Established in Christ
A well-known Scottish poet wrote this maxim in one of his poems; “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” You don’t need to live very many years until you know how true that statement is. But this reality isn’t something unique to those who follow Christ; it affects all humanity. So, how do we respond when our plans fail?
One response is fatalism, the belief that events are fixed in advance so that we’re powerless to change them. Taken to its extreme it leads to discouragement, despair, and even suicide. Another response to unfulfilled plans is to recognize there is a sovereign God who rules in the affairs of humanity. As His followers, we make our plans based on the best knowledge we have of His will for us. But even as we make those plans, we acknowledge that we can’t see the whole picture like He does. When the plans change, we can still acknowledge His goodness.
A wise leader once put it this way; “I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men! And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?” He then implored his fellow leaders to seek God’s face in regular times of prayer.
Sometimes, when plans fail, those who were unable to fulfill them are accused of being indecisive, uncommitted, or uncaring. But it’s never wise to reach those conclusions without all the facts. It’s possible they have legitimate reasons why they couldn’t fulfill those plans.
In our text from Second Corinthians 1:15 to 22, the apostle Paul defends himself from accusations by his critics in Corinth. As we work our way through this text, we’ll see how this defense of his actions illustrates how we too can be “Established in Christ.” So, listen as I read Second Corinthians 1:15 to 22.
As Paul explains his change of plans to the Corinthian Believers, he reveals to them and us the WAYS that we are “Established in Christ.”
The First WAY (that we are established in Christ) is,
According to God’s Plans
Paul begins this section by referring to his previous statements about his confidence in God, his confidence in the Corinthian Believers, and his confidence in the testimony of his conscience. God had delivered him from what appeared to be certain death (verse 10). The church at Corinth had played a part in his deliverance through their prayers. And Paul’s own conduct and communication with the Believers were sincere and transparent.
Paul states in verses fifteen and sixteen that he wanted to visit the Corinthians again. He knew and loved these people. Remember, he had planted the church at Corinth and developed lasting relationships among the members. He now wanted to renew those relationships. He also knew about some of the challenges the church was facing. As a wise leader, he wanted to address them in person. So, he made plans to visit.
His intention was to visit Corinth on his way from Ephesus to Macedonia and then stop with them again on his return trip so they could help him get to Jerusalem. He referr...
