How To Live In An Ungodly World

Living In An Ungodly World

Book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 6

It is for certain that the Bible teaches separation as we learn very well in this same chapter:

2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 

If we understand this as isolation then we have not understood what God has said.

We are not to loiterers in this world, because we are to be laborers in this world.

The Bible says we are to be as husbandmen, builders, soldiers, fishermen, ambassadors!

The ministry of the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ is not always easy work!

God started with One, His Son Christ Jesus but now we as believers are all in this thing together with Him!

We are never to live separate to the people of this world, but are certainly to live separate from the sin of this world!

*****2Co 6:1  We then, "as workers together with him", beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

The message of the "Gospel" can be unbelievable to those who are blinded by Satan's lies but this message sent from Heaven is a glorious message and the only message that can save a lost sinner or an unbeliever!

Our Pastor, along with every "Born Again" child of God are not only to be "Ambassadors" for Christ but we are to be "workers together with him"!

What are we to understand by the "Grace of God"?

1) The "Gospel" is free in every sense of the word free, but it was not free to God for, God paid a high price to offer this freedom to us all.

Remember Grace is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense"!

2) The "Gospel Truth", is an offer of freedom, "free, full, and everlasting salvation", to whosoever believes in the saving work of Christ Jesus.

The "Gospel" is received in vain if you accept it only as "doctrine".

The "Gospel" is received in vain if you accept it only as a "system of duty".

The "Gospel" is received in vain if you accept it in " theory only".

The "Gospel" is received in vain if you make it "inconsistent" with "God's intent for a personal relationship.

When the "Gospel" has been accepted in vain then the Lord Jesus Christ died in vain and salvation is meaningless and non-existing!

Col 2:8  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 

Col 2:9  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 

When the "Gospel" is not honored, then Christ Jesus is made to have died in vain!

Gal 2:21  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

If righteousness could come from anything in this world then Jesus Christ died in vain and the "Gospel" is of no importance and "God's Grace" does not exist!

Remember "Grace" is the "undeserved favor of God"!

The truth is, the reality of this world is, than the life of anyone of us could be snatched away at any moment, so the "Gospel" is more important today and at this very moment, for the past is gone!

*****2Co 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 

At the day of our death and we have not accepted the "Gospel" message, then the Lord Jesus Christ died in vain for that person!

The truth is, everyone one of us have until this day of our natural death, in our future or in the very next moment, for we cannot know when death will come.

We must enter into the New Covenant with the Lord before our time expires!

Eze 16:8  Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, "and thou becamest mine".

If we cannot or if we refuse to do so, then we certainly cannot blame the "Gospel" of God, for everlasting "death" that is the reality of not responding to the "Gospel"!

ALL, ministers of the "Gospel" must remain consistent with the "Gospel" and the intent of the "Grace" of God!

*****2Co 6:3  Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 

2Co 6:4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 

2Co 6:5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 

It can never be our duty to compromise on the "Gospel" message so that it does not offend some because the "Gospel" will always be offensive to an unbeliever!

By it's nature, the "Gospel" message will certainly offend some of those who hear it and the truth is, it is rare for God's message to be accepted the very first time it is heard.

It is a fact that in today's world there is a great attempt to silence the true Pastor because of this message from God!

BUT, no Pastor is to allow his lifestyle or inconsistency in his message to be the source of that offense!

The Pastor must avoid any and all appearance of evil!

I personally do not know how a Pastor selects the substance of his sermons but I hope they all always follow the lead of the Holy Spirit who wrote all the Scriptures and I believe that most do.

It would pay every Pastor to choose wisely the words he uses and show good judgment in his presentation!

The same goes for any teacher and also for every child of God!

In fact, the subjects of the message of each Pastor should be suited to the "spiritual welfare" of the flock he has at that time!

For instance, a Pastor needs to be on fire and preach the Hell is hot, but we must all consider that those that are lost already know how to get to Hell, "they need to know how to get to Heaven"!

Each Pastor must never offer reasons or place stumbling blocks in front of those who are seeking this truth!

The Apostle Paul said he was a failure "if he caused a poor reflection on his ministry".

A Pastor is never to show respect of persons, as this is also a reflection on the ministry of God!

We already know that a Pastor must insist that any Church discipline adhere "exactly" to the Word of God, "no ifs, no ands and no buts"!

A Pastor must always realize that he is a minister of God's message and God's ministry is of His Son Christ Jesus!

God does not send Pastors or preachers out with their own message, God sends them out with His message!

If a Pastor cannot get under the spout where the "Glory of God" runs out then he is not one of God's called men!

The message of God is serious but it must not ever be boring.

The message of God must be holy and remain morally sound.

The message of God must be instructive!

The work of the Lord can be very laborious but it is never to be considered a job but it will sometimes require a great amount of endurance.

If a Pastor cannot endure with much patience, he will never be able to be consistent!

The world we live in will always be consistent in corruption and sin, even increasing to distract those in it from the message of God.

The Pastor will have to over come all these things and remain faithful to the Word of God!

Paul mentions afflictions, we can be sure they were physical and mental. No doubt the work of a Pastor can be overwhelming at times.

That word "necessities" really means the "necessities of life" which includes so many things beyond food and shelter and clothes, to personal needs and much more.

That word "distresses" is plural and means extreme pain, anguish in body and mind, but can even include loss of near and dear friends.

Paul endured scourging at least 8 times but he also endured, beatings, lashings, whippings and many other things, just because he preached Christ Jesus.

Paul was imprisoned more than once because he preached Christ Jesus.

Paul labored in prison but Paul also labored with his own hands in attempting to meet his personal needs but most of all Paul labored in pain while he continued to suffer for Jesus' name sake.

Many others have suffered in the ministry of Christ but no one any more than the Apostle Paul!

"Watchings" would include many sleepless nights.

"Fastings" would be deliberate but sometimes Paul would miss a meal just to preach if the opportunity presented itself.

What does the Bible teach us?

Ecc 9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. 

Not only did Paul remain consistent through all these things but during that same period of time Paul was consistent in ever learning the Word of God!

*****2Co 6:6  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 

2Co 6:7  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 

Paul was consistent in his own spiritual growth!

Paul lived his life in purity, free from the filth and pollution of this evil world.

Paul continued in his study and understanding of the Word of God.

Paul was most patient with those he preached to, in bringing them to the truth even when they so easily rebelled.

Paul was kind and good and gentle, even when he was abused and unappreciated.

Paul clearly understood that his strength came by the Holy Ghost and not of any man.

The proof of every Pastor, is the knowledge that God works in him but also through him!

Paul walked in the power of the Spirit of God or Paul would have simply fallen by the wayside!

Paul understood the love of God who sent His own Son to pay the sin debt of all mankind and Paul showed that same love as best he could to all that crossed his path.

The proof of a Pastor is his love for "all" God's people!

Paul clearly understood that the "Word of God" was also the "Words of Truth" that this world was in such great need of because this world contains very little truth because of the desires of ruthless men.

The proof of every Pastor is that he will preach the truth of God and not the thinking, the philosophies, nor the ideas of man!

So many today preach an every changing message to adapt to this world and God said never to allow this to happen.

Every Pastor must endure and be consistent in the truth of God's Word.

Paul clearly understand that only God has the power to save.

Only God has the power to make "new creatures".

Only God has the power to give eternal life.

Only God has the power to heal.

The proof of every Pastor is that he knows that God is the power in his life and this was necessary for his ministry to bear genuine fruit.

Paul clearly understood that his "armor of righteousness" was the Lord Jesus Christ!

The proof of every Pastor is that they know that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church!

The Church belongs to Jesus, bought and paid for with His own blood.

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 

Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 

Rev 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

The Apostle Paul remained consistent no matter how this world reacted to the message of the Gospel!

*****2Co 6:8  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 

Some people approved and honored the preaching of the Apostle Paul but others did not, mainly those with authority, much like today.

Some people would say wicked and evil things about Paul but some did have good reports, the believers.

Many places Paul was treated as a deceiver, yet Paul was as true to the Word of God as he could physically live.

Paul was not some impostor.

Paul was not some false teacher.

Paul was not some quack trying to start a new religion.

In all these things the message of the "Gospel" remained consistent with Paul.

*****2Co 6:9  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 

Most of the world of that day just ignored Paul and dismissed his message but God had promised that His Word would not come back void, so many others loved the Gospel message and loved Paul for what he did and for what he had done for them.

No matter Paul's treatment Paul consistently preached the Gospel!

Paul was treated as a dying man with a dead message by many. Paul was looked upon as reckless and unwise man, who could only cause trouble.

They saw Paul as a doomed man, walking the way of death and enticing many to follow him into that death.

Paul was chastened, Paul's life was threatened, but no one could take his life, until God was ready for him to come home.

Paul was constantly suffering for the Gospel but Paul remained consistent in preaching the Word of God!

*****2Co 6:10  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

The world looked upon Paul as sorrowful and depressed but Paul was always rejoicing.

Why is it that the world thinks to be a Christian is to give up having fun?

We certainly are not to join in with the worldly crowd and their sinful pleasures but these things never produce true joy to begin with.

There is more joy in knowing where we came from and where we are going than most people realize.

There is tremendous joy in doing the things that are pleasing to God.

Paul was looked upon as a poor man, yet in truth he had made many rich and he still is today as we share his message.

The truth is, Paul was looked upon as having no possessions.

Paul was a traveling missionary and he appeared homeless but in reality we as Christians possess true wealth, the wealth of God's presence for eternity along with all the wealth of Heaven itself!

This is the everlasting wealth that can be shared with others!

Mat 6:19  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 

Mat 6:20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 

Mat 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It is a fact that all those that have the sure promises of God are far richer than those that reject the Word of God!

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

People just do not realize what separation is all about!

Separation can only begin when we open our hearts to God!

*****2Co 6:11  O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 

2Co 6:12  Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 

2Co 6:13  Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

Paul teaches us that there is no hidden message in the Word of God and God does not have some secret agenda, just the pure and honest truth, so then the first call is for an open heart to receive God's message.

Paul was saying that he was just the messenger, all his the words came from God!

The "Gospel" in of itself has a simple message!

2Co_11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted "from the simplicity that is in Christ".

When we are struggling with God's message, it is not the message to blame, it is Satan we can blame, for he will corrupt our mind and our hearts and this is why we need to separate ourselves socially from those in the world.

Our love will certainly grow for one another, when we get to know one another better in Christ.

Paul had a deep love for the church and it shows in passages such as this and remember these words were from the Holy Spirit.

Remember Paul had been mistreated by this church so this shows us that there is nothing we can do to cause God to love us any less.

God has a pure love that does not ever change by our actions!

Remember Jesus died for our sins before any of us knew Him in a personal way!

We need to hold fast to God's love!

When this world wounds our heart, let's not become bitter, "let's just become better"!

Love increases for God and with each other, when we separate from this unclean world and devote our lives to God!

Remember an expansion of the heart is not the same as an expansion of the mind. Mankind has been growing in intelligence since the beginning but the truth is this growth in the mind has only led to a decline in morality.

There has never been one government consistent in morals and the promotion of the well being of it's people and that includes our own!

It is only Christianity that inspires these views and these feelings!

We need to always examine the present state of our hearts to be sure we remain consistent in our love for God through Jesus Christ.

What did Jesus say was the biggest problem in the church during the last days?

Rev 2:4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, "because thou hast left thy first love". 

That first love is a love for Jesus Christ, we are to enlarge our hearts and certainly not shrink away from the love of God!

That word "straightened" has the meaning of made narrow or "restricting" or "narrowing" and the love of this church toward the Word of God and the Apostle Paul had become narrow or restrictive in it's love for God.

They needed to open their hearts to the truth!

The truth is, the Pastor of every church must be open and honest and have a loving heart for God and God's Church.

BUT, just as important The Church must be open and honest and have a loving heart toward God and the man God has called to be that Pastor.

These things must work together!

Joh 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 

This separation must not only be with the Church body but it must extend to every individual, including our personal relationships and our business relationships.

*****2Co 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

2Co 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

Since believers are so different from unbelievers, this is to great an obstacle to over come in a relationship..

That word "unequally" means to be disproportion or unsuitable. If God says it is unsuitable then the chances of this relationship working out well is not good!

As believers, we all stand on equal ground at the cross but when we do not stand on equal ground before God our relationship will suffer greatly!

One of the laws of the Old Testament demonstrates this principle of God.

Deu 22:10  Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. 

The principle is simple, God prohibits mixing things together that He has separated in creation.

The believer that has been "Born Again" is a "new creation" of God and is not to be mixed with those of the world!

God simply says, "What fellowship has the righteous with the unrighteous?"

How can one that follows God's law agree with one who does not follow any law?

How can those that reject God agree with those who accept the truth of God?

Jesus Christ is the light of this world, when you turn a light on, darkness disappears and hides in the shadows. "What communion has light with darkness?

Communion means how can there be a partnership between two who cannot communicate with each other?

One has rejected Christ Jesus the other has not.

One is seeking the things of this world the other seeking the things of Heaven.

One does not do things according to the Word of God, the other hungers and thirst after righteousness.

That word "Belial" is just a synonym for "Satan". As Jesus Christ has nothing in common with Satan what makes a believer think they can? It absolutely cannot be!

An "infidel" is someone who has denied the "faith", denying Christianity, an unbeliever, how can a believer associate with such a person in a close personal relationship? It cannot happen!

An idol is anything which we give our allegiance to other than God!

When we give our time, our money, and our energy primarily to things other than God, we become idol worshipers!

A true believer cannot be an idol worshiper because he or she is a living temple of God!

Paul only had the Old Testament so he quotes from it:

Eze 37:27  My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

Paul wrote these words in the New Testament by the Holy Spirit.

1Co_3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

God says:

1Jn_2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The lost world walks in ignorance of Jesus Christ.

The lost world walks in ignorance of God as revealed by Jesus Christ.

The lost world walks in ignorance of the true destiny of life as shown by Jesus Christ.

Joh 12:35  Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 

Those that walk in darkness will always hate the light of the "Gospel"!

Those that walk in darkness are condemned unless they repent of their evil ways!

Joh 3:19  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

Joh 3:20  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 

Joh 3:21  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 

The Christian must separate themselves socially from those of the world!

*****2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 

2Co 6:18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

How many of us weed our gardens because we know the plants we desire will not flourish when weeds are allowed to grow with them.

That plant cannot do this itself because a plant has no conscience to know right from wrong.

The human on the other hand can make a choice to improve himself or herself.

The "Gospel" allows us to think in a moral way, the unbeliever is like the plant and his conscience does not know the difference in right or wrong.

1Ti_4:2  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Believe me if your conscience is seared with a hot iron then it no longer exist!

When God led Israel out of captivity, He told them to leave everything behind. Nothing in that defiled land had any meaning because they were to begin a totally new life and all they needed was the Word of God to direct them!

God's wants a peculiar people:

Tit_2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

"Peculiar" in this Scripture means a people that were not like the usual people!

Now God does not ask us to leave our cities, our communities, or our work places, even though sometimes our work places also need to change.

These are the first places that we will be called to witness.

We are never to isolate ourselves from unbelievers. We are to share our thoughts and experiences and in fact always be friendly.

Pro_18:24  A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

So what does God mean?

First separation means that we have a new Master.

We must be obedient to the ways of our Lord!

We are to have a personal relationship with the Lord so then we cannot be intimately involved with those of the world!

We are never to participate in ungodly functions and events with unbelievers.

We are not to be closely bound in any sort of partnership with an unbeliever "including marriage".

We must never make a covenant with an unbeliever because their Master is Satan and Satan is a liar.

Joh 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 

We are especially to avoid relations with those who have rejected the truth of Jesus Christ!

And above all we are never to worship with the unbeliever in his place of worship, period!

Exo_34:14  For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

We are never to attend a worship service in a place that does not honor Jesus Christ!

God says we are never to touch the unclean thing!

The Jews were never to touch a dead animal nor a dead person and if they did they had to follow a strict cleansing.

We know that "the wages of sin is death" and every "unbeliever is condemned to this death" so we are certainly no longer to live as sinners nor participate in the sins of unbelievers!

Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 

Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 

Gal 5:21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Each believer is to walk in the Holy Spirit:

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

There is just to much difference in the unbeliever and the believer!

And the truth is God will not receive us until we have done this thing!

Why would we not want to be approved of God?

We are to walk in this world but we are not to be a part of this world!

Being reconciled to God is the greatest reward we can obtain above all others!

In fact if we will separate ourselves from the world we will have a new Father.

God will then adopt us into His own family!

When we weigh these simple things against the sacrifices we have to make to obtain them, then they will not seem like sacrifices at all!

We will understand that God does not treat anyone lost or saved with unkindness or injustice, for Jesus Christ died for all.

But God will not ever treat the lost as His children and that is a great big difference!

Note the story of the prodigal son.

If God is willing to be as our Father from Heaven then why would we not want to act like His children?

The truth is, it is only in Christianity where it is said that God will be our Father and we can be His children.

A Father's love is far greater than any other love!

1Jn_3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

It is this love that is the reason God allows His Spirit to live within us!

Gal_4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

It is then and only then that the riches of Heaven become available to each believer!

Rom_8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

How can such a thing be rejected by this world?

These are the only means of living for God in an ungodly world.

Ungodly means anything that is not of God!

Questions?

Let's Pray!

The Biblical Understanding Of Death

The Spiritual Understanding Of Death

Book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 5

Each Christian possesses certain knowledge that most all the world is seeking.

We Christians know "What lies in our future"!

In order to understand this, then we need to understand the truth of "death".

In actuality there is a threefold sense of death!

1) The natural death.

The natural death is actually the separation of the soul from our body of flesh.

The body without the spirit is dead:

Jas 2:26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

2) The spiritual death.

Spiritual death is a soul that has not been "born again" by the Holy Spirit:

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

3) And Eternal death.

Eternal death is an everlasting separation of both soul and body from God throughout eternity.

Luk 12:5  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 

Let's learn from the Apostle Paul about this thing called life.

*****2Co 5:1  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

Paul is referring to what happens when we, that know the Lord Jesus on a personal basis, die a natural death.

Remember Paul is writing to the Church and not to the world!

It is certain that God created us out of the dust of the earth and we live in an earthly vessel, an earthly house.

Well it is just as certain that at death we will live in a building of God, not of earth, but made from heavenly things.

Heavenly things are eternal, so this new body will be an eternal body, a glorified body!

Understand what Paul says, he says God has given us this knowledge so then it is a promise of God that He will certainly keep!

This is not some opinion from some preacher, these are the words of the Holy Spirit!

2Ti 3:16  "All" scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

What did Jesus teach:

Mat 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart: "for they shall see God". 

BUT, Your heart cannot be pure until you are indwelled by the Holy Spirit!

These things being true, and they are, then Paul is not speaking of our resurrected body we are to receive when we return with Christ.

1Th 4:14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even "so them" also which sleep in Jesus "will God bring with him". 

When we speak of the "Rapture" of the Church, we are most of the time talking about those who are alive and well at the return of Christ.

We should also see here that those that have already experienced a natural death will return with the Lord.

1Th 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord "shall not prevent them which are asleep".
1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together "with them" in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Remember these are the promises of God and those that refute this resurrection are speaking against the Word of God.

1Co 15:12  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Co 15:13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1Co 15:14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 

When we accept the Word of God, then we are not false witnesses!

There is also scriptural proof of this other body!

Rev 6:11  And "white robes" were given "unto every one of them"; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. 

It should be obvious that you cannot place a white robe on a soul, SO, that soul must be within a body.

It is these who are clothed in those white robes who will return with Jesus Christ! (I Timothy 4:14)

Rev 19:14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 

You see only Scripture can back up Scripture!

The important thing that we should remember about these things, is that at the very moment of natural death, the believer will be in the arms of God.

Mat 22:32  I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living". 

God does not give us many details of these things but to accept what He gives us in the Scriptures.

It is a fact that God could cause us to exist without bodies if He chose to do so.

It is also a fact that God can give us a temporary body if He chooses to do so, a heavenly body that is also glorified, as are all heavenly things.

We may call these temporary bodies but since they are eternal they are surely a part of our "Glorified Bodies" as promised of God at the "Rapture of the Church".

How we exist at the time after our death and before Christ returns, is really irrelevant and not part of our faith for salvation to occur, therefore not worth any argument.

We should never argue over details that have nothing to do with salvation but we must also stand on the fact that without Jesus, no one can be saved!

Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6  "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus":
Eph 2:7  "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace" in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 

Who can argue with the Word of God and then say they believe all the Word of God?

How many of us, especially those who are in those old worn out bodies, or those that are riddled with disease, who are not thrilled to know that we will leave these old bodies behind for a brand new body that cannot be corrupted by age or disease or sin or anything else.

In fact we are more like Paul was at this time when he wrote this epistle with the help of the Holy Spirit.

*****2Co 5:2  For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
2Co 5:3  If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 

These bodies of flesh are really weak and disorderly.
These bodies of flesh get weary and tire easily in our Christian warfare.
These bodies of flesh suffer through illnesses and afflictions.
These bodies of flesh are unable to perform many times "when the soul would still be busy for the Lord".

Mar 14:38  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. "The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak".

To be honest, the battles we have with our own flesh is the greatest hindrance to each believer!

The soul understands these things, "while the flesh fights temptation to do otherwise".

The soul yearns for that heavenly body but also knows, "that this flesh is his housing until God calls him home"! 

Each soul that belongs to the Lord yearns for immortality!

That soul is already eternal and just does not want to stay in a temporary housing, especially one so easy to corrupt!

But we also see that our soul has no desire to be naked even in Heaven, "we will still have a great desire to be sheltered with the things of God".

And we should also realize that without some sort of body we would not be able to worship the Lord!

The truth is, burdens on our Pastor will sometimes become so heavy that he may groan under the weight of it and he may also experience this yearning to go on home to be with the Lord.

*****2Co 5:4  For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 

At some point in our lives, we have all wondered where we came from and what happens after our death.

We can trust in so called scientist who can only guess, as we can ourselves, or we can trust the Word of God which gives us a logical explanation!

The knowledge of life and immortality can only take place through the "Gospel", Jesus Christ Himself the true example!

We saw in Scripture that the Tabernacle, even though it was built to great godly standards, it was still just a tent which is only a temporary housing.

The truth of tents is, they are really for soldiers and pilgrims and God says we are pilgrims on this earth and also soldiers in the army of God!

We also know from Scripture, that the human body was the most perfect of all God's creation.

Psa 139:14  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 

But this house is still a house made of earth and still requires a solid foundation to stand, which is not ofthis earth!

Gen 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, "and unto dust shalt thou return".

**First: God gives us the great example of raising children so we can learn the truth.

A babe does not feel safe unless it remains as close as possible to it's parents but once they reach a certain age they will try to distance themselves from their parents.

God knows that this is the way of mankind, God knew it would be difficult to always keep His creation close by His side and He could not gives us more power to live because of this thing as we would only then use that power in more sinful ways.

Gen 3:22  And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Gen 3:23  Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

**Second: When that child has been awaken by the "Gospel" then he or she is made aware of the power of eternal life.

Eph 3:16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 

**Third: The "Gospel" makes us realize, through the Holy Spirit, that our body is only temporary because we have a permanent dwelling designed by the Lord to preserve us throughout eternity.

Joh 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

It may difficult to make those who are young and so full of life to realize these things, but as they grow older and age they will realize this truth if they have been taught while they were young.

Pro 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

Only a Loving Father can know all these things!

All these things will become burdens that get heavier and heavier over time and they will weigh us down and our soul will groan within us seeking that permanent housing.

Most of us in this class here today are already experiencing these things!

Our groans are a sure sign we are seeking relief!

See the Word of God even explains our moaning and groaning!

We must understand that even without sin, we will experience great burdens in this life. Sin multiplies these things greatly and takes us further away from God.

1Pe 1:6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Notice that even at this stage of burdens, we are well aware that our soul still needs to be housed and not be naked.

This is the pain and suffering that the unbeliever has no answer for, and most all of the lost die in misery!

When do we groan the most?

1) When we realize that not only are we dieing but the entire world is dieing!

Rom 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 

2) When we suffer because of others!

Exo 6:5  And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. 

3) When we need relief but we just do not know what words to use to reach our Father in Heaven!

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

4) We also groan when we have that great desire to be housed in that Heavenly made glorified body! (2Corinthians 5:2)

We have realized that there is a big difference between Heaven and Earth. Earthly things are just all temporary!
Heavenly things a permanent!

AND, There will be no groaning in Heaven!

This why God makes His down payment, with the Holy Spirit, the very moment we become a true believer!

*****2Co 5:5  Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
2Co 5:6  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
2Co 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2Co 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 

That word "wrought" means that God is making a continuous effort to make us perfect.

God is like a sculptor of clay who has found a big lump and it just takes some time and effort to smooth things back out!

Isa_64:8  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Until God calls us home, because He has us ready, it is a continuous work on the part of God to mold us and shape us for His use!

What is sad is, that God spent six days to create our world but it takes our life time to makes us perfect.

You see God speaks and things just appear out of nothing but He will never command us to be perfect!

God shapes us with His personal touch, God seeks a personal relationship!

SO, It is very important to walk with the Lord everyday!

We have to forget what we want and yield to what God wants, this is where we see God's patience with us.

All other creatures fit and adapt to their environment, this is why the Evolution Theory even exist, but all creatures produce after their own kind.

The human on the other hand, is always striving for something else in life and in most of us, sin will fill this gap and we think we have reached our goal but we are deceived by sin.

Life for the human being only becomes a riddle that we just cannot solve!

SO, God solves this problem for us!

It was not worth the work that Jesus Christ did for each of us, "if there was nothing else to life but just a few years!

To guarantee the results of what God has taught us, God gives us the earnest of the Holy Spirit!

You see the Holy Spirit can never die!

So God guarantees our immortality by living within each believer!

AGAIN, These are not idle fables, Paul said he already knew he had a house in Heaven and he was not talking about some building, he was talking about a living, glorified, housing for the soul, still able to worship the Creator and be available and able to be obedient to the Lord.

Obedience is the greatest form of worship!

God has fashioned each believer to undergo an immortal change!

1Co 15:47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 

Each believer becomes a new creature.
Each believer becomes a new man.
Each believer partakes of the divine nature of God Himself.

The Holy Spirit is that pledge that these things are true.
The Holy Spirit shares His knowledge of the truth.
The Holy Spirit gives us confidence in the truth.
The Holy Spirit gives us courage to face the things in this life.
The Holy Spirit teaches us that we may be absent from the Lord today but there will come a time when we will be with Him.

For we walk by "faith" and "not by sight"!

AND, We do not have to trample down our human instincts and yearnings in order to be spiritual!

AND, We certainly do not have to shrink away from death!

It is a fact, that this life we live now will just move on into immortality so that it is not two lives we will live but it is one continuous everlasting life!

We do not live to just die, we live to just move on into immortality!

We will never know death!

It is God's own breath, the Holy Spirit, that allows us to know these truths!

Wherefore we must be ambitious in our faith!

*****2Co 5:9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
2Co 5:10  For 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.

The one lesson of "judgment" we need to grasp is, that we need to be ambitious in our effort to please our Savior!

Notice Paul includes all the Church, and all the Apostles, including himself and all those that preach the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

By speaking to the Church then these are the things that are done "after salvation" for we already know that no amount of works can please God in trying to obtain salvation!

We have already been judged for salvation!

Rom 5:1  Therefore being "justified by faith", we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

But we will also come face to face with God at the "Judgment Seat Of Christ"!

This judgment is only for believers and no unbeliever will be present at this time!

These are the things "Good" and "Bad" that we have done since joining the family of God.

1) This judgment is certain to take place: "for we must all(all the body of Christ) appear".

2) It is Christ Jesus who will be the judge and He will judge according to the "Gospel"!

Rom 2:16  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 

It is at this judgment that we will find out why God has done the things that He did!

3) Since we are indwelled with the Holy Spirit, we will be judged for the things we did while we were in that human body.

**We cannot be judged again for sin, for all our sin before and after salvation has already been forgiven. "Jesus Christ has already paid the price for all sin"!

Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

**At the time of this "judgment" we will already be wearing that beautiful glorified body and we will already have the mind of Christ!

We will certainly understand what is going on!

Rom 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

**We will be judged for how we were obedient to the work of the Lord after we got saved.

Isa 52:10  The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. 

4) It is at the "Judgment Seat of Christ" where Jesus Himself will determine if we deserve any reward and the degree of that reward. (Good=Gain; Bad=Loss.)

No doubt many of us will be ashamed when we face Jesus!

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Knowing these things then our job that we are to be doing, is the ministry of reconciliation.

*****2Co 5:11  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

The "Gospel" teaches us the great benefits of the believer but it also teaches us the ending for the unbeliever.

God knew we need to see both sides of His reasoning!

That word "terror" means a "terrible fear" but it also means "reverence" or "standing in awe" of the Lord.

We will all, stand in awe of the Lord one day but only those who have rejected the plea of the Lord will then see the terror of the Lord!

God instills these things in everyone who ministers the "Gospel" because we need to know the complete truth!

The truth is, that love of God includes His "terror" to those who reject His Son Christ Jesus!

Paul said he was compelled to preach the "Gospel" because he knew of this fear.
Paul will go on to say that every Pastor must have a genuine heart.
Paul will teach that every Pastor should know the needs of the people.
Paul will teach that he was compelled to preach because of the "Love of God" in all things.

The purpose of every man called to be a Pastor, is to persuade the lost to see the truth of the "Gospel"!

The purpose of every Pastor is to show, "that everyone on the face of this earth is in desperate need of the Savior"!

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Rom 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 

There were those in the day of Paul and I believe there are many more today, who refuse to preach the whole truth of the "Gospel".

*****2Co 5:12  For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 

Only those who have a genuine heart for the truth of God will be compelled to preach the whole counsel of God.

Many so-called Pastors come into the Church today with great letters of recommendation. Great letters of education from great schools of theology but if they do not have a genuine love for the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ and for all God's created people, then they can never be sincere and it will show in their message.

Every church that has any controversy within it's walls needs to deal with it as quickly as possible, in order to get back to the importance of the "Gospel". This is even more important today!

Even many great theologians have forgotten the importance of the "Gospel"!

Time is actually running out for those who reject the Word of God, "but especially" for those who have never heard the "Gospel"!

What did Jesus say of such men?

Mat 23:27  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men'sbones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 

We all have our place but the importance of the "Gospel" must remain all our priority!

There is only one cause!

*****2Co 5:13  For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
2Co 5:14  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2Co 5:15  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 

It is the glory of God and the needs of the lost that should compel each of us but for those specifically called of God this thought must be embedded within them!

At one time the Apostle Paul was considered insane just because just because he felt this great need to reach out to the lost.

Act 26:24  And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
Act 26:25  But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

This world of today wants to silence all our true Pastors because of this same message!

Paul said he may be a fool but he was a fool for the sake of God:

1Pe 4:11  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul said he may be a fool but he was a fool for the sake of the lost:

1Co 9:22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 

What is the greatest truth of the "Gospel"?

God would have never come to this earth and poured Himself into a human body just to die in payment for our sins "if we were not all sinners".

There are no perfect human beings!

Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Php 2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 

We are fools to think other wise. Had there been some other way or some way by man's own power, the Messiah would never had to die on that cross!

It is this love of God that compelled the Apostle Paul and every true minister of God!

Jesus Christ is the greatest teacher of God's doctrine!
Jesus Christ is the greatest example of how to live a sin-free life!
Jesus Christ is that solid foundation of the Church!

But Paul said it was the great love of Jesus Christ for us all, that compelled him in the ministry!

All mankind died that day on that cross. Jesus died the only death that could reconcile us all back to God!

We should not be fooled this is not teaching universal salvation!

Jesus died so that we should live for Him, "all" who are redeemed by "faith" in this work that the Lord Jesus Christ came to accomplish.

When we believe that Jesus Christ died so that we can live, then that faith counts as our own death and we are reconciled to God!

The Lord Jesus Christ did not die so that we can live to ourselves, "as this defeats the purpose of His death"!

Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

Jesus Christ not only died for us but He also arose for us!

Col 3:9  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Wherefore (for these reasons)

*****2Co 5:16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

Since we have obtained this life from the dead through His name, then it seems that we have a duty to spend our new life for His honor!

We know that Jesus Christ walked on this earth in human form and was seen by many individuals and even the government of that day.

But these things are pale in recognition when compared to the glory of a new creation by the Holy Spirit.

We are never to lose sight of this higher life promised to all who believe and are alive with Christ in the new life of His resurrection!

Christ has already entered in to His new heavenly life by His resurrection and His ascension and even though we have yet ascended, we have already entered into our heavenly life, we will not see death!

We will close our eyes one day on this earth and open them in Heaven, forever to be with our Lord!

Death is not in our future!

Where as our "old man" was doomed to "judgment" and to be eternally separated from God, our "New Man" is destined to live eternally in the presence of God!

How does this happen? (If any man be in Christ). Many make it hard but salvation only requires our faith!

Old things are passed away and all things become new!

We are alive in Christ when we walk in Christ everyday that remains in this life!

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 

What is reconciliation?

*****2Co 5:18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 

The message of the "Gospel" is a message of reconciliation!

We are reconciled when we are "restored" to a personal relationship with God our Creator!

If we can just imagine, whatsoever the Christian can desire is in that phrase "all things".

With one plan of salvation that could not fail, with one price that was more than enough, all mankind are given the possibility of being reconciled with God!

From enemy to friendship, from lost to family, from those who were separated, to those who should have been together from the beginning of time!

By the Lord Jesus Christ, God has removed that wall of sin that was once between us!

Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

When we sin we are working against God and are actually promoting evil.

So many cannot understand the supreme love of God, who does not live for Himself!

God lives for His created beings!

God gave Himself up by sending His Son to die for us!

The wages of sin are death and it takes a fool to believe that a man who is already dead can do anything to save himself from death!

As sinners, we oppose everything that God stands for, but while we were opposing our righteous God, He executed His plan of salvation while we were still His enemies!

**God is the first person in His plan, so in order to be reconciled we must come to God, in order to change our lives!

God alone has that power!

Only God can give a new birth!

Only God can make a New Creature out of a sinful creature!

No man possesses the power to make this change themselves!

Man cannot "buy" reconciliation because he must "receive" the reconciliation that God has offered freely.

**Jesus Christ is the second person involved in reconciliation.

God has made this thing so simple that all we have to do is "to believe" that Jesus Christ died so that we can be reconciled back to God.

God accepts the death of Christ for the death of all mankind.
God accepts that Jesus bore all our sins to remove the death sentence from mankind.
God accepts the condemnation borne by Christ as the condemnation due to mankind.

All believers are free from sin, so therefore free from the punishment for sin which was death, and eternal separation from God.

Eph 2:16  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 

**It is at this time that the third person, the Holy Spirit, moves into that sinner and seals the deal, to seal His newcovenant with us!

**God then provided those specific called men of God by committing the ministry of reconciliation to them.

*****2Co 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

We are all to carry the message of the "Gospel" to this lost world but that Pastor, that Missionary, that Evangelist has been given the title of "Ambassador" for Christ.

These are the men God sends specifically.

These men belong to the One who sent them!
These men exist only for the purpose of the One who sent them.
These men possess the authority and the power of the One who sent them.
These men are sent with the message of the One who sent them, word for word!

Their message is to be "be ye reconciled to God".

Those that have some other message, were not sent of God!

Paul wrote:

1Ti 1:12  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 

Paul was speaking of the ministry of reconciliation.

Paul was speaking in the name of Jesus Christ!

*****2Co 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

Jesus Christ was absolutely sinless so we can see that "the message of reconciliation" is actually a message of "substitution"!

Jesus Christ was absolutely unstained by sin!

God did not make Christ to be a sinner, "Christ was sent to be identified with mankind"!

Isa 53:12  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. 

Jesus Christ came to this earth to live a sinless and perfect life, because no one born of Adam could do this thing!

Remember it is not in God's power to be unrighteous!

It is also not in God's power to be unjust!

Christ never broke God's Laws.
Christ never went contrary to the will of God.
Jesus Christ stood before God as the perfect ideal man, the exact pattern of what God had intended all mankind to be!

Jesus Christ was the only "substitute" that could take our place in our own payment for our own sin. and this was absolutely necessary for our own reconciliation.

God loves His Son so much that He will honor anyone who honors His Son!

We can see that salvation is really very simple when we understand the plan of God!

All it requires is our "Faith" in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Questions?

Let's Pray!

Christians Enduring Bad Treatment

Spiritual Power To Endure Unjust Treatment

Book of 2 Corinthians 4


The truth is, if we cannot see this world from a Biblical point of view we will suffer even greater in this world. We need a "Spiritual Perspective" in order to endure our time here and be of use to the Lord who has saved us!

It is a fact that we will suffer for our sins after salvation but the truth is, bad things can happen to good people and good things can happen to bad people that have nothing to do with personal sin.

Most of our own problems come from the choices we make!

Paul will now teach us all more about our personal ministry for the Lord and the ministry of those who are called to preach the "Gospel".

**We will see that our ministry calls for us to be consistent, God does not have a retirement plan!

**We will see that our ministry calls for integrity in it's service.

**We will see that our ministry calls for us to keep the "Gospel" simple.

**We will see that our ministry calls for us to serve Christ above ourselves.

**We will see that our ministry demands the presence of God within us!

**We will see that is is the presence of God that sustains us through all things in this life!

Our life is to be a manifestation of the "Gospel of Jesus Christ"!

*****2Co 4:1  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

We know that word "therefore" means to look at the previous Scriptures which was last weeks lesson that ended with us doing our best to live in the image of Jesus Christ.

When we have received God's "Grace", which is "God's Riches At Christ Expense", which begins with God's "Mercy", then we have no reason to "faint".

We have no reason to give up!

We have no reason to be weak, we have no reason to be weary, we have no reason to fail!

We must remember God does not reward us for our accomplishments, for that is in His hands, God rewards us for "effort"!

We are not to give up our ministry for any reason, including persecution.

The "Gospel" will always be "Good News" to those who accept it!

The "Gospel" is the only cure for what ails this world. How can we call ourselves Christians, if we do love people enough to tell them of this cure!

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

So what are the traits of a true Pastor?

*****2Co 4:2  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, 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.

Most pulpits would empty up on the first thing:

**God's ministry demands honesty and integrity! There must be purity in the motives of every man of God!

We are all sinners, including our Pastors but when things are hidden that could cause disgrace to that person or that church or a scandal to either, that person is no being honest in his ministry.

1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

**God's ministry demands our Pastors to walk as Jesus walked. There must be purity in the conduct of our Pastors, they are not to be imposter's who pretend to lead others to Heaven without being prepared themselves.

He is not to walk using or misusing people, or circumstances, or events, all for his own purpose.

Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

**God's ministry demands purity in doctrine. The Word of God came from God, it is not to be handled like it came from man and subject to change.

God is the author and God is the authority behind His Words!

Each Pastor is only a spokesperson for God.

God does not intend for His Words to fit into the philosophy of man but be treated as Divine Truth!
God's Word is never to be twisted and turned in order to lead us into false doctrine!

The Pastor is never to add the ideas, the traditions, or the speculations of men to the Word of God.

The Pastor is to preach the whole council of God. Some parts of Scripture are tough to preach and may not set well with those who listen but the Word of God is always true!

These harsh places are to be studied and preached with the same love as those of salvation and the glories of Heaven.

Mat 22:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Tit 1:9  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Tit 1:14  Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Tit 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Tit 1:16  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

**Every Pastor is to be true to the truth of the Word of God!

Mal 2:6  The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.
Mal 2:7  For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

The "Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ" is never to be hidden by words or by actions or confusion!

*****2Co 4:3  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

We must be clear on just what is the "Gospel"!

The "Gospel" is the "good news" of God to a lost world!

I think it is "good news" that I know my Creator and my Spiritual Father, but many do not.

Even all of nature will teach us this truth of our Creator!

I think is is "good news" that our Father sent His Son into this world as a man but most see these as just words from a book of fables.

But when it says the God sent His Son into this world to save sinners, then this is certainly "good news"!

1Co 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Jn 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

This is the "Good News" the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ!

AND, the "Gospel" is only hid to those who refuse to believe!

Those who are "lost" are those who will perish because they refuse to accept this truth of the Word of God!

These are the ones who are traveling down the wrong road and in the wrong direction, totally opposite from the road that God has shed the light of Jesus upon.

These are all those who have chosen on their own, to travel away from God and therefore they cannot see God because their back is turned toward Him.

BUT, there is also another reason, "the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not the "Gospel".

The god of this world is Satan!

The Scriptures teach us that Satan rules in the minds of the people of this world. Satan is not a figment of imagination, he is a real living person who lives in the spiritual world that surrounds us all.

Satan opposes God and everything God stands for!

Jesus said:

Satan is the "prince of this world".
Satan is the "evil one"
Satan is a murderer, a liar, and the father of all liars.

Paul said:

Satan was the "god of this world"
Satan was the "prince of the power of the air"

Peter said:

Satan was our "adversary".

John said Satan was the Devil.

What these things mean is, that it is Satan's evil nature that rules over this world!

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Satan is able to blind a person's mind more and more as they follow in the ways of this world because Satan appeals to the flesh.

Satan is able to manipulate any government that governs by the laws of man rather than the laws of God.

The reason all these things are true is because our own sin will not prepare us for the truth of the "Gospel".

Our sin has dulled our perception of sin, so sin is just punished by another sin until death comes as we completely separate ourselves from God!

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The ministry of God requires each and every Pastor to be servants of the Word of God!

*****2Co 4:5  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

No Pastor can preach Jesus Christ effectively who has not first learned the Spirit of Christ!

The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of complete self-sacrifice!

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

A Pastor does not preach to build himself up in the eyes of man!
A Pastor does not preach, his own ideas, his own thoughts, or his own philosophy!
A Pastor does not preach to impress people, with his abilities, his speech or his leadership qualities!

The true Pastor preaches Jesus Christ and Him alone!
The true Pastor preaches that Jesus Christ is Lord!

And we need to always remember that Christ means the Messiah, the Savior promised by the Living God.

1Ti 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1Ti 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

A true Pastor is a servant to the Church for Jesus' sake, he is not sent to please man just to lead them to the Savior!

Jesus Christ became our servant and He sacrificed Himself everyday and this He did for all of us!

Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

All these things have happened and will happen because our Creator, our Father in Heaven, commanded it to be so!

*****2Co 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

If you haven't figured it out yet, when God speaks things happen!

Gen 1:3  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

The Apostle Paul says even God's great act of creating light takes a back seat to the glorious light of Christ in our salvation!

Col 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

You see it is God who shines in our hearts after salvation:

1Jn 5:1  Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Salvation then, is seeking the "Glory of God" in the "Face of Jesus Christ".

We then know that the glory of God is in His Son Jesus and that Jesus is the absolute image of God!

Col 2:9  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

The Pastor that knows all these things and teaches all these things, must also be able to endure the troubles and trials of his profession all his days and it is the same for each saint of God.

*****2Co 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

It should obvious that no one Pastor has the power to do all these things in his own power. We see our own Pastor experience weariness and fatigue.

We see our own Pastor experience the strain of his work and the pressure in always doing the right thing in the eyes of his flock.

He is sometimes criticized and even opposed especially by this world we live in.

The thing we need to know is that it is the presence of God within him that sustains the Pastor and God will do the same for each child of God!

In verse 6; it is God who gives the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

We are all earthen vessels!

Gen 2:7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

God moves in to each believer, at the moment of salvation!

Rom 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Rom 5:4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

At the moment of salvation, the presence of God enters into our bodies made of earth, our earthen vessels.

These earthen vessels are weak and worthless until it houses the presence of God.

The power to sustain every Pastor comes from within, because that is where the presence of God dwells!

**This power will convert and transform us into new creatures!

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

**This power makes us new everyday.

Eph 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

**This is the power of the divine nature of God.

2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

**This is the power to give us abundant life here and throughout eternity.

Joh 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

1Ti 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

It is God and God alone that is the strength of every child of God.

It is God that lives within each Pastor, and this is his true sustaining strength!

Sometimes our Pastor's troubles come from every direction!

*****2Co 4:8  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
2Co 4:9  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2Co 4:10  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

It is a fact that our Pastors and even each believer will face all sorts of troubles and difficult situations in this life but it is also a fact that the answer to the relief of these things lies within each of us by the Holy Spirit.

Our Pastors face many outward distresses but as only humans they face the same inward distresses that affect us all.

That word "Troubles" refer to the present situations.

That word "Perplexity" refers to the future.

When Jesus Christ was on the cross, He was forsaken by God and Man.

Mat 27:46  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

But Jesus says though this happened to Him, it would never happen to those who believed upon Him.

Sure man will eventually forsake every Christian, but the Lord will never forsake us and He is the right hand of the power of God.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Many Christians are exposed to death every day and many die but before that last breath leaves that body, they already present with the Lord.

We will certainly be a corpse in this world one way or another, unless the "Rapture" takes place before our death but we will be a corpse that shares the life-giving power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Jesus Christ gave His life for no one could take it from Him. Just as He had the power to give His life, He also had the power to take back His life.

Joh 10:17  Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Joh 10:18  No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

This is the power of Christ that lies within each of us.

When we go to sleep in this world we will wake up in the glories of Heaven!

But, We should wake up every day willing to die for Jesus Christ!

And, We must die to ourselves to be that one who can serve the Lord!

Luk 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luk 9:24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Remember the cross is not a sign of life, it is a sign of "death"!

We may be cast down by this world but we are indestructible at the hands of this world!

Every Pastor will spend the rest of his life wrestling with the forces of evil but the strength that comes from the indwelling Spirit will sustain him if he clings to the Lord!

*****2Co 4:11  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2Co 4:12  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

We have a tendency to forget sometimes that while Christ was and is the Almighty God, He also poured Himself into a body of flesh and physically, Jesus was dying to Himself daily.

It took every fiber of the physical body of Jesus to deliver His message to this lost world.

It is this great message of the Lord that brings life to all those who were once lost!

1Co 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Jesus Christ set the example for all those that would follow in His footsteps.

The Apostles clearly understood this and all but John were martyrs for the faith.

The Apostle Paul clearly understood these things and lost his head in the end simply for preaching the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.

Every minister of the "Gospel" is to die daily.

Every minister of the "Gospel" is to die until they reach that point of eternal life.

Paul said he was alive only because the power of Christ's "life" is manifested in each and everyone that knows the Lord in a personal relationship!

Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

No matter what we are going through as a child of God, we are never facing death if we have already died to our selves, we are facing a glorious life of eternity with our Lord.

So why do we cling to these lifeless, earthly vessels like they are so special when the true treasure of life lies within and can never die!

Php 3:7  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

The truth is, that every new "Born Again" child of God begins to live in a peace that they could have never known without the Lord, but that Pastor, or that Preacher must continue to die daily in order for others to come to know the Savior.

This is what Paul is saying to all those who are called of God to take His(Jesus) message to all the world.

Both these things happen because of the same "faith".

*****2Co 4:13  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

When God poured Himself into the flesh of Jesus, He spent all His time bringing the truth of the Word of God.

Jesus Christ sacrificed His body in order that His message reach as many Jews as possible and even some Gentiles.

Jesus Christ died daily that all the world might have life!

Joh 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Every true minister of God is to die daily!

Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

And it must be the "Spirit of faith" that sustains each Pastor and all those that minister the Word of God!

When the "Body of Christ" has "faith" and the Pastor has "faith" and they are the same "faith" in the "Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ", then we can have church.

We must speak as we believe!

Psa 116:9  I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa 116:10  "I believed, therefore have I spoken": I was greatly afflicted:

A Pastor can never speak properly if he does not believe the things he says!
The more "faith" in his heart the more energy in his speech!
When a Pastor believes, he is bound to speak that truth!

Politicians speak because they are expected to say something.

God's chosen men speak because they have something to say!

God's truths are the most important message to speak in this world far above all other speech!

God will sustain those He has called upon.

Psa 41:11  By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
Psa 41:12  And as for me, "thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever".

We should never forget there is no amount of work that get us closer to God but there is one work that we must do and the more the better.

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, "that ye believe on him whom he hath sent".

The only work required of God is the work of "believing upon the Lord Jesus Christ"!

*****2Co 4:14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

The Pastor that cannot believe in the "Rapture" of the Church then is not a true Pastor!

Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by His own power. Though there are those who reject this thing it is a proven fact, established by the things that happened.

The truth of each Pastor and of each believer is that we will be raised up also!

Once this raising has taken place we will all be presented by the Lord to our Father in Heaven.

Joh 5:23  That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Joh 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Joh 5:25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

All the struggles the Lord Jesus had, all the struggles Paul had, and all the struggles that God's Pastors and Preachers have, are for one purpose, that each believer can taste the "abundant Grace of God".

It is only these things that can bring our soul to the rest that God has promised!

Heb 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Heb 4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Each Pastor then, is to meet the spiritual needs of each believer and lead these that believe to praise and glorify God!

Paul said this was a serious job.

*****2Co 4:16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

What is the duality of man?

There is the outward man the flesh, and the inward man, the soul!

The inward man is renewed every day by the power of God through the Holy Spirit and "faith" in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And no matter what we do, the outward man perishes a little everyday and some days allot.

The truth of the Pastor who understands these things is that he will never quit on God!

He will allow nothing to drive him from the ministry God has called him to do!

He feels the presence of God.
He has the "Spirit of faith".
He has the hope of the resurrection.
He knows the needs of the people.
He know his work is for the glory of God!

The outward man is that earthen vessel, that house made of earth, the human flesh, the human body and it will age, wear out, deteriorate, corrupt and die!

The true Pastor knows that his inner man is renewed day by day.

He has been "Born Again".
He has been made alive by Christ Jesus.
He is a new creature.
He is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
He knows this new hidden man of the heart is not corruptible.

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

He knows that it is the presence and the power of God that lives within him that sustains him in all things!

Psa 34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

And above all, it is the hope of glory that sustains the true man of God!

*****2Co 4:17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The truth is everything we go through while living in these decaying bodies of flesh is light when compared to the eternal weight of our future glory.

In fact many of our afflictions have made us a better persons, we may not want to go back through them again but sometimes we are glad we went through some of these things.

Heb 12:11  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

So even our Pastor, who struggles day by day with afflictions, they to are light when compared to the glory that is coming to them if they remain faithful.

1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

The things that are seen are earthly things whether good or bad, whether refreshing or afflicting, for they are only temporary and of this lifetime.

We must concentrate on the unseen things that only get clearer as we near our end!

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Those that have the mind of Christ, can brightly behold what the eye cannot see!

Our goal is to spend eternity with God in the New Heavens and the New Earth and see the New City of Jerusalem!

Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

When we wrap our minds around the "Grace" of God, "God's Riches At Christ's Expense", then the things of this earth have no real meaning!

It is the "Work" of God, and the "Purpose" of God that is the only real thing in this life! Amen

Questions?

Let's Pray!