No Quitting

Yesterday I wrote about the New Covenant sealed by Christ’s blood at the cross and our ministry of boldness that comes through the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. [2Corinthians 3:7-18]

Paul goes on in Chapter 4 to remind us of something very important – two things of note. The first is that there is no quitting in the life of the believer. No matter how tough life gets, no matter the opposition from the world, the devil, even our own rebellious nature – We Do Not Give Up!

“Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up.” [2Corinthians 4:1 HCSB]

The second thing of note is the core reason we do not give up – We Are Not Proclaiming Ourselves But Jesus Christ As LORD.

“For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” [4:5-6 HCSB]

When we offer our witness, our testimony to the world, it is not centered in our own accomplishments, strengths, holiness, or wisdom. It is firmly grounded in Jesus Christ as LORD. What we have, what we have done, what we know is all because God shone His light in our hearts. It is the knowledge of His Glory that changed our lives and will change others.

We point our lives toward the face of Christ Jesus – and we point others in the same direction. Not toward us (which would give us all kinds of reasons to quit!), but toward Him, the One Who gave Himself for us. Amen.

Yesterday I thought about the fact that as Christians, we are not to quit. “There is no quitting in Christianity.”

Paul in one of his last letters reminded young Timothy that Timothy was not to quit. “Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.” [2 Timothy 2:6 HCSB]

Just like Timothy, we are called to finish our race, not just begin one. We are called to be faithful to the end, not just at the beginning. We are called to endure during tribulations and challenges so that we might gain character and produce a proven hope.

How is that possible?  With all the problems and ills of life, with all the trials that come our way, how is it possible to overcome the fear and “keep ablaze the gift of God”?

Well, Paul did not just tell Timothy not to quit, he told him how not to quit. First Paul reminded Timothy that fear is not of God, then he tells him what God has made available to overcome fear and “keep ablaze the gift of God.”

 “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” [2 Timothy 2:7 HCSB]

We must recognize that fear does not come from God. What comes from God is power, love, and sound judgment. As we turn to God and appropriate His power, His love, and the sound judgment that comes from the Holy Spirit, we are made able to throw aside the fear with which the enemy threatens to overwhelm. God always provides what we need – even what we need to keep walking our walk with Him.

Of course, that means filling our hearts and minds with His Word, and learning to walk in His Ways, not our own. Amen