The words in v14 are not just soft soap to try and flatter his readers. There is a constant war between the flesh and the spirit (Gal 5:17), and we need support in order to help us live by the spirit and not by the flesh. At times this may include "bold" words.
Paul was able to write boldly because of the grace given to him. The grace of God is not just a matter of forgiveness, but is enabling as well. One might object that because of Paul's past he had no right to speak firmly to others, but because of God's grace he did have this right. After the Damascus road his calling in life was proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles.
Paul delighted in serving God. We do not realise what an amazing thing it is for a 1sr century Jew to delight in working amongst Gentiles. Paul was only interested in what he achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit. He did not rely on human methods. Moreover, he did not seek to build on other people's foundations, but wanted to preach the gospel where it had not been preached before. We should beware of Christians or churches that grow by "poaching" members from other churches.
Paul was able to write boldly because of the grace given to him. The grace of God is not just a matter of forgiveness, but is enabling as well. One might object that because of Paul's past he had no right to speak firmly to others, but because of God's grace he did have this right. After the Damascus road his calling in life was proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles.
Paul delighted in serving God. We do not realise what an amazing thing it is for a 1sr century Jew to delight in working amongst Gentiles. Paul was only interested in what he achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit. He did not rely on human methods. Moreover, he did not seek to build on other people's foundations, but wanted to preach the gospel where it had not been preached before. We should beware of Christians or churches that grow by "poaching" members from other churches.
No comments:
Post a Comment