Ye are epistle of Christ
Corinthians 3:1-18
Paul is writing to those who profess to be followers of Christ. It is admirable to desire to be an Epistle of Christ, but such is not possible without a born again experience, a personal relationship with Christ and a knowledge that all your sins have been confessed and forgiven through His blood atonement. We live in a day when people do not want to confess their need, they approach God with the attitude that they are going to “turn a new leaf,” start living right, or make some conciliatory adjustment to the way they are living. They rely on their past experience of knowing what is right and wrong. If they will only start to do what is right, then God will find them acceptable. It is too humiliating to confess that they have done wrong and too painful to admit fault and ask for forgiveness from God or from those they have sinned against. Jesus said, “Marvel not, ye must be born again” Dear people, can you point to a time where this experience took place in your life? If not, you are only building on doctrine and law, and as we have read in this scripture lesson today, such foundation does not bring life. In order for this passage of scripture to really apply to your life, you must first give your life to Christ in full confession and complete surrender.Corinthians 3:1-18
When applying for a job, you often are required to submit a letter of recommendation to your potential employer. Such letters are a reflection of your character and work ethic. When asking people to write a letter, we often will ask someone who knows us well and will write something positive. It is not likely that we would ask someone who we have had conflicts with to write a letter for us. For such a person, no doubt, would write something that would keep us from getting the job, weather it was true or not.
I’m often asked to write letters for students and other teachers. Because of my conscience nature, I sometimes find it difficult to recommend that person to the position they are applying.
Examples of letter:
Student who was good students, but would not always follow through on what they were ask to do.
Student who was a good student in my class, but occasionally who be disruptive and off task, especially in his other class. I often feel like I have qualify my statements.
A teacher who I managed to get along with, but I knew how most people found her to be very unpleasant.
Then there are those that without a doubt , I can recommend, knowing they will get the job done and be everything that I said they would be
.
Mrs. Miller-competent in her subject, good rapport with her students, Great team member who is willing to collaborate with others, goes the extra mile and not just a job where she puts in her 8 hours. I highly recommend her and we will be losing one of our best!
I ask you the questions? Do people have to qualify letters written about you, or can one be written without hesitation about your character and work ethic? We are known and read of all men. You have heard, that the only Bible people may ever read, will be the life you live. Can your life be recommended to others as a life lived in Christ? Paul said, “Ye are declared to be epistle of Christ” A letter made alive recommending Christ to others.
Letter reveal a lot about a person. (Reflect on letters received from my uncle in Vietnam. Letter received from my brother in the navy.)
On the Internet, there are forums where people write “letter” or give their opinion. It is amazing how an attitude or spirit can be betrayed through the written words of people.
What kind of letter are you writing?
Reflection
Letters that reflect the truth and are unequivocally stated
Our live reflect an attitude and spirit that can be sense by people around us.
Readable
Letters that are difficult to read because the writing is not clear.
Do you have a clear testimony?
Can you be read of all men, or is there confusion
Refreshing
Letters that lift up and bring good news
Does your epistle of Christ uplifted when you are around
To you bring hope to the situation or despair
Relevant
A letter that has purpose and meaning.
Paul writes about being Ministers of the New Testament.
Our lives should be written by the Spirit of God who gives life, not by the Law of Moses that kills- Not judgmental and accusing
Revealing
A letter that is open for examination and critiquing
Being honest, before all men, as an open book. No locked chapters. No pretense and real.
Revising.
Do you have a spell check?
The checks of the Holy Spirit
Are you willing to be reworded or corrected?
What is your attitude toward correction?
Who does he think he is? I like to revise him!
Personal story- Quad Cities-Living in Iowa- Hair too long
Recommending
Can your letter be used to point others to God and His likeness? Does your life reflect the true sense of Christianity? Does your testimony ring true and can be clearly be read of all men? How relevant are you? Are their goals and focus in your life, or do you live with no real purpose? Can you be recommended to the Father? Have you been sealed by the Holy Spirit? May God help us to be epistle of Christ, living to be read by all men.
