Things That Mark An Apostle

2 Corinthians 12:10-12 - That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.


Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Hebrews 2:2-3 - For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

Application:

· Do I see union with Christ as the secret of being content? Is Christ the source of my strength?
· Is my behavior Christ-like? Does the power of God give me strength to endure adversity?
· If disregard for the law brings punishment, then disregard for the gospel will bring even greater punishment.

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Marks Of Jesus

Galatians 6:17-18 - Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Galatians 1:10 - Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Conclusions:

• In ancient times the Greek word for marks was used of the brand that identified slaves or animals
• Paul's suffering (stoning, beating, illness) marked him as a servant of Christ
• Paul once wore the yoke of slaverey but, having been set free from sin by the redemption that is in Christ, he became a slave of righteousness, a slave of God
• Amen is a word of confirmation often used at the close of a doxology or benediction

Application:

• Are you a slave of righteousness? Are you a slave of God? Have you been set free from sin by the redemption that is in Christ?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible