My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 11:1-4

1 Would to God, ye could suffer a little my foolishness, and indeed, ye suffer me.
2 For I am jealous over you, with godly jealousy: for I have prepared you for one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ:
3 But I fear lest as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupt from the simplicity that is in Christ:
4 For if he that cometh, preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached: or if ye receive another spirit whom ye have not received: either another Gospel which ye have not received, ye might well have suffered him. (a)

(a) Editor’s thought - Re: vs 4 - Herein is a similar problem that is faced today. We in these times are hearing a Gospel that is contrary to the simple Gospel of Christ.  We hear of “prosperity” Gospels, of “feel good” Gospels, of “don’t worry everyone goes to heaven” Gospels. Let us not be swayed or deceived, for the beauty of the Gospel of Christ is it’s simplicity and purity. God loves us, He sent and sacrificed His son to redeem us unto Himself therefore repent and accept this grace and mercy of His sacrifice.  His commands as spoken in Matthew 22:37-41 are likewise simple, to love God, and to love others. As He has spoken, on these hang all the law and the prophets. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 10:12-18

The Worker is Approved Only of His Labor by God (a)

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or to compare ourselves to them, which praise themselves: but they understand not that they measure themselves with themselves, and compare themselves with themselves.
13 But we will not rejoice of things, which are not within our measure, but according to the measure of the line, whereof God hath distributed unto us a measure to attain even unto you.
14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we had not attained unto you: for even to you also have we come in preaching the Gospel of Christ.
15 Not boasting of things which are without our measure: that is, of other men’s labors: and we hope, when your faith shall increase, to be magnified by you according to your line abundantly,
16 And to preach the Gospel in those regions which are beyond you: not to rejoice in another man’s line: that is, in the things that are prepared already.
17 But let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in the Lord.
18 For he that praiseth himself, is not allowed, but he whom the Lord praiseth

(a) Editor’s thought - Re: subtitle - I am reminded here where in the Gospel of John chapter 8:13-19 Jesus is questioned about his self witness, by the scribes and Pharisees. His authority to forgive sin, and to heal is made true by the fourfold witness as is written earlier in the same Gospel chapter; John 5:31-40. Read also Jeremiah 9:24, Proverbs 27:2

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 10:7-11

7 Look ye on things after the appearance? If any man trust in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again of himself, that as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should have no shame.
9 This I say, that I may not seem as it were to fear you with letters.
10 For the letters, saith he, are sore and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is of no value.
11 Let such one think this, that such as we are in word by letters, when we are absent, such will we be also in deed, when we are present. (a)

(a) Editor’s thought - Re: vs 11 - Whether present or absent, we mean what we say, and say what we mean. If it is in letters, or in deeds it is always consistent and the same each time. We like the Word of God are unchanging, in so far as the preaching of the same. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 10:1-6

Spiritual Warfare

1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness, and gentleness of Christ, which when I am present among you am base, but am bold toward you being absent:
2 And this I require you, that I need not to be bold when I am present, with that same confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which esteem us as though we walked according to the flesh. (a)
3 Nevertheless, though we walk in the flesh, yet we do not war after the flesh.
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to cast down holds.) (b)
5 Casting down the imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, (c)
6 And having ready the vengeance against all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 2 - Read 1 Corinthians 1:19-21, 3:19; 2 Corinthians 1:12
(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 4 - Read Ephesians 6:10-17
(c) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 5 - Read Isaiah 55:7-9

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 9:6-15

6 This yet remember, that he which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly, and he that soweth liberally, shall reap also liberally.
7 As every man wisheth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (a)
8 And God is able to make all grace to abound toward you, that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work,
9 (As it is written, He hath sparsed abroad and hath given to the poor: his benevolence remaineth for ever.
10 Also he that findeth seed to the sower, will minister likewise bread for food, and multiply your seed, and increase the fruits of your benevolence.)
11 That on all parts ye may be made rich unto all liberality, which causeth through us thanksgiving unto God.
12 For the ministration of this service not only supplieth the necessities of the Saints, but also abundantly causeth many to give thanks to God,
13 (Which by the experiment of this ministration praise God for your voluntary submission to the Gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men.)
14 And in their prayer for you, to long after you greatly, for the abundant grace of God in you.
15 Thanks therefore be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Editor’s thought - Re: vss 6-7 - This is evidenced in the book of Genesis wherein both Cain and Able make their sacrifices to God. In Able’s case, it was done with his best, and with a certainty, that God would bless him more abundantly. Cain however, it seems cared little about his, and, for lack of a better term just tossed it together, and was unacceptable to God. While sacrifice and giving are different, the concept is there that Able made his with good cheer, whereas Cain made his grudging indifference. See Genesis 4:3-6

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 9:1-5

1 For as touching the ministering to the Saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.
2 For I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself of you unto them of Macedonia, and say, that Achaia was prepared a year ago, and your zeal hath provoked many.
3 Now have I sent the brethren, lest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this behalf, that ye (as I have said) be ready.
4 Lest if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we may not say, you) should be ashamed in this my constant boasting.
5 Wherefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to come before unto you, and to finish your benevolence appointed afore, that it might be ready, and come as of benevolence, and not as of covetousness.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 8:8-16

16 And thanks be unto God, which had put in the heart of Titus the same care for you.
17 Because he accepted the exhortation, yea, he was so careful that of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent also with him the brother, whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches.
19 (And not so only, but is also chosen of the Churches to be a fellow in our journey, concerning this grace that is ministered by us unto the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your prompt mind.)
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,
21 Providing for honest things, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have ofttimes proved to be diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, for the great confidence, which I have in you.
23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my fellow and helper to you-ward: or of our brethren, they are messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore show toward them, and before the Churches the proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 8:8-15

8 This say I not by commandment, but because of the diligence of others: therefore prove I the naturalness of your love.

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he being rich, for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich.

10 And I show my mind herein: for this is expedient for you, which have begun not to do only, but also to will, a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform to do it also, that as there was a readiness to will, even so ye may perform it of that which ye have.

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13 Neither is it that other men should be eased and you grieved: But upon like condition, at this time your abundance supplieth their lack:

14 That also their abundance may be for your lack, that there may be equality.

15 As it is written, He that gathered much, had nothing over, and he that gathered little, had not the less.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 8:1-7

1 We do you also to wit, brethren, of the grace of God bestowed upon the Churches of Macedonia.
2 Because in great trial of affliction their joy abounded, and their most extreme poverty abounded unto their rich liberality.
3 For to their power (I bear record) yea, and beyond their power they were willing.
4 And prayed us with great instance that we would receive the grace, and fellowship of the ministering which is toward the Saints.
5 And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves, first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God,
6 That we should exhort Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also accomplish the same grace among you also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love towards us, even so see that ye abound in this grace also.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 7:13-16

13 Therefore we were comforted, because ye were comforted: but rather we rejoiced much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 For if that I have boasted anything to him of you, I have not been ashamed: but as I have spoken unto you all things in truth, even so our boasting unto Titus was true.
15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, when he remembereth the obedience of you all, and how with fear and trembling ye received him.
16 I rejoice therefore that I may put my confidence in you in all things.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 7:2-12

Repentance Through Godly Admonition 

2 Receive us: we have done wrong to no man: we have corrupted no man: we have defrauded no man.
3 I speak it not to your condemnation: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts, to die and live together.
4 I use great boldness of speech toward you: I rejoice greatly in you: I am filled with comfort, and am exceeding joyous in all our tribulation.
5 For when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side, fightings without, and terrors within.
6 But God, that comforteth the abject, comforted us at the coming of Titus:
7 And not by his coming only, but also by the consolation wherewith he was comforted of you, when he told us your great desire, your mourning, your fervent mind to me-ward, so that I rejoiced much more.
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I repent not, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same Epistle made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 I now rejoice, not that ye were sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye sorrowed godly, so that in nothing ye were hurt by us.
10 For godly sorrow causeth repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of: but the worldly sorrow causeth death.
11 For behold, this thing that ye have been godly sorry, what great care hath it wrought in you: yea, what clearing of yourselves: yea, what indignation: yea, what fear: yea, how great desire: yea, what a zeal: yea, what revenge: in all things ye have showed yourselves, that ye are pure in this matter.
12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did not it for his cause that had done the wrong, neither for his cause that had the injury, but that our care toward you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 7:1

1 Seeing then we have these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and finish our sanctification in the fear of God. (a), (b)

Editor’s notation - Re: vs 1 - Read 1 John 3:2-3
Editor’s thought - 7:1 is a summation of the previous chapter. It solidifies the previous statement of being holy as God is Holy. As such we are to be as He is. In 1 John 4:17, we read, because as He is, even so, we are in this world. 

When we were young, we all wished to be like our dads or moms. So how much more should we desire to be as our Heavenly Father? This is to say walking to the best of our ability in humility, love, and holiness. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 6:11-18

Be Holy (a)

11 O Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is made large.
12 Ye are not kept strait in us, but ye are kept strait in your own bowels.
13 Now for the same recompense, I speak as to my children, Be you also enlarged.
14 Be not unequally yoked with the infidels: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (b)
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath the believer with the infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the Temple of the living God: as God hath said, I will dwell among them, and walk there: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and separate yourselves, saith the Lord, and touch none unclean thing, and I will receive you.
18 And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: subtitle - Read Leviticus 11:45, 19:2, 20:3, 7, 21:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16
(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 14 - Read 1 John 1:6, Ephesians 5:6-7

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 6:1-10

1 So we therefore as workers together beseech you, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold now the accepted time, behold now the day of salvation. (a)
3 We give no occasion of offence in anything, that our ministry should not be reprehended.
4 But in all things we approve ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.
5 In stripes, in prisons, in tumults, in labors,
6 By watchings, by fastings, by purity, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand, and on the left,
8 By honor, and dishonor, by evil report, and good report, as deceivers, and yet true:
9 As unknown, and yet known: as dying, and behold, we live, as chastened, and yet not killed:
10 As sorrowing, and yet always rejoicing: as poor, and yet making many rich: as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 2 - Read Isaiah 49:8

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 5:12-21

Greetings to all the Saints in the name of our Redeemer Jesus Christ

Friends, I plead with you this day to come to knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and God’s plan of redemption.  Be reconciled with Him that created you.  You are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, accept it, accept the grace and mercy which our heavenly Father has offered to you. 

God and Sinners Reconciled

12 For we praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to rejoice of us that ye may have to answer against them, which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart.
13 For whether we be out of our wit, we are it to God: or whether we be in our right mind, we are it unto you.
14 For that love of Christ constraineth us,
15 Because we thus judge, that if one be dead for all, then were all dead, and he died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore, henceforth know we no man after the flesh, yea though we had known Christ after the flesh, yet not henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, let him be a new creature. Old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, which hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given unto us the ministry of reconciliation.
19 For God was in Christ, and reconciled the world to himself, not imputing their sins unto them, and hath [m]committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then are we ambassadors for Christ: as though God did beseech you through us, we pray you in Christ’s stead, that ye be reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, which knew no sin, that we should be made the righteousness of God in him.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 5:9-11

9 Wherefore also we covet, that both dwelling at home, and removing from home, we may be acceptable to him.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every man may receive the things which are done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or evil. (a)

11 Knowing therefore that terror of the Lord, we persuade men, and we are made manifest unto God, and I trust also that we are made manifest in your consciences. (b)

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 10 - Read Matthew 16:27, 25:31-46;  Romans 2:1-16, 14:10-12;  Acts 10:42; 

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 11 - Read Hebrews 10:31, 12:29;  Jude 1-25, 1 Timothy 4:1-2

My Daily Meditation

Today’s reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 5:1-8

1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be destroyed, we have a building given of God, that is, an house not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens.
2 For therefore we sigh, desiring to be clothed with our house, which is from heaven.
3 Because that if we be clothed, we shall not be found naked.
4 For indeed we that are in this tabernacle, sigh and are burdened because we would not be unclothed, but would be clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5 And he that hath created us for this thing, is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (a)
6 Therefore we are always bold, though we know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.
7 (For we walk by faith, and not by sight.)
8 Nevertheless, we are old, and love rather to remove out of the body, and to dwell with the Lord. (b)

Editor’s notation - Re: vs 5 - Read Romans 8:14-16
Editor’s notation - Re: vss 6-8 - Read Hebrews 4:15-16, 13:7

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the church at Corinth

Chapter 4:16-18

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

The renewed man, and seeing the invisible (a)

16 Therefore we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed daily. (b)

17 For our light affliction which is but for a moment, causeth unto us a far most excellent and an eternal weight of glory:

18 While we look not on the things which are seen, but on the things which are not seen for the things which are seen, are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal (c)

(a) Editor’s thought - In the concluding verses of chapter 4 the Apostle Paul speaks upon walking in faith, and seeing that which is not made of man, but instead looking at the unseen. That is to say, the certain knowledge of God, and the eternal life to be spent with him. Also he writes of the new man, the new creation when one is reborn into the family of God and are joint heirs in His Kingdom. We come to this knowledge by the infusing of the Holy Spirit which is given (see John 14:15-18), yes, even promised to us by Christ Himself, that we should never be left alone, but have this within us, as our guide. 

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 16 see John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Galatians 6:15

(c) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 18 see Hebrews 11:1, 13

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter4:7-15

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of that power might be of God, and not of us.
8 We are afflicted on every side, yet are we not in distress: we are in doubt, but yet we despair not.
9 We are persecuted, but not forsaken: cast down, but we perish not. (a)
10 Everywhere we bear about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might also be made manifest in our bodies.
11 For we which live, are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, and life in you.
13 And because we have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken, we also believe, and therefore speak,
14 Knowing that he which hath raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall set us with you. (b)
15 For all things are for your sakes, that that most plenteous grace by the thanksgiving of many, may redound to the praise of God.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vss 8-9 - More than conquerors - Romans 8:36-39
(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 10 - Romans 8:11

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 4:1-6

1 Therefore, seeing that we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not: (a)
2 But have cast from us the cloaks of shame, and walk not in craftiness, neither handle we the word of God deceitfully: but in declaration of the truth we approve ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (b)
3 If the Gospel be then hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds, that is, of the infidels, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, which is the image of God, should not shine unto them. (c)
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, is he which hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (d), (e)

(a) Editor’s thought - In the NKJ translation in place of we faint not, the words we do not lose heart are used.  One is reminded herein of Luke 18:1, where Jesus says to His disciples that men should pray so that they do not lose heart. Taking it further, we should seek God, via prayer and supplication, that we would continue in His perfect light. 
(b) Editor’s thought - There exist today those who would use the Gospel to  further their own ends. This is wherein in a previous chapter Paul speaks on the merchandising of Christ’s Gospel. 
(c) Editor’s thought - Re: vss 3-4 - Those who hear the Good News preached, and are resistant to it. Whose hearts are hardened, eyes are blinded, and ears are stopped by the god of this world, (Satan), and all the trappings that ensnare mankind. By which one says, I am in no need of God, or there is no God. I live my life my way, and fear not God.  These are they who are perishing and either refuse to see it or reject it outright. 
(d) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 6 - Read Matthew 5:14-15
(e) Editor’s thought - Just as Jesus declared Himself to be the light of the world (John 8:12, John 9:5, 11:9-10), so must we also be a light to those who’ve not been so enlightened by God’s Word, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus is the first fruit of the Gospel of Salvation, and we are likewise heirs in that salvation. We are to be as He is, walking in righteousness as imputed to us through His sacrifice. Let our light be one of peace and humility. Humbleness, as likened to a servant that faithfully serves his beloved Master. By this way, our actions speak much more louder than just plain words. We are to light the way for others to find the pathway to God’s mercy and grace, and plan of redemption. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:12-18

12 Seeing then that we have such trust, we use great boldness of speech.
13 And we are not as Moses, which put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look unto the end of that which should be abolished.
14 Therefore their minds are hardened: for until this day remaineth the same covering untaken away in the reading of the old Testament, which veil in Christ is put away.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is laid over their hearts.
16 Nevertheless when their heart shall be turned to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord with open face, and are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:7-11

7 If then the ministration of death written with letters and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance (which glory is gone away.) (a)
8 How shall not the ministration of the Spirit be more glorious? (b)
9 For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. (c)
10 For even that which was glorified, was not glorified in this point, that is, as touching the exceeding glory.
11 For if that they should be abolished, was glorious, much more shall that which remaineth be glorious.

(a) Editor’s notation - Paul refers here to the ten commandments
(b) Editor’s thought - As previously stated in yesterday’s study, the law brings condemnation and death while the Holy Spirit of the Living God brings us renewed life. 
(c) Editor’s thought - We now enter into that renewed life with righteousness imputed to us through grace via the sacrifice of Jesus. 

I am going to preface this with a word to take your time reading. This is a long study, and is being broken down into various parts, and subparts. 

Evening Reflection

“Furthermore, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are worthy love, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, think on these things.” 

The Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Philippians 4:8

The Excellency of Christ (Part 1b-1)

by Jonathan Edwards

Edited by R.P. Woitowitz Sr. 

There do meet in the person of Christ such really diverse excellencies, which otherwise would have been thought utterly incompatible in the same subject; such as are conjoined in no other person whatever, either divine, human, or angelical; and such as neither men nor angels would ever have imagined could have met together in the same person, had it not been seen in the person of Christ. I would give some instances. 

In the person of Christ do meet together infinite glory and lowest humility. Infinite glory, and the virtue of humility, meet in no other person but Christ. They meet in no created person; for no created person has infinite glory, and they meet in no other divine person but Christ. For though the divine nature be infinitely abhorrent to pride, yet humility is not properly predicable of God the Father, and the Holy Ghost, that exist only in the divine nature; because it is a proper excellency only of a created nature; for it consists radically in a sense of a comparative lowness and littleness before God, or the great distance between God and the subject of this virtue; but it would be a contradiction to suppose any such thing in God.  But in Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, those two diverse excellencies are sweetly united. He is a person infinitely exalted in glory and dignity. (Philippians 2:6) "Being in the form of God, he thought it not robbery to be equal with God." There is equal honor due to him with the Father. (John 5:23) "That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." God himself says to him, "thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever," (Hebrews. 1:8) And there is the same supreme respect and divine worship paid to him by the angels of heaven, as to God the Father, (Hebrews 1:6) "Let all the angels of God worship him."  But however he is thus above all, yet he is lowest of all in humility. There never was so great an instance of this virtue among either men or angels, as Jesus. None ever was so sensible of the distance between God and him, or had a heart so lowly before God, as the man Christ Jesus. (Matthew. 11:29) What a wonderful spirit of humility appeared in him, when he was here upon earth, in all his behavior! In his contentment in his mean outward condition, contentedly living in the family of Joseph the carpenter, and Mary his mother, for thirty years together, and afterwards choosing outward meanness, poverty, and contempt, rather than earthly greatness; in his washing his disciples' feet, and in all his speeches and deportment towards them; in his cheerfully sustaining the form of a servant through his whole life, and submitting to such immense humiliation at death! 

In the person of Christ do meet together infinite majesty and transcendent meekness. These again are two qualifications that meet together in no other person but Christ. Meekness, properly so called, is a virtue proper only to the creature: we scarcely ever find meekness mentioned as a divine attribute in Scripture; at least not in the New Testament; for thereby seems to be signified, a calmness and quietness of spirit, arising from humility in mutable beings that are naturally liable to be put into a ruffle by the assaults of a tempestuous and injurious world. But Christ, being both God and man, hath both infinite majesty and superlative meekness.  Christ was a person of infinite majesty. It is he that is spoken of, Psalm 45:3; "Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty." It is he that is mighty, that rideth on the heavens, and his excellency on the sky. It is he that is terrible out of his holy places; who is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea: before whom a fire goeth, and burneth up his enemies round about; at whose presence the earth quakes, and the hills melt; who sitteth on the circle of the earth, and all the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers, who rebukes the sea, and maketh it dry and drieth up the rivers, whose eyes are as a flame of fire, from whose presence, and from the glory of whose power, the wicked shall be punished with everlasting destruction; who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who hath heaven for his throne, and the earth for his footstool, and is the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and of whose dominion there is no end. 

And yet he was the most marvellous instance of meekness, and humble quietness of spirit, that ever was; agreeable to the prophecies of him, (Matthew 21:4) "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." And, agreeable to what Christ declares of himself, (Matthew 11:29) "I am meek and lowly in heart." And agreeable to what was manifest in his behavior: for there never was such an instance seen on earth, of a meek behavior, under injuries and reproaches, and towards enemies; who, when he was reviled, reviled not again. He had a wonderful spirit of forgiveness, was ready to forgive his worst enemies, and prayed for them with fervent and effectual prayers. With what meekness did he appear in the ring of soldiers that were contemning and mocking him; he was silent, and opened not his mouth, but went as a lamb to the slaughter. Thus is Christ a Lion in majesty and a Lamb in meekness. 

There meet in the person of Christ the deepest reverence towards God and equality with God. Christ, when on earth, appeared full of holy reverence towards the Father. He paid the most reverential worship to him, praying to him with postures of reverence. Thus we read of his "kneeling down and praying," (Luke 22:4). This became Christ, as one who had taken on him the human nature, but at the same time he existed in the divine nature; whereby his person was in all respects equal to the person of the Father. God the Father hath no attribute or perfection that the Son hath not, in equal degree, and equal glory. These things meet in no other person but Jesus Christ.  There are conjoined in the person of Christ infinite worthiness of good, and the greatest patience under sufferings of evil. He was perfectly innocent,and deserved no suffering. He deserved nothing from God by any guilt of his own, and he deserved no ill from men. Yea, he was not only harmless and undeserving of suffering, but he was infinitely worthy; worthy of the infinite love of the Father, worthy of infinite and eternal happiness, and infinitely worthy of all possible esteem, love, and service from all men. And yet he was perfectly patient under the greatest sufferings that ever were endured in this world. (Hebrews 12:2) "He endured the cross, despising the shame." He suffered not from his Father for his faults, but ours; and he suffered from men not for his faults but for those things on account of which he was infinitely worthy of their love and honor, which made his patience the more wonderful and the more glorious. (1 Pet. 2:20) "For what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently, but if when ye do well. and suffer for it, ye take it patiently; this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." There is no such conjunction of innocence, worthiness, and patience under sufferings, as in the person of Christ. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Second Epistle to the Church at Corinth

Chapter 3:1-6

1 Do we begin to praise ourselves again? or need we as some others, Epistles of recommendation unto you, or letters of recommendation from you?

2 Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, which is understood and read of all men,

3 In that ye are manifest, to be the Epistle of Christ, ministered by us, and written, not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. (a)

4 And such trust have we through Christ to God:

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God,

6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. (b)

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 3 - Read Jeremiah 31:32-34; Ezekiel 11:17-20, 36:22-28; Joel 2:26-29

(b) Editor’s thought - Since no person can live under the letter of the law, that is to say in complete righteousness, it is necessary for us to be renewed and restored by the Holy Spirit.