THE SAINTS PARADOXICAL LIFE

1. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

   (2 Pet. 3:18)

   “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

   (Jn. 3:30)

   
   

   One of the definitions of the word “paradox” is: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. The Bible is a paradoxical book; therefore, those who follow its precepts will seem to be the same. A good example of this is Paul in 2 Cor. 6:8-10. Peter speaks of those who wrest Paul’s writings, 2 Pet. 3:15-16. The natural and carnal man still do. They call it contradictory.

   
   

   From our two main scripture references we see this paradoxical truth played out. Generally, growth carries the thought of getting larger, but growth in the saint’s life means just the opposite. He or she grows smaller if they are growing in the Lord.  A Bible illustration of what I’m attempting to get across is found in the Psalms 58:8. There David speaks of how “A snail...melteth.” As it goes forward, it gets smaller.

   • • 1. Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
          That a time could ever be,
          When I proudly said to Jesus,
          “All of self, and none of Thee.”
       2. Yet He found me; I beheld Him
          Bleeding on th’ accursed tree,
          And my wistful heart said faintly,
          “Some of self, and some of Thee.”
       3. Day by day His tender mercy,
          Healing, helping, full and free,
          Brought me lower while I whispered,
          “Less of self, and more of Thee.”
       4. Higher than the highest heaven,
          Deeper than the deepest sea,
          Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
          “None of self, and all of Thee.”