QUALIFIED TO INSTRUCT OTHERS - PART 3

WEDNESDAY 27 JULY 2022

Having read the 15th chapter of Romans and the previous chapters over and over, I have been completely satisfied with Pauline observation concerning the Romans, in carrying out his highly focused assignment God gave him. Although from the bigger picture, Paul was powerful in all his epistolary expressions and masterly in his gospel execution, he equally didn't lack the acuteness of observing the little details consistent with their Christian walk and appropriate to the occasions he addressed. Hence, he acknowledged that they were properly equipped, well-informed, well-motivated and well-instructed in the things of the Spirit, and for these reasons, they were quite competent to guide and advise one another.

Reference: Romans 15:14 New International Version (NIV) "I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another."

Why was Paul so occupied with his priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the Roman Christians? It was so they could remain vibrant in instructing one another, and in presenting themselves as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and actively holy by the influence of the Holy Spirit. In part one and part two, I have dealt with the qualification or benefits of being full of goodness and being filled with all knowledge. Today I'm sharing the important spiritual aspect of being competent to instruct one another in Christ Jesus.

To be competent is to "be able." It is to be masterly because sharing the gospel with others or instructing them with it, involves masterful performance, bearing in mind that Apostle Paul executed his ministry in a most masterly manner. Remember that Paul displayed a great level of strength, with courage and soundness of mind, as he preached the Gospel and worked miracles in confirmation of it. We can also admit that he accomplished all amid diverse persecutions, predicaments and all reproaches, denoting that he was entirely competent to proclaim Christ as Lord, while facing any opposition. Also, he was able to abide by the truths and ordinances of the Gospel, even in fierce direct attacks and difficulties, thereby spreading the Gospel like fire, all over the world, in his day.

Beloved, Paul didn't accomplish his Kingdom feats and results by enjoying worldly ease, honour and riches, which many of us look for and enjoy today. He didn't have it easy but rather he paid the costly price in labour, service, afflictions and trials, yet he was able to fulfil his purpose and high calling, with an ample competence. He always spoke powerfully on how he dedicated his whole body to the wisdom of sharing the faith and raising his converts in spiritual things. His motivation was to be able to boast on the day of Christ that he did not run or labour in vain, which demanded outright competence. Did you get? Greatly energized by competence, Paul once addressed the Christians at Philipi saying, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you" (Philippians 2:17 NIV).

Competence is a classic motivator. It inspires and regulates our interest in or enthusiasm for anything worth doing. In the kingdom of God, it is the unique or divine ability to fulfil God's work successfully or efficiently. In Greek rendering, it is the noun word, "Ikanotita", which denotes, capacity, capability, efficiency or faculty. It is also the Greek word, "Eparkeia", which implies adequacy and sufficiency. And it is also known as the Greek term "Ikanotis", which suggests sufficiency and prowess. In 2 Corinthians 3:5, Paul noted, "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" (NIV). Indeed, it is God's grace that enables, qualifies and makes us efficient for the task of accomplishing His kingdom purpose as we yield ourselves to His Spirit. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 15:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Timothy 2:2.

Exuberant Declaration: I'm grateful to God for the dispensation of the gospel of grace and the lasting impact in my life. Daily, I uphold the right view of the gospel and divine realities and by the overpowering competence of God's Spirit at work within me and through me, I share such perspective with my fellow saints and also communicate the truth to unbelievers, thereby rendering them yieldable and responsive to their salvation in Christ Jesus. Glory to God!