For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
Whether beside oneself or sober marks two directions of one ministry, with seeming extremity or enthusiasm offered to God and sober-minded conduct ordered for the good of those served. Such zeal is born of Christ's love and of the conviction that Christ died for all, with the consequence that those who live do not henceforth live unto themselves but unto Christ who died for them and rose again.
In every emergency that same love of Christ constrains to faithfulness both toward God and toward the flock. That faithful course stands opposed to hirelings and to wolves in sheep's clothing who persuade God's people to sacrifice to other gods, and opposed to blind leaders who corrupt youth who are not established, rooted and grounded in the truth.
Whether beside oneself or sober marks two directions of one ministry, with seeming extremity or enthusiasm offered to God and sober-minded conduct ordered for the good of those served. Such zeal is born of Christ's love and of the conviction that Christ died for all, with the consequence that those who live do not henceforth live unto themselves but unto Christ who died for them and rose again.
In every emergency that same love of Christ constrains to faithfulness both toward God and toward the flock. That faithful course stands opposed to hirelings and to wolves in sheep's clothing who persuade God's people to sacrifice to other gods, and opposed to blind leaders who corrupt youth who are not established, rooted and grounded in the truth.