"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again" (2 Cor 5:14-15).
The New Spirit Filled Life Bible states the origin and biblical use of the word "compels" refers to "a sense of constraint, a tight grip that prevents an escape. The love of Christ leaves us no choice except to live our lives for Him." Consider this compelling description while reading the below...
Although Paul reasoned and persuaded every Sabbath, there came a day when he was constrained by the Spirit to press those listening into a decision, a response. In other words, he got to the bottom line that "Jesus is the Christ." Scripture seems to indicate that the arrival of Silas and Timothy as supporting co-laborers played a part in Paul's release. These were faithful men come to help in prayer, confirmation, teaching, or whatever was needful as the full impact of the gospel would hit the Corinthian Jews. Take a moment to read the details of this rather intense story in Acts 18:1-17.
We often stay on friendly, non-offensive ground as we build trust and relationship with people, but the day will come when the Spirit will compel us to initiate potential conflict. Darkness must be confronted for the light of the truth to come forth. Doctrines, traditions, superstitions, lies and ignorance are some of what keep folks bound to certain mindsets. The light of His truth is always looking to break in and take us further into His ways.
"O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord." - Isaiah 2:5
Unfortunately, the response in Corinth was largely negative and the Jews rejected all that Paul's reasoning and persuasion led up to. "But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles'" (v. 6). Sometimes it is necessary for God to find expression through "fresh blood," even as Paul realized he could go no farther with these Jews and turned to the Gentiles.
An established church system can also become dull of hearing and resistant, compelling the Lord to leave it to itself. He will go outside those recognized as "His people" and find expression and openness to move among the newly saved or touched by the Spirit, but regarded heathen or inexperienced. Though perhaps unseasoned in His ways or the Scriptures, they are willing in spirit for all there is of God. Certainly, the Lord's first choice is to move through His chosen and established people to reach the world – it's what they've been prepared for all along. Spiritual maturity, however, can have its negatives. It can hinder a move of the Spirit with criticism, pride and prejudice rather than nurture and propel it ahead, as it ought, by godly wisdom and perspective, yet still keeping a child-like awe and reverence for the Lord's doings. "Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord…" (Hos. 6:3). This is a wise admonition for young and old.
When the Spirit withdraws, He may not go far. Ironically, Paul landed right next door to the synagogue! "And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue" (v. 7). And what happened next?... "Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized" (v. 8). Paul's divine move was surely a continued jealous draw by God for His people, though it became a point of violent jealousy to the Jews. The spiritual conflict here erupted into rage and hostility, however victory prevailed for the kingdom of God in Corinth.When compelled by the Spirit, be certain our testimony that "Jesus Christ is Lord" will stir up all sorts of earthly and heavenly reactions. It removes a religious situation from the indifferent, the grey, to a decisive belief, one way or the other. Let's take heart, gripped like Paul by the Lord's simple words in his night vision (v. 9):
"Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent."
- Elese
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