The Apostle Paul went from being a persecutor of Christians to being a persecuted Christian. Even a cursory look at his life as we read the New Testament reveals that Paul lived a life of extraordinary hardship. In 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 Paul writes, "we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake" (v 11).
It would be easy to wallow in self pity under these circumstances, but Paul reminds himself that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, "will raise us also with Jesus and will present us WITH YOU." (v 14).
This is a common theme to Paul's epistles.
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel that I may become a FELLOW PARTAKER of it." (1 Cor. 9:23).
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even YOU, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For YOU are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
That is why the ending of chapter 4 in 2 Corinthians is so astounding. Paul writes, after acknowledging the suffering and affliction the preachers of the gospel are experiencing, "For all things are for YOUR sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." (v 15).
So many Christians are waiting for others to minister to them, rather than looking for opportunities to minister to others. It's not always easy to do. For Paul it was more death than life.
This morning was the first Men's Monday Morning Meeting (mmmm...). Breakfast was good and we had a perfect turnout. I'm looking forward to getting to know my brothers better over a cup of coffee and conversation. I'd like to think the Apostle Paul would feel comfortable meeting with us. I wonder how he would interact with us over breakfast and coffee. How would our lives change as a result?
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