Wed., 3/11/15 Devotion (2 Cor. 10:5)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 10:5, which says this:

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ . . . " (ESV)

Behold the work of the Christian ministry: it tears down, so that it can build up (see v. 8). Jesus set us the example. He came and destroyed Satan’s “king-dom,” and all the prevailing notions of God and His worship. And then Christ set up the way of the True Kingdom (church)—which is glory achieved through suffering; or the cross leading to the resurrection.

A faithful ministry will sometimes make all of us a bit ill at ease, especially with regard to our favorite sins—particularly those that are cloaked in religion. But, let us be encouraged: those who respond well to the gospel of Jesus’ grace will be abundantly recompensed, with a quiet conscience and a joyful heart.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Tender consciences have their hearts smitten for little sins. . . . Those sins that almost break a godly man's heart never break a wicked man's sleep.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]