Loving The God of Truth

Welcome to all those in the ODM who desire to know and to love the God of Truth through the faithful study of His Word. Please feel free to share your comments, insights, questions, concerns, words of encouragement, thanksgiving, praise, and prayer requests with all of us.

May God most richly bless the reading of His precious Word to our hearts this year.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
They are sweeter than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;

In keeping them there is great reward."

(Psalm 19:7-11)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Encouragement and building one another up for God's glory


The section of this passage on Apollos really emphasizes the importance of building up one another and encouraging one another in their faith, acknowledge their gifts and the proper way to 'correct' one another if we feel it is necessary. Priscilla and Aquila knew that Apollos only had a limited knowledge of the gospel (through the baptism of John).

Instead of being harsh and correcting him in front of people they quietly took him into their home and shared with Apollos what he did not know. They had also written the disciples in Achaia to encourage and welcome Apollos. He goes on to be of great help saving souls in Achaia because his talents in public debate helped prove from scripture that Jesus was indeed the Christ.

If Priscilla and Aquila did things differently and embarrassed him by calling out his limited knowledge in front of the crowds this could have greatly discouraged Apollos, it could have also discouraged those in the crowd that were listening. They probably never would have had the opportunity to share with Apollos the rest of the gospel, he would not have been well received in Achaia and ultimately souls may have been lost.

We should be reminded by this passage that the way we approach or deal with one another can make a big impact on kingdom work. Souls could be saved or lost. May we always remember to choose to build one another up and encourage one another in their walk with God so that we can all be used fully for the glory of God.  
Happy Friday! :)
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1 comment:

darlayoo said...

thanks christine for such an insightful reflection. apollos had every natural gift to be a powerful evangelist and defender of the faith--he was a gifted speaker, an excellent debater, had a thorough knowledge of the scriptures, and had a passion for the gospel. what he was lacking was a more deeply rooted knowledge in "the way of God" through Jesus Christ. but once he was effectively equipped and built up in what he lacked, apollos proved to be invaluable in the work of the gospel. this passage reminds us that all gifts, as impressive as they may be, need to be exercised within the context of a deeply rooted knowledge in the "way of God" through Jesus Christ and in conjunction with the church body as a whole. what we are lacking will certainly be made up by the gifts of others within the church. the work of God's kingdom cannot be done in isolation--we need each other.

September 10, 2010 at 9:37 AM

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