In our text, the Apostle informs us that the treasure of God’s grace is stored in human containers. This interesting metaphor points to the human element in holy living which is often overlooked and misunderstood. Paul is reminding us that there are limitations and weaknesses that these bodies put upon us even in sanctified living. Paul is not minimizing God’s grace. He is simply stating that while we are Christians we are still human. The treasure of holiness is beautiful but it is to be lived out in earthen vessels. A lack of understanding of this fact has produced much confusion in our ranks. Sometimes in our zeal to promote holy living, in our effort to appear uncompromising, we have unwittingly raised expectations that are neither biblical nor realistic. In the light of God’s Word, let’s clear away some of these expectations that are not a part of authentic holy living. Are you ready?

Being human means…

1. Do not expect a perfection of conduct that is faultless

As human beings we are subject to mistakes and blunders, defective memory and fallible judgment. Sanctification brings perfection in love but it does not bring a perfection of body. Perfection in body happens in Glorification. We can be blameless but not faultless.

2. Don’t expect a life free from temptation

The failure to distinguish clearly between temptation and sin has caused much confusion. In this life, there is no state of grace that will exempt you from temptation. Five facts we need to remember about temptation:-

• Temptation is only possible through the avenue of our desires.
• Temptation becomes active when desires are stimulated. The devil is very skilled in stimulating human desires.
• Sin is conceived when stimulated desires become united with our will. But stimulated desire is not sin, nor is temptation a sin. You can’t stop the Devil from knocking on your door, but you don’t have to open the door and let him in.
• God may not remove all of your desires or appetites. There are people who battled for years over breaking the smoking habit.
• One cannot be isolated from temptation; but by the strength of God he can be insulated from the power of temptation. You can enjoy victory over temptation!

3. Don’t expect a perpetual emotional high

Human feelings fluctuate. Don’t judge your spirituality by your feelings. Don’t make major decisions when you are in the valley. Perhaps we should not leave the subject of feelings without saying a few words about depression. Causes for depression:-

• There is a depression that is a sign of spiritual illness.
• There is a guilt that can come from wrongdoing.
• Satan himself can cause seasons of depression.
• There are physical causes.
• Depression may come from loneliness.
• Depression comes when you have just learned that your sickness has been diagnosed a cancer.
• Excessive fatigue will cause depression.
• Seasons of depression may occur even in Holy living, and the reason for this is because we are still human.

4. Don’t expect a freedom from infirmities

Full salvation means freedom from wilful sin. But it does not mean freedom from infirmities. It will take glorification to deliver us from our infirmities. Two perils that we face:-

• We face the peril of calling our sins infirmities.
• We face the peril of calling infirmities sins.

There is a difference. Infirmities spring from weakness, but sin springs from wilfulness. Infirmities are unintentional failures to keep the law of perfect obedience. Sin is the wilful transgression of God’s law. Infirmities are grounded in your physical nature and your intellectual deficiencies. Sin is rooted in your moral nature. Infirmities do not interrupt communion with God. Sin breaks communion with God.

We have this statement from no less authority than Mr. Wesley. “The highest perfection which man can attain while the soul dwells in the body does not exclude ignorance, error and a thousand other infirmities.” You may not want to take time to list a thousand, but let me suggest a couple of areas where infirmities may exist:-

• There are infirmities that come with old age.
• Nervous disorders can cause various infirmities.

5. Words of encouragement

Here are two things to consider:-

• Our humanness does not have to be a barrier to holy living, it can be a blessing. The fact that you are human and hence weak does not detract from God’s glory. Rather, it brings even greater glory to God. In spite of your humanness, in spite of your infirmities, God can give you the victory. His Spirit is able to perfect His power within you. Keep your focus upon the treasure and not upon your troubles. Your victory depends upon your focus.
• While we need to recognise our limitations, we need to realize His sufficiency. We can live a holy life even in the presence of bodily weaknesses. God’s grace was sufficient for Paul, His grace is sufficient for you. Paul testifies, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (12:9).

Categories: 2 Corinthians