God's Treasure 11.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are beginning our studies on the book of II Corinthians, please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%201-4&version=9

Today we will read about forgiveness for those who repent; the Lordship of Christ; and suffering. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that you are filled with the most precious treasure one can have, that is Jesus Christ. We are all God's treasure and more precious to Him than any material thing could ever be.

The book of II Corinthians is the 8th book and 2nd epistle of the New Testament and contains 13 chapters. The author of the epistle is Paul and it was written to the believers at Corinth. The purpose of epistle was to reestablish his apostolic authority, but it also deals with additional important issues. What we are to learn from the epistle is that human weakness provides opportunity for manifestation of the power of God.

Not every Christian is called to be an evangelist or pastor that speaks before a crowd, but we are all called to be a part of the Body of Christ. As part of the Body of Christ we may be used to love and comfort those in need. God uses His servants to express His lovingkindness and communicate the indwelling life of Christ to others. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." (II Corinthains 1:3-7). We overcome our suffering by aiding others in theirs. It is those who are willing to identify with Christ and His disciples that experience His suffering and can, in turn, express the comfort of the Holy Spirit to others who are suffering or are depressed.

The body of a Christian is compared to an ordinary clay pot. Clay pots have very little value on thier own, but their essential worth depends on what they contain. If they are left empty they have no value or purpose for that matter. However, if they are filled with precious treasure or gems their value increases dramatically. The body of a Christian contains the most precious treasue one could have, that treasure is Jesus Christ. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." (4:6-10).

All who accept Jesus into their lives are filled with Christ and are precious treasures to God. Therefore it is our responsibilty to teach others the Gospel and to be an example for those who are weaker than us.

Being accountable to God also includes how we respond to experiences common to all people, however children of God are enabled to handle trials and suffering differently than those of the world. Since the Holy Spirit indwells in us we are able to face trials and suffering with the confidence that our Lord is lovingly working out what is best for our eternal good.

Trials and troubles, in whatever form, are necessary for spiritual growth; without them, we would not exercise our faith or develop spiritual insight and strength. Just as it was necessary for Jesus to die, we too must die to self-love and become willing partakers of His sufferings. "For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God." (4:11-15).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There is much that we can learn from our temporal problems here on earth that better prepares us for eternity. As we work through these troubles enable us to have the mind of Christ so that attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit become a spontaneous response to the difficulties that challenge us daily. Just as light, soil, air and moisture are requirements for growth in vegetation so must faith, prayer, self-denial and persistence in obeying God’s Holy Word be requirements for growth in our Christian walk. Help us not to become so caught up in viewing our daily challenges from an earthly perspective that we don’t look for the deeper, spiritual, and eternal meaning that You have to teach us in all things. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have an awesome and blessed day!
God bless you,
Christina

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