2 Corinthians 1:21-24, "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand."

If there is anything a preacher desires in the lives of those God has given him to shepherd, it would be that they are established in their relationship with God and that their relationship resulted in obedience to God and joy in their heart.  God is the One who makes it possible to be established in Christ and to know God's anointing to accomplish His work through the Holy Spirit.  God has sealed us (marked us as genuine and permanently preserved), and this fact of being sealed is confirmed by the fact that God has given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.  The word "earnest" is a pledge of future payment, and is indicative of the fact that what God has begun in us He will perform until the day of Jesus Christ.  I am sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

Paul was so adamant about his motives that he wrote, "...I call God for a record upon my soul..." (vs. 23).  A record in this sense was something that referenced a legal witness, just as someone would be called to testify and swear to tell the truth.  In this case Paul was testifying before God who knows the truth in every situation.  Paul's intent wasn't to control someone's faith but to help them grow in faith. This growth would result in personal joy. Paul viewed himself as a helper (co-laborer) to facilitate faith and joy in the people's lives to whom he ministered.  Paul understood the importance of his relationship to others, and what it was that God wanted to accomplish through his ministry (souls saved, and saints established).  "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor 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."  1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

I pray you allow God to do all that He desires in your life to establish you in the faith, and that you will allow God's shepherd to be a helper of your joy!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How would you describe your relationship with God today?

2. Do you know the Holy Spirit as One who is working in you daily? How so?

3. How might you relate to Paul’s statement, “I call God for a record upon my soul,” in your Christian service?

4. How does your life demonstrate that you are co-laboring with God to bring Him glory?