Gems for the Week
January 14 - 16
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Philippians 3:7,8)
How few of us understand anything of this! How few of us grasp the meaning of the words - the real force of the expression, "That I may win Christ."! Most of us rest satisfied with thinking of Christ as God's gift to sinners. We do not aim at winning Him as our prize, by the surrender of all those things which nature loves and values. The two things are quite distinct. As poor, miserable, guilty, hell-deserving sinners, we are not asked to do, or to give, or to surrender anything. We are invited, yes, commanded, to take - take freely - take all. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." "The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." "If thou knewest the gift of God, . . . thou wouldest have asked of Him."
But, then there is the other side of the question. What did Paul mean by winning Christ? He wanted to win Christ as his prize, even at the cost of all beside. He longed to know Him not merely as the One who had put away his sins, but as the One who could satisfy all the longings of his soul, and utterly displace all that earth could offer or nature grasp. (The Young Believer)
N.J. Hiebert # 3218
"Christ also hath love us, and hath given Himself for us, an offering and a
sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour." (Ephesians 5:2)
Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour and it brought ultimate pleasure to God (Hebrews 10:6-10). Mary took her very costly spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus and her sacrifice of sweet-smelling savour permeated the whole house (John 12:3). We are exhorted to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name (Hebrews 13:15). What sacrifices of sweet smelling savour are you offering today? (K.C. Ung)
N.J. Hiebert # 3219
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
(Colossians 3:13)
Our critics are the unpaid guardians of our soul. If what they say is true, then do something about it. If it is not true, just put it aside and don't let it influence you. (Corrie Ten Boom - This Day is the Lord's)
N.J. Hiebert # 3220
