contemptible. Let such an 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. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves, among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the Gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly. To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.". Here we are beginning to see the nature of the warfare, in that it is not physical but spiritual. We also see that we are to stay within our limitations, and not try to be the whole team. We are to have a mastery of the subject matter that we are trying to teach, so that we don't have to rely on someone else, other than the Holy Spirit, putting words in our mouth. Any glory that comes from our undertaking belongs to the Lord. With this we see more of the approval from God, when we study to show ourselves approved. But you say, this passage talks to building a pyramid of people preaching the gospel, I am not a minister or a pastor, I am a lay person. This doesn't apply to me. Oh? Consider if you will I Thessalonians chapter 5. "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail on a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should 169 _______________________________________________________________________________ overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, not of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast plate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient to all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.". As you can see in the last sentences of this passage the intended audience was all those who were saved. This passage also says that we are to go and tell, not just others who are family or saved, but all men. While there can be discussion that the 'great commission' as seen in Matthew 28:16- 20 was given only to the eleven, there is no doubt in this passage that we are 170 _______________________________________________________________________________ |
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