Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 134-136; 2 Corinthians 11
Devotional Thought:
Every pastor will present the church entrusted to his care to the Lord one day. On that day, the Lord will tell him what kind of job he did as an undershepherd of God’s flock. Every pastor who understands the seriousness of this event, will have this realization strike fear in his soul and humility in his heart. Paul was proud of the work that had been done in the church of Corinth. They had gone from a carnal church, full of feeding the flesh, envy, strife, and division to a God-honoring local church. Paul said, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (vs. 2) Although Paul was proud of this church, he was aware of the potential that false teachers would want to come in and deceive. He warned this church about those who would preach a false concept of Jesus, a false understanding of the Spirit, or a false application of the gospel. Paul loved this church and he was committed personally to sacrificing in order for them to prosper spiritually. He knew their weakness of the flesh and he did not want to give the Devil any tools to potentially use against them. He had the right to ask this church for financial compensation, but Paul chose not to do this. “…I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.” (vs. 9) Paul stated “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service… that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied…” (vs. 8-9) Paul was reminding this church to be grateful for the willingness of other churches to care for Paul while he was caring for them. Paul was concerned about those who were playing the part of an apostle and yet desired to deceive those in the church who would believe them. Paul takes the opportunity to explain his deep love for Christ and this church. Those who truly love the church would be willing to suffer for the truth. Paul explains the degree of his suffering and sacrifice in order for the plan of God to flourish among the Gentiles churches. Are you willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel and the truth of God’s word? Are you willing to suffer so that the church will go forward for the cause of Christ? In a day where so many want Christianity to be convenient, comfortable, and casual, we must be determined to suffer if need be for the cause of Christ and the furtherance of His church.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to humbly accept the responsibility of presenting Faith Baptist Church to you one day. Help me to always understand and be motivated by the reality of giving an account of everything that happens in Faith Baptist Church.
• Lord, thank you for the comfort in knowing it is not my work, but rather the church belongs to you. Thank you for reminding me that you will build your church, I just must be willing to be faithful no matter the cost.
• Please help me to guard and protect Faith Baptist Church from those who would lead the church astray. Please help me to present them as a chaste virgin, unspotted from the world.