TO GLORY OR NOT TO GLORY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 12

2 Corinthians 12

TO GLORY OR NOT TO GLORY

PRIDE

Thank You LORD for the visions and revelations that come from You. LORD, doubtless we have nothing to glory of in the flesh. Jesus is our hope of glory.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. - John 7:18

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. - Isaiah 42:8

But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 10:17

But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, says the LORD. - Jeremiah 9:24

You let us know that pride is in the top sin list and it was satan's demise. You said you shall raise us up when we are humble. May we never be taken by pride and the messenger of satan take advantage of it. When he comes to buffet us with the thorn of the flesh, may the weak boldly say, I AM STRONG.  For You are our strength. Your grace is sufficient for us: for our strength is made perfect in weakness. We worship You when we are in the mountain top, and also glory in our infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon us.

GLORY IN INFIRMITIES
You encourage us to glory in our infirmities because when we are weak we find that You are our strength. Therefore, may we remember to glory in:

+infirmities
+reproaches
+necessities
+persecutions
+distresses for Christ's sake

for when we are weak, then are we strong.

It should not matter if we are criticized for it rather than commended for it.

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:13

SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE
LORD, Apostle Paul in all patience worked among Your assembly:

+signs,
+wonders,
+and mighty deeds

He put others' needs before his own, seeking others' welfare as a godly parent does with his children and wanting not to be burdensome.

Apostle Paul gave himself to Christ's church with such love, though it does not seem like the church responded to him with the same love. He said at one time to follow him as he followed Christ. The life of Christ in him was lived out in this world.

LORD, this is what Your every saint should desire and we know You commissioned us with this ministry with power and all spiritual gifts according to the will of Your Spirit.

SIN IN THE CAMP
Unlike Apostle Paul nor Titus and whom he also sent to the Corinthians, who did not exploit nor take advantage of the assembly. They walked humbly in Your Spirit to strengthen and edify the assembly, speaking dearly in love to them before You God in Christ.

LORD, this is the leadership we pray for, and for every one that calls themselves a Christian.

Apostle Paul caught among the Corinthians treacherous cunning deceit and he meant to address wrong behavior which he suspected and lamented:

-quarreling,
-jealousy,
-anger,
-selfishness,
-slander,
-gossip,
-arrogance,
-and disorderly behavior.

Unrepentant
-uncleanness
-fornication
-lust

LORD we also lament that this kind of behavior is in our local churches. May we submit to those under-shepherds you sent to us to feed and disciple, to strengthen, and to edify your people. May we step up to the plate and move from spiritual milk into meat to also teach and as members of Your body be used as Your Spirit directs.

LORD, the lost need to see You in us, and we pray our lost loved ones will see Jesus lifted up in the assembly. Lead them, LORD, to a church where they will hear Your saving Gospel, be discipled and used for Your glory. In Christ Jesus name we pray.