Scripture
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, -- 2 Corinthians 6:6-7 KJV
Observation
Yesterday, we have learned about patience in the ministers of God and their constant aim and endeavor in all things to approve themselves faithful.
Only those ministers with pure heart can produce the good fruits of faith. “By pureness” of heart and mind we are able to keep ourselves undefiled from the corrupt influence of this world. Do you remember the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus enumerated Eight Beatitudes and one of them was: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God“. Pure heart not just keeps His servants unspotted, it also opens their eyes to see God. In Psalm 119:18 David singing: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” – such a wonderful words!
With pure heart and opened eyes the ministers of God will receive His knowledge. Without knowledge of God and without God’s knowledge all that zeal and enthusiasm is nothing, but madness. “By knowledge” we do what is right in God’s eyes.
The ministers of God should act “by long suffering, by kindness“. Being patient and not easily provoked. Bearing all the hardship and harsh treatment “by love unfeigned” from the hands of those to whom they endeavored to do good.
As a true ministers of our Lord Jesus we have to act under the influence of “the Holy Ghost“. And by His acceptance, according to His will, by His guidance, “by the word of truth” and “by the power of God” carrying on His ministry here on Earth. And not with the weapons made by men, but with the spiritual weapons (see Ephesians 6:11, 16, 17) what God provides with: “the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left“. Ref. The Matthew Henry Study Bible; ESV Study Bible
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- How do you keep your heart pure?
- Do you let God’s dominate over your will?
- Do you act by longsuffering and kindness despite reprobation and hardship?
- Who influences you? The Holy Spirit or the “spirit” of this world?
- How do you equip yourself for spiritual war?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are Holy God, we praise Your Name above all the names. We thank You, Lord for Your presence in us through the Holy Spirit. We pray that the Ministry of Jesus Christ, what He has established here on Earth, will continue through His disciples and followers in accordance to the will of our Heavenly Father. We pray that the Holy Spirit will equip us and move us to act by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth and by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.
All these we pray in the Holy name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
