He's Alive Now!
This chapter is summed up in a few words: "Don't drift along taking everything for granted." (The Message, vs. 5) There are some standards for being a Christian. Just as there are standards for being just about anything. Soccer comes to mind since both of my boys play. You can't profess to being a soccer player if you never actually play the game. Sure you can put on the uniform and carry the ball around, but to play you must know the rules and abide by them. Otherwise, you're not playing soccer, you're just kicking a ball around. Being a Christian follows the same guidelines. Know the rules & abide by them. In soccer the rules provide structure & order to the game. In Christianity, the rules provide structure & order to life. These rules have been put into place for your own good, so you may live the best life possible.
Paul says here that it is a continual process that one must daily test. If there is an area of your life that you are struggling with, fix it. Spend time in the Word & pray. Seek the council of mature Christians & continue to work on your faith. It's a relationship, not a membership & relationships take work. But be of good cheer, this relationship brings you to the extravagant love of God - how awesome is that?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
2 Corinthians 12:6-21
A Thorn in the Flesh
Paul wraps up his defense. Paul states he has struggled with something - what it is, we don't know. Whatever it is, he has asked three times that it be taken from him, but his answer has been no. This "thorn" has actually been beneficial for Paul for it has taught him to rely on God's power instead of his own. Therefore, Paul is happy to be weak & deal with the troubles of life, for in them he finds strength in God.
Paul wraps up this chapter by telling of his love of this church & his desire to be reconciled to it. However, he is concerned that troubles may still abound. Nevertheless, he is eager to once again come to visit his church family.
How many of you have been told that life will be perfect when you become a Christian? Everything will be wonderful, wonderful, wonderful? Is it a lie? I mean look at Paul. The man has endured many, many hardships. He even struggles with a "thorn." A burden that he has begged to be taken away. And yet, Paul is happy and joyous. He is content and confident. He even rejoices in his weaknesses. What's the deal? His life certainly doesn't seem perfect.
The secret is his relationship with God. The closer he gets to God, the more content he becomes. Life can throw at him what it may, but it only makes him stronger in his faith. You may not always have what the world says you deserve, but you will always have a God who loves you. Stop looking for happiness according to the standards of the world. Start looking to God and find the contentment that Paul lives in.
Paul wraps up his defense. Paul states he has struggled with something - what it is, we don't know. Whatever it is, he has asked three times that it be taken from him, but his answer has been no. This "thorn" has actually been beneficial for Paul for it has taught him to rely on God's power instead of his own. Therefore, Paul is happy to be weak & deal with the troubles of life, for in them he finds strength in God.
Paul wraps up this chapter by telling of his love of this church & his desire to be reconciled to it. However, he is concerned that troubles may still abound. Nevertheless, he is eager to once again come to visit his church family.
How many of you have been told that life will be perfect when you become a Christian? Everything will be wonderful, wonderful, wonderful? Is it a lie? I mean look at Paul. The man has endured many, many hardships. He even struggles with a "thorn." A burden that he has begged to be taken away. And yet, Paul is happy and joyous. He is content and confident. He even rejoices in his weaknesses. What's the deal? His life certainly doesn't seem perfect.
The secret is his relationship with God. The closer he gets to God, the more content he becomes. Life can throw at him what it may, but it only makes him stronger in his faith. You may not always have what the world says you deserve, but you will always have a God who loves you. Stop looking for happiness according to the standards of the world. Start looking to God and find the contentment that Paul lives in.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
2 Corinthians 11:1 - 12:6
Paul is still defending himself against the false teachers that have attempted to usurp the Church & twist it to benefit themselves rather than Christ. These men come in with a look-how-great-I-am attitude & belittle Paul and his works in order to gain the approval (and therefore, the control) of this powerful church. So, Paul says, I can boast too, if that is what you are looking for. You want foolishness based on worldly achievements, then fine - I'll give them to you. But realize that this is tongue-in-cheek. Paul specifically states that he will lower himself to these standards in order for the church to realized just how foolish these standards are. In reality, Paul would rather spend time boasting about the Lord, but in order to make a point, here he goes.
Paul is:
- a Hebrew
- an Israelite
- a descendant of Abraham
- a servant of Christ
Paul has endured:
- prison
- beatings, almost unto death
- 5 lashings consisting of 39 lashes each (this is considered one less lash than a death sentence)
- 3 beatings with rods
- a stoning
- 3 shipwrecks
- many dangers from his travels including the terrain & robbers
- Gentiles, countrymen, and false brethren have been out for his head
- exposure to the elements
- hunger to the point of starvation
- dehydration
- intense pressure to keep the churches healthy & going strong
Paul states he has endured all of these things & this is what he will boast about to prove his commitment to his calling. He will not boast about the things he has accomplished, instead he will boast about his weakness. For God gets the credit for the accomplishments & God gets the credit for protecting, healing, and guiding Paul in all things.
An interesting perspective isn't it - to understand that the things you have endured are what make you strong. It's not about what you accomplish, it's about the heart & attitude behind your accomplishments. It's about really believing that what you believe is really real - even when the going gets tough. Paul is all in, totally sold out to Christ. He is willing to endure all things in order to complete his calling & mission. And he is willing to give God all the credit. How's your attitude? Do you quit when it gets hard, or do you believe in what you're called to do enough to keep going in the most excellent way you can? It's a high calling & a lot to think about.
Paul is:
- a Hebrew
- an Israelite
- a descendant of Abraham
- a servant of Christ
Paul has endured:
- prison
- beatings, almost unto death
- 5 lashings consisting of 39 lashes each (this is considered one less lash than a death sentence)
- 3 beatings with rods
- a stoning
- 3 shipwrecks
- many dangers from his travels including the terrain & robbers
- Gentiles, countrymen, and false brethren have been out for his head
- exposure to the elements
- hunger to the point of starvation
- dehydration
- intense pressure to keep the churches healthy & going strong
Paul states he has endured all of these things & this is what he will boast about to prove his commitment to his calling. He will not boast about the things he has accomplished, instead he will boast about his weakness. For God gets the credit for the accomplishments & God gets the credit for protecting, healing, and guiding Paul in all things.
An interesting perspective isn't it - to understand that the things you have endured are what make you strong. It's not about what you accomplish, it's about the heart & attitude behind your accomplishments. It's about really believing that what you believe is really real - even when the going gets tough. Paul is all in, totally sold out to Christ. He is willing to endure all things in order to complete his calling & mission. And he is willing to give God all the credit. How's your attitude? Do you quit when it gets hard, or do you believe in what you're called to do enough to keep going in the most excellent way you can? It's a high calling & a lot to think about.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Tearing Down Barriers
Remember that Paul's last visit to this church did not go well. The Corinthians had followed some poor teaching & this lead to a division with Paul. Rather than deal with the issue right away, Paul choose to leave & let things settle down a little bit. We had a teaching on this earlier. Sometimes it's better to walk away and let emotions cool down, before attempting to correct a situation.
However, there are now naysayers & troublemakers who are using Paul's actions against him. Please remember that there will always be people who look for any possible negative. They live in the world, with the world's standards of dog-eat-dog (which has been established by the works of the devil). There is no grace or compassion in their hearts & they twist every action into something it is not. Do not follow these people. Do not allow their twisted view of the world to warp your opinion. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control. Listen to the people in your life who have these qualities - for they are being lead by the Spirit & not by the devil.
And make sure that you are living by the Spirit. Do not allow your heart & your mind to be ruled by wild emotion. Read the Word, spend time in prayer, & eagerly seek Truth. In this way, you will find the fruits of the Spirit for your own life & you will not be a thorn in someone's side.
Remember that Paul's last visit to this church did not go well. The Corinthians had followed some poor teaching & this lead to a division with Paul. Rather than deal with the issue right away, Paul choose to leave & let things settle down a little bit. We had a teaching on this earlier. Sometimes it's better to walk away and let emotions cool down, before attempting to correct a situation.
However, there are now naysayers & troublemakers who are using Paul's actions against him. Please remember that there will always be people who look for any possible negative. They live in the world, with the world's standards of dog-eat-dog (which has been established by the works of the devil). There is no grace or compassion in their hearts & they twist every action into something it is not. Do not follow these people. Do not allow their twisted view of the world to warp your opinion. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control. Listen to the people in your life who have these qualities - for they are being lead by the Spirit & not by the devil.
And make sure that you are living by the Spirit. Do not allow your heart & your mind to be ruled by wild emotion. Read the Word, spend time in prayer, & eagerly seek Truth. In this way, you will find the fruits of the Spirit for your own life & you will not be a thorn in someone's side.
Monday, December 5, 2011
2 Corinthians 9
Paul is still speaking of giving. Here he mentions 2 benefits of giving:
1. Spiritual - giving with a willing heart strengthens & deepens your relationship with God & with others.
2. Material - when we give, we receive. God provides for all of our needs. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
So, in this holiday season when we are overwhelmed stuff, stuff, & more stuff - remember to give with a grateful heart. Look around - do you really need more stuff? Does your family? Or can you bless others around you? There's nothing wrong with giving gifts, but spend some time in prayer asking God how you can show is love & honor His Son this holiday season.
1. Spiritual - giving with a willing heart strengthens & deepens your relationship with God & with others.
2. Material - when we give, we receive. God provides for all of our needs. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
So, in this holiday season when we are overwhelmed stuff, stuff, & more stuff - remember to give with a grateful heart. Look around - do you really need more stuff? Does your family? Or can you bless others around you? There's nothing wrong with giving gifts, but spend some time in prayer asking God how you can show is love & honor His Son this holiday season.
Friday, December 2, 2011
2 Corinthians 8
Great Generosity
Paul speaks of the gift of giving. When we give our lives to God, He will direct our ways, including helping & supporting other Christians. When we give, we give in two ways:
- according to our ability. It's not about bankrupting yourself or living in debt so you can support others. It's about giving within your budget.
- giving freely. We don't give out of guilt or obligation. We give because we love God & want to bless others. Sometimes we will feel the urge to give more, making some sacrifices. Not a problem, because you are giving according to your heart.
Luke 21:1-4 tells the story of the widow. She gave 2 mites, a very small amount of money (think a few pennies), but this was all she had. She held nothing back. In doing this, she revealed her heart - her love & faith in God.
Remember, being a Christian means you put others first. You assess their needs. You help and support. In giving generously - of not only your money, put your possessions & your time - you will please God. You may also find out just how satisfied & full of joy your life becomes.
Paul speaks of the gift of giving. When we give our lives to God, He will direct our ways, including helping & supporting other Christians. When we give, we give in two ways:
- according to our ability. It's not about bankrupting yourself or living in debt so you can support others. It's about giving within your budget.
- giving freely. We don't give out of guilt or obligation. We give because we love God & want to bless others. Sometimes we will feel the urge to give more, making some sacrifices. Not a problem, because you are giving according to your heart.
Luke 21:1-4 tells the story of the widow. She gave 2 mites, a very small amount of money (think a few pennies), but this was all she had. She held nothing back. In doing this, she revealed her heart - her love & faith in God.
Remember, being a Christian means you put others first. You assess their needs. You help and support. In giving generously - of not only your money, put your possessions & your time - you will please God. You may also find out just how satisfied & full of joy your life becomes.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
2 Corinthians 7:2-16
Paul Reveals His Heart
Paul is speaking directly to the Corinthian church, but there's a really good lesson to learn here. Love means telling others what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. There is a time for correction. If you are watching someone make all the wrong decisions, should you sit back & let it happen? We avoid the conflict because we don't want to offend. But that's not love. Love is telling someone they are headed for the cliff.
Now, we don't just hit someone over the head with the truth. It must never be done in harshness or because we have been offended. We correct in love, with compassion. We do it for the benefit of the other person. Never out of anger or resentment. Paul sums it up best, "but not that you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss is according without regret, leading to salvation." And honestly, what is better than salvation?
Paul is speaking directly to the Corinthian church, but there's a really good lesson to learn here. Love means telling others what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. There is a time for correction. If you are watching someone make all the wrong decisions, should you sit back & let it happen? We avoid the conflict because we don't want to offend. But that's not love. Love is telling someone they are headed for the cliff.
Now, we don't just hit someone over the head with the truth. It must never be done in harshness or because we have been offended. We correct in love, with compassion. We do it for the benefit of the other person. Never out of anger or resentment. Paul sums it up best, "but not that you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss is according without regret, leading to salvation." And honestly, what is better than salvation?
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