5/12/10 2 Corinthians 3-4
How does your Life Read?
(2 Co 3:2)2You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men;
Paul is sharing with the Corinthians that there is no need for him to bring letters of commendation concerning his apostolic call. His ministry is evidenced in the changed lives of those who have believed in Corinth. Paul describes them as living letters. Everyone can see how their lives have been changed and continue to be transformed, because of the Spirit of the living God that is “written” so to speak upon their hearts is noticeable.
There has been a significant problem throughout church history and the problem is that many people assume that just because an individual attends church occasionally, regularly, or says they believe in Jesus, that means they are a Christian. This is not the case. Until someone experiences the new birth in the new covenant they are not a Christian and their lives will be “read” with disastrous results, if it is assumed that they are a Christian. Until someone experiences the new birth they are not indwelt by the Spirit of the living God, and although there may be morality in their life, they have not experienced the new life that is found in Jesus Christ by grace through faith.
So we must ask the question how is my life being read? Have you experienced the new birth? Has there been a point in your life where you have confessed your sin and have asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and the punishment you deserve? Without this confession and turning away from your sin then your life will be “read” by some as a life without hope and without God and having no peace. Others may “read” your life assuming because you are basically a good person thus you are a Christian. But you and they have missed the core message of the gospel. If you are trusting in your goodness to get to God, then you have rejected the very message of the gospel of grace. We cannot be good enough to get to God, his standard is perfection and we are unable to reach it (Rom 3:10-12, Eph 2:8-9).
What about those of you, who have experienced the new birth, how is your life being read? Are the people who are “reading” your life aware that there has been a transformation that has taken place? That would be your testimony. Are they “reading” your life and observing continuing transformation taking place. Continuous transformation happens when you “read” the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the word of God and when you read, study, memorize, and meditate upon the word of God the Spirit uses God’s word and the life of Jesus to produce a transforming work in your heart and your life. Then when others “read” your life they will be reading a life that has hope, God, and peace.
(Eph 2:8-12)8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 11Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Prayer: To the Almighty, Glorious, Holy, Living, Great God of Heaven, You deserve all worship, praise, and adoration. There is nothing that goes unnoticed by your eye. You perfectly read all men’s lives. There is no confusion for you as to what is in the individual hearts. Father, I ask that my life would be known and read as a life that follows Jesus and is progressing to become more and more like Jesus. My desire is that my mind, attitude, and conduct would display more and more of your glorious character to those who read my life. I am inadequate to make this happen, but you have all power. Give me your grace to submit to your will and your ways always, in Jesus name. Amen.