UP TO THE TASK. 2nd Corinthians 2:12-17 From time to time, we need to be reminded of the fact that there is a spiritual warfare going on, not just around us, but in which we are engaged. It is possible that even God's people are unaware of the insidious way Satan is opposing the ministry of the Gospel. But for those like Paul who are actively engaged in this work, there is no question at all that an implacable enemy is out to destroy the work of God. The attention of the opposition is mainly directed at those whom God has called to carry the message to those who are still unaware of the seriousness of their condition. The challenges we face in Gospel outreach and activities associated with that work, do not always come from without.
Self-centered people in Corinth were putting down the apostle Paul as one who had no authority or right to correct and direct them as to what were the mind and will of God. Paul never kept his Gospel activities a secret but informed others as to where he was, why he was there, and his intention in relation to the work at hand. He went to Troas to preach the Gospel and found an open door. He had hoped Titus would be there with news from Corinth so he went on to Philippi in Macedonia.
Recounting the work the Lord is doing, is a good way to promote fellowship in the work and to encourage those who have committed themselves to pray for the work of the Lord. However, even when we are where we should be, there are uncertainties that affect us. It is a fact that we usually have a plan and a protocol we follow that helps us keep order in the work. But these are not carved in stone so that they cannot be deviated from if the occasion demands it. In those apostolic days, the synagogues were open to the Jewish evangelists to use as speaking places, so they used that privilege as long as they could.
Sharing in Gospel work with others who labor at the same task, both encourages us and adds to the strength of the work. Older and younger people working together make possible the coordination of experience and expertise with enthusiasm and physical strength. One may only see the issues before them each day, and the other can look further and perceive the outcome of a certain course of action if it is followed. Even though the door was open at Troas, Paul went on further because of the way circumstances affected him. The harvest field is white and ready for harvest everywhere. And yet we can't meet each and every need nor can we reach every city. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential in the work to which we have been called.
Paul appreciated being "put in trust with the Gospel," and it is certainly a cause for us to be thankful for as well. What a high privilege it is to give people the light of the Word of God so they can be saved. God has entrusted us with His saving message for mankind. Paul was thankful for his ministry to the Lord's people and the bonds of grace that linked him to them. He really cared for them in spite of their failings. He wanted them to go on strong for God and when failure came, to deal with it in a biblical way, and then go on to fill the expectations of Christian life.
The triumphs of the Gospel manifest the Person and work of the Savior wherever it is preached in its fullness. The sacrifice of Christ on our behalf gives life to those who believe in Him and they receive eternal life as a gift from God. The same message brings eternal death to those who refuse the message and reject the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who “corrupt” the word of God are peddlers, and hucksters, who profit from preaching a watered-down message that will suit those who hear them. Those who preach the Gospel to become rich, are fraudulent people who focus on financial gain instead of sinners being saved from a lost eternity. There are some who glory in the fame they receive as much as they want money.
To be able to minister to people by addressing their greatest needs is a real cause for thanksgiving. It is not uncommon for us to become discouraged when things don't happen the way we want or the results of work we have done to meet our expectations. Let us be thankful for any way God is willing to use us in furthering the work of His kingdom. Whether preaching the Gospel, ministering to the needs of other believers, or maintaining a holy relationship with them - it is a real cause for thanksgiving.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Victor in this spiritual warfare in which we are engaged. We who are privileged to work for Him are like joyful captives in His triumphal procession through a watching world. For those who represent Christ, the Gospel is good news and a beautiful fragrance of God's grace in saving our souls. For those who are not saved, the Gospel is repulsive and has the smell of death on those who want their sin. The results of the Gospel are joy and liberty to those who are saved, and fear and bondage to those who are not. Who is capable of representing our Lord Jesus Christ in this world?
The ability to do this work in the view of the watching world comes from our Lord Himself who commissioned us and sent us into the world to publicly proclaim the Gospel. The knowledge of Christ is the power given to us to accomplish the task. The pleasing aroma of Christ gives us the occasion to present the "Gospel of the glory of the blessed God." The effect of the work for Christ is a blessing to those who believe in Him and death to those who refuse to believe in Him. The Holy Spirit enables us, keeps us focused on the task before us, protects us in the work, and makes us competent to do what the Lord has commissioned us to accomplish.
In contrast to this are those who are hucksters of divine things. They use religion as a way of making money for themselves rather than furthering the kingdom of God and speaking the truth. In the faithful Christian laborer, there needs to be reliability. We must be able to be trusted. There is a great need in any who are involved in God's work to be sincere in their character, godly in their conduct, transparent in their clarity to speak for God, and to speak in Christ's name they must be faithful in their communication of the truth of the Gospel.
The person who is equal to the task because of divine empowerment is a person of unquenchable optimism who is truly thankful for the privilege of telling others the way of salvation. They do not focus on those things that seem to be obstacles but believe in unvarying success - always triumphant. The unforgettable impact is the savor or aroma that exudes from the fruit of their labor. Such workers are those who are sincere and are people of unimpeachable integrity. At the beginning of chapter three, there is another characteristic of such a laborer. They are known and read by all men to be undeniable in their reality. They are not fake. One of the greatest impacts of a person's ministry is the person himself.