Compelling Occupation!

There are many things that can occupy our minds and our time. Sometimes things are forgotten or left undone because we are preoccupied with something else. Therefore, wise consideration should be given to that which most occupies our life.

When Silas and Timothy caught up with Paul in Corinth, note that with which they found him occupied.
"(5) When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, PAUL WAS OCCUPIED WITH THE WORD, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus." ( Acts 18:5 ESV)

Before going further, consider for a moment the word translated "occupied" above. The Greek word used by Luke here is "suneicheto" (from sunecho), and literally means "to hold together." [This verb is akin to the noun "sunechi" ("sun", "together" and "echo", "to hold")] W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament words notes this word's use in Acts 18:5 as being "pressed in spirit with desire."

The WORD OF GOD, continually pressing upon the mind of Paul, caused him to be continually COMPELLED TO LIVE IT AND SHARE IT. It was the central focus of his being. Can we not see that in the description of Paul's activity here? According to the previous verse, after having gone from Athens to Corinth, Paul had been reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath in an attempt to persuade both Jews and Greeks with the message of Christ. Though Paul had joined in with those whose occupation (or trade) was tent-making ( Acts 18:3) to provide monetary support, the thing Paul was most occupied with was the need for SHARING CHRIST.

When we allow GOD'S WORD to occupy (take up residence in) our lives, it is going to also inhabit our thinking and therefore our action and speech. Also, when we allow GOD'S WORD to work in and through us there is a sense in which it will become our life occupation (work) even as we go about the other activities of life. Though we find gainful employment to help make ends meet, are we growing in being "pressed in spirit with desire" regarding the spiritual prosperity of our life and the life of others?

This word translated "occupied" was also associated with a feeling of anguish. Perhaps both meanings of the word are represented where Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. . .

"(1) And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. (2) For I DECIDED TO KNOW NOTHING AMONG YOU EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED. (3) And I WAS WITH YOU IN WEAKNESS AND IN FEAR AND MUCH TREMBLING, (4) and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) THAT YOUR FAITH MIGHT NOT REST IN THE WISDOM OF MEN BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD." ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV)

SHARING CHRIST with others was a very pressing concern for Paul. May THE WORD so occupy our life that we too will be compelled to be occupied in living it and sharing it. In this way we will reveal we are truly fulfilling the WORK OF BELIEF. ( John 6:29)

Have a great day SO MOVED BY THE WORD TO SHARE IT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Focus