2nd.Corinthians 7:1-7 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless GOD, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."
The word nevertheless and a similar word, notwithstanding, frequently appear in both the Old and New Testaments. These two words express the precious truth that no matter how difficult or even impossible certain situations may appear to be, GOD has the solution if we will only believe HIS WORD and walk by faith, not by sight. Our FATHER allows hindrances and trials so that we will learn to trust HIM.
In today's text the HOLY SPIRIT sets before us some of the difficult situations that the Apostle Paul faced in his life and ministry. Paul writes, "Our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears" (v.5). Nevertheless, GOD had special comfort and help for Paul - first in the person of a dear fellow helper, Titus, and second, by the word brought to him concerning the believers in Corinth who had compassion and were prayerfully concerned about Paul's heavy burdens (vv.6-7). How often do we stop and consider the comfort that GOD has given to each of us in the midst of our own times of difficulty and sorrow ? These blessings from the LORD that Paul experienced are promised to obedient believers who separate from unrighteousness (2nd.Corinthians 6:14 pictured above) and refuse to touch "the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:17 pictured above). Yes, obedience often comes with a price, such as rejection from those who were once close friends, but GOD promises that HE will receive us and manifest HIMSELF to us as a wonderful, all-powerful heavenly FATHER (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18 pictured above). Paul's "nevertheless" experiences will be ours as well if we practice biblical separation and walk in holiness and in the fear of GOD, for we, also, possess "these promises" from our loving LORD (v.1). MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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