Paradoxes:

Upon first reading, these precepts gleaned from the gospels seem to defy human logic. A deeper study, however, will reveal that in them the Lord has outlined a wondrous pattern and a wise design for believers who want to enjoy a successful, overcoming life. Note these paradoxes:

We see unseen things (2 Cor. 4:18);

we conquer by yielding (Rom. 6:16-18);

we find rest under a yoke (Mt. 11:28-30);

we reign by serving (Mark 10:42-44);

we are made great by becoming little (Luke 9:48);

we are exalted by being humble (Mt. 23:12);

we become wise by being fools for Christ's sake (1 Cor. 1:20, 21);

we are made free by becoming His bond servants (Rom. 6:10);

we wax strong by being weak (2 Cor. 12:10);

we triumph by defeat (2 Cor. 12:7-9);

we find victory by glorying in our infirmities (2 Cor. 12:5);

and we live by dying (John 12:24,25; 2 Cor. 4:10,11).