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2 Corinthians 12 - Day 1001 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Observation: Paul extols the virtues of humility as he persuades the Corinthians to follow his example. Application: "For when I am weak, then I am strong" is definitely not of this world. I've been taught to be strong and "suck it up and press on" whenever I faced any difficult situations. However, the problem with that type of thinking is that I've become a heartless jerk who expects perfection or to win at all costs. I have much to unlearn. Prayer: Lord, teach me to find my strength in You and You alone... 2 Corinthians 11 - Day 1000 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Commentary: One of the difficulties we face as we read Paul’s correspondence with the churches of his day is that of not knowing precisely the background to the turns of phrase he employs. It is true that we have a good picture of the overall scene at Corinth, but some smaller details remain—and perhaps must always remain—obscure to us. The present chapter, along with chap. 12, is a good illustration. Obviously, at places Paul is ironical (vv 1, 8, 11). He finds it necessary, if distasteful, to explain why he is required to justify himself and put his actions in the clear. But it is needful because of the close link that he claims with the church (v 2), likened here to the bride of Christ. Because he cares so much for Christ’s people, he is most solicitous lest they should be led astray (v 3). How could this happen, we may inquire? Some important vv sketch in the character of the men who are later severely reprimanded (vv 13–15). Three descriptions of their work are given in this section. (1) Their most dangerous work was that of enticing the believers away from a single-hearted devotion to Christ, and in attempting this (cf. Mark 13:22) they were doing the devil’s work for him, as the serpent did in Eden (vv 3, 14; both texts are based on Gen 3:4, 13, and Jewish apocalyptic demonology). If this seems a staggering thought, we may recall Mark 8:33; Matt 7:15–23; Gal 1:6–10; 1 John 4:1–6; Rev 2:20–24. (2) These men—Paul’s antagonists—are errorists, preaching a different gospel which centered in a different Jesus from the person of the Pauline message (v 4). Martin, R. P. (1986). 2 Corinthians (Vol. 40, p. 354). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: Jesus told his apprentices that you can determine a "good tree" by the fruit that it bears. Good trees nurture good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit. The point is that Jesus wasn't only talking about fruit trees and that we can use this same principle when meeting someone new, especially if we're going to trust them with our future. Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize Your chosen leaders and put our trust in them... 2 Corinthians 10 - Day 999 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-2 Observation: Paul humbles himself before the Corinthians to win their hearts and trust. Application: Jesus is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, who created the heavens and the earth. He willingly gave up everything to come to earth to offer himself as a living sacrifice to redeem the world back to his Heavenly Father. Jesus could have imposed his will and authority upon the religious leaders and Pharisees. Instead, he chose to humble himself and die on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sins. God's will is for us to be like Jesus. Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me a sinner... 2 Corinthians 9 - Day 998 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:5-8 Observation: Paul explains how proud he is of the Corinthians and their willingness to give financially to others. Application: It is better for you not to give an offering than to give one under false pretenses or compulsion. God doesn't need our money but wants our hearts and it just so happens that our wallets and purses can reflect our attitudes about giving. Prayer: Lord, I have received more than... 2 Corinthians 8 - Day 997 (link to reading)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 Observation: Paul explains to the Corinthians that the other churches in Macedonia, though they "are very poor" were willing to give more than they could afford. Application: The more we give from our hearts, the greater the return. The churches in Macedonia were filled with abundant joy and were honored to be able to sacrificially give to those who needed the resources because providing for others feels good. Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us Your best... |
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