I Know Nothing

“ …yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”  1Corinthians 4:3b-4:4

In addition:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  2Timothy 1:7

JFB comments, ”God who has done the greater act of power (that is, saved us), will surely do the less (carry us safe through afflictions borne for the Gospel). “Think not that thou hast to bear these afflictions by thine own power; nay, it is by the power of God.”

Because:

“He hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: “2Timothy 1:7-10 

Jesus Christ, hath abolished death.

Jesus also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14 Romans 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

Paul is persuaded:

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”2Timothy 1:12

The Holy Spirit is the person of keeping:

” Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.’  2Timothy 1:13-14 

The indwelling Spirit enables us to keep from the robbers of the soul the deposit of His word committed to us by God. AT Robertson

Folks, death has been abolished, life and immortality have been brought to light. The spirit of fear also is not given us, but instead power, love, and a sound mind! Paul is not concerned with the judgments of men, or any of man’s judgments. He is not judging himself. He commits judgments to God. By the Spirit he is given safe keeping awareness, the consciousness of saving grace, keeping grace. Paul is persuaded.

Friends, God has saved us, keeps us, made us dead to sin, dead to this world, dead to death, dead to the Law. We are free from all men, man’s judgment, any condemnation. The Spirit of God guides us into all truth. Our awareness. is of a great salvation. We are complete in Him who is our righteousness, wisdom, sanctification and redemption. We are new creatures in Him. We have died, been buried, risen, ascended, and been seated with Him in heavenly places

Beloved, none of the above truths are experienced without the Holy Spirit’s illumination. Neither are any of my current sinnings brought into awareness without the Holy Spirit’s conviction. We are not the manufacturers of Christian living. Instead we receive this life. It is a life of forgiveness, of thanksgiving, of grace, of mercy. It brings freedom, love joy peace and longsuffering. It brings gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Thanks to Calvary, I don’t live back there any more. Thanks to Jesus, I am set free indeed. Thank you My Shepherd for making me lie down in green pastures and restoring my soul. Thank you, precious Holy Spirit for Comforting my soul. love ya