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Created page with "{{DOD-December}} The Christian might be asked the question, "After death, then what?" Paul has given us his reasons for the joy in his sufferings, and has just said t..."
{{DOD-December}}
The Christian might be asked the question, "After [[death]], then what?" [[Paul]] has given us his reasons for the joy in his sufferings, and has just said that the greater the suffering in this present world, the greater will be the glory in eternity. What is the teaching here? [[Paul]] is still discussing his ministry and answering the accusations of his enemies. He says that he works because of his [[love]] for the [[Lord]], not because of fleshly desires. We notice four motives that controlled [[Paul]]. The first was his confidence in [[heaven]]. In chapter 4 [[Paul]] tells us his determination to serve Christ, in spite of the suffering and even [[death]]. He had lived by [[faith]], not by sight, and his [[faith]] was not blind trust; it was a certain confidence in the [[Word]] of [[God]]. What a blessed challenge to [[Christians]] today to live by [[faith]] and not by sight. When we are willing to give ourselves fully to Christ, and trust Him for our future, we can then know the joy of real Christian living.
The second motive that controlled [[Paul]] was his concern to please Christ. This should be the concern of every Christian today. Not to please the world or self, but to please [[God]] in everything we do. In chapter 5:14- 17 we see that [[Paul]] was constrained by [[love]] to go to every extreme to win men to Christ.
The third controlling power in [[Paul]]'s life was his [[love]] for Christ. When we are motivated by the same [[love]], then we want to share with others what He has done for us. The truth of verse 17 has been shown in the lives of [[Christians]] down through the ages. If any man is in Christ he is truly a new creature; old things are passed away, and behold, all things are become new.
The final motive that controlled [[Paul]] was his commission from [[God]]. [[God]] had called [[Paul]] to preach the Gospel, and [[Paul]] was motivated because of that call.
In chapter 5:10 we are again confronted with the fact that "We must all appear before the [[judgment]] seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." This verse should sober us into the realization that Christ is keeping a record of what is happening in our lives. Whether good or bad, the record is true and clear. The just [[God]] is keeping the books!
In chapter 6:11-13 [[Paul]] is appealing to the [[Christians]] at Corinth to be separate from the world. The church at Corinth had generally been negligent from walking uprightly before [[God]]. [[Paul]] gives specific instructions to them in these verses to be set apart for the work of the [[Lord]]. In verse 14 he tells us to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. This refers to a business relationship, as well as a marriage relationship. It is impossible for a saved and an unsaved man to join in a successful business venture. Why? Because their interests are different. Generally, the saved man is controlled by the unsaved man, and the testimony of the Christian begins to slip. In verse 17 [[Paul]] tells all [[Christians]] to come out from among them and be separate. Separation, in Scripture, is two-fold. We are to come out from the things that are contrary to [[God]], and come to [[God]] Himself. We are to be separated from the world for testimony's sake. Too many people today are dealing and dabbling in the things of the world--thus hurting their testimony. When it is impossible for the world to tell the difference between [[Christians]] and non-[[Christians]] because of their associations, then it is time for the [[Christians]] to break those unrighteous associations! [[God]] has a great promise in verse 18 for those who will be separate. He says He will be a Father unto us, and we shall be His sons and daughters. There is nothing more blessed than the right relationship between father and son. Here [[God]] promises a wonderful relationship with Him, if we will but keep ourselves from the things of the world.
The Christian might be asked the question, "After [[death]], then what?" [[Paul]] has given us his reasons for the joy in his sufferings, and has just said that the greater the suffering in this present world, the greater will be the glory in eternity. What is the teaching here? [[Paul]] is still discussing his ministry and answering the accusations of his enemies. He says that he works because of his [[love]] for the [[Lord]], not because of fleshly desires. We notice four motives that controlled [[Paul]]. The first was his confidence in [[heaven]]. In chapter 4 [[Paul]] tells us his determination to serve Christ, in spite of the suffering and even [[death]]. He had lived by [[faith]], not by sight, and his [[faith]] was not blind trust; it was a certain confidence in the [[Word]] of [[God]]. What a blessed challenge to [[Christians]] today to live by [[faith]] and not by sight. When we are willing to give ourselves fully to Christ, and trust Him for our future, we can then know the joy of real Christian living.
The second motive that controlled [[Paul]] was his concern to please Christ. This should be the concern of every Christian today. Not to please the world or self, but to please [[God]] in everything we do. In chapter 5:14- 17 we see that [[Paul]] was constrained by [[love]] to go to every extreme to win men to Christ.
The third controlling power in [[Paul]]'s life was his [[love]] for Christ. When we are motivated by the same [[love]], then we want to share with others what He has done for us. The truth of verse 17 has been shown in the lives of [[Christians]] down through the ages. If any man is in Christ he is truly a new creature; old things are passed away, and behold, all things are become new.
The final motive that controlled [[Paul]] was his commission from [[God]]. [[God]] had called [[Paul]] to preach the Gospel, and [[Paul]] was motivated because of that call.
In chapter 5:10 we are again confronted with the fact that "We must all appear before the [[judgment]] seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." This verse should sober us into the realization that Christ is keeping a record of what is happening in our lives. Whether good or bad, the record is true and clear. The just [[God]] is keeping the books!
In chapter 6:11-13 [[Paul]] is appealing to the [[Christians]] at Corinth to be separate from the world. The church at Corinth had generally been negligent from walking uprightly before [[God]]. [[Paul]] gives specific instructions to them in these verses to be set apart for the work of the [[Lord]]. In verse 14 he tells us to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. This refers to a business relationship, as well as a marriage relationship. It is impossible for a saved and an unsaved man to join in a successful business venture. Why? Because their interests are different. Generally, the saved man is controlled by the unsaved man, and the testimony of the Christian begins to slip. In verse 17 [[Paul]] tells all [[Christians]] to come out from among them and be separate. Separation, in Scripture, is two-fold. We are to come out from the things that are contrary to [[God]], and come to [[God]] Himself. We are to be separated from the world for testimony's sake. Too many people today are dealing and dabbling in the things of the world--thus hurting their testimony. When it is impossible for the world to tell the difference between [[Christians]] and non-[[Christians]] because of their associations, then it is time for the [[Christians]] to break those unrighteous associations! [[God]] has a great promise in verse 18 for those who will be separate. He says He will be a Father unto us, and we shall be His sons and daughters. There is nothing more blessed than the right relationship between father and son. Here [[God]] promises a wonderful relationship with Him, if we will but keep ourselves from the things of the world.
