Profitable Training! (part 7 of 14)

Through a regular exercise routine we find benefit regarding easier MOBILITY. Our body is kept more limber so BENDING and REACHING are easier. Exercise helps us retain a sense of FLEXIBILITY.

Through Paul's godly focus, he learned to develop an ability to BEND and work through life's varied situations. Writing to the church at Philippi, he stated. . .

"(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. IN ANY AND EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE, I HAVE LEARNED THE SECRET OF FACING PLENTY AND HUNGER, ABUNDANCE AND NEED." ( Philippians 4:11-12 ESV)

Paul also developed a sense of FLEXIBILITY as he REACHED out to others. In his letter to the church at Corinth he acknowledged. . .

"(19) For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. (20) To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. (21) To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. (22) To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I HAVE BECOME ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE, THAT BY ALL MEANS I MIGHT SAVE SOME. (23) I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." ( 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV)

Paul stands out as a marvelous example of what training in godliness can do for a life. It suited him for God to work through him wherever he went and whatever the situation. He was enabled to go with the flow and yet stand firm with the truth of God. May we also develop the LIMBERNESS we need to be useful where God places us.

Have a great day READY TO BE USED IN THE HANDS BY GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/04/2002 (edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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