Limit

Limit defined is a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass.

Limits of Paul’s Authority

2 Corinthians 10:12-18 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. ¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. ¹⁴ For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; ¹⁵ not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, ¹⁶ to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. ¹⁷ But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

We cannot measure ourselves by looking at others. We have to look at the standard in the word of God (James 1:25). We will all be at different levels. God convicts us in different ways and in His perfect time (Romans 14 is a must read). His conviction brings true repentance. We are all different and we should all working out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). I might be convicted from something that you are free to do. We just have to get close to God and listen intently to that which He has to tell us. Study His word (2 Timothy 2:15). Spend time with Him in prayer (Ephesians 6:18). Listen for His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). In all things give Him praise and thanks (Psalm 150:1-6 & 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

We don’t boast in ourselves or in others. Our boasting is in the Lord Jesus and what He has done, will do and is doing.

1 Corinthians 1:31 NIV Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Things to Avoid

James 4:1-17 NASB What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is the source not your pleasures that wage war in your body’s parts? ² You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. ⁴ You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, “He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”? ⁶ But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ⁷ Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

¹¹ Do not speak against one another, brothers and sisters. The one who speaks against a brother or sister, or judges his brother or sister, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor?

¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” ¹⁴ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” ¹⁶ But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.

Dearest heavenly Father,

We praise and thank You for the limits You have placed in the world. You hold the sun, moon and stars in place. You tell them how long to shine. You tell the sea where to stop. You hold the whole world in Your hands. Thank You for creating this world with all of its limits. They are perfect. Every single thing You have done is marvelous. Thank You for the limits You have set in mankind. We can have things, just not lust. We can be pleased with some things, but not entertain pride. We can talk, just not against one another. We can make plans, we just need to include You. Thanks for Your guidance in these and all the limits that are for our own protection. You are great and we praise You! Thank You for being at the helm in our lives. We desire Your will and way for our lives. Help us to know our limits and to submit to them. We confess and repent for any times we have stepped outside of Your perfect will. We request Your protection and help in walking out the plans that You have for our lives. Please continue to keep us safe from satan’s attacks on our life, home, family, finances and blogs. May we, in all ways, bring honor to Your name. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

If you do not know Jesus but would like to know more about Him, please read the following blog titled, You Never let Us Go. God bless. https://thefathersfeet.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/you-never-let-us-go/

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