OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS -- Tomorrow:
"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Cor 10:1-6)
Devotion 4 of 44
PAUL HIMSELF
"Now I Paul myself . . . "
Other versions read, "this is Paul now, personally speaking" (NJB), and "I . . . in person" (WILLIAMS). The Corinthians had previously responded to Paul as though he was NOT a person, but was only a literary character. They did not take some of his teaching seriously, even going so far as to deny the resurrection of the dead, one of his core teachings (1 Cor 15:12). They had addressed him as though finding fault with him would yield no consequences, and that they were at liberty to question his motives as well as his teaching. They "examined" him as though he was nothing more than one like unto themselves (1 Cor 9:3). Those who imagine that we are all alike, and that everyone in Christ is nothing more than our equals are on great error, as this text will confirm.
However, Paul was truthfully an "ambassador of Christ" (2 Cor 5:20; Eph 6:20), being sent by Him with a marvelous message and unparalleled insight. How serious was it that this man be received? Jesus speaks directly to this matter. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send RECEIVETH ME; and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me" (John 13:20). Again He said to His apostles, "He that receiveth you RECEIVETH ME, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me" (Mat 10:40). Again He said, "He that heareth you HEARETH ME; and he that despiseth you DESPISETH ME; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me" (Luke 10:16).
How important is it that those sent forth by Christ are received? What of the Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers that the Lord has placed in His church? Are men really free to ignore them, reject them, or even provoke them and do harm to them? If ever a person sent forth by the Lord must shake the dust from his feet and move on because of rejection, is it all just incidental? Jesus speaks to this matter, so there is no need for any ignorance on the subject. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city" (Mat 10:14-15). Both Mark and Luke declare that Jesus said the shaking of the dust from their feet as a "testimony AGAINST THEM" who had rejected them, and, consequently HIM (Mk 6:11; Lk 9:5).
On one occasion, when Paul and Barnabas were preaching the Gospel, the people contradicted and blasphemed them (Acts 13:45). The reaction of the people was taken quite seriously by Christ's messengers. It is written of their response, "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye PUT IT FROM YOU, and JUDGE YOURSELVES UNWORTHY OF EVERLASTING LIFE, lo, we turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46). A short while later it is written, "But they shook off the dust of their feet AGAINST THEM, and came unto Iconium" (Acts 13:51). Was the matter forgotten at that point? Indeed not! Things were only placed in abeyance until the coming day of judgment when the saints will judge the world (1 Cor 6:1-3). Then it will be set straight, and of that you may be sure.
Suffice it to say, if it can be established that a man or women is really delivering the Word of the Lord, it at once becomes quite critical what those who hear them think of them.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me wisdom and love to recognize those whom You send to me, and to embraced their message with thanksgiving.