2 Corinthians 1:12-14

                                                     2 Corinthians 1:12-14

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.  For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and understand and I hope you will fully understand—just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.

 

While we are alive, we strive to live according to the Word of God as we follow the example of Christ.  There are times when we grow towards godliness and there are times when we fail.  However, as believers, we live with a great hope that we will experience eternal perfection.  God is at work in and through us.

 

WE LIVE BY THE GRACE OF GOD: It is only by God’s grace that we are able to live with sincerity and simplicity.  Paul and his ministry team was striving to be an example to the churches where they ministered.  This meant having a life of integrity before both God and men.  It also meant being humble in the way they conducted ministry.  This is just the opposite of how the world’s wisdom would instruct us to live.  The self-promotion and deception that are used to make advancements in the world may provide success in the short-term but will bring about great heartache in the future.

 

WE LIVE WITH HOPE IN GOD: God calls us to live with an eternal future in mind.  We should strive to gain the approval of God and the eternal recognition that comes from a life of obedience and service.  Paul may have been criticized for many things he did on earth, but this was of little consequence to him.  His desire was to be judged once the world’s standards have passed away and our works can be judged from God’s perspective.  This is the assurance we have as believers who may be criticized or misjudged from today’s standards.

 

APPLICATION: Live a life of simplicity and sincerity in dependence on the grace of God.  Don’t be discouraged by the opinions of others or results that do not meet our expectations right now.  Rest in the truth that eternity will reveal reality.

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