Author: preacherpollard

preacher,Cumberland Trace church of Christ, Bowling Green, Kentucky

From The Mountain Of Victory To The Cave Of Despair

Neal Pollard

Have you ever experienced a spiritual mountaintop moment only to have it followed by a deflating feeling of letdown? That was certainly Elijah’s story. Following the resounding victory over sin, where God displayed His power through him, he suddenly became a man on the run. While his circumstances were more dramatic than ours, we can see both the cause and cure for the spiritual letdowns we experience while trying to serve God by reading 1 Kings 19.

HE FACED BACKLASH (1-3). We call it “blowback.” His triumph over the false prophets caused Jezebel to erupt in vengeful hate. She put a bounty on his head, and he had to flee. Sometimes, by doing good and right, you may face some sort of persecution (1 Pet. 2:19-20; 4:15-16). That’s deflating!

HE WAS FILLED WITH FEAR (3). If the queen’s threat was the cause, fear was certainly the effect. He runs for his life. Elijah was a spiritual giant, but he was only human. Doing right and suffering can make us terrified, but God encourages us not to “fear their intimidation and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…” (1 Pet. 3:14b-15a). That’s the proper solution, but we may initially respond like Elijah and choose flight over fight. 

HE WAS DRAINED AND DEPRESSED (4). In those first two symptoms, Elijah tries to cope on his own. It’s finally in this stage of his discouragement that he calls out to God. He cries out to the Lord. It’s interesting that he’s basically telling Him, “I’ve had enough, I’m done.” But he’s still calling out to him. He does so from utter physical and mental fatigue. He wants God to take his life and end his misery. We cannot call him suicidal, looking at the text, but he does ask God to end his life. That’s discouragement! 

HE WAS PHYSICALLY SPENT (5-9). As soon as he appeals to God, we see God go to work. What a great God we serve! God begins to provide the remedy. His most immediate issue is that he’s fatigued and famished. So he rests and eats until he’s able to go on. God brings one to Elijah to satisfy these needs. In His providence, God continues to do that for us today. 

HE FELT ALONE (10-14). Elijah’s fundamental issue, feeling alone in standing for God, is still unresolved in his mind. The people he’s ministering to are unrighteous. No one is standing alongside him in fighting evil. He also felt threatened and targeted. Today, we call it the “Elijah complex.” God gently, but firmly, corrects Elijah’s misconception. But, notice from God’s response in the rest of the chapter that God listens and hears His servant. Take comfort in that today!

HE LOST A SENSE OF PURPOSE (15-21). Elijah needed a new Mount Carmel, a new mountain to climb and conquer. God graciously supplies that threefold. He sends him to anoint Hazael king over Aram (15), Jehu king over Israel (16), and Elisha prophet in his place (16). God will recompense the evil of the land through these three appointments (17). He also encouraged Elijah with the truth that there were 7,000 faithful Israelites still in the land (18). With that, He corrects Elijah’s distorted view of reality. Discouragement distorts our proper view of things. 

This chapter has helped me many times over the years in trying to serve God. It’s easy to succumb to self-pity and want to give up. It can skew our picture of reality. It can make us withdraw and stop working for Him. But this account is so helpful to showing us how we get into those caves of despair and also how to return to the mountaintop again. The next time you get down trying to do God’s will, have a visit with Elijah and remind yourself of all the ways God can get you “back in the game.” Then, do it! 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XVI)

Why Paul Defended Himself (Part 2)(11:16-33)

Neal Pollard

Bible writers wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20), so Paul’s words here are not simply the empty boasts of a bitter preacher. God wanted Corinth (and us) to know the proof of Paul’s ministry, and one way He does so is through Paul’s boasts and boldness (16-21). The validity of Paul’s message was at stake, and it is hard to think of a more effective way to reinforce the defense he has made than by showing these unparalleled battle scars. He will add one more point to his defense at the start of what we call 2 Corinthians 12, but what was simply the next paragraph of Paul’s epistle. For now, consider how Paul’s sacrificial service provides a strong support for his allegations against those deceitful, disguising false apostles (13-15).

HIS PEDIGREE (22)

It’s interesting that Paul both potentially identifies his attackers as Jewish and appeals to his past to show that pedigree doesn’t automatically make one trustworthy. Whatever they had to boast about in Judaism, he had more so. This would have been written not long before Paul is making his defense before various Roman officials, contending that he is a “Pharisee and son of a Pharisee” (Acts 23:5), “the strictest sect” (Acts 26:5) and “a Hebrew of Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5). He could not be “one-upped” by absolutely anyone in this regard. 

HIS PHYSICAL PERILS (23-27)

When it comes to what toll preaching Christ had taken on his body, Paul is in a class by himself. There were the labors (23), imprisonments (23), beatings (23-25), stoning (25), shipwrecks (25), journeys (26), multitudinous dangers (26), labors (27), hardships (27), and various deprivations (27). Luke records several of these in Acts. This spiritual slave of the Savior could emphatically state, ” From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). Can you imagine?!

HIS PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURES (27-33)

As bad as the physical torture was, he reserves this category of hardship for last. While the sleepless nights could have been from uncomfortable lodging, how often did he go to bed with weighty things on his mind? He had the daily pressure of concern for the churches, churches he had established and worked to ground in the faith (28). He empathetically treated others’ weaknesses and sins (29). How many additional moments of duress and uncertainty could be added to the one he specifically mentions in Damascus (32-33), where he escaped with his life under the cover of darkness concealed in a large basket (Acts 9:25). He often lived under threat of imminent danger, all for preaching Jesus.

I don’t expect any of us to be able to relate to the type or extent of sacrifices made by Paul in his effort to share Jesus with the world. Maybe it will motivate us to go further and do more in our Christianity. But, it should also move us to never stop sharing Christ and living our faith. Surely, no criticism, physical sacrifice, or mental or emotional strain that accompanies it will be enough to cause us to give up. Idle gossip, small-minded criticism, vicious, unethical ploys, and dishonesty and deceit against us seems comparatively minuscule next to Paul, doesn’t it? As Paul himself would tell us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal. 6:9). 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XV)

Why Paul Defended Himself (Part 1)(11:1-15)

Neal Pollard

Have you ever felt the need to defend yourself? It can be very unpleasant, especially when you know you have done nothing wrong and your critic appears to have some ulterior motive. Jesus, a perfect man, was not immune to such criticism during His public ministry (Mat. 12:10; Mark 3:2). Why does Paul go to this trouble and potential humiliation?

HE FEARED THE CORINTHIANS WERE BEING LED ASTRAY (1-4)

Paul had done so much to try and build their relationship with Christ. He had worked with them in person  for 18 months (Acts 18:11) and had already written them a lengthy letter doing further teaching. It had been emotionally-heavy in nature, and now someone was “preaching another Jesus” (3-4). If you have ever won a soul to Christ, you know the concern you feel when he or she seems to be slipping away from faithfulness. When you have close relationships with other Christians and you see them being led away into false teaching or immorality, you think about the time and energy you have put into encouraging and influencing them for good. It will (or should) move you to do everything you can to fortify them against error and ungodliness. 

HE FELT THAT HIS CHARACTER WAS BEING SINFULLY MALIGNED (5-11)

It can be a tough balance to maintain between letting your character and actions speak for themselves and having the courage to respond to unjust criticism. It seems that the difference-maker was that by having his character maligned, the character of Jesus would be made to suffer in the eyes of the Corinthians. So, Paul defends his credentials (5), knowledge (6), means of support (7-9), and love for them (11). If these things could be successfully impugned, it threatened to undo his work among them. This was not about ego or pride. It was about maintaining the force and weight of the Word and work of Christ.

HE WAS FIGHTING SOME UNGODLY INFLUENCES (12-15)

Paul fires back at these unnamed critics. They were passing themselves off as Christian authorities when they were not (12). They were religious imposters, whom Paul calls “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (13). They were servants of Satan disguising themselves as servants of righteousness (14-15). They faced eternal consequences (15b). The stakes are high. These folks were working against Christ while claiming to represent him. Corinth stood to be the casualties of their influence. Truth had to be distinguished from error, so Paul is willing to do every right thing to combat that.

As we will see in the remainder of the chapter, Paul was willing to go to any lengths for Jesus and His people. He suffered, sacrificed, and struggled to advance His cause. Paul was willing to take one for the team when it was just himself that would suffer, but when criticism of him meant harming faith in His Master Paul went on the defensive. That distinction should help us know when we must respond to criticism and when we just let our actions and character speak for themselves. 

Are You Feeding Your Soul?

Jeremy Waddell

We all go through phases in life. Several of us have entered the same phase in life over the past few months with our families…

  • This phase that has challenged
    • our honesty, 
    • our health, 
    • our time & money, 
    • it’s taken up space in our house,
    • it’s even challenged our marriage vows to a certain degree…”in sickness and in health, for better or worse.”

-Sourdough Bread-

  • All jokes aside, with every phase and experience in our life there is always a lesson to learn. 
  • Just so everyone knows Ashley makes the BEST sourdough bread…now anyway! 

When making bread:

  • You can have the greatest recipe.
  • Use the right ingredients and follow the directions perfectly.
  • But if we aren’t feeding that starter daily, which is the base of the bread, then the bread is not going to come out right.  
  • It’s a living thing that needs to be fed everyday regardless of when we plan to use it. 
  • Sometimes Ashley will take a “bread break”, put it in the refrigerator and doesn’t plan to use it for a few days…
  • It’s still living without being fed, for a while anyways, but it’s not as strong or good as it could be. 

So how can we learn a spiritual lesson from sourdough bread?

We can say all the same things about our souls!

  • We need to feed our souls daily with reading our Bible, with prayer, with fellowship if we want to be and remain strong Christians. 
  • Just because we know the recipe of salvation and have followed all the steps perfectly doesn’t mean that it just stops there.
  • Our souls are living and need feeding daily! 
  • 2 Peter 3:17-18– “beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with error of the wicked; but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
    • Not reading the word daily can make us weak and unprepared for when wicked things creep into our lives.

Acts 17:11— “they searched the scriptures daily.”

1 Timothy 4:13– “till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”

There are many verses in the Bible telling us to read it and use the scriptures every day. 

There are verses we all know by heart and lean on all the time: 

  • 2 Timothy 3:16– “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness.”
    • It’s useful for us and for others. 
  • 2 Timothy 2:15- “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
    • God expects us to work hard in knowing the scriptures and understanding them so we can grow and can teach others.
  • Hebrews 4:12- “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  

Being in the word, reading daily, feeding our soul the knowledge of God through His inspired writers will keep our hearts and lives on the right path! It will help us grow closer to God and to be ready to teach others about Him. 

As it says in Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4 “…man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  We need the meat of the word to keep our souls strong! 

If you struggle with studying and being in the word, as I know I do and probably all of us do, then now is the time to make a change.  Put out the distractions in life that keep you from it, try harder to read daily!  

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XIV)

Preachers Are People, Too (10:1-18)

Neal Pollard

Of course, we know that preachers are people but sometimes some may have a picture that preachers have super-spiritual abilities when tempted or troubled or that preachers don’t face the same challenges everyone else does. Paul reverses focus from Corinth (chapters eight and nine) to himself in what we identify as chapter ten. His words serve as a good reminder, first for preachers themselves but also for others who view the preacher. What important truths does Paul reveal here?

PREACHERS WONDER HOW THEY ARE COMING ACROSS (1-2)

Paul sought to urge them with Christ’s meekness and gentleness, but he appears to wonder if that was how they perceived him (1). He was concerned about what tone he would have to take when he saw them, between having some unnamed critics and risking his relationship with the church as a whole (2). While some preachers appear to relish the rebuke and scold approach, they are a distinct minority. Yet, every preacher labors under a divine order to “not shrink from declaring…anything…profitable” (Acts 20:20) and “not shrink from declaring…the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). That includes some challenging subjects, and preachers want to be faithful to that while obeying Paul’s instructions to be kind rather than quarrelsome, correcting with gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

PREACHERS ARE AT WAR WITH THE DEVIL (3-6)

I know preachers who served in the military, and they no doubt have greater personal appreciation for Paul’s military metaphor. Our warfare is not against the flesh, but our weapons mighty before God (3-4). Part of our work is destructive (4-5) and aggressive (5-6). There is a readiness and activeness as a part of this work (5-6). We are not at war with members or other preachers. Paul will say in verse eight that his God-given work was for building them up and not tearing them down (8). But, when we stand against the devil, we know that we may have to stand against those who are ignorant of his schemes (2:11) and led astray by his craftiness (11:3). Yet, we should never relish this part of our work!

PREACHERS WANT TO BE UNDERSTOOD & ACCEPTED (7-11)

Paul knew what his critics said about him. They attacked not only his “preaching style” (cf. 11:6) but even his appearance (10). But, Paul hoped his writing and his words would help these brethren see his heart and better understand where he was coming from and who he was trying to be. I think the vast majority of preachers want that same thing. Each of us has plenty of quirks and flaws, in style and even personality, that become crosses we bear. However, our confidence is that most brethren are so charitable and can see past those impediments (4:7) and allow God to work through our imperfections to his glory.

PREACHERS WILL BE JUDGED AGAINST WHAT IS RIGHT, NOT AGAINST OTHER PREACHERS OR CHRISTIANS (12-18)

It is apparently an ancient practice for preachers to measure their own success by what others have accomplished. Who’s had more influence, baptisms, speaking engagements, local church growth, debates, books and articles published, recognition, etc.? It sounds pretty petty when read in print, doesn’t it? How much does God care about that? 

Paul writes, “We are not so bold to class or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding” (12). “But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord (Jer. 9:24; he also quotes this in 1 Cor. 1:31). For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends” (17-18). Let that resonate and sink down into my heart. God is the only measuring stick that matters. Our consuming obsession must be with being good stewards of the opportunities He puts in our laps (13).

Most preachers do not enter preaching for financial gain, fame and glory, or as an outlet for some frustration. We love the church, love God, love the lost, and love His Word. But, it is easy for anyone to lose their way or forget their original intentions. After all, we have our own struggles in the flesh and deal with our own humanity (12:7; Rom. 7:14ff). Some of God’s people may need the reminder of 2 Corinthians 10, and even more preachers may need it. Thank God for His wisdom, who was “pleased… through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). 

A Call To Joyful Worship And Thankful Praise

Brent Pollard

Psalm 100 is a joyful prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. Psalm 100 encourages everyone to worship the Lord and joyfully recognize His sovereignty and goodness. It highlights several important reasons for praising God and offers a framework for approaching Him in worship.

Reasons to Praise God:

  1. God is the Creator and Sustainer (v. 3). The psalmist reminds us that God Himself is our Creator and made us. We do not create or sustain ourselves; we owe our existence to God, our Creator. As His creation, we have a compelling reason to praise Him and recognize His authority over our lives.
  2. We are God’s people (v. 3). The psalm also confirms that we are God’s flock, sheep in His pasture. This imagery shows God as a loving and caring Shepherd who diligently cares for His flock. As His people, we have a special relationship with Him, and we can approach Him confidently, knowing He cares about us and meets our needs.
  3. God’s character (verses 4–5) The psalm praises God’s goodness, lovingkindness, and faithfulness. These characteristics are everlasting and extend to future generations. God’s character deserves our praise and thanksgiving because He is always good, loving, and faithful to us.

How to Worship God:

  1. Shout joyfully (verse 1). The psalm begins with the command to “shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.” Celebrating God’s greatness and goodness joyfully through worship is important, rather than keeping it somber or subdued. Our praise should be loud, exuberant, and full of joy.
  2. Serve with gladness (v. 2). True worship includes praising and serving God. We are to “serve the Lord with gladness,” indicating that we dedicate our lives to Him. Service should not be burdensome but rather a joyful response to God’s love and grace.
  3. Sing joyfully (verse 2). The psalmist urges us to “come before Him with joyful singing.” Singing is a powerful way to worship, allowing us to express our praise and love for God through our voices and hearts.
  4. Enter with thanksgiving and praise while blessing His name (verse 4). The psalmist encourages us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” as we approach God’s presence. Gratitude and praise should be at the forefront of our worship, acknowledging God’s goodness and thanking Him for His blessings. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit instructs us to “thank Him” and “bless His name.” Blessing God’s name entails honoring His greatness, holiness, and worthiness through our worship. This verse captures the attitude of gratitude, adoration, and reverence that should guide our approach to God in worship.

Psalm 100 is a beautiful reminder of why we should praise God and how to worship Him with joy, gladness, and thanksgiving. Reflecting on God’s character, creation, and love for us should inspire us to approach Him with hearts full of praise and gratitude, actively expressing our devotion to Him.

…

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XIII)

Words Associated With The “Money Ministry” (9:1-15)

Neal Pollard

Paul hasn’t changed the subject from what we have just read in chapter eight.  He builds on his confidence in Corinth’s readiness and zeal to give, encouraging them to follow through. His encouragement includes some integral components of our contribution which should encourage us to be generous and cheerful givers. 

“GOD” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

With such a spiritual service as contributing from our means, you would expect a heavy dose of language pointing to God. So, Paul mentions Him seven times in chapter 9 (7-8, 11-15). God loves a cheerful giver (7). God is able to give us an abundance as we properly use it (8). God receives thanks when we are liberal givers (11-12). God is glorified when we are obedient to His command to give generously (13). God’s grace shines through our generous giving (14). God gives indescribable gifts (15). What relentless encouragement for us to reciprocate!

“GRACE” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

As already noted, our contribution partners with one of the most essential, powerful qualities of God. We often restrict our thinking about God’s grace to the cross and salvation, and there is no greater example of undeserved favor. God gives grace through us in giving (8) and shows grace in us by giving (14). Isn’t it powerful to think of our free and abundant sharing supplying others with a taste of God’s grace?!

“GIVING” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

Paul reminds them of their promise, warning against covetousness interrupting their giving (5). Paul exhorts, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (6). God loves a cheerful giver (7). Quoting the psalmist, Paul says that God gave to the poor and thereby proves His eternal righteousness (9) by supplying and multiplying seed for our righteous harvest (10). God is a giver (John 3:16). I want to be like God, and that is the most powerful motivator! 

“GENEROSITY” SHOULD MOTIVATE US IN THIS MINISTRY

“Generosity” (ESV) or “liberality” is touted by Paul as the reason for our giving (11), the reason for others thanking God (11), the reason others glorify God (13), the reason why others will be motivated to pray for us (14) and yearn for us (14). We don’t give for men’s praise (Mat. 6:1-4); we must discipline ourselves not to seek the honor and glory of man. But, it is often a consequence of contributions made with pure, clear motives. I don’t know about you, but the thought that God might see me as generous fuels my desire to try and be more generous. Listen to this: “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God” (12). Don’t forget the fruit of your generosity. It can bring joy to know that you’re needed because you’re meeting needs. 

At times, we all struggle with giving as we should. A lot of obstacles crop up–fear, doubt, greed, ignorance, selfishness, apathy, and probably many others. Maybe we see the whole discussion of giving as negative and guilt-inducing. If so, perhaps we’re looking at this wrong. It is a privilege to give to the One who gave us everything material and spiritual. It is divine to act like the Great Giver. It is helpful and useful. It is enjoyable. When we approach this “ministry” as positive and joy-inducing, it will transform our effectiveness not only in worship (1 Cor. 16:1-2) but in life (1 John 3:16-17). Remember that “God loves a cheerful giver” (7). 

“Come Unto Me”

Carl Pollard

The Pharisees placed an unbearable amount of teachings on the people. They forced traditions and self-made commands on every person to the point that they became weary. They did this to gain power, to appear holy, and to validate their egos. Jesus dealt with the Pharisees on numerous occasions, but the condition of their hearts was too far gone. They refused to let go of the teachings they had forced on the people. 

In Matthew 11, Jesus warns the cities where He performed many miracles but the people refused to believe and change. He mentions several cities by name who refused to obey the Son of God. Turns out, these cities were heavily influenced by the Pharisees. Jesus ends this section by saying, “it will be worse for these people on the day of judgment than for Sodom.”However, after this harsh teaching, Jesus offers an invitation. He uses three significant words to call us to Him. He invites us to “come, take, and learn.” 

Considered by many to be the greatest invitation ever offered, these words have the power to change your life. The false teachings of the Pharisees had called the people to embrace their rules and regulations. They were no longer rejoicing in their faith. They were forced, instead of seeking after God. Following God had become more of an obligation than an adoration, lacking a genuine hunger and thirst for God. They showed up at the synagogue because it was just a habit. Worship was not something that they longed to do; it was something they HAD to do in order to acquire God’s blessing.

At this point in Matthew 11, Jesus is addressing people who have lost their longing for God. To a group of weary men and women, Jesus says, “Come to me, take my yoke, and I will give you rest.” 

“Come To Me” (28)

You ever had someone over and they just wouldn’t leave? What do you do? Do you drop hints? Do you just hope that they decide to leave soon? Do you perform the classic stretch, yawn, and look at the watch?

This can be a tricky situation, especially if the people that are there are the ones that would stay all night if you let them. There are actually many cultures where guests will not leave until you tell them to. I read about a missionary group that traveled to the island of Yap in Micronesia. They invited some locals over for supper at the home they were staying in. After several hours the conversation died down, and things got a little awkward. The missionaries kept wondering when these people would leave. 

At this point they were just sitting in silence looking around. Finally, a local missionary came over and told the others, “Here in Yap, guests will not leave until you tell them to.” So that’s exactly what they did, they told their guests “it’s time for you to leave” (after which everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief).

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus does the exact opposite. Rather than telling us to leave, He implores us to COME. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Look at who Jesus invites to come to Him: the labored and the heavy laden. Both of these words in context are a description of what happens when you try to work your way to salvation. The Pharisees forced traditions and commands on the people so that they would be saved. This mindset and lifestyle is a burden. In case we have forgotten, Galatians 2:16 says, “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” 

If you are trying on your own deeds instead of trusting in Jesus, that will make you weary. 

This mentality the Pharisees forced on the people is still seen today. It is wearying, but it is also a heavy burden. The word used here is, “phortizo” means to “load up something on an animal or to load cargo onto a ship.” The Pharisees had laid many burdens on the people and their religion did not give rest and peace. No human religion can give peace to the heart. In Matthew 23:4, Jesus says this about the Pharisees, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.”

Weariness like this comes from trying to earn salvation on your own. Salvation comes through Christ, which is why He implores the weary and heavy laden to come to Him!

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XII)

What Generous Giving Shows (8:1-24)

Neal Pollard

After praising the Corinthians in the midst of his second letter to them, he challenges their growth in a specific area of their Christianity. It is an area where several need to be challenged. Jesus urges us to have proper hearts by laying up treasure in heaven (Mat. 6:19-21) and Paul spends time showing what a proper heart looks like. Notice what he says on this subject. 

GENEROUS GIVING REFLECTS THE GRACE OF THE LORD (1-2,9)

Paul holds up the impoverished churches of Macedonia and the Lord Jesus Christ as examples of grace for the Corinthians. The poor saints of Macedonia, in a great ordeal of affliction, had abundant joy and a wealth of liberality to give generously despite that poverty. Who does that look like? The Lord Jesus Christ, who, though rich, for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might become rich. Do you want to look like Jesus? Give generously and abundantly.

GENEROUS GIVING REVEALS AN EAGER, SACRIFICIAL HEART (3-6)

What kind of hearts did the Macedonians have? They had willing hearts, which caused them to give “beyond their ability” (3). They had begging hearts, which considered being allowed to give a favor (4). They had giving hearts, which prompted a financial generosity out of their first giving themselves to God (5). How is my giving? Let me first ask how my heart is, when it comes to “my” money. Paul uses Macedonia’s example to spur on Corinth.

GENEROUS GIVING REINFORCES OTHER OTHER SPIRITUAL QUALITIES (7-8,24)

Paul credits Corinth for their faith, utterance, knowledge, earnestness, love, and sincerity. The first three seem to be alluding to their spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Cor. 12-14), necessary to grow the church. The last three are attitudes Christians must possess. Yet, Paul tosses generosity right onto that figurative pile. He calls for them to abound in this gracious work, too. It proved the sincerity of their love. Later, Paul urges them to “show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you” (24). It’s not generous giving or these other qualities, or vice versa. God wants all of us. 

GENEROUS GIVING READIES ONE FOR COMPLETION (10-15)

Paul calls for them to finish what they intended to do in this matter. Intentions, as great as they may be, cannot be spent or used to meet the various needs Paul is concerned about. The completion of it was as vital as the readiness to do it. God sees giving as the great equalizer between those with abundance and those with need. He’s not talking about redistribution of wealth. He’s talking about a healthy attitude toward one’s wealth that leads to God supplying all that’s needed through our generosity. Don’t just intend or desire to give. Do it!

GENEROUS GIVING RESULTS IN ACCOMPLISHING GOD’S WORK (16-24)

This is a matter of practicality. Real needs in spreading the gospel existed, requiring monetary aid to accomplish. Titus brought it to their attention. Paul is reminding them of it. As they participated in this gracious work, they were helping the church. 

Do you find it interesting that for the inspired Paul, the subject of giving was not off-limits whether he was talking about the rich or the poor or the weak or the strong? Giving is a fundamental aspect and expression of our faith. It is not a substitute for good works. It is a specific example, one of many good works. We need to excel in this gracious work also!

Spiritual?

Gary Pollard

The word “spiritual” and the concept of “spirit” is something I’ve been trying to understand for well over a decade now. I wish it was possible to say, “I now understand it,” but that would be grossly inaccurate. But with the complexity of reality, with the multidimensional nature of scripture (and Christianity in general), with its relationship to the material universe, and with the daily march of life, I was not satisfied with what seems to be the general understanding of “spiritual”. Many seem to believe (because this is how it’s taught) that “spiritual” means “otherworldly” or “preternatural” — ie., not physical, tangible, or substantive, but inaccessibly transcendent, ghostly, incompatible with this universe. It brings to mind an essentially alternate reality of spirit beings in a dimension totally foreign to our own. 

This is not a “salvation issue” or anything so serious as that. However, I don’t believe the Bible explicitly communicates the idea of “spiritual” in the way that we might understand it. This article is me thinking out loud, so please keep that in mind if you continue to read. 

The simplest definition of “spiritual” or “spirit” that I could think of is this: the sum of its parts. There are billions of people on earth, most of them far more intelligent than I could ever dream of being, so there’s a good chance someone else has already outlined this far better than I’ll be able to. 

What does this definition mean? In the following example, the object under consideration is a forest with materials of interest to many different disciplines: 

  1. The trees are examined by various scientific professionals and their findings recorded. 
  2. The soil is examined by its respective professionals, their findings recorded. 
  3. Fossils and the remains of other forms of life are studied, findings recorded. 
  4. Archaic buildings (if present) are studied, the findings recorded. 

All of these disciplines, studying the same problem, offer “up” a piece of the puzzle. A writer will eventually attempt to construct a tangible puzzle from each of those pieces, presenting to the world a tentative picture of what happened, or what the significance was, or what may happen in the future, etc. Other writers may attempt the same thing, but the result will usually be some kind of contribution to narrative. Narratives become/define culture. Culture has zeitgeist. Zeitgeist is the spirit of the times. 

Jesus “upholds the universe with the word of his power” (Hb 1.3).  

What does that mean for earth? He promotes or suppresses narratives to enact his will. He sets up governments and dismantles them. He creates the boundaries of each nation, and manages their constant evolution. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

What does that mean for our local system? He ensures the continued, fixed rotation of earth, allowing us to see evidence of this stability through precession and many other processes. He keeps the planets in a predictable, steady orbit around the sun. He manages the cosmic objects we swim through in our rotation. He keeps everything just as it needs to be, and ensures that all things stay consistent. He is the creator and sustainer. 

Thinking about spiritual things means taking the highest altitude “view” with the most appropriate “resolution” for each aspect of reality. The most important command is “love the lord your God with all your heart” — that is the spirit behind everything we do. The second is like the first, “love your fellow man the same way you love yourself.” That should drive all of our decisions, imperfect as we are. 

So, “spiritual” seems to be something like “the sum of its parts” and “the highest altitude view with the most appropriate resolution for each entity’s purpose.” It is the summary of many smaller causes. It is the result of conscious input. It is the picture of a completed puzzle, rather than its individual pieces. It is our hope for immortality, sometimes dampened by our obsession with material things. It is the mind’s desire to be like Jesus, in opposition to our body’s desire to satiate physical desires. It is the complete working of God, through Jesus, in infinite specific forms. It is the system, not the cells, though composed of cells. It is really, really difficult to define in one article, or understand in one lifetime. 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (XI)

Blessings Of The Christian Family (7:2-16)

Neal Pollard

God designed the church as His house filled with His children (cf. 1 Tim. 3:15; 5:1-2). Despite the ways we can try one another and disappoint each other, the church is filled with the best people on earth. We may see each other at our worst, but we also will see each other at our best. And, at our best, we see Christ shining out through each other’s lives. 

Paul has admonished these Christians to live distinctive, holy lives (6:14-7:1), and now he makes another personal plea to them. He urges them, saying, “Make room in your hearts for us” (1). While he does defend his behavior and that of his coworkers (2), he also says it out of “great pride” for them (4). He uses this as an opportunity to focus on “the bright side,” noting all the improvements and development these Christians–living in an unwholesome society–had made. In doing so, he helps us take inventory of our church family and its many blessings. Consider a few of them in chapter seven.

COMFORT (6-7,13)

It’s amazing how, when we are at our lowest, our brethren have an uncanny knack for encouraging us. That’s what Paul experienced during some moments of great affliction, exhaustion, turmoil, and fear (5). He recognized how God comforted them through especially Titus, who had been comforted by the Corinthians (6-7). Their behavior transformed the grief of Paul, who had been worried about the Corinthians’ spiritual state (7). The joy Titus felt sent waves of comfort through Paul and Timothy (13). I’ve not only seen this happen, I’ve experienced it more times than I can count. 

FRUITS OF REPENTANCE (8-12)

Paul experienced something most anyone who has had to engage in rebuke and admonition feels. Few relish having to make others feel badly about their words or actions. He wasn’t sorry he did what God wanted him to do, but he could not help feeling regret in his humanity (8). But, what a blessing to see God’s plan work and His wisdom vindicated. The power of the Word brought about repentance, which Paul describes as “godly grief” (9-10), reformation of behavior proven by earnestness, eagerness to clear themselves, and other actions which “proved themselves innocent” (11). Their broken hearts led to such change of behavior that it was clear “in the sight of God” (12). Seeing the Word break sinful hearts and bring about godly change is so faith-affirming and the cause of unanticipated joy. 

PRIDE (14)

Paul calls his confidence in the Corinthians “boasting,” but not an empty boast. His optimism about their potential to repent and change was vindicated. How many times have we seen our brethren do the right thing, even when it was hard and even if it meant publicly repenting. We felt like they would do what was right, and what pride we take in them when they do! 

AFFECTION (15)

Titus felt affection over this transformation in the Corinthians, which was brought on by their obedience. How did they view their sinfulness? With fear and trembling. It really does (or should) touch our hearts and bind us to our brethren who view their sins with sorrow, resolved to do better. 

JOY THROUGH CONFIDENCE (16)

Paul said, “I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.” This word the ESV translated “joy” means to “be in a state of happiness and well-being” (BDAG). What is the source of pure joy, even in trying times (cf. 6:10)? Brethren who live up to their potential and follow through with the best part of their nature. To believe a brother will do what’s right and put away what’s wrong, then see him do it, creates this rejoicing described by Paul here.

Isn’t it interesting how none of these blessings are material, financial, or physical. It seems that God’s greatest blessings are like the ones described by Paul here. And he accomplishes it through our spiritual family members, even when they have behaved in disappointing ways in the past. God sees what we can be; we should see that not only in ourselves but in each other. 

The Dogtrot Deathtrap

Dale Pollard

 I was given permission to search around a home that was over one hundred years old  and rumored to have treasure buried on the property. The abandoned homestead was set off the road and down in this wooded valley and after making my way down to it, I decided to take a look under it. It’s a dogtrot house, meaning there’s an opening in the middle with two doors. This style of home was commonly found in old western settlements as the opening allowed for more air flow in hot summers. On the side of the house I could see the massive stone foundation had large gaps that I was able to peer through. It was flooded and there were timbers that had caved in. I just slipped through the gap in the foundation with my metal detector which sounds easier than it was. There was sheet metal on the ground that my unit was not happy about. 

The stench of sulfur under the house was overwhelming. The water I had seen was not from past flooding. My guess is that the house was either built over a sulfur spring, or perhaps more terrifying, a sinkhole that had since opened under the foundation. My heart began to pound as I was attempting to swing the detector in search of old coins, my foot slipped and my boot sank down into the water. It was deep. I’m not sure how deep but I thought it was only a couple inches when I had originally decided to crawl under the home. Surrounded by an old stone foundation, any sound I made would have been muffled to the outside world. That could have become deadly in a blink. Had I known how treacherous the loose footing would be and how deep that hole of water was, I wouldn’t have entered. Sadly, the risk yields nothing. No relics, no coins, though I’m sure they’re under there. 

Christ does not deprive us of our treasure, but directs us in the choice of it. In Matthew 6.21 we’re reminded that what we hold most dear to us, has our heart. A treasure is an abundance of something that is, at least in our opinion, precious and valuable. God knows that earth’s treasure is not going to last so the most prudent thing to do is to load up our loot in eternity. The vanity of valuables became all too real to an aging Solomon and that’s seen throughout the inspired collection of his lived experiences that we call Ecclesiastes. What treasure is worth pursuing? Only those that are found in the kingdom. Jesus will attempt to save us the time that could so easily be wasted in searching for something we hope will satisfy us by telling us what to look for. He simply says, “..seek first the kingdom” (6.33). If you’re not seeking that, you’re looking in the wrong place.

My Favorite Installment So Far…

52 Reasons to Love the Church

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (X)

A Call To Holy Living (6:14-7:1)

Neal Pollard

Paul shifts his focus to the recipients of his message, the focus of his ministry. He admonishes the Corinthians to answer God’s call for godly, sanctified behavior. It is so tempting to blend into this world and go with its flow. We can come to feel that we can only succeed if we play by the world’s rules, linking ourselves to it through our speech, relationships, and conduct. But, knowing God has something infinitely better in store for us in eternity, we will reject its call and hear God’s. What does that look like, practically speaking? It calls for a proper:

  • CONNECTION (14–“Do not be bound together with unbelievers”)

Watch who you let yourself be linked to.

  • PARTICIPATION (14–“What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness?”)

Watch what you allow yourself to be caught up in

  • ASSOCIATION (14–“What fellowship has light with darkness?”)

Watch what you tell others you are comfortable with

  • HARMONIZATION (15–“What harmony has Christ with Belial?”)

Watch what worldly values you allow yourself to accept

  • PORTION (15–“What has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”)

Watch what secular and societal causes you attach your name to

  • ACCEPTATION (16–“What agreement has the temple of God with idols?”)

Watch giving others the idea that you revere what rivals God

  • RESIGNATION (17–“Come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord, “And do not touch what is unclean”

Watch the tendency to blend in with the world and taint yourself with it

  • PRIORITIZATION (17-18–“And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty)

Watch relationships that displace God as Father

  • PURIFICATION (1–“Having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”)

Watch whatever would spiritually taint and make you profane

The age-old tension is one I’ve heard all my life expressed this way, that “we are to be in the world, but not of the world” (1 John 2:15-17; John 17:15). Peter talks about keeping our behavior excellent among the Gentiles by abstaining from fleshly lusts which war against our souls (1 Pet. 2:11-12). Paul is just showing us how that looks, practically. We need to build relationships with the lost if we hope to win them. We have to work jobs, live in neighborhoods, transact business, and assimilate into society both to provide for our families and to be leavening influence for righteousness. But, we cannot surrender God’s promises, taint ourselves with sin, or choose to fear the world. God has something far greater in store for us! Let’s not be an Esau, who sold his blessing and lived with tearful regret (Heb. 12:16-17). 

The Symphony Of World And Word

Neal Pollard

The early light and birds’ first song
Declare God’s presence and glory
Nature assembles its impressing throng
To declare the wondrous story

The evening shades announce the stars
A light show will quickly appear
A bright moon glow, all heaven bars
Any reasonable doubt God isn’t here

From smallest pond to biggest sea
Tides to tadpoles preach to you and me
From deepest depths and highest height
Say, “See God’s wisdom and His might!”

Or take a moment, look in a mirror,
Have a medical exam of what’s inside.
The cells and systems, make it clearer
How fearful and wonderful, His skills applied.

Where will you look, where will you go
To escape His omnipresence?
How will you explain, how can you know
The meaning of life apart from His essence?

Look up, look down, look all around
See fingerprints of Deity.
Or close your eyes, take in every sound
That declares His glory to you and me.

Such evidence, when sorted and sifted
Provide an airtight affirmation,
My purpose is vital, my identity lifted
By His perfect Word, the cosmos’ confirmation. 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IX)

Cooperating With God, Commended To Men (6:1-13)

Neal Pollard

We remind ourselves that chapter breaks are an artificial addition inserted many centuries after the Bible books were written. This chapter is a prime example. Paul is drawing a conclusion in verse one based on what he’s said in 5:16-21. As God “appealed” to the Corinthians through Paul and Timothy (5:20), Paul makes an “appeal” to them not to receive God’s grace in vain (1)–another way of expressing the reconciliation process Paul has just detailed in the last several verses. As the messengers of this reconciliation and grace, Paul again sets out to defend their work and their motives.

He asserts, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry” (3). We don’t know all the reasons why their ministry faced fault-finders, but most who actively serve the Lord will have plenty of detractors. Paul’s opponents resorted to some pretty nitpicking and petty criticisms (see 10:10). I have had the displeasure of hearing elders, deacons, other preachers, and church workers come under fire from self-appointed spiritual analysts, and it usually tells me more about the critic than the criticized. But how much good work has been unfairly tainted by hypercritical people? Moved by the Holy Spirit, Paul goes to the trouble to counter these unnamed “analysts.” 

THEY WERE EARNEST IN THEIR APPEAL (1-2)

Seeing themselves as God’s ambassadors (5:20), they urged the Corinthians not to throw away the great gift of salvation they had received (1). He quotes Isaiah 49:3, where Isaiah also feels like his words were falling on deaf ears and he himself was rejected (49:1-6), to remind them of how precious this salvation is (2). Paul is affirming that they were engaged in ministry to help the Corinthians successfully cross the spiritual finish line. It was urgent! They cared about them.

THEY WERE MINDFUL OF THEIR INFLUENCE (3-9)

In no other letter does Paul so specifically and so frequently refer to the price he paid for serving Christ (see also 4:8ff; 11:23ff; 12:10). He was mindful of not just his exhortation, but just as much his example. So they commend themselves “in every way” (4): he lists ten difficulties (4-5), nine spiritual attributes (6-7), and eight contrasting situations (8-10). They put their work and their character under the microscope, asking the Corinthians to consider their faithful discharge of their divine duty. They understood that souls and eternal destinies were at stake, so they pursued their work with great carefulness. We do well to be mindful of our example and our efforts to win people to Christ and help them mature in Him, too! 

THEY WERE GENUINE IN THEIR AFFECTION (11-13)

Paul was moved by more than his duty to God. He unashamedly declares his affection for these Christians. While he felt they had not always reciprocated his affections, he humbled himself to ask that they open their hearts as wide to him and he and his coworkers had to them. 

More times than I can count, I have seen elders serve from sincere motives, spending hours and expending emotion, to help a struggling brother or sister only to have these men’s love and motives unfairly questioned. The same is true of other, hardworking Christians. Our job is to strive to live above reproach knowing we will be unfairly criticized. It is also important for the critic to take personal inventory, asking if they have considered the spiritual consequences of their maligning. When we all decide to pull together and work for the same important goals, so much more gets accomplished! If you’ve faced unfair criticism, remember that God has a perfect record of your deeds. Even if others misunderstand, God doesn’t! 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (VIII)

What Motivates Us To Share Christ (5:11-21)

Neal Pollard

Paul, who has been defending the work he and his fellow-laborers have been doing as servants of Christ, moves to the broader consideration of what should move us to share Him with others. Motivation is key to involvement. Often, when I see the importance of my personal involvement in spreading Christ to others, it will touch my heart and open my lips.  What motives should move us?

THE TERROR OF THE LORD (11)

This actually connects back to verse 10. There’s a great day coming, and all of us will be judged. If one is unprepared for that day, he or she should rightfully feel terrified. Knowing the terror facing those not ready to face Jesus, we persuade men. 

PERSONAL INTEGRITY (12-13)

Paul saw his involvement in reaching souls as a matter of personal integrity and honor. These spiritual servants shared Christ for God and for them (13). Soul-winning is our responsibility, and we should realize our character is at stake. 

THE LOVE OF CHRIST (14-16)

One of the most important and transforming truths is that Christ loves everyone. In fact, Paul says “the love of Christ controls us” (14). He proved that love by dying for all so that all could be reconciled (see 17-19). All are dead outside of Christ, but He can make men spiritually alive. That love for us and them should move us. 

THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF RECONCILIATION (17-19)

Anyone in Christ is a new creation (17). He reconciled us to Himself, and then gave us the ministry of reconciliation (18). He entrusted us with the message of reconciliation (19). We are offering people the ability to restore their relationship with God. Think of the peace, relief, and joy we can bring into people’s lives by offering them the hope of Christ!

OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST (20)

God has given us the job of representing Him to men. He makes His appeal through us. We implore others on behalf of Christ to be reconciled. That doesn’t make us important, but it does mean our job could not be more important!

THE FACT THAT WE ARE MADE RIGHTEOUS IN HIM (21)

Christ is our substitute sacrifice, as He is for the people we need to reach. He makes us righteous through Himself. Knowing that God looks at a saved soul and sees purity and righteousness is powerful! That’s what He sees when He looks at us, covered in Christ. It’s what He sees when He looks at everyone covered in Christ. I want for others what I myself have been given!

This isn’t the totality of our motivation, but if this was an exhaustive list it would be enough! Suffice it to say that I don’t lack reasons for sharing my faith. The reasons are diverse, but each is significant by itself. Let’s pray for wisdom, courage, and tenderness of heart to be God’s voice and hands in reconciling the world to Him. 

If You See Something, Say Something

Landon Bryant

Most of us have probably heard this phrase at one time or another in our life’s journey. This slogan was originally coined by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY MTA) in response to the 9/11 attacks. Later, it was adopted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

For many this slogan brings about feelings of patriotism, but for some there isn’t much meaning at all. Regardless of how this phrase rests on your eardrums it does get to the heart of a very key principle in Christianity. 

Responsibility. Each and every Christian has certain responsibilities. Collectively we can call these the base responsibilities of a member. Furthermore if in the course of your Christian walk you enter into a more specific “church role” you will acquire more responsibilities along the way. Teachers, Preachers, Deacons, Elders, etc. all have their own responsibilities to uphold for Christ’s church. 

For an easy illustration, if someone is teaching a Bible class and they stumble in that role, the church collectively has a responsibility to lift up that individual with love, patience, and gentle correction as shown in 2 Timothy 2:24-26:

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” ESV

Or more succinctly in Ephesians 4:15: 

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Speaking in a broad sense, many of those that make up the Lord’s Church have no problem with the “correction” aspect of these verses, but the “truth in love” bit is infinitely harder for many. I know I myself have certainly been guilty of this.  One of my base responsibilities as a member is to try and make amends with those whom I have been guilty of falling short with. This is referenced in numerous passages, James 5: 16 being only one of many. 

So I ask you now to reflect on what your roles and responsibilities are as a part of the Lord’s church. Are you a Member? Deacon? Preacher? Elder? Teacher?

Have you ever fallen short in your role? Of course you have! None of us is perfect. But go one level deeper. Even if you acknowledge your shortcomings, did you address the matter with whomever you were guilty? Even when you were factually or doctrinally correct, were you leading with love? Maybe you are the party that was wronged. If you are still harboring a grudge, you need to sort that out. It’s not about who apologizes first; it’s about the heart of everyone involved and only you and God know your heart. 

I’m not necessarily calling for us to go digging up every skelton we have in our respective closets, but we should attempt to bury the proverbial hatchets within our day-to-day walk. And if a specific instance has come to mind with this article, I might suggest starting there. The very fact that there are guidelines for gentle correction and rebuke means we should all be open to correction regardless of what role we occupy. 

But, as with many things in life, there is a bright side to this topic. Nowhere in the phrase “If you see something, say something” does that imply it has to be accusatory or complaining. If you see someone serving in their role who lets their light shine brightly, acknowledge that brother or sister. Don’t assume they already know, and don’t assume someone else will tell them. 

Have you ever noticed someone serving silently in the background for year on year and thought to yourself how wonderful their own personal ministry is? Don’t keep those thoughts to yourself. Tell them. Say a prayer for them. Give them a high five. Volunteer to help them out every once in a while. 

Maybe you have been sitting on the sideline pews and you have been toying with the idea of teaching a class, leading a devotional, volunteering to cook a meal, host a get together, etc. We can all use our talents to glorify God in various ways. 

Wherever you find yourself in your Christian walk, reflect on your shortcomings, reflect on your successes, even your middle grounds, in general where can you improve? Have you left anything undone? Is something weighing on you?

In closing, I again ask you very explicitly to recall a time where you fell short in your current role, recall a time where you fulfilled your responsibilities adequately. Romans 3: 23 tells us that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God, so each and everyone of us has something to think about in both a negative and positive light here. Take those reflections and apply them to your walk going forward. 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (VII)

Rewards Of Faithful Service (4:16-5:10)

Neal Pollard

After discussing the kind of servants who are useful to God, Paul shifts to what God does for those who faithfully serve Him. We could make the case that God is to be served simply because He is God, but as the Bible reveals the nature of God it shows Him to be a good, giving, and gracious God. As you cannot out-give God, neither can your service exceed His compensation. Paul shifts to what faithfulness to God brings into our life. 

WE WILL BE CLOTHED WITH A NEW BODY (4:16-5:4)

It can be discouraging to try and serve the Lord even as time and age begin to ravage our bodies. We face the inevitable ravages of the calendar, but Paul shares good news. We look past the decay and affliction to the eternal glory that awaits us. Our inward man can get stronger and better the longer we faithfully serve God. Yet, we long for the time when we have a new body and a new dwelling place with God. God promises that mortality will be swallowed up by life (4). Paul has described this amazing transformation in the first letter (cf. 1 Cor. 15). This reward should spur us on to keep serving until we fold our tent (1). 

WE RECEIVE COURAGE IN THE HOPE OF GOD (5:5-8)

God doesn’t just point us to future reward; He gives us present hope. Twice, Paul says we are of good courage (6,8). Why? First, God has given us the Spirit as a pledge (5). Second, God has given us His Word which causes us to walk by faith and not by sight (7). Third, God has promised us a home with Him (8). That hope gives me courage, no matter what I may have to face between now and then. He equips me with everything I need to spiritually survive. 

WE HAVE CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE (5:9-10)

We want to please Him because we know what is ahead. Going before the judgment seat of Christ would frankly be horrifying if not for God’s promise through Christ. Standing before Him and giving an account for my deeds in the body, I can have confidence because I faithfully served Him. Jesus took the fear out of the judgment, and Paul is about to explain why in the next paragraph. 

How often do we get tired and discouraged, trying to live the Christian life in a world disinterested in that? What will keep us moving, doing His will? Focus on the reward, the hope, and the judgment. In Christ, the best is definitely yet to come. 

Thirsting for God

Brent Pollard

In Judah’s dry and barren wilderness, David composes one of the Bible’s most stirring and heartfelt expressions of spiritual yearning. Psalm 63 is a profound meditation of the soul’s thirst for the living God. David’s use of vivid imagery and passionate language in Psalm 63 exemplifies all who seek to draw closer to the Lord, showcasing the depths of his longing.

The psalm opens with David’s earnest cry: “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land without water.” (Psalm 63.1 NASB). David’s intense yearning for God’s presence mirrors the desperation of physical thirst in a desert.

This longing echoes the Israelites’ experience wandering in the wilderness when they complained to Moses, “Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3). 

David finds relief for his parched soul in the oasis of God’s power and glory, contrasting it with the dry and weary landscape of the Israelites. He repeatedly mentions God’s name (“O God…my God”), demonstrating his unshakeable recognition and relationship with the Almighty. His thirst is quenched by witnessing God’s manifest attributes in the holy place.

In Exodus 33.18, Moses expressed his desire to see God’s glory, which foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, the radiance of God’s glory, as mentioned in Hebrews 1.3. Jesus promised in John 4.10 that whoever drinks the water He gives them will never thirst again, as stated in John 4:14.

David continues: “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You.” (Psalm 63:3). The psalmist praises God’s covenant love, superior to physical life. We love, because He loved us first. (1 John 4:19)

With hands raised in joyful blessing (Psalm 63.4), David declares: “My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness” (Psalm 63.5). Unlike his ancestors, who had physical abundance but spiritual emptiness, David had tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34.8). He feasted on the Bread of Life (John 6.35) and had his deepest hunger divinely fulfilled.

Even in the night watches, a time of spiritual dryness for many, David reflects on his Beloved: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (Psalm 63.6). The darkness holds no fear because “the Lord is my light” (Psalm 27.1), dispelling the gloom and igniting songs of joyful praise (Psalm 63.7).

David models wholehearted devotion by clinging to God as his help and rejoicing in the shadow of the Almighty’s wings (Psalms 63:7-8). His vivid depiction of pursuing hard after God (Psalm 63.8) recalls Jacob’s fervent wrestling with the Divine (Genesis 32.22–32). Both David and Jacob emerge wounded yet holding tightly to their heavenly Companion, the One whose presence alone can quench the longings of the human soul.

Psalm 63 is a timeless expression of spiritual hunger and holy satisfaction found only in God. From the barren landscapes of wilderness wanderings to the urban deserts of modern faith, the words of the psalmist beckon all who thirst to come to the waters (Isaiah 55.1). The path leads to Christ, the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2.13; John 7.37-39). Will you drink deeply from His heart of steadfast love?