Dependable Relationship!

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he encouraged these Christians with regard to the assurance they had in Christ. The absolute reality of the fulfillment of God’s promises is found in Christ. God is not wishy-washy. God is not a tease with His promises, but rather a great encourager of steadfast hope. In Christ, His great promises are a resounding “YES” ( 2 Corinthians 1:20) and God’s Spirit has sealed the guarantee! ( 2 Corinthians 1:22) God has a marvelous track record of keeping His promises. Joshua used that track record to encourage the nation of Israel after they had entered into the promised land. ( Joshua 21:45; 23:14) God’s track record of being true to and fully able to FOLLOW THROUGH with every one of His promises ought to greatly encourage us. However, let us consider the context in which Paul provided such encouragement.

We read…
“(15) Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. (16) I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. (17) WAS I VACILLATING WHEN I WANTED TO DO THIS? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’ at the same time? (18) AS SURELY AS GOD IS FAITHFUL, OUR WORD TO YOU HAS NOT BEEN YES AND NO. (19) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, BUT IN HIM IT IS ALWAYS YES. (20) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” ( 2 Corinthians 1:15-20 ESV)

There was nothing wishy-washy about Paul’s relationship to the brethren at Corinth nor with regard to his desire to encourage their spiritual growth. Though unforeseen things had caused him to change his plans ( 1 Corinthians 16:5-8) -- plans he had made in the context of “if the Lord permits” ( 1 Corinthians 16:7) -- Paul had a genuine interest in their spiritual welfare. What Paul wrote, said, and did were all in agreement and as much as God was (is and will be) faithful to His promises, Paul was determined to FOLLOW THROUGH on behalf of his brethren at Corinth. They could depend on Paul’s UNWAVERING commitment to ministry on their behalf. His own life was given as a resounding “YES!” for their benefit and good. He was personally willing to “gladly spend and be spent” for their souls. ( 2 Corinthians 12:15)

As God said “YES!” to Paul through Christ, Paul’s life was “YES!” in service to those who belonged to Christ. Are we also that way toward one another? Or do we instead put each other off as we focus on our own things? Having a sincere appreciation for the dependability of God we ought to show it through our own willingness to FOLLOW THROUGH with a genuine interest in what benefits others to the glory of God. As the “Amen” is spoken regarding the promises of God, may the “Amen” also be spoken with regard to our FOLLOW THROUGH on behalf of each other.

Have a great day LIVING A RESOUNDING “YES” TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl

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