Strength in Weakness
2 Corinthians 12October 6, 2021
Day 279There are obviously still things that Paul worries about, as far as the Corinthians go. Their faith still falters, and they still are inclined to follow after people who claim to be powerful instead of sticking to the simple gospel they have been taught. Paul points out that it is precisely his weaknesses that cause the power and glory of God to shine forth. That's true for all of us. What weaknesses have you seen God shine through? What does verse 9 mean to you?
True and False Boasting
2 Corinthians 11October 5, 2021
Day 278Apparently there are other preachers pretending to preach a “gospel,” but only to gain money or power. They are mocking Paul and claiming to be more qualified to preach. Paul points out that if he wanted to boast of being a “super Jew,” (as in fact he used to do) he could. He lists all his so-called qualifications for conceit. But he says he only wants to boast of his weaknesses and that God still loves him even though he doesn't deserve it. Have you ever gone through any of the trials Paul lists here? How has God held you through any and every pain and trouble?
Divine Weapons
2 Corinthians 10October 4, 2021
Day 277When the world wages war, blood flows. When professed Christians wage war, often hearts break. But when true Christians wage war, it is only against demonic powers in the world, never against other people. There is a whole sermon in verses 3-6. Make a list of the kinds of things Paul says spiritual weapons can overthrow. We will be learning more about spiritual warfare in his future letters, so be thinking about the things in and around your life that you would like to conquer.
The Blessings of Generosity
2 Corinthians 9October 3, 2021
Day 276What a surprise! The Corinthians now learn that, just as Paul has bragged about the Macedonians to them, he was also bragging to the Macedonians about them! He goes on to give more detail about the kind of life blessings that follow generosity. The fact is, if we are selfish, it doesn't make us have any more plenty. It only makes us unhappy. But if we give lovingly, we find that God meets all our needs. How have you found this to be true in your life?
Giving Hearts
2 Corinthians 8October 2, 2021
Day 275Paul holds up the example of one church to another. The churches in Macedonia, even though they were going through very hard times themselves, begged to be allowed to send offerings for the relief of other churches in trouble. Paul asks the Corinthians to see this generosity of spirit as a challenge to them to do the same. Do you give even when it feels you have little to share? How does it make you feel?
Repentance Leads to Joy
2 Corinthians 7October 1, 2021
Day 274Paul repeats in more detail how happy he is that the Corinthians have repented and shown eager joy to turn their lives around and be obedient to Paul, but most of all, to God. He speaks very personally to them about how sorry he was to have to rebuke them, but how glad he is for the results. Have you ever been in a situation where you made wrong choices, were rebuked, and ended up in a much better and more loving situation not only in spite of that trouble, but because of it?
Sons and Daughters of God
2 Corinthians 6September 30, 2021
Day 273Again, Paul lists the difficulties and trials he and his companions have gone through, and try to show how they are letting the Holy Spirit shine through even in the midst of those trials. Go through the list and find the ones that have happened to you. Have you let the Spirit shine through them? In our study verse, 18, Paul is kind of quoting from 2 Samuel 7: 8 and 14. There are lots of other verses in the Bible, too, where God promises to be a Father to us, and of course Jesus modeled that with every day of His life. How does it feel to know that you are the son or daughter of God?
A New Creation
2 Corinthians 5September 29, 2021
Day 272Right now, while we're still in “jars of clay,” we're waiting, longing so much for Jesus to come, the world to be made new, and our bodies to be changed into the glorious, immortal ones God has promised. In the meantime, we're charged with a “ministry of reconciliation,” sharing the work God in Christ did on the cross and does in every heart. Isn't it amazing? “The new creation,” Paul says, “is already here!” We can “become the righteousness of God”! That's impossible—except with God, for Whom all things are possible.
Jars of Clay
2 Corinthians 4September 28, 2021
Day 271In this chapter, it looks as if Paul is seeking to reassure himself, too. He has been through some very hard times of criticism and oppression. Have you ever noticed that when you're feeling down or bad, if you talk to someone else both about your troubles and about Jesus, it makes you both feel better? Look at the list of troubles in verses 7 through 12, then look at the positive affirmations Paul gets even from that list. Can you do that when you are in trouble? Isn't it a nice image, the light of the Holy Spirit shining through the cracks in our broken “jars of clay”?
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