On the Line

WNBS Recap
January 31, 2007
2 Corinthians 11:23-12:1

Have you ever heard the phrase "lay it all on the line"? What does this mean? What are some things you would be willing to lay it all on the line for? What would you be willing to sacrifice, go all out, put it out there for? Would you be willing to lay it on the line for...

-Your basketball team if you were down one with 3 seconds left and had the ball in your hands?
-Your buddy if he was attacked by a giant catfish in the lake this summer?
-Your brother or sister if they wanted your pillow because it was more comfortable?
-Your classmates if a giant spider came into the classroom that needed to be squashed?
-Your family pet if the house was on fire?
-Your cheeseburger if it has slid off the table and is heading to the floor?
-Your dad if he has had a long day and needs his feet rubbed?
-Your grandma or grandpa if they needed you to take their teeth out for them?

Some of us would lay it on the line for some things that other people would not. Last week, Paul was explaining in 2 Corinthians 11:1-22 some of the differences between true teachers and false teachers. Here's a quick recap:

False Teachers are:
deceitful, boasting, works focused, the ONLY authority, users of people, takers of resources, "better than you", and abusive (even physically).

True Teachers, on the other hand, are:
humble, caring, charitable, serving, truthful, bold, and loving.

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, Paul disusses another characteristic of True Teachers, giving examples from his own ministry. True Teachers will lay it all on the line!

Physically, Paul laid down his strength, freedom, safety, home, the easy road, sleep, food, drink, clothes, and shelter, all for the purpose of the growth of the Gospel. (You can see specifics about the dangers Paul faced on his missionary journeys all through the book of Acts. Acts 16:11-25; Acts 14:1-22; Acts 21:27-36) But that is not all he laid on the line. He also laid down his emotions. He was full of compassion, empathy, sympathy and accountability for the people throughout his areas of ministry. Every thing that they went through and everything that they did mattered to him.

Why?

Because they are part of the body! 1 Corinthians 12:26 shows us a mark of the TRUE church:
"And if one member suffers, all the members ssuffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."

Are you, as part of the body of Christ, suffering and rejoicing with the other parts of the body?

The posted video from Voice of the Martyrs, "Faces of Persecution" can remind us of two things.

1. We have it great here in America. We can live out our faith in peace. The thing is, often we don't live out our faith with passion and sacrifice, laying what we have on the line for the sake of the Gospel. We have to ask ourselves...if I cannot lay it all on the line in the times of peace, willI be willing or able to lay it all on the line in the times of war, when my faith is being attacked?

2. These persecuted Christians around the world are part of the SAME BODY of Christ. They are our brothers and sisters. They are suffering and rejoicing. We MUST be suffering and rejoicing with the, praying for them, encouraging them, excited with them about what God is doing. One day we may be the persecuted arm of the church and need the same comfort and encouragment that they need today. It is a true mark of the Church, so let's be the church!

Do you think it was worth it to Paul to be beaten, whipped, stoned, shipwrecked, chased, naked, cold, hungry, thirsty and imprisoned in his life? Let's see what he has to say about it:

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my impirsonment in teh cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brothers, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear." Philippians 1:12-14

I'm sure the persecuted arm of the church around the world feels the same way! May we have courage to speak the Word of god WITHOUT fear!!! Lay it all on the line, trusting in the Lord!