Manifested in the flesh

"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you . . ." (Romans 1:11).

Paul longed to visit the people he wrote letters to because he knew they would have a better, fuller view of him in person than on paper.

And that would be a good thing, because Paul was a sanctified man (having walked in obedience and thus experienced God's maturing work in his life), and the Corinthians would get to see sanctification lived "on the ground." It is one thing to tell a man in writing, "love does not insist on its own way," or "love believes all things." It is quite another to see how that plays out in thousands of subtle personal interactions. Each situation is slightly different; there is much to be learned about wisdom in the interstitial spaces.

Paul knew his own character, and what God had done in him to make him a "new man walking." He was aware of his own transformation from the person he used to be to the person he was daily becoming. His character was part of his gospel "revelation." His preaching of Christ was incomplete, in a sense, until it was manifested in the flesh. In his letter to Titus, Paul at one point gives a list of concrete conduct instructions for men, women, and slaves. The purpose? "So that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" (Titus 2:10). It is walking the walk that makes our gospel attractive to others.

Is it just for Paul and the apostles to want to "impart some spiritual gift" to other believers, or is it a desirable goal for all of us? I notice that immediately after saying he wishes to do that, Paul adds, as if thinking better of it: ". . . that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mind" (v.12). Paul hopes and expects that this meeting will be a two-way street. The weary globe-trotter-for-Christ would doubtless like nothing better than to find folks waiting for him who could refresh him by their own testimonies of God's joy and power in their lives.

The Roman Christians did have faith like that: "your faith is proclaimed in all the world" (Romans 1:8). So did the Thessalonians: "your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything" (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Now Paul says to you and me:

"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us" (Philippians 3:17).

To hear commentaries by Andrée Seu, click here.