Let me ask you a question: If you are sent to the store to get milk and bread and you don’t go, would you have done what you were sent to do? What if you went but didn’t get or do what you were sent for?
We are to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world. This is the purpose of the Church and the power of Christ’s disciples, who are not just receivers of the gospel but participants in it.
“Believers are truly the hands and feet of a living Jesus who is still active in shaping and saving the world.” Therefore, since you are the hands and feet of Jesus, “Never give up. Never surrender,” for you have a spirit empowered purpose!
Vs. 7 – God has placed the light of Christ in jars of clay so that His extraordinary power may be seen in us. It is not our light that is to shine, but His. These clay pots are easily broken, but this shows God’s strength…
Vs. 8-14 – Though the body is perishing and death is coming for each of us, we have faith, hope, and love. Though we may be afflicted in every way, we are not crushed. We may become perplexed but we do not despair. When persecuted, we are never abandoned. We may even be struck down, but we are not destroyed. This is the extraordinary power of God at work in us as we walk in obedience!
Our sufferings here can be for the benefit of others, if we share how God got us through them or is getting us through them and so extend His grace…
Vs. 16 – Therefore, never give up! Keep in mind that even though your outer body is perishing your inner person is being renewed as you follow Christ and are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
In the midst of our trials, troubles, and tribulations, they do not seem light or momentary. But, in the view of eternity…
The Holy Spirit tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). You are Heaven sent to the Hell bound. We are sent out into the world to spread the Gospel. The peace the Jesus promises is with us as believers…
The unintended consequences of our not doing as we are sent to do–our disobedience- is the fires of Hell for the unsaved/the lost. We must maintain our focus…
Too often we focus on what God is doing in others lives and lose our focus on what we are called to do. Or we let the enemy blind us to our calling in the ministries we are involved in because of what God is doing in the lives of others. Our focus has to be on the unseen almighty God and His mission for us in this world. Do not let the enemy blind you to what God is doing and can do! Keep moving forward, never give up, never surrender…
Vs. 13 – is a reminder of what we as believers are to share; the Gospel. We are to share our faith…
We believe and therefore speak! Keep your focus…
Your calling is to deliver the message, to share the Gospel, but it is up to them to accept it. So, don’t let momentary light afflictions keep you from your calling: Seek the Lost. Share the Gospel.
Invite people to a church service, or invite them to your home to share in that service on line, invite them to lunch, take time to talk with them, and build a relationship. Let them know you will be there for them. You are the Church!
Discussion Questions:
- Do you believe?
- Are you sharing the Gospel?
- What is the cost of you not sharing your faith?
Further Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-6, John 20:21, Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-20, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21, 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5, Romans 1:16, Romans 8:24, Hebrews 12, Ephesians 6:10
Why Jesus was sent: Luke 4:43, Luke 19:10, Mark 10:45, John 6:38, Acts 3:26, 1 John 4:9
Dayton First Church of God 