"And
now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that
God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe
trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in
rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were
able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they
urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service
to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They
gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God
also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a
beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your
part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in
knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in
you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am not commanding you,
but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with
the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor,
so that you through his poverty might become rich"
To
be Far More than you can imagine
A Christ-Follower must be willing to confess your sin and purify your
heart.
The
chapter just prior to our text states in 2 Cor. 7:1,
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us
purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,
perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
In
the first part of 2 Corinthians, Paul establishes the benefits and
promises that living for Christ are: The benefits and promises are
that believers as ambassadors for God's Kingdom, are
recipients of Christ eternal life, and are a forgiven
people. It is through these promised benefits that we are
encouraged to be far more than we can possibly achieve on our
own by confessing our sin, sacrificing our flesh and purifying our
hearts to the Glory of God.
How do I do this you may be
asking: By daily work in the economy of Mercy! Mercy is a blessing
that is an act of divine favor or compassion....when we are
living in the knowledge of mercy in our lives, we are willing to
confess our short comings, we are willing to strive to help others in
distress and we are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others
just as Christ did for us... Here is a news flash...you are
guilty! It is through our uniting with Jesus that we are forgiven
and through His Spirit and dedication to His word that we gain
purity. Romans 3:22-24, “This righteousness is given through
faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference
between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
THEREFORE:
“We
run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him
he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition
from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
(Hebrews 12:1-3).
It is “IN” the focus on Jesus and his mercy on
the cross, we acknowledge our in ability to overcome sin and we
strive for purification through His death burial and resurrection. We
are far more than our abilities because He offers far more than we
can imagine!
Seeking to be Far More....You know I Love ya, Don
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