Scripture
5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. “ Corinthians 3:5-6 ESV
Observation
Paul writes to the Corinthians that it is not by the confidence that he has in his own knowledge or prowess that he can minister to them. Rather, it is through the eternal provision of God that he is able to minister. Paul is one of the most learned men, and he could boast of his educational upbringing, status, and citizenship. Yet, he doesn’t claim that as to how he can be so confident in ministering to the Corinthians. It is all because of the Spirit of God speaking, using, directing, and providing wisdom and knowledge. We may be confident in our work or other areas of life, but of spiritual things, let our boasting not be in ourselves, but the work of the Spirit in and through us.
Application
I am often tempted to share knowledge of the Bible with others, but as it says in 1 Corinthians 8:1,
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” It isn’t about what knowledge I have, which, in comparison to God, is absolutely nothing. Rather, I need to be humble and trust in the revelation of the Spirit as to how to minister. This is a message of humility and faith that I should have in God. I may have experience and the ability to speak well. Those abilities have some power to help people understand knowledge, but the Spirit is what really moves, changes, breaks down, edifies, empowers, and frees people. My Prayer today is to be humble and seek God’s direction in order to minister to others so they, too, will be freed and given life by the Holy Spirit!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for speaking your words to me this morning. I am humbled by these words. I pray that I will come to rely fully upon the Holy Spirit to minister to your people and others to hear the Good News of Christ. Please grant me the words to speak today to those whom you direct me to speak to. Thank you for your provision of wisdom. I know nothing, and I ask that you use me to share Your word. Grant me the power and wisdom to share, the words to say, and your love to bring people to know you more. I love you and ask of this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
