Christian Confidence!
Posted by Michael La Framboise on Sunday, September 7, 2014
When Paul was faced with difficult questions by a church in Corinth, he boldly treaded through the murky waters of controversy and dispute, admitting that these areas were not directly addressed in Scripture, yet professing in these matters, “I think also I have the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 7:40b)
Herein he distinctly points out that he is answering their biblical questions according to his own judgment, but at the same time reminded them that he believed his judgment was inspired by the Spirit of God. Rather than arrogance, this was Christian confidence; and it is the sort of confidence we must stand in if we are to be useful in the work of the Master. But how could Paul speak with such confidence in regard to his own judgment? How can we speak with such confidence?
Paul admonishes us in the next verse, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” This is vital: It’s not about how much we know, but rather how much we love. We must understand that knowledge can easily lead to pride and arrogance, and we must constantly and humbly seek to speak the truth in the love of Jesus as we counsel others.
Yet the true key to our confidence is found two verses later, where Paul declares, “If anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” The one who loves God is known by God. Paul was in love with the Lord, and drew his confidence from the fact that he was known by Him. Paul had developed a relationship with the Lord, and as he meditated in God’s word and prayed in the Spirit, he understood that the One he loved, knew him and would ever lead and guide him in his ministry. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them.” Paul loved the Shepherd, was known by the Shepherd, and heard the voice of the Shepherd. Paul understood that he did not always know the answer intuitively, but he was confident the he was known by the One who alone is wise.
As we meditate upon the Word of God and prayerfully seek His face; if we will seek to walk with Jesus, to love Him and serve Him, then we will also discover that in our dealings with others we can be confident enough to say, “I think I also have the Spirit of God.”
Herein he distinctly points out that he is answering their biblical questions according to his own judgment, but at the same time reminded them that he believed his judgment was inspired by the Spirit of God. Rather than arrogance, this was Christian confidence; and it is the sort of confidence we must stand in if we are to be useful in the work of the Master. But how could Paul speak with such confidence in regard to his own judgment? How can we speak with such confidence?
Paul admonishes us in the next verse, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” This is vital: It’s not about how much we know, but rather how much we love. We must understand that knowledge can easily lead to pride and arrogance, and we must constantly and humbly seek to speak the truth in the love of Jesus as we counsel others.
Yet the true key to our confidence is found two verses later, where Paul declares, “If anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” The one who loves God is known by God. Paul was in love with the Lord, and drew his confidence from the fact that he was known by Him. Paul had developed a relationship with the Lord, and as he meditated in God’s word and prayed in the Spirit, he understood that the One he loved, knew him and would ever lead and guide him in his ministry. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them.” Paul loved the Shepherd, was known by the Shepherd, and heard the voice of the Shepherd. Paul understood that he did not always know the answer intuitively, but he was confident the he was known by the One who alone is wise.
As we meditate upon the Word of God and prayerfully seek His face; if we will seek to walk with Jesus, to love Him and serve Him, then we will also discover that in our dealings with others we can be confident enough to say, “I think I also have the Spirit of God.”
