overwhelming, and beyond their ability to endure. They felt like they were going to die. They stopped relying upon themselves and learned to rely upon God, who raises the dead.

Some principles we can glean from these two verses. Firstly, our troubled situations are divine opportunities to draw near and trust God. Secondly, when we go through troubles, God is right with us in the midst of our troubles to aid and deliver us. Thirdly, God uses crisis to bring us to our end so that we stop relying on ourselves and start depending on Him.

David learned to trust God in the midst of his troubles. Psalm 23:4"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." How can a rod and staff comfort us?

Shepherds in ancient times carried a rod and staff while tending their flocks. Keller explains the functions of a rod and staff and how they apply in the life of a believer. "The rod speaks of the spoken Word, the expressed intent, the extended activity of God's mind and will in dealing with men. Just as for the sheep of David's day, there was comfort and consolation in seeing the rod in the shepherd's skillful hands, so in our day, there is great assurance in our hearts as we contemplate the power, integrity, and authority vested in God's Word."

How about the staff? The staff is a symbol of the concern the compassion that a shepherd has for his flock. No other single word can better describe its function on behalf of the flock than that is for their comfort. Just as the rod of God is symbolic of the Word of God, the staff of God is symbolic of the Spirit of God. In Christ's dealings with us, there is the essence of comfort, consolation, and gentle correction brought about by the work of His gracious Spirit."[2]

 

III. God is the source of all comfort.

When people are discouraged, they often turn to excessive food, alcohol, or drugs for comfort. They may offer some solace momentarily, but in the long run, they damage us physically and ruin relationships. So, where do we go for comfort? Paul has some advice for us.

Vs. 3. "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort." As Paul and other disciples turned to God for comfort, let's also turn to God, who can comfort us in our troubles. Jesus predicted we would have many problems.

John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world." What did Jesus leave behind for us to endure our troubles? He left His Holy Spirit and His Church

John 14:16 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you." The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. He comes alongside us when we are hurting. Not only the Holy Spirit but Jesus left His Church in this world to comfort us in our times of trouble. Hebrews 3:13, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." We are to encourage each other daily.

That is why it is so important you are committed to a Church and attend regularly. We can encourage one another when we gather on Sunday for worship, the Word, and fellowship. One of the things that helped Paul during his trouble was the prayers of many Corinthian believers. That is why we pray for one another and our missionaries' safety.

 

We not only pray and offer words of comfort and consolation but also practically show our care and concern. We share our resources with struggling people and offer physical and materially physical assistance. When someone is hurting emotionally, they need not another lecture or rebuke but a big hug and assurance from us to know that we are there for them.

The Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, comes alongside us to heal our broken hearts. None of us gets excited about facing troubles, but as we see from the life of Paul, there is a sort of divine paradox at play in the midst of troubles. We get to know the Lord, experience his comfort in a way we may not otherwise, and become agents of comfort for others. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

---

[1] https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/life-is-hard-quotes

[2] Phillip Keller, “The Shepherd Trilogy, 84-85