By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

view email in browser | Un

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” ( 2 Corinthians 4:17)

This passage reminds me of a sister in Christ I knew about 30 years ago. My frequent visits were used to cheer a grieving, pessimistic heart. I'm sure the dreaded disease Parkinson’s did not help her outlook. It was my hope that the words above would lighten the burden as they have for so many others. 

The affliction mentioned here specifically refers to those of Paul because of his work as an apostle. The suffering of Paul would appear to be anything but light. (Corinthians 11:24-28) The same is true of the suffering of so many Believers. Yet, Paul says they are “light”. How is that possible? They are "light" because, in comparison to eternity, they last only for a moment.

The author then says that such afflictions can produce beneficial results. To encourage his reader, Paul uses a strong expression: working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”. These trials not only lead to glory, but to an exceeding weight of glory. 

While we are still in this mortal body, these afflictions can also be used to mold character. Such adversity can be used to wean us from this the world. It can help us to purify our hearts and break the cycle of sin. It can help us to look to God for consolation and help us to think of heaven.

In this verse and other passages, the state of the righteous is described as "glory". Romans 2:7,10) The true glory of man is the condition in which God created him before he fell. (Romans 3:23) The believer awaits a marvelous and renewed condition in eternity. (1 John 3:2) 

While in the midst of sorrow and affliction, we must remember that with God, decay and death have no power over us. We can use those afflictions to mold our character and to hope and anticipate the final revelation of God's glory.

By George Slover 


 

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-9)

God commands us to develop the spirit of Christ. (Vs. 5) Such a selfless spirit promotes unity in the family of God. (Vs. 1-4)  

To fully grasp the spirit of Christ, we must first understand his existence before he appeared in the flesh. (John 1:14)  Though equal to God in glory, Christ did not cling to this state, but willingly laid it aside to come in the likeness of man. He laid aside the honor of His throne and became a man.

There are three virtues that are worthy of our thoughts as we strive to emulate the spirit of Christ. First, he became a servant.  Isaiah (see Isaiah 52:13) prophesied of the suffering servant 700 years before: "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge, My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

Jesus’ attitude toward sinful man was one of complete service. (Matthew 20:28) In pursuit of unity, it is necessary for us to take that position as well. (John 13:1-17) One who serves is one who loses themselves to unselfishly meet the needs of others. Can you imagine a family or a church full of such people?

Second, as a man he became obedient. Repeatedly Jesus reminded his followers of his earthly mission.  "Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) Disciples of Christ must have the same spirit.  They are called to be totally given to the Father’s cause. When one is fully given to the will of God there is no room for self-aggrandizement that promotes discord.

Third, Jesus was obedient to his death. Jesus died the death of a condemned criminal. New Testament writers tell us he hung on a “tree”.  (Galatians 3:13) Early disciples were glad to identify with this symbol of shame. (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29)

Do you agree that relationships from family to church would improve if those involved would have this attitude? “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (1 John 3:16)  We must be willing to die that others might live. 

Jesus did not come to please himself nor do we find him in the high places of the world. He did not seek his own comfort but the comfort of others. He went about doing good and caring for others. He died so we could enjoy the highest state – to be called children of God. Christ’s disciples must also mind these things.

By George Slover 
 

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud,That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God will accomplish its intended purpose. “It runs like a swift messenger through nature and the world of man…to heal and to save; it does not return from its course till it has given effect to the will of the Sender.” (Keil and Delitzsch) The immediate application for Isaiah's listeners was the promise of deliverance from Babylon.  However, the power of God's word is manifest in various ways.

The force of God's word is seen in his miracles.  The universe, the earth, and its inhabitants were all created by the utterance of God. It was by God's word that the demons were cast out, the sea was calmed, the lame and the blind were healed, and the dead raised.  God's word will not return unto him void.

The efficacy of God's word is seen in its fruitfulness. God's word can probe into the hearts of men revealing their intentions and ways.  Its truth is either accepted or rejected. One cannot remain neutral. By clearly dividing the light from the path of darkness, God’s word accomplishes its purpose.  It exposes human folly. It will not return unto him void.

The power of God's word is seen in its moral qualities.  When it is planted in an honest heart, it can radically change the life of that individual.  There is nothing more beautiful than a godly man or woman who has allowed its truths of love, gentleness, faith, and conviction to mold their character.  God's word will accomplish its purpose.

Throughout history, man has sought for a purpose by his own schemes. He has tried to fulfill his longing for contentment by worshiping idols made by his own hands. Like a steadfast beacon, the word of God has been pointing to a way of genuine peace. His word is incorruptible and will accomplish its purpose.

There may be times when we may doubt it's power, but we have strong assurance that God's word will not return unto him void.  Learn it,  live by it, and share it.

George Slover

Jesus said to him, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Before the Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, he prepared his apostles for their mission after his departure. This would have been a startling revelation, for most likely they did not envision the events about to take place. Thomas voiced his concern: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”.(John 14:5) Jesus’ answer is revealed in the well-known text above. Jesus states he is the way. In fact, he is the only way!

Christ is the only way to a knowledge of God. In the same setting, he told Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”. (John 14:9) By his earthly life and ministry, he not only points to the disposition of the father but displayed the very power of Deity. God became flesh and dwelt among men.

Christ is the only way to favor with God. God is infinitely righteous. He is totally incapable of evil and repulsed by our sin and rebellion. The blood of Christ is the only path to reconciliation with God. (Romans 5:8-11)

Christ is the only way to fellowship with God. The unregenerate are called “children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), but through Christ one is adopted into God's family to become his child. (Galatians 3:26,27)

Christ is the only way to the Father's presence. Jesus was about to leave them to go to the Father. Through Christ alone, one day God's people will be able to enjoy the Father’s eternal presence. Jesus is showing the way home.

Contrary to the “many roads” ploy of Satan, Jesus says, “I am the way”. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12)

By George Slover