May 20, 2017 WALK THE WALK
2 Corinthians 12:6: “For if I do wish to boast I shall not be foolish, for I shall be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one may credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.”
God called Paul to have a major part in the proclaiming the gospel at the beginning of the church, and to equip Paul for his calling, God gave Paul much revelation concerning His kingdom. After the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to a number of His followers, including Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:8. Because of the magnitude of the revelation that Paul had received, he certainly could have boasted in what he had seen. What Paul says in this verse is amazing, and we would be wise to take to heart what is said. In a powerful way, Paul makes the point that what was paramount to him, was that his words and his action were consistent with the message of the gospel. We have heard it said: “Do not do what I do, do what I say.” This statement did not come from Paul to be sure! In fact, because Paul lived consistent with the gospel, He was able to say in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Do as I do, for I am doing as Christ did.” In our culture, we think for anyone to make such a statement is arrogant or boasting, yet Paul was admonishing believers to live in such a way that they could say the same thing because they were doing what Christ did. After all, the reason Jesus came was to redeem us and the transform us into His image in order that we could live according to His ways. Jesus was the example of life for us. There is no room for us to boast about living as Jesus lived because it is only by His grace and work in us that we are able to live as He did. As mentioned in a previous blog, the gospel makes provision for us when we sin, and that is to confess our sin and turn from it, and by doing so, we are in keeping with the gospel. Our highest calling as a believer is to live in harmony with the gospel, reflecting the life of Christ who lives in us. Let us live as the new creations that God has made us.
Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.”
Colossians 1:10: “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,”
Blessings,
Buddy
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