2 Corinthians 12:13-18 - How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?
1 Corinthians 9:12 - If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 2:17 - But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
2 Corinthians 8:19-20 - 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. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.
Application:
· Am I ready to surrender my rights because of love for others?
· Is my service to God joyful?
· Do I provide a good example in handling money?
· Am I carrying out the Lord’s work in a proper, ethical and honest manner?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Things That Mark An Apostle
2 Corinthians 12:10-12 - That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 2:2-3 - For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Application:
· Do I see union with Christ as the secret of being content? Is Christ the source of my strength?
· Is my behavior Christ-like? Does the power of God give me strength to endure adversity?
· If disregard for the law brings punishment, then disregard for the gospel will bring even greater punishment.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 2:2-3 - For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Application:
· Do I see union with Christ as the secret of being content? Is Christ the source of my strength?
· Is my behavior Christ-like? Does the power of God give me strength to endure adversity?
· If disregard for the law brings punishment, then disregard for the gospel will bring even greater punishment.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, December 9, 2011
Caught Up To The Third Heaven...Caught Up To Paradise
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 - I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
2 Corinthians 5:8 - We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Philippians 1:23-24 - I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Luke 23:43 - Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Revelation 2:7 - Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Application:
· Would I rather be in this present body or at home with the Lord away from this body?
· Do I desire to depart and be with Christ?
· Paradise is a place of bliss and rest between death and resurrection. Am I looking forward to that?
· Is victory my objective? Am I strong in my faith? Am I looking forward to perfect fellowship with my God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
2 Corinthians 5:8 - We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Philippians 1:23-24 - I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Luke 23:43 - Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Revelation 2:7 - Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Application:
· Would I rather be in this present body or at home with the Lord away from this body?
· Do I desire to depart and be with Christ?
· Paradise is a place of bliss and rest between death and resurrection. Am I looking forward to that?
· Is victory my objective? Am I strong in my faith? Am I looking forward to perfect fellowship with my God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Praised Forever
2 Corinthians 11:30-12:1 - If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
Romans 9:5 - Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Application:
· Jesus is not merely a human being. He is also fully God.
· Do I see my weaknesses as an ideal opportunity for the display of God’s power?
· Do I boast in what I have done? Or do I boast in what God has done?
· Has God revealed to me what He has prepared for me? I have been given the Holy Spirit who comprehends the depth of God’s nature and His plans of grace.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 9:5 - Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Application:
· Jesus is not merely a human being. He is also fully God.
· Do I see my weaknesses as an ideal opportunity for the display of God’s power?
· Do I boast in what I have done? Or do I boast in what God has done?
· Has God revealed to me what He has prepared for me? I have been given the Holy Spirit who comprehends the depth of God’s nature and His plans of grace.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Weak
2 Corinthians 11:29-30 - Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Romans 14:1 - Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Application:
· Am I tempted to enter into quarrels with those who have a weaker faith?
· Do I boast in what I have done? Or do I boast in what God has done?
· Do I see my weaknesses as an ideal opportunity for the display of divine power?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 14:1 - Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Application:
· Am I tempted to enter into quarrels with those who have a weaker faith?
· Do I boast in what I have done? Or do I boast in what God has done?
· Do I see my weaknesses as an ideal opportunity for the display of divine power?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Shipwrecked
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Acts 27:35 - After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
Acts 11:25-26 - Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
1 Corinthians 7:17 - Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
Application:
· Do I set a good example when it comes to giving thanks? (It is a testimony to my faith in God.)
· Is the mission I am in right now preparing me for a much greater mission?
· Am I living contentedly in my economic, family and religious situation? (God has called me to Himself in these situations.)
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Acts 27:35 - After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
Acts 11:25-26 - Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
1 Corinthians 7:17 - Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
Application:
· Do I set a good example when it comes to giving thanks? (It is a testimony to my faith in God.)
· Is the mission I am in right now preparing me for a much greater mission?
· Am I living contentedly in my economic, family and religious situation? (God has called me to Himself in these situations.)
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, December 5, 2011
Hebrews, Israelites and Abraham's Descendants
2 Corinthians 11:21-22 - To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I.
Romans 2:29 - No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
1 Corinthians 12:13 - For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14-16 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 3:11 - Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Philippians 3:3-6 - For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Application:
· Have I repented of my hard heart? Have I received the Holy Spirit? Have I been enabled by the Spirit to live a new life characterized by obedience to God?
· Am I united with the body of Christ?
· Unity in Christ transcends ethnic and social distinctions
· Have I been re-created in the image of Christ?
· Do I see Christ transcending all cultural, racial and national barriers? Christ alone matters
· Do I use rules to merit God’s approval and blessing?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 2:29 - No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
1 Corinthians 12:13 - For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14-16 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 3:11 - Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Philippians 3:3-6 - For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Application:
· Have I repented of my hard heart? Have I received the Holy Spirit? Have I been enabled by the Spirit to live a new life characterized by obedience to God?
· Am I united with the body of Christ?
· Unity in Christ transcends ethnic and social distinctions
· Have I been re-created in the image of Christ?
· Do I see Christ transcending all cultural, racial and national barriers? Christ alone matters
· Do I use rules to merit God’s approval and blessing?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, December 2, 2011
Different Spirit
2 Corinthians 11:4-6 - 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. I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.” I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
Romans 14:17-18 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Application:
· Do I miss completely the essence of Christian living by concerning myself with trivial matters?
· Do I have any conception of how God is blessing me and how He will be blessing me?
· Has God revealed to me what He has prepared for me? I have been given the Holy Spirit who comprehends the depth of God’s nature and His plans of grace.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 14:17-18 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Application:
· Do I miss completely the essence of Christian living by concerning myself with trivial matters?
· Do I have any conception of how God is blessing me and how He will be blessing me?
· Has God revealed to me what He has prepared for me? I have been given the Holy Spirit who comprehends the depth of God’s nature and His plans of grace.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Cunning
2 Corinthians 11:3 - 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.
Genesis 3:1-4,6 - Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman…When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Application:
· Do I doubt God’s Word? Do I see through deceptively innocent attempts at contradictions of God?
· Do I try to add to God’s Word? Do I try to distort God’s directives?
· Does my slavery to evil cause me to live a life God had not intended?
· Do I consciously rebel against God? Do I fail to carry out my divinely ordained responsibility to guard my helpmate?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Genesis 3:1-4,6 - Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman…When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Application:
· Do I doubt God’s Word? Do I see through deceptively innocent attempts at contradictions of God?
· Do I try to add to God’s Word? Do I try to distort God’s directives?
· Does my slavery to evil cause me to live a life God had not intended?
· Do I consciously rebel against God? Do I fail to carry out my divinely ordained responsibility to guard my helpmate?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)