Spirit-filled Life - Life of Integrity and Godly Sincerity (1-6-2013)

January 6, 2013 - 2 Corinthians 1:11-12

1:11		你 們 以 祈 禱 幫 助 我 們 、 好 叫 許 多 人 為 我 們 謝 恩 、 就 是 為 我 們 因 許 多 人 所 得 的 恩 。
1:12		我 們 所 誇 的 、 是 自 己 的 良 心 、 見 證 我 們 憑 著 　 神 的 聖 潔 和 誠 實 、 在 世 為 人 、 不 靠 人 的 聰 明 、 乃 靠 　 神 的 恩 惠 、 向 你 們 更 是 這 樣 。

¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

    ¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.

Paul testifies that his ministry is not relying on worldly wisdom but on God's grace. He contrasts worldly wisdom with the wisdom of God that is manifested by the cross of Jesus in 1 Corinthians. Paul relies on the wisdom and grace of God that is given to us by the Spirit who distributes grace and gifts to believers. Paul ministers by the grace and Spirit of God in a relation with people of God with integrity and godly sincerity that even his conscience can testify. Paul manifests a Spirit-filled life that transforms his character to be like Jesus - integrity and sincerity - which contrasts to the worldly wisdom and behavior. 

My Lord, I do pray for my life that I can be like Christ who is a person of integrity and godly sincerity toward God and people. I pray that my life can be transformed through Spirit's presence and power as the Spirit examines and cleanses my heart everyday.