Speaking Sincerely for Christ
In the sight of God, we speak in Christ. (II Cor. 2:17)
Read: II Cor. 2:14-17, 3:1-4; Josh. 24:14; Tit. 2:7-8
What Is God Saying?
Paul is aware that many posed as authorities in spiritual matters, peddling the Word of God. It was profitable. We might associate this kind of charlatanry with the glaring exposes of religious quacks in our time. We have our share of them, but Corinth was busy and crowded, with many strangers coming and going, eager for novelty and willing to buy into anything. The peddlers of God's Word had a field day. It was a thriving and gullible market. Paul stresses the fact that, in God's sight and as God knows his heart, he is preaching the Word of Christ with real sincerity.
How Does This Apply To Us?
We must be truly sincere when we share with others the Word of God. It is especially important to avoid any impression that we are handling spiritual truth as a means of material advantage or financially attractive. We received the grace of God in salvation as a gift. God's Word needs to be freely given as it is freely received. Our only profit should be the joy of knowing God's Word brought light to a darkened soul or broke the chains of bondage in a sin-shackled life. That's remuneration enough, more than enough. We know God commends reasonable support for His servants that they might be able to devote (themselves) to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:2-4; see also I Car. 9:11, 14). Yet it is equally important for Christians to know that all we say or do is in God's sight. Our whole life is under His constant review. Let this not only keep us sincere but let it also give us encouragement and guidance. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the results are often not tangible but if we speak in Christ and live for Christ and share His truth with others, God sees us and our compensation will come from Him. The pay is adequate and the fringe benefits are out of this world.
Pray With Me
Lord, how perfectly I am known and how constantly I am seen under Your wise and watchful eye. To be aware of this could bring fearfulness. Let it rather bring reverence. It could be a source of chafing resentment. Let it rather bring gratitude, and instead of impatience, let it find me calmly accepting.
• My breakthroughs in righteousness are Your joy.
• My failures in sin are Your heartbreak.
• My steadfastness in the way of truth is Your pleasure.
• My weariness, overburdened with needless care, is Your concern.
My whole life is under Your constant review. You are always seeing. You are always caring. It is also in Your sight that we speak in Christ. You know when I speak for Him. You know when, with cowardly denial, I remain silent. You know when I endeavor to speak in Christ while living in ways that speak against Him. You know when I speak in pride and anger when I should speak in humility and forgiveness. As You see me in Christ, so let me speak in Christ. As You enable me to speak in Christ, so let me live in Christ. Continue doing Your gracious and patient work in my life until what I say and what I am may all be one. I ask for this to the praise of Your name and in the confidence of Your love.
Through Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Speak to Christ in prayer. Speak in Christ to others. When we speak to Christ about others, it will not be long before we are speaking to others about Christ. In prayer let us always be confident that God sees and hears us and, when the love of Christ comes from our lips and shows in our lives, He will be pleased. Continue faithfully in prayer.
