"SUPPORT A LEADER AND SAVE THE COMMUNITY"

I SAMUEL 18:1-6; 19:1-7; 20:1-17

INTRODUCTION

          A sign read, “There is no limit to the good that a man can do, if he does not care who gets the credit.”

            If you really do not care who gets the credit, then you can just enjoy yourself and do all kinds of good deeds for others. Just be glad that it is done, and do not worry about who gets the credit on earth, because your heavenly Father knows.

I.                  FRIENDSHIP FOR LIFE

          If you do not care who wears the crown or gets the credit in the Christian life, God will take you to heights you have never dreamed. The biblical character in the Old Testament, who played a positive supportive role in the life of a leader, was Jonathan. I have not heard many messages on Jonathan. I have heard several messages on both King Saul and David, but none on Jonathan. If Jonathan were with us today, he would say to us, “you live in an age when winning at all costs and looking out for number one are exalted virtues.” The words of Proverbs 20:6 could have been written today: “Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?” We have forgotten what it means to serve others or exhibit true loyalty. In such a time as this, what Jonathan would tell us becomes doubly important: Support a Leader and Save a Nation or Community, whichever applies to your situation.

          Jonathan has credibility like no one else in the Bible to deliver such a message to us today. While other people in David’s life were trying to keep him down by putting limitations on him, Jonathan did the opposite. He lifted David up and strengthened him so that he could meet his trials and defeat his oppressors.

          Jonathan and David became good friends soon after David killed Goliath. The Scripture says, and I read from 1 Samuel 18:1-5. From that time on, Jonathan was willing to do anything to help David, and that was good because David would need a lot of help. Every potential leader or leader needs a lot of help from those who do not care about who gets the credit. Such persons are rare to find in our competitive society.

          If you read the text carefully, you would find out that Jonathan became one in spirit with David (18:1). This was understandable because David and Jonathan had much in common. They were both courageous and capable young warriors who possessed profound faith in the Lord. Both had initiated faith-motivated attacks against militarily superior Philistines that had resulted in great victories for Israel. Jonathan loved David (v. 3). That love inspired him to make a covenant with David, one that was expressed with extravagant gifts to the new celebrity. The fact that Jonathan gave David the garb and armaments originally reserved for the heir to Saul’s throne clearly possesses symbolic and thematic significance. In an apologetic vein, it also provides an explanation of how David came to possess these coveted tokens of power.

          David was taken out of his comfort zone. The day David killed Goliath everything changed in his life. He went from unknown boy to hero and from shepherd to leader. David, a shepherd boy and a nobody, became a member of the royal household and as such did not prove disappointing. Nevertheless, the affection and the favor that David found in the sight of King Saul became short-lived. The song of celebration and victory the women of Israel sang for David put him on the wrong side of the king: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” King Saul became jealous of David and constantly tried to destroy him.

          From this time forward, David’s life was a roller coaster. One moment David was leading the army of Israel and the next moment he was hiding from the same army because Saul was deploying it to try to kill him.

          David faced many severe challenges. His assignments from the king were difficult and the expectations of the people were high. Without help, he would not survive. Furthermore, after witnessing four attempts on his life in one day, David certainly had no reason to doubt Saul’s determination to kill him. Yet, to escape the king’s attacks, David would have to abandon the two most significant people in his life, his best friend Jonathan and the wife of his youth, Michal. Even if he were to escape and live, would life be worth living under those circumstances?

          Hoping he was wrong, but fearing he was right, David “fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan (20:1) to discuss the matter further. Perhaps the fault was David’s; perhaps he had committed some “transgressions” or “sin” against King Saul. If so, then, he could repent, make reparations, and end the relentless attacks; his life of love and friendship could return to him once more.

          David’s melancholic musings seemed nonsense to Jonathan, and he rejected the conclusions. If anyone should know Saul’s thought processes, it was Jonathan, for Saul did not “do anything, great or small, without confiding in Jonathan (20:2).

          However, David who had “wisdom like that of an angel of God” to “discern good and evil” (2 Sam. 14:17, 20), saw what Jonathan could not. The cold facts of the situation pointed to only one conclusion: Saul was passionately determined to kill David. In fact, at that moment David was “only a step” ahead of “death.” Yet, Saul had kept the evil scheme a secret from Jonathan so that his son would not “be grieved” (20:3, 34).

          Jonathan, like David, had much to lose if the accusations against Saul proved true; he would forgo the companionship of his best friend and experience alienation from his father. In an effort to put the matter to rest, he agreed to cooperate with David in the investigation. Whatever plan David might put forth Jonathan would follow it. Therefore, at every turn, Jonathan helped David. This made all the difference for David, the nation, and the people.

          David, the man who the Old Testament describes frequently as possessing success-induced wisdom, had an ingenious ploy to force King Saul to reveal his real intentions toward David. The plan that David put forth was simple, yet effective. If proactively, safeguarded David by sequestering him, and it avoided any use of force. Granted, Jonathan had to lie to his father about why David would not show up at the royal court and supper for two days. Realize that Jonathan was doing this to save and preserve innocent life.

          Jonathan’s role would be very complicated. Most of the time during the next two days, he was to be merely a passive observer of his father. However, when his father commented on David’s absence, Jonathan was to come out with a persuasive, though false, excuse to account for David’s empty chair at the meals. After that he was to note his father’s reaction: a positive response to Jonathan’s words would mean that David “is safe” (20:7); a hostile response would mean that Saul was “determined to harm” David.

II.   SEEING THE BIG PICTURE

          The question you need to ask is this: “What empowered Jonathan to put David ahead of himself and serve him? After all, Jonathan was the prince of Israel and the rightful heir to the throne. Nevertheless, the first time he met David; Jonathan understood David’s potential (unlike King Saul, David’s brothers, or even David’s father). Jonathan saw the big picture. If you see the big picture, you stop being in competition with God ordained leader and become a supporter and a team player to save the community where God has placed you.

          Jonathan’s big picture thinking allowed him to see himself from the right perspective. The first great advantage of seeing the big picture is being able to judge yourself realistically. If you overestimate your value, you may do things just to feed your ego. That was King Saul’s problem.  If you underestimate your value, you may become discouraged and neglect doing the things you can do. That is why many Christians are sitting on the sidelines, while a few are doing the work of the Lord. However, the big picture gives you an accurate picture of yourself. When Jonathan saw David after he killed Goliath, the prince realized that David had the potential to be a better leader than his father or himself. Therefore, Jonathan realized that he was not the best person to ascend to the throne. Jonathan had the realistic evaluation of his gifts and potential as a leader. He was content to play a supportive role to a highly gifted leader to save his nation. Such a conclusion comes with discernment, prayer, and contentment of life. Jonathan reminds me of Andrew, who was a brother of Peter and one who brought Peter to Jesus. Andrew was content to be a team player and supporter, while Peter rose to leadership.

          Jonathan’s big picture thinking allowed him to see others from the right perspective. When Jonathan saw himself realistically, he was free to treat others as they deserved. That meant preserving David’s life and serving him. Jonathan knew that helping David would benefit the kingdom more than promoting himself as Israel’s future ruler. And while King Saul, his father, continually tried to manipulate situations to eliminate David as a threat to him, Jonathan worked hard to help his friend. He strategically invested his time and energy for David’s success. Jonathan saw himself as a kingmaker and he worked hard at it. The problem with our world is that everybody wants to be a king, but nobody wants to be a kingmaker, or a subject of a king. The problem with the church and contemporary Christianity is that there are more who want to undermine spiritual leaders than to help the work of the Lord to succeed.

          Jonathan’s big picture thinking allowed him to do what is right from God’s perspective. Often our personal ambition clouds God’s direction for our lives. Nonetheless, Jonathan’s grasp of the big picture helped him to understand what God desired. Even though it did not benefit him personally, Jonathan obeyed God and did not whine about his rights. The problem with today’s Christians is the attitude that says, “What is in it for me?” Many people have become Christians with a consumer mentality. Their main goal is, “what can the Lord do for me; what can the pastor do for me; what can the church do for me?” There should be a change of focus and attitude. The objective of every believer should be, “What can I do for the Lord; what can I do to help the pastor; what can I do to help the church realize her vision and mission.” Your purpose in the Christian life should not be what I could get but what can I give; what can I contribute to the success of the Lord’s work. We need more Jonathans today in the Lord’s work. Moses had his Joshua and Caleb; Elijah had his Elisha; Daniel had Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego; Peter had Andrew; Paul had Barnabas; Billy Graham has Cliff Barrows and Bev. Shea. The greatest need in a leader’s life is to have a Jonathan beside him/her.

          Jonathan gave up his own future on the throne to serve the rightful person who would take it. The result? The reign of David was the greatest in Israel’s history. Due to his loyalty and deep commitment to David’s future, Jonathan ended up saving the entire nation of Israel from destruction.

III.           WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

          This is what Jonathan is saying to you: “Only when you see what is important will you be willing to do the seemingly unimportant. I did not serve David because I lacked potential. I look back on my life; my greatest joy was helping David succeed to the throne. Remember, it takes many kingmakers to make a king!”

          Every time you encounter people with potential, you must make a choice. You can either hurt them or help them. Many Christians today choose to hurt leaders rather than to help them succeed. Jonathan’s father, King Saul chose to hurt David. What would have happened if Jonathan’s father had helped David? King Saul could have spent his time on productive instead of destructive things. The kingdom would have united instead of divided. Jonathan’s relationship with his father would have improved greatly. In addition, God’s blessings would have continued on his father’s leadership. A legacy of leadership would have been passed down to David. Jonathan goes on to say to you: “Sadly, in the end, my father did not hurt David; he hurt himself.”

          Here is the good news: “As a supporter you share in your leader’s success.” When you help a leader, you share in whatever he/she achieves. As I helped my friend David, I knew that I was serving God and whatever benefits the nation of Israel received came about in part through my efforts. The same is true for you. You do not have to be on the front lines or the lime light, to share in the rewards or to make a great impact. Support your leader and you can help save your community and nation.

Prayer

          Sovereign Lord and King please empower our church family to see the big picture so we may know our individual place and are glad to be a part of something great. Help us to cultivate the right attitude toward the potential and success of others, and possess a servant’s heart that receives great joy in adding value to leaders. Amen.

                                                 Happy New Year.

"THE SEARCH AND WORSHIP OF THE KING OF KINGS"

MATTHEW 2:1-23

INTRODUCTION

          God has a way of doing great things in simple ways that baffle human minds. Throughout the Old Testament, especially the Book of Isaiah prophecies are recorded of the birth and rule of the Messiah. Yet, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, only a few people knew it and took notice. The birth of Jesus did not come with pomp and pageantry, and yet it is the event that has changed the course of human history. The birth of Jesus changed the Roman calendar from B.C. to A. D. You would expect the King of Kings to be born in a palace, but He was born in a manger. You expect the Messiah to be born to Caesar Augustus, the Emperor, but He was born to Joseph, the Carpenter. You expect the queen to give birth to the Christ, but a teenage Virgin Mary was chosen to be the mother of this holy Child. You expect Jesus to be born in Rome or Jerusalem, but He was born in Bethlehem. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, then a little town has transformed it from obscurity to prominence. You expect the birth of Jesus to be told to the famous, nobles, and royal families, and yet humble shepherds on a hillside tending their flock by night, and Gentiles from the east are the recipients of this great news.

          The birth of Jesus has changed the destiny of the human race. Before His birth, darkness ruled the world, but Jesus is the Light of the world. Before the birth of the King of Kings, death terrorized the world, but Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. I would like to share with you: “The Search and Worship of the King of Kings.”

          His birth was the well-kept secret of God, whispered among the stars. Only a handful of people even cupped their ears to listen, and they were from Persia, not Palestine. They were Gentiles, uncircumcised and without the promises of God. God has a way of humbling the proud. Odd that these foreigners were the recipients of the revelation of the birth of a Jewish Messiah, astrologers of all people. Odd that priests or rabbis and members of the Sanhedrin were not told the birth of the Messiah. Odd too that the messenger was not a prophet, but of all things, a star. Not a comet or meteor shower but a mere star, hung quietly in the night among a million others.

          It could not have been as spectacular as some have suggested, for if it were, throngs of people would have been watching it, wondering about it, asking what it meant. No, it could not have been spectacular. And yet something about this star captures the attention of these Eastern Magi. Somehow, they knew this pale sapphire dangling among the constellation was the star of the King of Kings. May be it was because of the unexpected way it rose in the western sky, sending them searching their star charts. Or maybe while poring over the scrolls, they uncovered the oracle of Balaam, one of their own compatriots that explained their mysterious herald: A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel (Numbers 24:17).

          Whatever it was, the Spirit of God spoke to them through this hushed revelation and beckoned them to follow. They traveled by night when the star was most visible, their long shadows lagging behind the caravan. They traveled in search of a King, following what little light was given them, not knowing where it would lead, what would happen to them en route, or how their lives would be changed afterwards.

          Mary, meanwhile, with the young King enthroned in her arms, is reliving the events of the day. The five-mile trip to Jerusalem, the consecration of her firstborn at the temple, and the glowing words of Simeon as he took Jesus in his arms. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel. But Simeon spoke other words that day; dark, foreboding words that gathered on the horizon of Jesus’ life like the clouds of some distant storm. This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

          Mary ponders those words as she cradles her baby in her arms, peering into His dark brown eyes. So calm a child to cause such a stir, she whispers to Him, smiling. He stops nursing and smiles back. The warmth of Mary’s milk spreads over Him like a blanket, and His eyes grow weary. Even as He sleeps, His mouth keeps working to draw life from her, clinging to her, yet so gently, so tenderly, and so sweetly. Mary says to herself who could ever speak against such a child. She thinks as she watches the baby Jesus. Who could ever stumble over such innocence?

          Mary studies the baby Jesus’ face, her mind still feeling its way through the wonder of it all. The promises of God fleshed out in a child. The hope of the world entrusted to an infant. It was all swaddled in so much mystery. Mary wonders: What secret is God keeping with this child?

          By the time the Magi reach the outskirts of Jerusalem, the star has melted into the morning sky. Surely, the holy city would be bustling with activity after the arrival of its King. Shops would be closed; people would be celebrating; and thank offerings would be overflowing the temple. But as the caravan threads through the outer gates, it is just another day in Jerusalem. Shopkeepers are minding their stores. Women are picking over produce. Priests are tending to the daily rigors of religion. The only thing that creates a pause in the morning routine is the presence of these foreigners. Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?

          Heads turn at the sound of their language coming to them in thick Persian accent. The crowd looks at them with puzzling countenance. A stern-looking man steps forward. “Be careful of talk like that around here.” One of the Magi turns to a rabbi and said, We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. But the rabbi scolds him; God speaks through the Scriptures, not through the stars. Your talk is blasphemy, the babble of sorcerers and astrologers.

          Before noon, word reaches the imperial palace. Every step of the ascent to the throne has been stained with the blood of his rivals. The political climate at the time of Jesus’ birth resembled that of Russia in the 1930s under Joseph Stalin. Citizens could not gather in public meetings. Spies were everywhere. Herod was like Saddam Hussein. He killed two brothers-in-law, his own wife Mariamne, and two of his own sons. Five days before his death he ordered the arrest of many citizens and decreed that, they be executed on the day of his death in order to guarantee a proper atmosphere of mourning in the country. For such a despot, a minor extermination procedure in Bethlehem posed no problem. When Herod the Great hears rumors of still another rival, he does everything he can to mask his paranoia, but behind the mask he is troubled. And all Jerusalem is troubled with him. Over the years, the Jews’ relationship with the king has been strained at best, but over the years, they have cultivated it. As a result, Herod gave them a temple and in return, they gave him their allegiance. It was a convenient relationship between synagogue and state. It was a relationship they needed; and a relationship they did not want upset. That is why the words of the Magi troubled them.

          Herod gathers the chief priests and scribes together. “When your Messiah comes, where will it be? I mean what city?” Bethlehem, the religious leaders are quick to cite chapter and verse. However, their search for the Savior ends there. Bethlehem, Herod thinks to himself, the city of David. King David, I must be quick with my boot to stomp on this rumor, lest a spark of resistance flare up into rebellion. Herod questions the Magi, careful enough not to arouse suspicion, but cunning enough to play them into his hand. He encourages them on their quest and sends them on their way.

          By nightfall, the star rises, and so do their hopes. Once again, the mysterious messenger goes before them, this time leading them southward. The star stops at the quiet village of Bethlehem and rests over a small house. The voices of the Magi hush as they enter the humble surroundings that form a cathedral for their worship. They greet the holy family with quiet respect. When they see the baby, they bow before Him, giving their praise as they tremble with joy. With the humblest of gestures and fewest of words, they offer their gifts. The Magi spend the night in Bethlehem, talking among themselves, trying to understand it all. “Herod in his palace and the heir to the throne hosted in the corner of some tumbledown house?” The newborn King birthed in Bethlehem of all places. Why here? The Magi might have asked, "why are we the only ones who came?" “What secret is God keeping with this child?”

          That night an angel visits Joseph. He bolts upright in bed, heart pounding, and eyes wide as Roman coins. Joseph shakes Mary awake and tells her the dream. Mary throws up her covers and bundles up Jesus while Joseph gathers what little food and personal belongings they have. Thoughts race through his mind as he packs. Egypt. We have no money to go to Egypt. And what will we do when we get there? How will a foreigner like me find work in Egypt? Joseph gathers up the gifts of the Magi, the pouch of gold, the costly frankincense, and the precious bottle of myrrh. And suddenly he realizes, God has not only pointed the way but has also provided the way. With the saddlebag of treasure draped over his arm, Joseph eases open the door, and they tiptoe into the night, telling no one where they are going or why. Mary rides on the donkey while Joseph leads the way on foot, carrying Jesus in his arms. But as they leave the stable, the baby cries.

          Joseph wheels around, his eyes intense, Mary motions for him to give her the baby. By dawn, the holy family is long gone. For now, they are safe; Jesus has escaped the sword. But Mary will never escape the memories of that night. Deep in her heart, she will always fear that one day that Roman sword will find her son and finish the work it started in Bethlehem.

          As the morning washes over His cheeks, the sleeping Savior wakes and yawns. The first thing He sees is His mother’s eyes, eyes that are suddenly flooded with tears. Unable to understand anything but the language of His mother’s face, and already Jesus is an enemy of the state. Unable to talk, and already He is targeted for assassination. Unable to crawl, and already a fugitive fleeing for His life. What secret was God keeping with this child? A secret so terrifying it could scarcely be uttered without causing the heavens to tremble and the stars to fall from the sky. The secret? On that starlit night in Bethlehem, God came to earth to do the one thing He could not do in heaven. He came to die.

          Lessons worth pondering

1. The Sovereignty of God and the Evil schemes of Man vv. 7-8

          In the birth of Jesus, we see that the evil schemes of men and women cannot override the sovereign will of God. Herod and his advisors could not destroy the King of Kings. Herod the Great finally died and all his terror died with him. On whose side are you? Are you on the side of Jesus, or you are one of those who want to destroy His work? When you join a church do you join to see the church move forward, or you are a troublemaker, who want to destroy what the Lord is doing? Are you on the Lord’s side, or are you against Him? Any time you fight with the Lord you are always the loser, but today you can be on the Lord’s side once and for all.

2. The Visit and Worship of the Magi vv. 9-12

          God meets people where they are. Since the Magi were astrologers who understood the significance of the stars, God used the familiar to direct them to the place of the birth of the King of Kings. God knows your language and when He speaks to you, He does it in ways that you understand Him. When the Magi went and worshiped the King of Kings and gave Him their gifts, their lives were transformed. They did not return the same way they had gone. They took a different route under the direction of an angel. When the Lord Jesus Christ saves you, you do not go back to your old way of life. You leave His presence a transformed person, with a new ambition, vision, and perspective. These Magi would never be the same.

3. Divine Guidance and Refuge in Egypt vv. 13-15

          Just as God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt to inaugurate His original covenant with them, so again God is bringing the Messiah, who fulfills the hopes of Israel, out of Egypt as He is about to inaugurate His new covenant. Are you a Christian, are you a child of God; are you in the center of God’s will? If you are, there is divine plan for your life and there is an unseen hand that protects you. God’s purpose for your life will prevail as opposed to what the enemy has planned for you. Am I speaking to somebody today?
                                    Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

 

"A REMARKABLE COME BACK"

2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-15

          But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

          For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVE, THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe, therefore we also speak. Knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God (NASB).  

INTRODUCTION

          Guidepost September 95 published the story of Jim Stovall, who became completely blind at age 29. While he still had partial vision, he volunteered at school for the blind. He was assigned to help a four-year-old boy, blind and severely handicapped. Stovall spent considerable time trying to convince the boy he could tie his own shoes and climb stairs in spite of his limitations. “No, I can’t!” the boy insisted. “Yes, you can,” Stovall replied. “No, I can’t!” The verbal battle went on.

          Meanwhile, Stovall fought his own limitations. Because of his deteriorating vision, he decided he had to quit his college courses. On his way to withdraw from college, he decided to resign his volunteer position as well. “It is just too tough,” he explained. “I can’t do it.” “Yes, you can!” said a little voice beside him. It was the four-year-old who refused to tie his shoes. “No, I can’t!” said Stovall with conviction. “Yes, you can!”

          Stovall realized if he did not continue the child would give up too. Therefore, Stovall stayed in school and graduated three-and-a half years later. The same week he graduated, his little friend tied his shoes and climbed a flight of stairs. Philippians tell us we “can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.” I would like to share with you on the topic: “A Remarkable Come Back.”

I.                  THE MANIFEST PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN

          EARTHEN VESSELS VV. 7-10

          Earthenware vessels were a common place in virtually every home in the ancient Middle East. They were inexpensive and easily broken. Unlike metal vessels, which could be repaired or glass ones, which could be melted down, and the material reused, once broken earthen vessels had to be discarded. They were thus cheap and of little intrinsic value.

          The conjunction “But” in verse 7 introduces the startling contrast between the splendor of which Paul has just been speaking and the poor vessels in which it is contained. The treasure in question is “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” (v. 6). The false teachers who were the enemies of Paul had maligned and contemptuously described his bodily appearance as weak and his speech as of no account (10:10; 10:1; 11:6; 12:7). These false teachers were using invectives to discredit Paul’s authority as an apostle. Paul uses verse 7 to demonstrate that precious metals or treasures are usually concealed in the least suspected vessels. In the ancient times it was customary to hide treasure in clay jars, which had little value or beauty and did not attract attention to themselves and their precious contents. I remember when I was a boy, I saw my grandfather kept his precious jewels in the least suspected jars. The reason he did that was, if a thief broke into the room to steal something he might steal the beautiful jars made of glass or metal. He would not touch the ugly looking jar. After all, who would hide a treasure in an ugly looking jar or vessel? That is the way humans think. However, God on the other hand, conceals His treasure in frail and least suspecting vessels. That is why Jesus said, “I praise You O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to babes” (Matt. 11:25). The Apostle Paul also said, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God” (1 Cor. 1:27-29).

          Despite Paul’s apparent human frailty, God chose him to bring the light of the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles of which Corinth was a part. The supreme valuable message of salvation message of Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fallible human beings. As unworthy and frail as Paul was, Christ saw fit to choose him to carry the light of the gospel to those who were sitting in the darkness. The absolute insufficiency of man reveals the total sufficiency of God. Human weakness presents no barrier to the purposes of God. Indeed, God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). When you read the Bible carefully, you will find out that God used the least expected people to accomplish His purposes. For example, Moses, a failure and a wanted man, who was hiding at the backside of the desert in Media. Moses was the least expected man to be used to deliver the children of Israel from captivity in Egypt. Samuel, just a boy but God chose him to be a prophet and a judge and David a teenage shepherd that became a king of Israel. Who would appoint a shepherd as the second king of Israel? Probably no man would have done that, but God did. Amen. Joseph, sold into slavery, serving jail term, an ex-convict, yet God chose him to become the Prime Minister of Egypt. His brothers thought that they had gotten rid of him and his dream, yet the dream happened. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times and had gone back to his fishing business, yet Christ pursued him, restored him, and made him the leader of the apostolic team. Paul, the least likely figure, the one who held the clothes of those who stoned Stephen to death; the one who went to towns and cities and hunted Christians men and women, yet Christ saved him and called him as the flaming apostle to the Gentiles. The list can be endless. Paul knew that he was the least qualified candidate to be chosen by Christ. That was why he was ever grateful to God for His grace. Are you one of those who think that you deserve to be saved? Are you one of those who think and behave as if God owes you something?

          The life of Paul reveals to you and me that the transcendent power of God belongs to Christ and not to His servants. Paul knew himself. Paul knew who he was, and to whom he belonged. Do you know yourself very well? Do you know to whom you belong? In verses 8-9, Paul states that he endured “suffering everyway, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed.” These verses describe the vulnerability of Paul, his missionary team, and the power of God, which sustained them. Here, Paul is speaking from experience and this is more of constant experience. Here Paul uses the language of Greek Gladiatorial games to describe their ordeal. He says, "We go through affliction but not crushed." Sometimes Satan uses affliction to crush the spirit of the believer. He does that to win the victory over you. Paul says, "Yes we sometimes wonder, we are perplexed but not despairing." To despair means to lose hope. Brothers and sisters, the moment you lose hope in the Christian life, the very moment you lose hope in Christ, the battle is ended. If you lose hope in Christ, Satan has won the spiritual warfare. Paul says, “We do not despair.” A person can live without food for sometime. A Person can live without water for sometime, but you cannot live without hope. Hope in Christ, in His death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming is what keep us going. Never give up hope. The moment you give up hope, you are like a boxer who won the title but "threw in the towel." Paul says, “We are persecuted but not forsaken.” The devil is real. He is the archenemy of Christ and Christians. However, he uses people to do his sinister work for him. Persecution of Christians is always the work of people who have become the slaves of Satan. Paul says we are being hunted. Paul knew the agony of being hated and pursued like an animal by his fellow men, but he also knew that, no matter how savage their hatred, he was never forsaken and left as a prey to his enemies. The sad thing is that the people who claimed to be Christians and boasted of their power and spirituality became the tools in the devil’s hand to persecute Paul. If the secularist, the unbeliever, and the pagan persecute you as a Christian, you can understand. However, when one who claims to be a believer becomes your persecutor, it is difficult to endure. Sometimes Satan uses those who are close to you to persecute you. See how Saul persecuted David. A King that David had rescued from humiliation and possibly death; Saul became a tool of Satan to persecute David. David’s own son Absalom rose up against him. The good thing is that God did not forsake David. Read how both Saul and Absalom died. Paul says, yes we are persecuted but not forsaken. God has given His unchanging promise to all His faithful children. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Paul was fully conscious of the power and presence of Christ in his life that he was not worried even when his companions forsook him (2 Tim. 4: 10, 16).

          Paul then asserts, “We are struck down, but not destroyed.” This is a picture of a wrestling match. It is also like a boxer who has been knocked down, but not knocked out. Have you watched a boxing match where a boxer who had been knocked down came back to win the fight? The Apostle Paul says, yes Satan might have knocked us down but we are not knocked out. We are not knocked out because our champion Jesus Christ has already won the fight. He won the fight over 2000 years ago. Glory be to God. King David the Psalmist says, “The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the LORD: And He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the LORD is the One who holds his hand” (Ps. 37:23-24). Many of the faithful servants of God had suffered in the hands of the agents of Satan. Among the list includes Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John who became the Bishop of Smyrna. This courageous man of God was burned at the stake. William Tyndale whose only crime was a determination to obey his call from God to translate the Bible into the English language was literally hunted like a prey from place to place until he was eventually martyred on October 6, 1536. They may destroy this decaying body, but they cannot destroy the soul.

          Paul also states, “We carry about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body.” The frailty of Paul’s humanity is evident in the constant hardships and persecutions he suffered for the sake of the gospel through which he shared in Christ’s suffering. You became the target of Satan the moment you opened your heart to Christ. When you said yes to Jesus you died to self, Satan, and the world. Nevertheless, Satan would not let you go without a fight. Paul was hunted and struck down by the enemies of Christ who went from Antioch and Iconium and pursued him to Lystra. They stoned him, dragged his lifeless body and left him for dead, but he was miraculously raised up and restored to strength (Acts 14: 19ff.). Not only was Paul restored but he also returned to Lystra to minister there again (Acts 14:21). Perhaps many of the enemies who had sought his death had died. Satan and his cohorts knocked Jesus down. Like a game of boxing, the umpire was counting. The umpire started counting on that fateful Friday after the crucifixion. The Devil and his demons were jubilating on Friday and Saturday. The umpire was about to count his last on Sunday morning, when all of a sudden Jesus rose up and sent a crushing blow to Satan and his demons. The game was over. Jesus had staged a remarkable come back to win the title. And since Jesus has won the victory over sin, Satan, and death, you and I who are in Him are more than conquerors. On the outward, it appears as if we are losing the battle, but in reality, we are winning because we are fighting from victory unto victory. Praise the Lord. Glory be to God.

II.               THE MEANING OF FAITH AND THE ASSURANCE

          OF THE RESURRECTION VV. 11-14

          Paul reminds us that though we may be at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Christ has won the victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s power and presence in us.

          In verse 11, Apostle Paul recaps his previous statement. In essence, he says that human weakness provides the occasion for the triumph of divine power, and daily “dying” magnifies the wonder of daily resurrection life. God is not looking for strong people to use. You know why? They would rely on their natural strength. God is looking for weak people so that He alone can get the glory. The reason why we do not experience the power and the presence of God in our lives today is that we rely on our human potential and strength. To live and serve God in human strength alone is to be defeated, but to live and serve in total dependence on the risen Christ is to live in victory. Are you crucified with Christ? The Apostle Paul could say, “I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). Some Christians want to experience the resurrected power and presence of Christ in their lives, yet they refuse to surrender their lives to Christ. The Christian life is a life of faith in Christ. It is a life of complete submission and reliance on Christ. There are some who want Christ to save them, and yet want to live independent of Christ. In effect, they are saying, “Christ save me but let me control my life.” My friend you cannot come to Jesus and dictate the terms of operation. Jesus is the Christ, He is the Savior, He is the Lord, and you are the servant. A servant does not dictate the terms of operation; the Master does. You cannot have the resurrected power of Christ without going through some of the sufferings that He endured.

          Apostle Paul’s experience was a constant exposure to forces leading to death but he also knew that Christ had not abandoned him. In his exposure to forces leading to death, the life of Christ was greatly magnified in him, not only to sustain him, but also to work through him to bring life to others. Today you and I are the beneficiaries of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Apostle Paul and others who risked their lives for Christ’s sake.

          In verse 13, quoting from Psalm 116:10 Paul says, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak. Paul is saying the threat of death through persecution by misguided men cannot silence us from sharing Christ. Persecution cannot seal our lips from declaring to others the redemptive work of Christ. This is the life of unquenchable faith in Christ. Paul continued to operate in the spirit of faith in Jesus Christ despite his afflictions. Do you continue to live for Christ when you go through suffering? Do you continue to share Christ with others in spite of persecution? Satan uses suffering to intimidate believers and to silence us, but that should not be the case (Acts 3 & 4Peter and John).

III.           THE MAGNITUDE OF GOD’S GRACE EXPERIENCED

          THROUGH THANKSGIVING V. 15

          In verse 15, the Apostle Paul is telling the Corinthians that they should not allow the false teachers to unsettle their faith in Christ. Why? Because the persecution and affliction which Paul and others endured for the name of Christ was a benefit to them. I must say that Paul’s writings have been a constant source of encouragement to me in trying times. The Psalms of David, which you turn to in times of difficulty, were mostly written in the crucible of sufferings. Paul says that God is using their hardships to spread the grace of God, which comes through the gospel to many people. When this happens, gratitude overflows in the heart of many people to the glory of God. Many Christians shun adversity and persecution because they are shortsighted. They do not have the big picture. They do not think of the long-term effect of what God does with their consistent faith in Christ in the midst of suffering. Many of Paul’s writings that have brought comfort and solace to many believers were written not from a palace but from prison in Rome. John Bunyan wrote The Pilgrims Progress from jail in England. Probably besides the Bible, the Pilgrims Progress has affected more people’s lives than any other book. As you face great troubles, it is easy to focus on the pain rather than on the ultimate goal. As we labor with Christ through suffering, when many lost people come to Christ, they are prompted by the Holy Spirit to give thanks to God and glorify His name.