[djmcmath]

Coming from just having studied a bunch of Paul's writing ... what's the counterpoint? Paul always pairs stuff together. For example, you're free from sin, so you don't have to do all that stuff anymore. Now, having been freed, go forth and do Good Stuff. Or ... in 1Tim, Paul says that Jesus on the one hand destroyed death and on the other hand brought life (actually makes the explicit "on hand other hand" statement, kind of neat).

He also makes the comparison of us being vessels, which I'm down with -- empty myself of the old stuff, the sinful desires and attractions and what-not -- specifically for the purpose of being filled with the things of God, the fruits of the spirit, etc.

So I'm good with being empty, but if I'm empty, what is my purpose? If I exist, what is my benefit?

Dan