“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls…”
(2 Corinthians 12:15)
The second epistle of Paul to the Corinthians is an epistle of self-defense. There were those in Corinth who had attacked Paul's apostleship, ministry, integrity and even his physical appearance. As Paul defended his ministry and authority, he made it clear that he did so out of love and concern for them. The above verse is an illustration of Paul's love for the Corinthians. Paul “will very gladly spend” his time, his strength, his money, his every resource in service to them. What a wonderful attitude especially in light of the problems Corinth had caused Paul.
Moreover, in addition to Paul's desire to “spend” for the Corinthians, he also was glad to “be spent” for them. The Greek word translated “be spent” appears only here in the New Testament. It means “to be completely spent.” Paul was willing to sacrifice himself until he had absolutely nothing left to give. Paul wrote similar words in Philippians 2:17, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Whatever the cost, no price was too high. Paul would drain himself to help them.
Do we share this attitude with the apostle Paul? Have you ever “spent” yourself in the work of the Lord? Compare 2 Corinthians 12:15 with the following:
Sunday morning is the only time I get to sleep in.
Our children are small. We're just too busy.
Our children are teenagers and we just don't have the time.
I'm retired now, I finally get to rest. Let someone younger do it.
Consider yourself challenged to “be spent” for the Lord!! --Larry
**Our Friend's Day is only 3 weeks away! This is a great opportunity to both “spend” and be “spent” for the Lord.
Two Thoughts on Gambling
1. A gambler aims to get something for nothing. He ends up getting nothing for something.
2. Once a state's lottery prize reaches tens of millions of dollars, someone ultimately will win it. Sometime during the time enough tickets are being bought to drive the prize that high, several people will be struck by lightening. Statistically, the odds of being struck by lightening on the way to buy a lottery ticket is probably greater than the odds of winning the big prize in the lottery.
--Preacher Talk
