2 CORINTHIANS 1
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 23 But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
– 2 Corinthians 1:19-24
2 CORINTHIANS 1 GOD’S SEAL IN US
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When we believe and serve our Lord Jesus Christ
He gave us the Holy Spirit as the mark that we are His
It is through Him that we can live the life to serve Jesus Christ
It is also through Him that we can receive all of God’s promises.
How do we know if someone belongs to God? The spirit realm is unseen so how do we see the mark of a believer? In John 15, Jesus speaks to his disciples and said “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”
Paul reiterates the verses in John 15 and clarifies the truth that we can never say Yes to God if it didn’t come from him first. He chose us first, so even our abilities to accept him also come from him alone. It is interesting how false religions teach that we are the ones who choose to believe in Jesus when It is the other way around, isn’t it?
The seal or sign that we belong to him is clearly explained in Galatians 5. Those who belong to God, walk in the Spirit. They do not engage in anything that displeases God. God loathes sin so, anyone who belongs to him will not make a habit of sin. Even though we are all sinners, God’s people will have the desire to please God and not themselves. They will obey the laws of God and will take delight in his word. They will bear fruits of faith.
REFLECTION
- What could be some reasons why some Christians struggle to bear fruits?
