In the absence of …

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Some of you have become conceited and arrogant and pretentious, counting on my not coming to you.” 1 Corinthians 4v17-18 (AMP)

“Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.” 1 Corinthians 4v17-18 (AMP)

I don’t know how many of you as children would play about or engage in one activity or the other, and immediately you hear your parents have come home, tidy up, lay the bed, wash the dishes… or do what you were supposed to have done. Paul here is talking about how some of the Corinthians had become puffed up as if he would not come to them. What is our attitude “in the absence” of certain people, perhaps spiritual leaders, bosses, or as the Lord tarries? Are we faithful, committed, or have we begun to be boastful, scoffers, lazy and arrogant. Colossians 3v22 (AMP) says “Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.” Are you keeping the faith as the Lord tarries? 2 Peter 3v3-4 (NLT) informs us that “Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” So as our Lord tarries, scoffers arise. But 2 Peter 3v9-10 (NLT) says “The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”

Supplementary Text

“[Do Everything Without Grumbling] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Philippians 2v12-13 (NIV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You so much for this day. You are faithful and true. Father, the grace to be faithful, to please You always, knowing that Your eyes are in every place beholding the good and the evil, please grant unto us in Jesus name, amen.