HIS Sovereignty And Ownership Over All Things
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Corinthians 10 and Psalm 50 (NIV)
(Jason Jong, Zone 12 Leader)
READ:
As I have read, these verses have spoken to me:
V1: Now I, Paul, myself, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
V3: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
V4: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds.
V17: But “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
V18: For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Psalm 50 (NIV)
V9 -11: “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.
V23: Those who sacrifice thank offerings honour me, and to the blameless, I will show my salvation.”
OBSERVE:
Paul asserts that we war not according to the flesh, and our weapons are not of the flesh but of weapons with divine power from God, with the Word of God and with prayer.
And that we are to be bold to speak out if there is disobedience to Christ.
Paul acknowledges that some are comparing themselves to others in ministry and boasting about their accomplishments. He advises that such comparisons are not wise, and one should focus on the sphere of influence and work God has given them.
All achievements should be credited to the Lord’s commendation. Everything is from the Lord, for all belongs to Him, and nothing is from us.
2 Corinthians 10 underscores the importance of spiritual warfare, the true nature of apostleship, the need for humility and boasting in the Lord, and the desire for genuine love and unity within the Corinthian church. It’s a chapter that addresses various challenges and tensions within the Christian community and calls for a focus on Christ’s authority and the spiritual well-being of believers.
Psalm 50 emphasizes the importance of genuine worship, a heart of gratitude, and living a life of righteousness. It calls for a deeper relationship with God, recognizing His sovereignty and ownership over all things, and highlights the consequences of empty religious rituals and unrighteous living. Ultimately, it encourages a return to true worship that involves a humble and thankful heart.
APPLY:
I must remember who I am fighting with, not my family or friends, not fighting for recognition and achievement for myself.
I feel insufficient and inadequate when I’m called into leadership, but Paul’s message gives me encouragement and courage to do what God has called me to. My call is to be humble, and give Him all the glory with gratitude and, not do anything just for the sake of “show” but to live a life of righteousness, be thankful, and not to compare or boast.
DO:
I should continue to read and meditate on God’s word, pray, and be honest to all. Always remember to give thanks to God, for all things come from HIM.
Managing issues involving church members and dealing with people can be trying and challenging.
Dispersing tensions and solving problems require Godly wisdom and discernment. I need to look towards Christ and learn to be more Christ-like, to be humble and meek, to rely on God, to be genuine in my love for people, to be patient and kind, yet firm; like what Paul has set as an example.
I need to remind myself to fully depend on the wisdom of God and trust Him and not my own intellect or so-called wisdom.
I must remember that all things belong to Him and HE is in control.
PRAY:
Dear Abba Father, I come before you to ask for your wisdom, blessings, and anointment as I walk in this journey that is full of striving and challenges. Grant me strength, and constantly remind me to be patient and kind. Help me to not be too quick to judge. Help me to deepen my relationship with you, and to focus on Your will. So that more will come to know you, as they see how I live my life so that you will be glorified. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!
