Monday, October 1, 2018
John 9:4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
WE ARE THE SPIRIT'S INSTRUMENTS
God works through us in our communicating the Gospel to the world round about us. As we look at Paul's efforts we note that though he is God's instrument, he does all within his power to carry out this effort of evangelizing.
Paul's writings breath the air of Good News preaching. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Paul points out how he would do all things that he could if by any means he might win, gain, save the more. He writes showing that he depends on God, but does all as if it depended on himself.
In 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 he points out how, "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be
found with our ministry . . ." We can impede for a time God's will of salvation for individuals. It can be through carelessness on our part. But in the end it is the devil behind it to prevent the message of grace being given and received. The devil can use us as his instruments also.
2 Corinthians 5:11 points up how we are to persuade men. It is with the message of God's love. In v. 14 the Gospel is centered on, "One has died for all." Our motives and our actions should bespeak this love of God for man.
We should earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3). As we do, we wrestle against our own flesh which at times tries to get us to be indifferent and lazy and at other times fearful. We have to remember our exalted position though. We are a kingdom and priests unto our God (Revelation 1:6, 5:10). As such we cannot but speak of what we have learned from the Word. Our aggressiveness is seen also in our willingness to proclaim the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). We do not necessarily do this all at once. We do do it over time and consistently. It is a thorough and not superficial thing. And it is ongoing. As each of us has received gifts we are to employ them to serve in proclaiming His Word. We remember our Lord Himself in His earthly work, how He had to be working the works of Him who sent Him, while it was day (John 9:4). We too work before the night comes when the work will end, focusing always on Him.
