Message from Scripture: 10/14/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from 2 Cor. 3:5; “Such is the confidence we have through Christ before God. It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.”

 

Have you said, or heard someone else say, “No problem! I’ve got this!” Perhaps you’ve heard a similar phrase to this, like, “I don’t need anyone’s help, I can do this myself.” While it is true there are challenges in life we can deal with on our own, there are others where we really do need help. It’s when we realize the value of the help we can offer each other, that we know the true strength we possess.

 

In this Scripture, Paul is speaking about his ministry, as well as his personal life. He is the strong person we remember him being because he knew how much he needed God’s help in his life. As a matter of fact, he points out no one is competent to serve God in the power of one’s own strength and faith, but only when God is an integral part of one’s life. The word for adequacy, or sufficiency, speaks of that which is “large enough.” John the Immerser knew his role in view of Christ, saying he wasn’t competent enough to remove Jesus’ sandals (Matt. 3:11). The centurion in Capernaum did not believe himself adequate to have Jesus enter his house to heal his servant (Luke 7:6-7).

 

This spirit of humility and dependence on the Lord is our need today as well. In reality, we don’t have this, and we can’t do it apart from the strength Christ offers us. Paul would say, “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So, I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). As we serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may we do so firmly trusting and relying on Him, that others may know where true strength is found. Not only will we amaze others, but ourselves as well. God bless.

 

Robert