2 Corinthians - Paradoxes of the Spiritual Life
A spiritual Christian is one in which there are many paradoxes.
- The sentence of death - We do not live by man's wisdom but we live by God's grace. God sees no good in the flesh, and He has sentenced us to death in the Lord Jesus. We have all been crucified with Christ. The problem is that we still think that we can live the Christian lives in our own strength. God has to bring us through many experiences where we discover that what God has said about us is true. That truth is that in me, that is in my flesh, there dwells no good thing. When we accept the sentence of death, then the resurrection of Christ is released and we begin to walk in the newness of life.
- Another paradox is one of victory and defeat. In our concept, the spiritual man is one that is always in control of his circumstances. However, the truth is that a spiritual man is still a man with feelings, and it seems like at times he will not overcome, but the Lord's lilfe is working in these situations and the result is resurrection.
- A third paradox is that we have this treasure in earthen vessels. The treasure is our Lord Jesus. He lives in these fragile vessels. God's purpose is that the radiancy of the treasure might be manifested. The earthen vessel must be broken in order for the treasure to be manifested.
- God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Paul boasted in his weakness, because in his weakness, he experienced the power of Christ. God has no intention to make us strong, but He will make the power of Christ to be made known in our weakness.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
