Love on in All Truth August 9, 2015
2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
With joy Paul was spent for us. He was completely out of his own strength, and all poured out, God used him mightily. Though the more love he gave the less he was loved. What a sweet rejoicing that we live in this church age, when the bridal body is being assembled. All have the potential, but without Paul’s gospel you won’t be quickened to it. Paul withheld nothing. We have the potential by the Holy Spirit to know the deep things of God. Take it for your own, know the unfathomable love of God. Know that this truth, the proposal, the better things, His exceeding and precious promises are yours!
Paul was preaching to the Corinthians for over two years, but in a short time they turned from Paul, and even on him.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
They were fine with the principal things (foundational) but Paul encouraged them to go on to perfection (completion) – filled with all the fullness of God. But it was too much love for them; and they loved him the less and less for it. Do we really love those that stand for the truth for us? Not just pastors or teachers; but moms, dads, and relatives too. They aren’t trying to live your life, but are standing so you live the life of Christ. That is true love. This was the heart of Paul. He wasn’t ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). He told them they need to leave the fornication, indecency and worldly lusts – but it was not popular. But when He increases in you, you will decrease and there will not be room or time for the childish things we think we need to have.
First love is first. Forget the things behind, the only thing of value is to win Him – go on!
But the gospel of the glory, the bridal truth always comes with a cost.
Philippians 1:29-30 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Given is a gift between a bride and groom (due benevolence). We will have a battle like Paul; be pressed out of measure, despairing even of life (II Corinthians 1:8). If you go and know the gospel you are not suffering for nothing! There is a joy and rejoicing, comfort and rest. Like Paul, there is cost after cost if we go this way. All in Asia forsook him. All his friends that turned from him rejected the truth. Think it not strange that the more you love the truth, more will want to get away from you.
Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
If you are there – Praise God! We have examples, like Joseph and his dream where his brothers would bow down to him – they envied him (they wanted what he had). The Shulamite’s friends (in the Song of Solomon) tried to get her to delay, she made them uncomfortable. But she went on to win Him!
Let us love on in all truth. Has He given you a dream (His Word)? That He will make known He has loved thee!
Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
The dream has offended some, yet I will love on by His grace!
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