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“"Part 6 of Paul's Job Description: Not Ignored"”

Thoughts for Today:

[Today we conclude this section in which Paul lists the qualities and situations in which he demonstrated his qualifications for ministry.]

In our passage today, Paul uses nine contrasting terms to describe his ministry. Some people thought he was worthy of praise and honor; by others he was denounced and called a fraud; some accused him of deception and self aggrandizement, yet he would ultimately be proven true to the faith. Paul was taken to the point of death on many occasions, and then miraculously preserved by God. Sometimes he was forced to do without physical comfort (food, clothing, and shelter), yet he still made others rich with spiritual truth. And even if there were those who considered him to be nothing and have nothing by the world's standard, he possessed great wealth and standing in the spiritual realm.

The point Paul makes is everyone who speaks out for the Lord will be misunderstood, persecuted and criticized from time to time. Their motivations and decisions will be called into question. People will either hate them or love them. And those opinions will change, both positively and negatively, sometimes within seconds. However, true ministers of the Gospel will seldom be received with indifference. Everywhere Jesus and His disciples went, they either caused a riot or a revival. But, they weren't ignored. The same was true for Paul.

Questions to Ponder:

I think it is important to note that the contrasting terms Paul listed can be grouped into three distinct areas -- mental, physical and spiritual. Attacks come on all fronts and we need to be prepared when we serve as ministers of Christ. Are you? Do you have the weapons of righteousness at your disposal? Who provides the righteousness? If you answered, "Jesus," you are on the right track.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.