RPG Adults
YE ARE THE EPISTLE OF CHRIST (I)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
2 Corinthians 3:1-5
2 Corinthians 3:2
“Ye are our epistle
written in our hearts.”
YE ARE THE EPISTLE OF CHRIST (I)
Usually, when we go to a new workplace, we feel more confident with a letter of recommendation, as it speaks well of ourselves and introduces our credentials so that we may be welcomed warmly. Concerning spiritual matters, it is easier for us to welcome new preachers, teachers or pastors with a letter of recommendation from the leaders of our mother church. How about Paul? He was not new to the Corinthians, as he founded the church in Corinth in his second missionary journey (Acts 18). He wrote to them, “for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” and “for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord” (1 Cor 4:15; 9:2). Therefore, Paul did not need to introduce himself nor to have any letters of recommendation to them or from them (2 Cor 3:1).
Paul, constrained by Christ’s love (2 Cor 5:12), wrote to the Corinthians, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men” (2 Cor 3:2). Paul did not preach, teach or write to them just for the sake of preaching, teaching or writing, but his heart was for them and they were in his heart, not like those who “glory in appearance, and not in heart” (2 Cor 5:12). Truly, constrained by Christ’s love, Paul was so concerned for the salvation and spiritual growth of the Corinthians that he did not spare his life for them. What the Lord had done and written in his heart “Christ speaking in me” (2 Cor 13:3), Paul passed to the Corinthians with a desire that their lives might reflect what he preached, taught and wrote to them. That is what Paul meant when he said, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts.” And many have read and known Paul’s loving heart and the fruit of his labour through the lives of the Corinthians! May Christ’s love constrain us so that what we do for others comes from our heart and touches their hearts according to God’s Word.
THOUGHT: If we are not constrained by Christ’s love, how do we serve Him and others?
PRAYER: Father, may Thy love constrain me to serve Thee and others.