Wrong Priorities 2 Corinthians 1-7:1
Pride in my own spiritual standing can be lethal. A “No 1 Christian” is an anagram for “1 Corinthians”. The church in Corinth was in trouble because of pride in its leaders and members.
Background
The Christians at Corinth had started to drift. This was why Paul wrote his two epistles to the church. 1 Corinthians was written before Pentecost (our Easter) in AD 55. 2 Corinthians was written later in the same year and consequently their messages overlap. There were probably two other letters to this church that have not been preserved for us. Paul had lived in Corinth for eighteen months and during this time the church there was established. It is significant that1 Corinthians, a more critical letter, was addressed only to the church in Corinth whereas 2 Corinthians is a more open letter and is addressed to all the Christians in Achaia, which today is southern Greece.
The problem in the Corinthian church was that false teachers had infiltrated the leadership that were undermining apostolic teaching and were even deriding Paul. In his first letter he emphasises that the church must remain true to the teaching of the Lord Jesus which had been given through the apostles who were “entrusted with the secret things of God” (1 Cor 4:1). This apostolic doctrine had been written down in the gospels and the letters to the various churches and so Paul insisted that they remain true to apostolic teaching and “do not go beyond what is written” (1 Cor 4:6). To be an apostolic church means to remain true to what is written in the Word of God as demonstrated in the lives of Jesus and his apostles. Paul can even dare to say,
“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son, whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord.” (1 Cor 4:16)
The inference is clear – some of those who were leading the church were not ‘faithful in the Lord’.
He then deals with specific issues where the church was drifting. Holiness was not a major priority. They had to make a stand against any who were sexually immoral (chaps 5 and 6). There shouldn’t be law-suits between Christians (chap 6), marriage should be held in very high regard (chap 7) and church services should be properly conducted (chap 11-12) with both worldly and mystical elements kept in check.
The English scholar C.S.Lewis wrote,
“The devil welcomes both the materialist and the magician with equal delight”
The apostles would firmly agree with him. Today there are many churches where people are seeking new experiences and more and better things to believe in, when our great need is to believe and act on what we already know.
In the middle of this first letter Paul reminds his hearers of his apostolic credentials, the most important of which was to be utterly gospel centred. He did not even insist on a teachers pay and rights but,
“On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” 1 Cor 9:13
He was passionate about the gospel, nothing mattered so much.
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” 1 Cor 9:16
He would do anything he could to enable others to hear and understand the gospel because the implications for them were so great.
“I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share its blessings” 1 Cor 9:22-23
He then continues, inferring that all Christians should have this same urgency.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24
Paul keeps returning to this vital theme of evangelism – people’s eternal salvation is at stake.
“I am not seeking my own good but the good of many so that many may be saved” 1 Cor 10:33
2 Corinthians
This is an open letter to all the saints in the province of Achaia. It is essentially a plea for all Christians to become involved in gospel ministry with a critique at the end of some of their church practices.
He begins this letter by emphasising the great comfort that the gospel brings to people The word ‘comfort’ comes nine times in the opening section (2 Cor 1:3-7). This is the effect that the news about Jesus should give to people when they trust Jesus, whatever their troubles, sufferings and hardships. Yet eternal salvation is the main theme of his book. The troubles Paul and his colleagues went through were to give life to others. In the middle of this opening section comes the reminder,
“If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation” 2 Cor 1:6
Paul reminds his readers that we all have a supernatural God – if He is able to raise the dead, then He can protect gospel workers too (2 Cor 1:9-10). Therefore it is worth taking risks, even to the extent of facing ‘deadly peril’ so that many people can thank the evangelists for sharing with them the gospel news.
The Lives of Paul and Timothy act as examples. 2 Cor 1:12 – 14
Paul and Timothy pass the test of having their lives closely scrutinised. How few of our political and even religious leaders today could make this claim? These two are genuinely holy, set apart, and sincere, they are not putting on an act. Their behaviour was not ‘worldly’, they didn’t live in the equivalent of our luxurious houses, drive luxury limousines, and seek multiple degrees for the sake of worldly recognition, but they were sincere gospel workers focusing on what the Lord wanted and not on themselves.
An Ethiopian doctor gave up his well paid job to lead his church and become its senior pastor. For many years he tirelessly fulfilled this role. When he was asked by his church to buy an expensive new car to replace his old ‘banger’, he refused. He did not think such worldly thinking was in accord with that of Jesus or his apostles.
Pride can also influence the way leaders teach. Worldly wisdom, given with great erudition, will draw many of the ‘worldly wise’ to us. There was once a famous preacher who gave a scholarly sermon in Oxford. Afterwards one of the local ladies who had been present was asked,
“Did you enjoy the sermon?”
“Oh yes, sir,” came the reply.
“Did you understand what he was teaching?”
After some hesitation the lady exclaimed,
“God forbid that I should understand such a great man as he!”
Paul would have none of that. He was teaching God’s message so it was vital that people understand this clearly before the Lord returns in final judgement.
“For we do not write to you anything you cannot read or understand. . . just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 2 Cor 1:13-14
Such inspiring, godly leadership is vital in our churches. Most Christians today can look back to godly men and women who have inspired them in early years and this is needed again today. What God wants from all of us is that we ‘stand firm’ in the Lord Jesus (2 Cor 1:21). This is only way to experience genuine Christian ‘joy’ (2 Cor 1:24). The concern of Paul, the apostle, is the same as that of the Lord himself, both taught that holiness is vital and that this is submission and obedience to the word of God.
“The reason I wrote to you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.” 2 Cor 2:9
Why is this obedience so important? It is because the enemy, Satan, is determined to cause us to fail. He is always scheming and trying to ‘outwit us’ (2 Cor 2:11)
One interesting feature of this book is the way Paul changes the use of the word ‘we’. In the early part of the book ‘we’ clearly refers to Paul and Timothy, the authors of the book. However by chapter 3 the ‘we’ can now refer to all Christians. The inference is clear, all Christians are meant to be gospel workers and this becomes the emphasis in the next few chapters.
The Apostles priorities 2 Corinthians 2:12 -7:1
Paul now clarifies what his life is focused on, with the clear intention that his readers should copy him. He goes through his priorities. There are no prizes for how he begins.
Preach the Gospel
Wherever Paul went he wanted people to understand the gospel. This was the priority of his life.
“When I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ . . .” 2 Col 2:12
He had hoped he would find Titus there. Titus had been left in Corinth both to teach and coordinate the collection of funds for the poverty stricken Christians in Jerusalem. Because Paul wanted to hear how the church at Corinth was faring and to meet up with Titus he moved on to Macedonia, clearly thinking that Titus would take the reverse overland route from Corinth.
There are many open doors for evangelism but leaders have other responsibilities too, such as caring for young Christians. ‘Peace of mind’ (2:13) is a great test - it was because this was lacking in him that he moved on to Macedonia
Now follows one of the great Pauline passages concerning the thrill of winning others for Christ.
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” 2 Cor 2:14-15
What a God-given privilege they consider their role to be. Modern aroma-therapists have nothing on this. Christ is so attractive to those who understand him. Unfortunately the gospel is repugnant to those whose destiny is godless.
“To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” 2 Cor 2:16
The playwright, Oscar Wilde, attended the fist performance of his play, ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’. Afterwards many people queued up in the foyer to congratulate the writer. However one person in the queue was not a fan of Oscar Wilde. When his turn came to shake hands with the famous writer he produced, with a scowl on his face, a rotten cabbage and thrust it into the author’s hands. The aroma was awful. Oscar Wilde was quick enough in his reply,
“Thank you so much for this. Every time I look at this I shall think of you.”
How many Christians give a repugnant aroma off to those around that hinders the vital work of sharing the message of the gospel? What a daunting task! We Christians are right I the middle of the action. Who is equal to it!! (2 Cor 2:16)
2. Not for profit
One of the criticisms the Corinthian leadership had against Paul was that he didn’t charge for his teaching services with the inference that he wasn’t worth much! Paul replies that God is his judge and that they were specifically commissioned by God himself.
“Unlike so many we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.” 2 Cor 2:17
The main effect of gospel teaching is clearly changed lives. Paul uses this argument as the proof that his teaching has God’s authority. People do not need letters of recommendation or approval if the result of their ministry is so obviously of God. (2 Cor 3:3-6)
Charles Bradlaugh was a Victorian atheist who opposed Christianity. One day he challenged a Christian minister, Hugh Price Hughes, to a public debate comparing the claims of Christianity with those of atheism. The minister agreed to the challenge on one condition – that Mr Bradlaugh bring with him one hundred people whose lives had been changed for the better by their commitment to atheism. If he did so, Mr Hughes would also bring along a hundred whose lives had been changed through knowing Jesus. When Mr Bradlaugh could not fulfil this requirement Mr. Price Thomas offered to drop the number to first fifty, then twenty, then ten and finally one! Understandably Mr Bradlaugh had to withdraw his invitation. He could not produce one man or woman in whom his beliefs had brought about a real change for the better. Atheism has no moral power to change lives whereas Jesus is constantly doing this.
It is important to understand 2 Corinthians 3:6. It is possible to teach theology as an academic system of ethics and church rules and yet overlook that essentially the word of God is a life-changing message about Jesus.
Paul illustrates how religion can be deadly by discussing the Mosaic Law. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 is all about this Law. He states that these regulations from God were given with a great display of glory, but on their own they only lead to death as nobody can keep to those standards. He contrasts the old religions of regulations with his ministry which offers forgiveness and power to live a new godly life.
“How much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness.” 2 Cor 3:9)
The work of the Spirit of God is primarily to change us into becoming more like Jesus. This change is the real evidence that the apostolic truth has been passed on properly. Paul illustrates this from the life of Moses, who wore a veil over his shining face after his encounter with God so people could not see him. Paul says that when people turn to Christ the veil that obscures the true meaning of the Scriptures and hides the work of God’s Spirit in us from others is taken away. We Christians have nothing to hide, we want others to see the effect that God is having in us and that we shine for our Lord. The veil has been removed.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor 3:18
It is significant that the glory of Moses showing in his face, gradually faded and soon the veil was no longer necessary. In contrast the glory of Christ’s Spirit seen in Christians increases with time.
Even today there are those who study the Bible who cannot see the glory of the gospel, but when they turn to Christ, the veil is removed, leading to a personal joy and a newfound freedom and longing to share the gospel. So we reflect the Lord’s glory and become more like Him both in our speech and in our lives.
3. They were very bold
This understanding should make God’s people very bold - not just quite bold. Paul and Timothy wrote,
“Therefore since we have such a hope we are very bold.” 2 Cor 3:12
There is nothing like seeing the effect of God at work, as his message is taught. It inspires gospel workers. Paul and his group experienced this effect,
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” 2 Cor 4:1
4. They openly taught the Word of God
So the apostles, and all Christians ever since, openly proclaim the Word of God. There is nothing to be ashamed of – it is God’s message for all people. For us, the apostolic message is passed on to us in the Bible. Paul now reminds us all of a very important fact that we have an enemy who is determined to undermine our work. He is Satan, ‘the god of this age’. He may well reveal himself in the contemporary worldliness that seems so attractive. Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they cannot see either the truth or the relevance of the gospel. They cannot understand why they need Jesus. They cannot see that Christ is the image of God. It is important to stress that the apostle’s message is about Christ, it was not and still is not primarily about my happiness, my prosperity or even about what God can do for me.
Hyde Park Corner in London is a place where anyone can stand up and say whatever they like to passers by. One day an atheist was standing on a soap box and he shouted out,
“They tell me that there is a God out there – but I cannot see him.
They tell me that there is a judgement to come – but I cannot see it.
They tell me there is a heaven and hell – but I cannot see them.”
He then stood down. Immediately an old man hesitatingly walked forwards and called out,
“They tell me that there are tall trees around us – but I cannot see them.
They tell me that there is green grass around – but I cannot see it. It is because I am blind”
This just what Paul is saying here,
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the glory of Christ who is the image of God.” 2 Cor 4:4
I was relaxing in the hot water swimming pool at Wondo Genet in southern Ethiopia. A local student came up and asked what I was doing in Ethiopia. When I explained that I had come to teach the Christian gospel and show how science strongly supported its claims he began arguing and kept arguing. Anything I said he would try to rubbish often with very tenuous reasoning. He did not seem able to grasp anything. At this stage I realised what his trouble was. He refused to see what the one true God can see in him. No-one in such a state becomes a Christian through studying the evidence even though it is so strong. So I explained to him,
“Until you see your sin, and see yourself as God sees you the good news of Jesus will be of no benefit to you.”
We then parted on good terms. He was blind but couldn’t see it.
The great danger we face in our churches today is that when we see that people are blinded to God’s message, we subtly change the message in order to make it more palatable. Please don’t misunderstand me. Of course our presentation must be contemporary. We have a relevant gospel and so people must see its relevance to their lives. Some churches blatantly try to manipulate people by using emotionalism. The rhythmic music gets louder. Some claim that their leaders are performing miracles every day on the stage. In some churches people become very excitable, and, as at a football match it is easy to get carried along by the atmosphere. Paul however is very clear what God thinks about using such techniques. Even though he also found Christian ministry hard and was tempted to behave dubiously he could say,
“Therefore since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyman’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Cor 4:1-2
What a refreshingly honest approach to evangelism. Just tell the truth about what Jesus taught and what he did as clearly as possible. Then rely on God to convict some of the listeners. Conversion to Christ is God’s work. What a relief this teaching is. Paul continues,
“Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” 2 Cor 4:3
The one aim of the apostle’s teaching was to help people see who Christ is and what he has done.
“We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Cor 4:5
“For God . . . made his light shine in our hearts to give us he light of the gospel of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Cor 4:6
Surely this must still be our ambition too. Ultimately it will not be presentation techniques that draw people to give their lives to Christ but the living example of Godly men and women living near them.
5. They were so weak
Some pastors of seemingly successful churches seem to be such strong personalities. They are ‘success driven’. So often their manner, dress and their homes all demonstrate ‘I’m head of a successful church’. Surely all this will impress people!
In contrast Paul and Timothy saw themselves as ‘jars of clay’. Drop them and they will smash. They are not that strong. But this all means that any glory for the growth of the church is only due to God himself.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Cor 4:7
God was protecting both them and their mission because both belonged to him. So whatever happened to their ‘jars of clay’, external pressures, bewilderment, persecution, or even being struck down by illness or imprisonment, God was still in control. What a wonderful understanding this is. If they are treated as Jesus was, then the message about Jesus will come across even clearer.
“For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our moral body.” 2 Cor 4:11
6. They keep on teaching the gospel regardless of the problems
Nothing can stop them telling others the message of Christ. Only death could do that and that is in God’s hands anyway! What a lesson we need to learn in our generation. We must speak out if we are followers of the Lord Jesus. The last thing God wants is what a Canadian preacher once called “St. Lawrence Christians”. The St Lawrence River in Canada is often frozen at the mouth! So Paul continues,
“It is written, ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.” “ 2 Cor 4:13
It is through this attitude that the gospel must be proclaimed by us all as widely as possible that so many people were receiving Christ and the salvation that he brings. Some in Corinth undoubtedly criticised this outspokenness of Paul that caused him and others so much suffering and would have accused him of a ‘lack of sensitivity’. To such attacks Paul replied,
“All this is of for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” 2 Cor 4:15
Paul gives three reasons why this approach is right.
That at the resurrection they will be in the presence of the Lord Jesus himself. He does not want to be ashamed at that time.
God’s churches benefit both by their example and increased numbers.
They will receive a reward in heaven for living a Christ-centred life even if this was at times difficult.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”. 2 Cor 4:17
Jim Elliott was a young American missionary who, with some friends, longed to win for Christ the Aucas, a fearsome tribe in South America. The young missionaries were killed by the very tribesmen they wanted to reach. He knew there were risks but, before he left, he wrote in his diary,
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
The lesson for us today is clear. Don’t look at the problems, look again at the example the Lord Jesus and his apostles gave us. Perhaps some of us need spiritual blinkers, just as those horses do if they keep focusing on objects that distract them from their purpose.
Heaven is a wonderful comfort for faithful Christians and it was for Paul. The first eight verses of the next chapter are all about this confidence Paul and Timothy had. Heaven was their real home and because the Lord had given them a taster of this, through their experience of the Holy Spirit, they could press on confidently.
Paul now gives us his philosophy of life,
“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor 5:7
God’s expectations and longings are now what drives him. They are not looking around at all the problems but are confident that to live according to the Word of God is the wisest way to live.
“So we make it our goal to please him. . . .”
What better philosophy could there be?
7. Evangelism is their ambition
Paul now gives three strong reasons why evangelism must be at the heart of a Christian’s life.
Judgement
Paul’s view of heaven includes the reality of judgement for us all. It would appear that the use of ‘we’ has changed to include us all. He writes,
“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Cor 5:10
It is partly this concern that drove them on to share the gospel as effectively as they could. This internal motivation was clear to everyone except those who only looked at the external image. The latter people would consider these missionary focused Christians to be a little mad. Even this did not worry them.
“If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God. . .” 2 Cor 5:13
2. Christ’s Love
If the Lord Jesus Christ entered this world to die for all people, how can we continue to live just for ourselves in this life? This is a very powerful argument for all Christians.
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should not longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Cor 5:14-15
This outlook should completely change our thinking. We have been bought with a price and so we are not our own. Our purpose as Christians is not to live selfishly for the ‘now’ but for the ‘then’. Jesus came so that all people could have the opportunity of becoming members of his kingdom and he has delegated that task of recruitment to us. To be a true Christian, to be in God’s kingdom, is the only thing that matters from an eternal perspective. So Paul can say,
“So from now on we regard no-one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Cor 5:16-17
This thinking comes from God, Paul proclaims. It was God who has put us right with himself through the work of the Lord Jesus. It is only through Christ’s death as our substitute on that cross that we can have any hope at all of standing before a holy, almighty God.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” 2 Cor 5:18
In the light of such love how can we Christians not long to play our part to share such love with everyone we can?
3. God’s Commission
The third reason Paul gives for making evangelism his priority is the commission God has given us. It is one of the remarkable facts of history that God has delegated the task of sharing the gospel to his disciples. Except for the brief ministry of Jesus, this has always been so.
Joshua was also reassured that in the daunting task that faced him, for which he had been commissioned, the Lord would be with him. The Lord said,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, or the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The Lord had said ‘Go’ and the next line responds, ‘So . . .”
Gideon felt hopelessly inadequate for the task God had called him to do, particularly when he reduced the number of his troops from 32,000 down to 300! The Lord wanted Gideon to learn the same lesson that he wants us to learn. It is not our ability or power that will achieve God’s will, but his own power. Gideon had to learn the lesson, that when the Lord repeatedly said, “I will be with you,” he really meant it. When the Lord said to Gideon, “Go in the strength you have,” he was referring to his own presence. Gideon was commissioned.
Isaiah was also commissioned by the Lord,
“Go and tell this people . . .” Isaiah 6:9
Jeremiah was also commissioned,
“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Israel . . .” Jeremiah 2:2
In the same manner Jesus commissioned the eleven,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . .” Matthew 28:18-19
Some have suggested that this commission was limited to the eleven, but the rest of the sentence makes it clear that subsequent generations are to fulfil this same commission.
“ . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
To remove any doubt, this commission is repeated at the beginning of the book of Acts,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
To emphasise the point further, when the Holy Spirit did come down at Pentecost, he descended on every member of the early church. He came down in the form of ‘tongues of fire’ with the obvious meaning that their tongues were to be on fire when they acted as witnesses to the gospel. The rest of the book of Acts tells how the early church was enabled to fulfil the Lord’s commission.
The book of Acts ends as it began,
“Boldly and without hindrance he (Paul) preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:31
Paul himself did have a personal commission from the Lord. Soon after his conversion on the road to Damascus he was visited by Ananias who laid his hands on Saul and as a result he received his sight back. The Lord had said to Ananias,
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and before their kings and before the people of Israel.” Acts 9:15
What about Timothy, the co-author of 2 Corinthians? We know of no special commission from the Lord yet he is also included when they write,
“All this is from God who gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Cor 5:18
There can be little doubt that Timothy’s commission was the same as ours. We do know that Paul did lay hands on Timothy to bestow a spiritual gift on him and which Paul felt needed fanning into flame. Exactly what this was we are not told but the reference to fire might suggest it was some form of confirmation when the gift of the Holy Spirit was formally passed on to confessing Christians. The next sentence suggests this ceremony was not something unique to Timothy. This reads,
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . .” 2 Timothy 1:7-8
Surely the message of reconciliation is given to the whole church. We have all been commissioned. The ‘we’ of this section must be all of us.
“And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Cor 5:19-20
All Christians are ‘God’s fellow-workers’ (2 Cor 6:1) We can all pass on the message of the gospel and we are all commissioned to do so. It is very simple and clear and Paul finishes this section with a reminder,
“We implore you, on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As Christ’s fellow-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 Cor 5:21-6:1
In 1571 an English bishop wrote,
“If any one be a dumb Christian, not professing his faith openly, but cloaking and colouring himself for fear of danger to come, he giveth man an occasion justly and with good conscience, to doubt lest he have not the grace of the Holy Spirit within him, because he is tongue tied and doth not speak.”
We must all therefore also be careful that we do not presume on the grace of God. The proof that we have his Spirit will be apparent in the way we live our lives with God’s priorities and not our own. Evangelism is no substitute for holiness, but it is an essential part of it.
BVP
This article is now included in my book “The Duty of a Disciple” (Christian Focus) and is also to be found on my website www.bvpalmer.com
