13 For such persons are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Masquerade
Satan does a good job of deceiving people from God’s truth. Satin uses our human desires to influencing us into sinning against God. It starts out simple with the small things, but before we know it part of our everyday life. This is why we as Christians need to spend time in the word of God, the Bible. Studying the Bible will help us understand how to avoid falling into Satan’s trap. The Bible tells us how Jesus lived his life, the true example of what our live should look like. It is also important that we have fellowship with other believers, so that we can be held accountable. In the Bible it says that in the end we will get what our actions deserve. We should keep this in mind as we go about our live and know that some day we’ll have to answer to the things we have done.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
2 Corinthians 11.7-12
7 Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers and sisters who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
The college life in Iowa City can be so wonderful, but at the same time harmful to each persons Christian essence. In Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians, he makes light of this issue. He refuses to accept any riches for his teaching and he is distinctly different from those that have come before and those that surround him. He strives to preserve that which makes him different. As a servant of Christ, you need to commit to preserving your essence that makes you distinctly different. It is easy to think you can live the “Christian” life while also balancing a “college party” life. People living what looks to be a perfect life are similar to the false apostles that Paul mentions in his letter. These individuals can be parasitic to our faith; we must guard ourselves and help those who are in need of change.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
2 Corinthians 11.1-6
1 I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 5 I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." 6 I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
"Do you take this man, forsaking all others, to be your husband." We've all heard words like this at nearly every wedding that we have ever attended. Vows taken by the bride to remain true to the one that they are uniting with. Words that are meant to last for a lifetime.
As we; the bride of Christ, look at our relationship with Jesus; the bridegroom, are we willing to take him, forsaking all others, no matter what? There are some who will use their cunning to lead us astray from those vows. Others will try to steer our devotion to others. Still others will try to cause us to betray our commitment to Christ by belittling the ones who introduced us to Him.
Remember that day you took your vow? Remember when you said yes to Jesus? Hang on to that promise, hang on to that devotion. Replacing him with anything or anyone else would be foolishness.
"Do you take this man, forsaking all others, to be your husband." We've all heard words like this at nearly every wedding that we have ever attended. Vows taken by the bride to remain true to the one that they are uniting with. Words that are meant to last for a lifetime.
As we; the bride of Christ, look at our relationship with Jesus; the bridegroom, are we willing to take him, forsaking all others, no matter what? There are some who will use their cunning to lead us astray from those vows. Others will try to steer our devotion to others. Still others will try to cause us to betray our commitment to Christ by belittling the ones who introduced us to Him.
Remember that day you took your vow? Remember when you said yes to Jesus? Hang on to that promise, hang on to that devotion. Replacing him with anything or anyone else would be foolishness.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
2 Corinthians 10.12-18
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 14 We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 15 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory. 17 But, "Let those who boast boast in the Lord." 18 For it is not those who commend themselves who are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.
Where does your pride stem from? What causes you to boast about certain things? You might boast about a sports team, a test score or even your faith. In Corinth false teachers were behaving as though there is no standard ofcomparison higher than themselves. Paul, however, “boasts only in the Lord.” Through proper boasting in the Lord the gospel was being able to be spread into greater regions of the world. What things do you boast about? How is your boasting influencing others? But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” What things has Christ done in your life that you can boast about? Align your yourself with God’s will and He will share in your boasting.
“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom
the Lord commends.”
Where does your pride stem from? What causes you to boast about certain things? You might boast about a sports team, a test score or even your faith. In Corinth false teachers were behaving as though there is no standard ofcomparison higher than themselves. Paul, however, “boasts only in the Lord.” Through proper boasting in the Lord the gospel was being able to be spread into greater regions of the world. What things do you boast about? How is your boasting influencing others? But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” What things has Christ done in your life that you can boast about? Align your yourself with God’s will and He will share in your boasting.
“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom
the Lord commends.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
2 Corinthians 10.7-11
7 You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. 8 So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 1011 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."
Authority is a valuable commodity. Many seek to gain it and become leaders, and those who do achieve it feel its heavy burden, for better or worse. Within the church at Corinth were those who questioned Paul’s authority as an apostle. They questioned his right to collect funds from them to help those in Jerusalem suffering from a famine. They mocked his short stature and unimpressive appearance. They took offense at his forceful letters. They did not accept his authority over them. Paul seeks to expose and refute their foolishness. He says that it is the way of the world to be concerned with such things, not the way of God. He points out that he has used his authority to build his charges up and encourage them rather than to criticize them and tear them down (as these would-be leaders are trying to do to him). He also explains that we he is with the people, he leads by example, using deeds more than words. However, when he is too far away for the people to see his deeds, he uses his words to encourage them and spur them on and to reprimand them when they need it. He implies that this is the proper way for a leader to use his authority.
CCF encourages college students to become leaders in the faith community. When given authority, how do we use it? Do we build others up or tear them down? Do we lead by example? Are our words forceful and profitable to the community? Also, do we respect our leaders? Consider your thoughts and actions concerning your thoughts and actions toward authority. Ask God to lead you to the correct attitudes and practices.
Authority is a valuable commodity. Many seek to gain it and become leaders, and those who do achieve it feel its heavy burden, for better or worse. Within the church at Corinth were those who questioned Paul’s authority as an apostle. They questioned his right to collect funds from them to help those in Jerusalem suffering from a famine. They mocked his short stature and unimpressive appearance. They took offense at his forceful letters. They did not accept his authority over them. Paul seeks to expose and refute their foolishness. He says that it is the way of the world to be concerned with such things, not the way of God. He points out that he has used his authority to build his charges up and encourage them rather than to criticize them and tear them down (as these would-be leaders are trying to do to him). He also explains that we he is with the people, he leads by example, using deeds more than words. However, when he is too far away for the people to see his deeds, he uses his words to encourage them and spur them on and to reprimand them when they need it. He implies that this is the proper way for a leader to use his authority.
CCF encourages college students to become leaders in the faith community. When given authority, how do we use it? Do we build others up or tear them down? Do we lead by example? Are our words forceful and profitable to the community? Also, do we respect our leaders? Consider your thoughts and actions concerning your thoughts and actions toward authority. Ask God to lead you to the correct attitudes and practices.
Monday, March 9, 2009
2 Corinthians 10.1-6
1 By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
“This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?”
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
When I was a child, these were two of the more popular slogans appearing in media, one for the Partnership of a Drug-free America and the other for the United Negro College Fund. Each ad emphasized the importance of the mind. Think about it. Okay, now think about what I just ask you to do. I asked you to use your mind to think about your mind. How fascinating, right? And, of course, you’re using your mind to think about how fascinating your mind is when contemplating its ability to think about itself. Mind blowing?
Paul here touches on the mind’s power by likening it to a prison. He undoubtedly knows that most thoughts are in the mind to stay and that if they’re not taken captive they may be taking captive. So, take inventory. Are you Alcatraz or does your prison need to be renovated?
“This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?”
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
When I was a child, these were two of the more popular slogans appearing in media, one for the Partnership of a Drug-free America and the other for the United Negro College Fund. Each ad emphasized the importance of the mind. Think about it. Okay, now think about what I just ask you to do. I asked you to use your mind to think about your mind. How fascinating, right? And, of course, you’re using your mind to think about how fascinating your mind is when contemplating its ability to think about itself. Mind blowing?
Paul here touches on the mind’s power by likening it to a prison. He undoubtedly knows that most thoughts are in the mind to stay and that if they’re not taken captive they may be taking captive. So, take inventory. Are you Alcatraz or does your prison need to be renovated?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
2 Corinthians 9.6–11
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
"They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever."
I once saw a preacher on TV. He was trying to raise $300,000, and claimed that God wanted him to rise up 300 millionaires. To become one of those millionaires, all you had to do was give the preacher man $1000, and God would make you into a millionaire. If you didn’t have it cash, that was okay, you could show your “faith” in God by putting it on your credit card.
Guys like this are the reason that most ministers are reluctant to talk about money and giving. Too many dishonest men have distorted the reality of giving. Paul says 3 things here: Give what your heart tells you to give (no “set” amount, just do it cheerfully); God will provide for you; you will be a part of God’s work (and in that way, you are rich in every way).
What is your heart telling you to give?
"They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever."
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
I once saw a preacher on TV. He was trying to raise $300,000, and claimed that God wanted him to rise up 300 millionaires. To become one of those millionaires, all you had to do was give the preacher man $1000, and God would make you into a millionaire. If you didn’t have it cash, that was okay, you could show your “faith” in God by putting it on your credit card.
Guys like this are the reason that most ministers are reluctant to talk about money and giving. Too many dishonest men have distorted the reality of giving. Paul says 3 things here: Give what your heart tells you to give (no “set” amount, just do it cheerfully); God will provide for you; you will be a part of God’s work (and in that way, you are rich in every way).
What is your heart telling you to give?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
2 Corinthians 9.1-5
1 There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord's people. 2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Last semester here at ISU, CCF students took part in collecting and sending Christmas gifts to children overseas through the ministry Operation Christmas Child. It was a wonderful project and several students were already familiar with the ministry either through their churches at home, or from participating in it through CCF in previous years. Naturally, I think those students were the ones that were the most enthusiastic about the cause at first. Eventually, however, I began to see that enthusiasm spread as though it were contagious throughout the entire group of students. The pile of donated toys grew steadily throughout the month of November and into December. In the end, the group filled 23 boxes with dolls, toy cars, crayons, mittens, hats, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste!
No one was forced to give toys so that poor children could have gifts for Christmas, but I do believe that as we all witnessed the giving and thoughtful spirit, we were quietly encouraging one another to give more.
Last semester here at ISU, CCF students took part in collecting and sending Christmas gifts to children overseas through the ministry Operation Christmas Child. It was a wonderful project and several students were already familiar with the ministry either through their churches at home, or from participating in it through CCF in previous years. Naturally, I think those students were the ones that were the most enthusiastic about the cause at first. Eventually, however, I began to see that enthusiasm spread as though it were contagious throughout the entire group of students. The pile of donated toys grew steadily throughout the month of November and into December. In the end, the group filled 23 boxes with dolls, toy cars, crayons, mittens, hats, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste!
No one was forced to give toys so that poor children could have gifts for Christmas, but I do believe that as we all witnessed the giving and thoughtful spirit, we were quietly encouraging one another to give more.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
2 Corinthians 8.22-24
22 In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. 24 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
Representatives
Who comes to mind when you read each of the following?
A bad actor
A bad actress
A great cook
A great author
In your opinion, the names you thought of are examples of their respective categories.
Paul gives us the names and characteristics of afew people he believes to be “splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ.” He refers to them as “representatives of the church.”
What are the names of several people you know that you consider splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ? Or. Think about this: if your friends were asked who they thought was an example of someone they could recognize Christ working within, would you make the cut?
Representatives
Who comes to mind when you read each of the following?
A bad actor
A bad actress
A great cook
A great author
In your opinion, the names you thought of are examples of their respective categories.
Paul gives us the names and characteristics of afew people he believes to be “splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ.” He refers to them as “representatives of the church.”
What are the names of several people you know that you consider splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ? Or. Think about this: if your friends were asked who they thought was an example of someone they could recognize Christ working within, would you make the cut?
Monday, March 2, 2009
2 Corinthians 8.16-21
16 Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of others.
The pastor asked us to reach down under our chair. Certain chairs – five of them – contained an envelope with a one hundred dollar bill inside. I was one of the fortunate ones. Now that c-note came with one stipulation. We were to pass it on to someone who had a need. The only thing that the recipient was to know was that the money was a gift from God. For two weeks I prayed about and fretted about how to best use that $100. I could give it to a homeless shelter. The need was there, and it would be pretty easy. It would make a really good tip at a local restaurant (and what waitress doesn’t need a bonus from God). I really wanted to make sure that the gift was used in a way that the congregation intended and in a way that God was glorified.
In today’s passage, Titus is one of the carriers of a cash gift. Paul and the others were concerned that they handle this endeavor with integrity. They took pains to do what was right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
Today, look for a chance to give a blessing (financial or otherwise) in a way that will honor the Lord. (vs. 19).
The pastor asked us to reach down under our chair. Certain chairs – five of them – contained an envelope with a one hundred dollar bill inside. I was one of the fortunate ones. Now that c-note came with one stipulation. We were to pass it on to someone who had a need. The only thing that the recipient was to know was that the money was a gift from God. For two weeks I prayed about and fretted about how to best use that $100. I could give it to a homeless shelter. The need was there, and it would be pretty easy. It would make a really good tip at a local restaurant (and what waitress doesn’t need a bonus from God). I really wanted to make sure that the gift was used in a way that the congregation intended and in a way that God was glorified.
In today’s passage, Titus is one of the carriers of a cash gift. Paul and the others were concerned that they handle this endeavor with integrity. They took pains to do what was right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
Today, look for a chance to give a blessing (financial or otherwise) in a way that will honor the Lord. (vs. 19).
Friday, February 27, 2009
2 Corinthians 8.13-15
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
Verse 15 quotes from exodus 16 when the Israelites were wandering in the desert and God was sustaining them with mana from heaven. God instructed each family to pick up an omer for each person. Thus each person ended up with an equal share of God’s sustenance. God wants us to share the responsibilities of the church as equally as they divided the food. Taking another person’s share of mana would mean they went hungry, but all too often a small percentage of the church is in charge of everything. Not only is it the pastor’s job to preach on Sunday, but to arrange to have the drippy sink fixed. While not all contributions to the church look the same, everyone is called to contribute equally. It isn’t God’s plan for anyone to take too much or too little of the burden. What is your role in the church? Are you taking your share of the load?
Verse 15 quotes from exodus 16 when the Israelites were wandering in the desert and God was sustaining them with mana from heaven. God instructed each family to pick up an omer for each person. Thus each person ended up with an equal share of God’s sustenance. God wants us to share the responsibilities of the church as equally as they divided the food. Taking another person’s share of mana would mean they went hungry, but all too often a small percentage of the church is in charge of everything. Not only is it the pastor’s job to preach on Sunday, but to arrange to have the drippy sink fixed. While not all contributions to the church look the same, everyone is called to contribute equally. It isn’t God’s plan for anyone to take too much or too little of the burden. What is your role in the church? Are you taking your share of the load?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
2 Corinthians 8.8-12
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
How many times do we say I’m going to start doing this or that, give more time or money? We always have good intentions but rarely act on them or finish what we have started. As Christians we need to do what is within our means. Make sure that if we say we’ll do something that we try our best to stick with it and finish it. It is possible to do; we just need to be as passionate as we were when we started it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
2 Corinthians 8.1–7
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. 5 And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I live in a land of abundance where the overwhelming majority has never felt what it is like to face severe oppression or deep hunger. Consequently, this bounty has caused the masses to disregard the still viable parts of existence in need of charity. Oh! How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom! And yet, the Macedonian churches were quite the opposite. Paul says their generosity was caused by poverty and overflowing joy. If these two factors cause “rich generosity,” perhaps we, though surrounded by abundance, should acknowledge the parts of our existence that lie in poverty as well as ask ourselves if our joy in Christ is manifested in our daily lives.
I live in a land of abundance where the overwhelming majority has never felt what it is like to face severe oppression or deep hunger. Consequently, this bounty has caused the masses to disregard the still viable parts of existence in need of charity. Oh! How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom! And yet, the Macedonian churches were quite the opposite. Paul says their generosity was caused by poverty and overflowing joy. If these two factors cause “rich generosity,” perhaps we, though surrounded by abundance, should acknowledge the parts of our existence that lie in poverty as well as ask ourselves if our joy in Christ is manifested in our daily lives.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
2 Corinthians 7.13–16
13 By all this we are encouraged.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Have you ever recommended to your friend something you enjoyed and then later found out that he didn’t like it at all? It’s a pretty disappointing feeling. In many ways, when that happens it can make one feel like their opinions are not dependable; that they are untrustworthy. However, that is not what happened with Paul and Titus concerning the Corinthians. Paul says he boasted about the Corinthians to Titus and his boasting was validated. He says he felt encouraged and delighted when this took place. It is no small truth that when our convictions are attested to by others whom we trust, our hearts are strengthened and we grow more confident. Nevertheless, let us not begin to believe that our opinions, though confirmed, are worth much on their own. Only when combined with faith in the Son of God can our opinions hope to safely reside in the truth.Monday, February 23, 2009
2 Corinthians 7.8–13
8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
A prayer:
I ask You, O Lord, to keep me from willfully sinning. For I know these sins scar Your son and defile my preparation for the kingdom. But if I do sin, chasten me as You would one of Your dear children. Teach me and instruct me so that I am not led down that path again. Bring me to repentance by striking my heart with guilt over disobeying Your righteous command. May tears flood my bed at night in hope that Your everlasting love would forgive me. Let me not sorrow as the world, for the world sorrows at the mere consequences of sin rather than sin itself. The ugliness of sin is revealed when it is understood that it is a direct violation of Your very Personhood. I’m sorry for hurting You, Father, by adding to my Lord’s pain, but forgive me and renew my heart in purity so that I mat once again seek Your everlasting ways.
Friday, February 20, 2009
2 Corinthians 7.5–7
5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
I’m sure there have been many times when you’ve felt like Paul did in this passage. Like finals week when the stress of studying for all your finals can seem overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve had a close relative or friend pass away. These times in life can be very tough to get through on your own. It’s always nice to have someone like Titus in this passage to encourage you and lift your spirits. Someone you can talk to and let out all your frustration or sadness. If you have a person like this in your life, then you know how valuable they are, so I encourage you to be a Titus to someone you know that might be hurting. Show them God’s love by taking them out to lunch and listening to what they have to say. This can make a huge difference in someone’s life and it’s a perfect way to show God’s love to unbelievers.
I’m sure there have been many times when you’ve felt like Paul did in this passage. Like finals week when the stress of studying for all your finals can seem overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve had a close relative or friend pass away. These times in life can be very tough to get through on your own. It’s always nice to have someone like Titus in this passage to encourage you and lift your spirits. Someone you can talk to and let out all your frustration or sadness. If you have a person like this in your life, then you know how valuable they are, so I encourage you to be a Titus to someone you know that might be hurting. Show them God’s love by taking them out to lunch and listening to what they have to say. This can make a huge difference in someone’s life and it’s a perfect way to show God’s love to unbelievers.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2 Corinthians 7.2–4
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
One of the most intriguing things about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church is precisely that a first preceded it. Take a quick glance through 1 Corinthians and the multitude of problems facing the Corinthians pile up quickly: leadership, incest, lawsuits, idols, what not to eat...the list could go on. Paul’s response was to, point by point, meet each challenge head on with what the rapper Chuck D would call “truth bombs.” Taken as a whole, 1 Corinthians represents Paul’s most vigorous effort to set a church on the right track.
It goes without saying that such efforts would be met with some resistance, as 2 Corinthians proves. Has anyone ever confronted you when you were wandering from the straight and narrow in your life? Then you know what the Corinthians must have felt when reading Paul’s letter.
This time around, though, he is on the defense, explaining his ministry and motivations. Despite the sternness of his first letter, Paul wants the Corinthians to know that whatever he writes is motivated by a deep concern for their continued growth in Christ. “Make room for me in your hearts!” Paul writes. Even though I’ve had to take a tough line with you in the past, your faith encourages me and makes me proud. I don’t do the things I do to tear you down, I do them to build you up!
This makes me wonder: do I have another Christian like Paul who will candidly and lovingly speak truth into my life even when it is difficult to hear?
One of the most intriguing things about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church is precisely that a first preceded it. Take a quick glance through 1 Corinthians and the multitude of problems facing the Corinthians pile up quickly: leadership, incest, lawsuits, idols, what not to eat...the list could go on. Paul’s response was to, point by point, meet each challenge head on with what the rapper Chuck D would call “truth bombs.” Taken as a whole, 1 Corinthians represents Paul’s most vigorous effort to set a church on the right track.
It goes without saying that such efforts would be met with some resistance, as 2 Corinthians proves. Has anyone ever confronted you when you were wandering from the straight and narrow in your life? Then you know what the Corinthians must have felt when reading Paul’s letter.
This time around, though, he is on the defense, explaining his ministry and motivations. Despite the sternness of his first letter, Paul wants the Corinthians to know that whatever he writes is motivated by a deep concern for their continued growth in Christ. “Make room for me in your hearts!” Paul writes. Even though I’ve had to take a tough line with you in the past, your faith encourages me and makes me proud. I don’t do the things I do to tear you down, I do them to build you up!
This makes me wonder: do I have another Christian like Paul who will candidly and lovingly speak truth into my life even when it is difficult to hear?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2 Corinthians 6.14–7.1
14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
17"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you."
18"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
Camps are great at using the old game of three-legged races. You know the ones where two or more people get tied together and then are asked to run a race, compete in a relay, or run an obstacle course in tandem. If everyone tied together works diligently, working in unison, the task gets accomplished and the goal is won. If those tied together don’t work together, at best our efforts are compromised, at worst they are completely futile.
As we run the most important race, to whom have we tied (yoked) ourselves? As we forge ahead are we tied most closely to those who are pulling in the same direction or have we linked up with those who are trying to drag us off course?
Today, take a look at your closest relationships. Take a look at who is impacting you most. Make sure these are the ones who are heading in the right direction.
17"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you."
18"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
1Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Camps are great at using the old game of three-legged races. You know the ones where two or more people get tied together and then are asked to run a race, compete in a relay, or run an obstacle course in tandem. If everyone tied together works diligently, working in unison, the task gets accomplished and the goal is won. If those tied together don’t work together, at best our efforts are compromised, at worst they are completely futile.
As we run the most important race, to whom have we tied (yoked) ourselves? As we forge ahead are we tied most closely to those who are pulling in the same direction or have we linked up with those who are trying to drag us off course?
Today, take a look at your closest relationships. Take a look at who is impacting you most. Make sure these are the ones who are heading in the right direction.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 6.2–13
2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
What motivates your actions? Is your life focused on money, comfort, entertainment, acceptance, and pleasure? It is easy to slip into a self-centered lifestyle without even noticing it. After all, the world will not usually question a person living life for selfish reasons. It is not at all strange to live selfishly. However, our God is worthy of more. Paul reminds us that we should live our lives with others’ spiritual journeys in mind. We must examine our actions and make sure that our lives bring people toward the Kingdom of God instead of pushing them away. This will mean that we must make sacrifices. However, God will fill us with joy when we live according to his Spirit. Open your hearts wide to those around you! There is much more to Jesus’ death than individual salvation. There are millions of people who are living in eternity’s lobby. Let us live in a way that encourages them to move toward God!
Monday, February 16, 2009
2 Corinthians 6.1–2
1 As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
In chapter 5, Paul wrote that God has made us His friends. What a wacky and unbelievable revelation! Imagine the Holy, Holy, Holy God of the Jews, desiring friendship with all the people of the world, with me and you? Wow. There is no comparison between us and God’s majesty. As the song says, “Amazing love, how can it be that you my King should die for me?” It is in light of this overwhelming compassion that Paul urges the Corinthians to not receive God’s grace in vain. “Listen! I saved you!” God might say, “I gladly give you my greatest treasures, even my Son! Take, and live a NEW life.” As a lifetime church attendee, I understand that oftentimes grace seems like a worn-out cliché, but it is when we come to the cross, when we contemplate the glory of God that we remember once again how great is His love!
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
In chapter 5, Paul wrote that God has made us His friends. What a wacky and unbelievable revelation! Imagine the Holy, Holy, Holy God of the Jews, desiring friendship with all the people of the world, with me and you? Wow. There is no comparison between us and God’s majesty. As the song says, “Amazing love, how can it be that you my King should die for me?” It is in light of this overwhelming compassion that Paul urges the Corinthians to not receive God’s grace in vain. “Listen! I saved you!” God might say, “I gladly give you my greatest treasures, even my Son! Take, and live a NEW life.” As a lifetime church attendee, I understand that oftentimes grace seems like a worn-out cliché, but it is when we come to the cross, when we contemplate the glory of God that we remember once again how great is His love!
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