Calendar

A PASTOR’S FEARS
MONDAY, MARCH 23
2 Corinthians 12:19-21
Colossians 1:25-29
 
“For I fear … that I shall be found
unto you such as ye would not.”
 
A PASTOR’S FEARS
 
 
As the Apostle and spiritual leader of the Corinthian church, Paul’s fervent desire was to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col 1:28). He wanted the church to grow in her witness for Christ and for the saints to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). As a servant of Christ, he was aware of his accountability before God. Thus, he would do all things for the spiritual good of God’s people. His greatest fear would be that the saints remained babyish in their faith with little spiritual progress. It would be a tragedy if the church is no different from the world.
 
 
Although Titus brought a good report concerning the Corinthian Christians, the previous visit stoked some concerns in Paul that certain problems were persisting in the Corinthian church. The Corinthians may have received Titus warmly, but would they extend the same welcome to Paul? Were they still weighed down by certain sins (2 Cor 12:21)?
 
 
Recall from 1 Corinthians that the Corinthian church was beset with a sectarian spirit. Although the church had grown in numbers over the years, the same could not be said about their spiritual growth. Many were still spiritually immature and exhibited a carnal mindset and lifestyle. Paul was concerned that these potential problems still existed in the congregation. He thus used eight terms in 2 Corinthians 12:20 to describe these issues which he hoped would not be found in the Corinthian church anymore: “debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” Will there be quarrels and strivings because of jealousy? Will backbiting and gossips that destroy the brethren persist? May these be not named among the saints!
 
 
The fear of Paul reveals that his care for the spiritual state of the Corinthian church was pure and genuine. Do you have such a care for the spiritual welfare of the brethren?
 
 
THOUGHT: Help me to be true before the Lord.
PRAYER: Father, help me to grow unto spiritual maturity.

Search