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About-Him.Com Devotional 07-05-2008
http://about-him.com/ The Simplicity of Christ The apostle Paul had a fervent love for the Corinthian church. He had seen them come to Christ in the simplicity of the gospel i.e. the death, burial, resurrection and enthronement of Jesus Christ. He stated that he had espoused them as a chaste virgin to Christ. He trusted that they would maintain that virginal purity until Jesus returned for them as His bride. However, Satan was at work against the work of the apostle and the success of this church. Just as he had beguiled Eve in the garden by questioning the word and authority of God, he was now questioning the authority of the apostle Paul. Some he would beguile by having them return to legalism and the bondage of the law and others he would snare by the enticements of immorality. It didn't matter to him, anything that would dilute the simply message of the gospel. The same forces were at work against the other churches as well. Some at Galatia desired to return to the law. In effect they were saying that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was not sufficient for their salvation. The abiding Holy Spirit was not able to keep them above sin without relying an endless list of rules and regulations. Galatians 3:1 ¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Writing to the Philippians Paul urged that they would follow his example in following Christ. He then used strong language in condemning those who opposed him. They were "enemies" of the cross of Christ, whose god was their belly and whose end was destruction. Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Do we see any parallels between the conditions stated above and the present day church? They’re not too hard to find are they? Are we ever in danger of becoming an enemy of the cross of Christ? Yes we are, and we must be constantly vigilant every hour of the day. We simply can’t believe and be swayed by every thing that passes for gospel these days. Just as there were false apostles in Paul’s day, we have no shortage of them today. Their favorite topic is how to improve your situation. They always have great sympathy for the things you are going through. Every week they’ll take you to the wilderness and then deliver you again. The God who feeds the sparrow and clothes the lily has been replaced by One who must be bribed by our greenbacks. II Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. But there is a simplicity in Jesus. Simply worship and heartfelt prayer will access His throne every hour of the day. Reliance on His Spirit and adherence to His word will keep us from displeasing Him. We simply recognize that it’s all about Him and what He has done on our behalf and not about us. Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@about-him.com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe@about-him.com
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