Sunday, October 12, 1997 In Your Absence:
In this week's lesson, which came from II Corinthians 4:1, 7-18, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about overcoming difficulties. In this passage, he emphasized to the Christians at that church the importance of not letting themselves become discouraged, of depending upon God's power to get them through, of living in the light of Christ's Resurrection, and of focusing on the realities of eternity. Everyone has hurts and pains in their life, but one of the important conclusions of this week's lesson was that overcoming those hurts and pains might be as simple as developing a more positive outlook and leaning on God for strength.
The Apostle Paul was a very unique person, and he had lived a very unique life. In Acts 9, the Bible says that, while on the road to Damascus, Paul had a spiritual encounter with the Lord. That event changed him and his life forever, but in addition, it also gave him a convenient reference point to where he could always look for encouragement. As Christians, when we are discouraged or when we are in the midst of some great trial, it can be beneficial to remember back to the time when we first yielded our heart and life to the Lord. Nothing in this life is any more positive than personally knowing Christ, so no event in this life should hold more meaning to the child of God than when he or she first met their Savior. Paul never forgot what God's mercy had done for him, and we also would do well to never forget what He has done for us. The Apostle Paul also understood the importance of avoiding certain practices and bad habits in his life. It is not that the Christian does not do some things in order to be saved. It is more that we avoid those practices and habits because of their potential ill effects. Few drunkards take their first drink with the idea of becoming a drunkard. Few drug addicts take their first fix with the idea of becoming addicted. Paul renounced indulging in hidden things of shame, walking in craftiness, and distorting God's Word because he knew that those things just were not good for him to do.
Paul also pointed others to the Resurrection of Jesus as an event in which they could have confidence. My opinion is that people often use the words "crucifixion" and "resurrection" without really comprehending the significance of those events. Jesus really died, and He really arose! The biblical account of Calvary was not something taken from a Hollywood script. Those events really happened, and as Paul explained to the Corinthians, we can rejoice and hope in the Resurrection of Christ. This is the single event in history which sets Christ apart and holds Christianity together. Because Jesus lives, we can face whatever trials and difficulties are before us, knowing that someday we will leave all the worries of this life behind. What a comfort that should be to each of us! If you are having a particular problem in your life, then try using Paul's remedy. Determine within yourself that you will not let yourself become discouraged. Turn your difficulty over to the Lord and trust in His power to get you through. Find confidence in the Resurrection of Jesus, and finally, never forget that we will someday be with our Lord forever. Once you have learned these principles, pass them on to someone else because there are many hurting people all around us. Also, please take a few moments this week and share your faith in Christ with someone who needs Him.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com