SPIRITUAL PARADOXES

By definition, a 'paradox' is a statement that seems contradictory and irrational, yet remains true.

The Bible is replete with paradoxical passages that confound the wisdom of this world. An unsaved person scoffs at them because they are illogical by his way of thinking. In his reprobate mind, the Word of God is a work of fiction that conflicts with his egocentric approach to life.  

Believers, on the other hand, consider these verses to be God's divine instructions for life in Christ. They strip away man's self-reliance ...  

When Paul sought the Lord concerning his 'thorn in the flesh', the answer came as a spiritual paradox ... But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of a spiritual poverty that leads to eternal life. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) This paradox is the foundation on which redemption lies. When we understand that we are morally bankrupt and have absolutely nothing of worth to offer God, Jesus Christ becomes our only source of hope. We are to come empty-handed to the foot of the cross. 

Do you want to be respected and honored ... i.e. to be 'first'? You must be willing to lay aside prideful ambition and be 'last'. Sitting down, Jesus called the twelve and said to them, 'If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all'. (Mark 9:35) This paradox teaches that if we focus on the welfare of others, we will rise in our effectiveness for the Kingdom of God. 

Finally, the ultimate paradox ... If you want to live, you must die. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20) Unless there is death to 'self', it is impossible to walk by faith and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Spiritual paradoxes might be used by a naysayer to reject the Gospel ... but they sanctify a true follower of Christ.