2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom… I. PAUL WAS A TEACHER, BUT HE TAUGHT IN ORDER TO LEAD MEN TO THE GREAT TEACHER. 1. This is peculiar to the Christian dispensation. The prophets preached, but their direct object, with the exception of their prophecies of the Messiah, was not to lead to another. This was the case, however, with John the Baptist. He preached, not concerning his own mission, but the coming Christ, for whom he made way. So Paul never set up for being a master, which Jesus had forbidden, but taught men to sit at the feet of God's Son. 2. As a teacher, Christ surpasses all who came before Him, or have followed Him. The treasures of wisdom and of knowledge are in Him; the Spirit without measure rests upon Him; He is the Truth. God had rent His heavens to say to men, "Hear Him." Paul echoed this. 3. And the true ministers of Christ imitate Paul. They do not bring before you some ancient sage or modern teacher; why should they exhibit the portrait when they can show you the original? And if any of you be not learning of Him, learn of Him now. II. PAUL WAS A MINISTER, AND HE MINISTERED TO BRING MEN INTO SYMPATHY WITH THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST. 1. He was no priest himself, except in the sense in which he taught that all Christians are priests. His doctrine was, that Christ had once in the end of the world put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 2. And this was the secret of his glorying in the Cross. Now, if "the Son of God, Jesus Christ," died merely as Stephen died, why should Paul glory in His death? 3. And God's true ministers follow Paul in this also. When men come to them acknowledging their sinfulness, and craving pardon and absolution, they say, "Go to God's High Priest, Christ Jesus." III. PAUL WAS A HERALD AND AN AMBASSADOR, AND HE PROCLAIMED THE SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST, TO BE KING OF KINGS. 1. He taught subjection to earthly sovereigns within a certain limit, but in religious matters he was subject to no human potentate: he came into collision even with Peter. We are all equal with reference to the Saviour — "one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." 2. Here again God's true ministers follow Paul. They say that the government is on Christ's shoulder, and that the Son of God is the fountain of law, and of all honour. Let us crown Him Lord of all — with our love, confidence, prayers, obedience, zeal and devotedness.Conclusion: 1. God's chief gift is His Son. He has given you many precious things, but there is no gift like that. 2. You are in the keeping of Christ. By trusting in Him you have committed yourselves to Him; He has charge of your body, soul, and spirit. From His hand you can never be plucked by any foe, because it is the hand of "the Son of God, Jesus Christ." 3. How is it that you do not love Jesus Christ and trust Him more? You do not read or think enough about Him. (S. Martin.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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