The pastor is supposed to use his authority over the flock to build up the flock. Like a shepherd, a pastor should want his flock to be strong and in good health. He wants the flock to prosper and grow spiritually. He wants to promote the best interests and well-being of the flock. He wants the church to be mature, stable, and strong. Read More ...
We must use the weapons God gives us—the word, prayer, truth, love, goodness, beauty, and godly behavior. We don’t use fleshly, carnal, worldly methods in this battle. We try to solve the problem with Christlike humility and gentleness if we can, but if we need to be assertive and stern, we know how to do that as well. Read More ...
The Christian life is a battle or a struggle. We have spiritual enemies—primarily, the world, the flesh, and the devil. In Paul’s case, his enemies were the false teachers who had infiltrated the church and were leading people astray. Paul is ready to go to war with these spiritual adversaries. He’s not going to tolerate them or allow them to have any influence in the church. His intent is to destroy their false ideas. Read More ...
When we give generously, we are being Christ-like. Generous giving is a mark of godliness. If we have experienced God’s generous grace towards us in Christ, we must be willing to give generously to support God’s work in the world. Read More ...
Reluctance to give purposefully, cheerfully, and expectantly reflects a lack of trust in God. Giving sadly or madly instead of giving gladly is a failure to appreciate the grace of God. Read More ...
If you give under a feeling of grudging obligation, you need to get right with God. We should have a willing, enthusiastic eagerness to participate in grace giving. We should sense the blessedness of giving. God’s grace produces generosity, not grudging obligation. Read More ...
Concern for others and a readiness to expend effort for their benefit is a wonderful quality that those who serve God ought to have. If you have no concern for others—if you are not ready to expend effort and resources for them—then you are likely not suitable for Christian ministry. Read More ...
The intent/desire to give must follow through with actual giving. If you see the need, don’t procrastinate or forget about it. Follow the example of Jesus’ rich generosity. Read More ...
Paul says nothing here about the amount anyone gave. He’s not really concerned about the size of the gift; he’s concerned about the attitude of giving. Those who have experienced the grace of God are joyfully generous in their giving. They give voluntarily, without having to be prodded, coerced, or reminded. They give sacrificially at times, even beyond what would be a reasonable amount, beyond what they can normally afford. They give because they want to participate in serving God’s people. Richly generous people appreciate the grace that they have received, and they want to give richly to support those in need and those serving God. Read More ...
Often, when conflicts arise, the solution is for one side of the conflict to appeal to the other side to pursue reconciliation. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to say something like “Let’s be friends. Let’s try to restore our friendship.” Someone has to start this process by reaching out to the other side. Read More ...