For We Are Come As Far As To You Also In Preaching The Gospel of Christ, That Your Faith May Be Increased - Part 2003

"For the kingdom of God is not in Word but in power. What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?" (I Corinthians 4:20-21)

"I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God ..." (Romans 12:1-2)

Apostle Paul (who received his understanding of the scriptures by revelation, and also a doctrinal foundation through a certain disciple at Damascus -- Ananias) wrote a considerable portion of the New Testament to the Gentiles so that we would not be without concerning the knowledge of God and the Kingdom. (Acts 9:1-20)

Indeed, Paul, in writing to the church of the Thessalonians wrote that in preaching -- "our exhortation was not of deceit, nor uncleanness, nor in guile, but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God which tries our hearts." (I Thessalonians 2:1-7)

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but as pleasing God which tries our hearts; for neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness. God is witness. Apostle Paul goes on to say that "we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children."

Why is this important? Because, when we preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, making known the mystery of the gospel, we also stand therefore, having our loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, taking the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:14-18)

Admittedly, this is not an easy task. Nevertheless, as Paul instructs, we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith similarly take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

This same gospel which came not unto them in Word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, holding the faith and, as well, a good conscience. (I Timothy 1:18-19) To the saints in Corinth, Paul wrote:

"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: but I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends." (II Corinthians 10:1-18)

It is in this context, for this cause that we obtained mercy in the first place, that in Jesus Christ we can shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the ONLY wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever, amen!" (I Timothy 1:17; Psalm 10:16; Romans 1:23; Hebrews 11:27; Revelation 1:8; Romans 16:27; I Chronicles 29:11; I Timothy 3:16)

Stand in the offering plate.