The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: 2nd Corinthians 11:7-12 // Psalm 66

“Did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted?”
2nd Corinthians 11:7

Humbled to Exalt Others

How far are we willing to go so that others may share in God’s Gospel of free grace in Jesus Christ? Paul was willing to humble himself. He proclaimed the Gospel free of charge. He was accused of bringing a message worth nothing, of lowering himself, and sinning. Paul did these things to “exalt” the Corinthians. They now had new relationship with God: they had forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life. That cost God His Son. It cost them nothing. Even the one who brought the Gospel would not be a burden to them. What Paul could not supply himself was supplied by other Christians so that the Church at Corinth would know that salvation was a gift.
Our desire is that those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus Christ be exalted by our gracious God to be His sons and daughters. Our approach is one of humility. It is to hold before them God’s forgiving grace in Christ, without condition, without price. Freely we have received, freely we give [Matthew 10:8].

Lord, help us to humble ourselves that others may be exalted. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

September 19, 1998