| 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying... Paul listed all the things that he suffered through for the Lord. No matter whether the suffering is mental or physical, he clearly knew that it is part of his mandate; therefore, he did not complain at all. God called us not only to enjoy salvation, but also to suffer for Him. Philippians 1:29 says that "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him..." The sufferings he mentioned here include hardship in the circumstance, humiliation for the Lord, and even rejection when he shared the gospel with others. Paul specifically mentioned a few types of suffering. First, it was the suffering of getting locked up. He was imprisoned for the Lord many times, and he was frequently flogged, but the gospel of Christ still spread out. Because he was an important prisoner in the Roman jail, he had to be locked with the soldiers, who took turn to watch him every six hours. From human perspective, he was heavily guarded, but from spiritual perspective Paul never had an easier time with sharing the gospel. God brought people around him to listen to the gospel - and they even took turn every six hours! God's will is indeed higher than our will. Next, Paul talked about the perils from traveling. It's hard enough to travel around today, let along back in the first century. He listed all kinds of perils, among which the most famous one took place when he was being delivered to Rome. There was great waves and people were scared; Paul then used God's word to comfort the people, and then everyone arrived peacefully. Paul was willing to suffer for the Lord because of his love for the Lord and for the church. Thanks to God, because Paul often boasted about his weakness, so God's power often manifested on him. Brothers and sisters, are you willing to offer yourself for the Lord and let the Lord use you? Pray with Pastor Tong Lord, I thank you for how Paul was able sacrifice himself to set the example of living for you. I also thank you because despite of all the perils Paul experience, he was never discouraged. May the Lord strengthen our faith so that we can live out your glorious beauty no matter that our circumstance is. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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