Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 47

February 16;   2 Corinthians 1:12;    150/260(II);    ‘Simply & Sincerely’

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

The Lord never intended life to be complicated.  The nature of humanity without the Lord is pride.  “Notice me.” “Aren’t I great?”  The devil encourages this in the hardened spirit and the unrenewed mind of those not saved.   The reason satan does this is to frustrate the lost when they do not receive the attention they crave.  In other words, when our focus in life is to be seen and admired by others because of our flesh or mind, we will always be disappointed.  The Apostle Paul, when he was Saul the Pharisee, probably reveled in the attention and honor he received from his peers.  Once he met Jesus, everything changed.  Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20, that it is no longer he who lives, but it’s Jesus Christ in him and leading him.  The first thing Paul says in the above verse is his conscience is clear.  Remember, Paul persecuted Christians and officiated at the stoning of Stephen.  The Lord used Paul to teach the Church that when we become Born Again, our past is cleansed and we are given right standing with the Lord.  Now, Paul, his ministry is what he lives for, goes about the incredibly important work, with all of the emphasis on the simple gospel message.  Paul is sincere in his preaching, not looking to impress anyone with himself.  His desire is to impress the lost with Jesus.  Because of his character and faithful-, ness, God’s grace, which is God’s ability given to help us, was mightily upon Paul.  As Paul traveled, fulfilling his Apostolic call, that grace enabled him to not only teach the Word powerfully, but to flow in healings, miracles, signs and wonders.  A simple, blessed life.