CONFIDENCE IN BELIEVERS

"Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything" (2 Cor 7:16).

The work of regeneration is marvelous! In it, we are washed, sanctified, and justified (1 Cor 6:11). We are reconciled to God (Col 1:21), and constituted kings and priests unto Him (Rev 1:5-6). The dominion of sin is abruptly terminated (Rom 6:14), and we are inducted into fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). Although the old nature remains a source of contention, it can be "put off" (Col 3:9), "crucified" (Rom 6:6), and denied prominence. We do have access to spiritual weaponry that can violently throw down competing thoughts and imaginations (2 Cor 10:4-5).

Notwithstanding this situation, myriads of believers are regularly addressed as though these things were not true. Spiritual sophists offer disciplines of life as the remedy for deficiencies, failing to summon the saints to lay hold of Divine resources that belong to them. It is tragic that many who are purported leaders of God's people have no confidence in their ability to negotiate victoriously through the stormy waters of life. Paul, made an Apostle by Jesus Himself, had confidence in the people he taught.

Our text states Paul had confidence in the Corinthians "in everything." Neither, indeed, is this the only time he affirmed this confidence (2 Cor 2:3; 8:22). He also wrote to the Galatians, "I have confidence in you through the Lord" (Gal 5;10). He wrote to the Thessalonians, "And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you" (2 Thess 3:4), and to Philemon, "Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say" (Phile 21). How is it he could speak in this manner?

Paul relied upon the power of the new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17). He knew that if the saints were strong and their spiritual vision sound, they were equal to the challenges of life and the temptations of the devil. For this reason, he edified them, building them up in the most holy faith. He spoke and wrote of eternal things that, when believed, brought focus to the heart. He knew that strong saints are triumphant ones. Believing ones are victorious!

When people are genuinely converted and fed, you can have confidence in the results! We do not offer powerless tips for living, or life disciplines. Rather, food for the soul is our speciality. We have confidence in you, that as you nourish your soul, you will do the right thing.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You, in the name of Jesus, for providing a salvation that makes me equal to the challenges of life, the temptations of Satan, and Your own blessed requirements.

-- MONDAY: PARTICIPATING IN THE DIVINE NATURE --