The Italian Memorandum

& the powerful application of 2 Corinthians 13:5

The following outline is taken from the oral notes of  E. Ray Cox, during the series, The Time of Trouble, presented at Cape Girardeau, Missouri (April 22-26, 2009).

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith…”

(2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Introduction: 2 Corinthians 13:5 is a self-test for every Christian.

This self-test is applicable to three specific verbs of the gospel-Come,

Go, or, Wait.

I. “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28-30)

II. “Go” (Matt. 28:18)

III.  “Wait” (Acts 1:4; Lk. 24:49)

Conclusion: Although 2 Corinthians 13:5 is a self-critique in general, it allows us to identify our own Christian development.  Are you coming, going or waiting?

A Place Along the Way

“Now when they drew near to Jerusalem ,

to Bethphage and Bethany…”

(Mark 11:1)

Introduction: Bethany was a special place to Jesus.  Let us revisit this village of yesterday to acquire insight for today.

1. Bethany was about ___________________

2. Bethany was about ___________________

3.  Bethany was about ___________________

Conclusion: To revisit Bethany is to be confronted with the blessings of today.  So, now, while the Dogwood blossom and the Redbuds bloom, while the chance of salvation and service are yours’-consider Jesus’ Bethany-House of Sadness, Home of Gladness.

[We use the name which this Carmelite kitchen monk went by-“Brother Lawrence,” in the sense of Acts 2:37, where “brethren” is used in a generic sense]

In the area of Christian devotional literature, the classic work by “Brother Lawrence,” Practicing the Presence of God, is certainly worth your time to read.  Surely Lawrence was ahead of many when it comes to a personal spiritual life.   Notice some sample quotes below, from Lawrence:

“The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen…I possess God as if I were on my knees.”

“You need not cry very loud, he is nearer to us than we think”

“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed”

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual walk with God.  Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive”

These quotes serve to make us aware of why we do what we do in the name of Christ (Psalm 116).

-Robert M. Housby

“And I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another

Comforter, that he may be with you forever, even the

Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive…”

(John 14:16,17, ASV, 1901)

Introduction:   Christianity must contain a theology of the Christian’s Comforter (Paraclete).

I. What’s a Paraclete? [Jesus’ identification]

A. __________________________________

B.   __________________________________

II. Why Paraclete Matters

A. __________________________________

B. __________________________________

C. __________________________________

Conclusion:  The Holy Spirit (Paraclete) is a constant communion for the Christian (2 Cor. 13:14).  May the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you today.

“The Road goes ever on and on,

Down from the door where it began,

Now far ahead the road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

(Bilbo Baggins. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.  The same poem in another version occurs in The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship)

The Spirit is called in John 14:16-“another Comforter” (ASV, 1901).  The Greek is Paraclete. The Amplified New Testament includes a parentheses in Jn. 14:16 with additional phases of meaning associated with the Greek term Paraclete-“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby) that He may remain with you forever” [emphasis mine, RMH].  So, we see that this term has a wide array of significance.

Two major concepts about the Spirit appear in John 14:16-17–

1.       The Spirit’s constant presence is promised to future followers of Jesus after his death and resurrection (Jn. 16:19-22,28).

2. This Spiritual presence will be a constant communion among future believers (see esp. 14:17 and 2 Cor. 13:14).

Wherever the road leads, the Comforter will be our comfort (2 Cor.1:3,4).

-Robert M. Housby