Selwyn now look at another ‘in Christ’ verse – and, I think it’s an interesting one. The verse follows, with a few other verses to provide the context.
2 Corinthians 19-21 (NIV): “Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
It’s a good point Selwyn makes: “To Paul, it was evident that to be in Christ meant speaking in Christ – that is, speaking with Christ’s emphasis and spirit. … The point he wanted to press home was that everything he had said to them he had said with a consciousness of God’s presence.“
Perhaps this is a good example for us to follow? Would, what you say and do – be different – if you were conscious of God standing next to you? Maybe, before we open our mouths or do anything – we switch on – our awareness of His presence; because, in a spiritual sense – He is truly standing next to us.
Any comments?
As those in Christ
Selwyn now look at another ‘in Christ’ verse – and, I think it’s an interesting one. The verse follows, with a few other verses to provide the context.
2 Corinthians 19-21 (NIV): “Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
It’s a good point Selwyn makes: “To Paul, it was evident that to be in Christ meant speaking in Christ – that is, speaking with Christ’s emphasis and spirit. … The point he wanted to press home was that everything he had said to them he had said with a consciousness of God’s presence.“
Perhaps this is a good example for us to follow? Would, what you say and do – be different – if you were conscious of God standing next to you? Maybe, before we open our mouths or do anything – we switch on – our awareness of His presence; because, in a spiritual sense – He is truly standing next to us.
Any comments?