The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 10:1-5, “Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!
2 I ask that when I am present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,
4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…”

If the ancient Greeks were proud of anything (and they were—of much!), it was their ability to
speak Greek with purity and accuracy. Thus, they were abundantly bold in criticizing those who
could not reach their elocutionary standard. The Apostle Paul seemed their primary target for
criticism. That’s what led them to accert that Paul was bold in his letters, but meek and gentle
when face-to-face with the congregation. Paul’s response was, We’ll see about that when I
arrive in Corinth.

Paul avowed that he did not and would not utilize anything of his natural gifts against them. Rather, he would resort to divine power that could and would obliterate all speculations that worked against the power of Almighty God. Further, he vowed that he was “taking every thought (of human ability) captive to the obedience of Christ.” That was saying in effect, I don’t need any human power to bring you into line.

Think about that for a moment. Every conceivable thought of human ability, Paul was holding captive, thus, enabling the power of Christ Jesus alone to focus against their haughtiness. What a different life we would have if we were to adopt that attitude! What a different world we would observe, if we prayerfully allowed all necessary changes to be subject to His power alone! The power of the LORD resides in every born-again believer in Christ because of the Holy Spirit’s residence. Quit “trying” and start “trusting” should be our personal motto. Why not allow Christ to deal with your problems? What do you have to lose?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Footnote: As I write, my long-time friend, Dr. Donald J. Ralston, is undergoing surgery
in Tampa, Florida for a melanoma cancer. We would all appreciate your prayers.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom