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Read your Life Group lesson in your Learner guide today.
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
The Apostle Paul’s life was so connected to the Lord that theology rolled off his pen like snow balls in an avalanche. As you read the Scripture today, bear in mind Paul is continuing in defense of his actions. Primarily he is defending his decision to bypass Corinth on his trip to Macedonia. From his passing statements, the windows of heaven are opened into the life of one sold out to Christ. The evidence is overwhelming in persuading the readers to believe that the spreading of the Gospel brought the greatest sense of purpose to the leaders in the early church. Paul’s greatest encouragement came from the response of others to the Gospel whether spoken or demonstrated in his life.
In verse 15 the Bible says Paul was a fragrance. In modern day terms it is saying that he smelled. There is smell to the Gospel. The metaphor is simply to teach us the presence of strong believers proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ will never go without notice. It will be noticed by the unbeliever as well as the believer. For the unbeliever, it may create the rise of discomfort or even anger because it is the smell of death. For those who are being saved it is the smell of life and salvation causing rejoicing. Either way it will be noticed.
Continuing his defense in verse 17, Paul speaks for the authenticity of his ministry. He had told the Corinthians in his prior letter of his refusal to take any offerings from them for his salary and this verse gives a better explanation. Evidently, some had charged him with being less than honest with finances. He reminds them that he does not peddle the Gospel. If Paul had been peddling the Gospel he would have been indebted to those who provided the money. In order to have the greatest freedom to prophesy among the people, he refused to be paid.
The primary conclusion for me today is this, “be satisfied with the work of the Gospel both when it causes rejoicing to those who believe and dissatisfaction or anger in those who do not. Most of the people we know rejoice in the Gospel. Paul’s transparency gives us a model to emulate. If we follow this example of his life we can be more like Christ because he is a good example of following Christ.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
2 Corinthians 2:1-11
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
One of the most difficult decisions Christians face is how to approach conflict. The Scripture is very plain when it comes to confronting issues among brothers. It teaches us that expedience is preferred to delay and delay often prohibits progress in the spread of the Gospel. In the time leading up to the writing of this epistle, Paul had struggled in his decision of whether to again visit the Corinthians and become personally involved in the matter of church discipline at hand. He finally decided to let the church handle the issue in his absence as he believed he would be a greater hindrance than a help. He gave them written instructions and waited. How glorious he must have embraced the news when he learned of the outcome. Church discipline had been exercised with great success.
Due to his great love for this church, Paul felt it necessary to take one more step in the reconciliation process in giving the Corinthians an exhortation to forgive. In our reading for today he states three obvious reasons; 1) for the benefit of the sinning brother, 2) for the benefit of the Gospel, and 3) for the benefit of the church. Each of the three has striking consequences. If the brother goes unforgiven then the discipline was of ill motive. The lack of forgiveness among brothers destroys the testimony of Christ working in them.
Finally, the lack of forgiveness among the church would serve as an internal cancer to destroy the fellowship from within and hinder her witness on the outside.
This matter of forgiveness is not to be taken lightly. As you approach the Lord in prayer today, ask God to search your heart. Is there a matter that you need to gain the forgiveness of others? Is there a matter in which you need to grant forgiveness? For the sake of the brother, the testimony of God’s work, and for the sake of the fellowship of the church, forgive in this moment. May God protect our fellowship and grant forgiveness today.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
2 Corinthians 1:12-24
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
In his concluding remarks in a commentary on this passage of Scripture Warren Weirsbe writes, “If you live to please people, misunderstandings will depress you; but if you live to please god, you can face misunderstandings with faith and courage.” Paul had evidently expressed an intention to the Corinthians of a couple of visits. As his schedule played out, he was inadvertently unable to keep with his stated intentions. Perhaps this is a situation similar to Will Rogers’ experience that caused him to write, “Plans get you into things but you have to work your way out.” This passage is Paul’s attempt to work his way out.
Paul’s rebuke and encounter with the Corinthians had shattered his heart. He had started this church as a planter and it grieved him deeply to have to render harsh words for the purpose of giving correction in their error. Because of his love for the Lord and this church he had delivered the necessary rebuke. Some had not responded well to Paul’s exhortations and were apparently liberal with their criticism. Because of his integrity, Paul was in a position to work his way out.
In verse 12 Paul calls attention to the holiness and sincerity of his conscience. They had misunderstood his statement of intentions to be a statement of promise. He takes this opportunity to offer a correction. Later works indicate to us that Paul was reconciled to the church after a visit from Titus. Paul did not have to retreat due to his actions because he had maintained integrity between his conscience and his speech. Two primary movers in this situation facilitated the reconciliation. First Paul had been genuine in his intentions and second, he loved them dearly. He saw himself as working with them and not against them. May we follow suit and always see ourselves as partners in the Gospel even and especially when we have misunderstandings and disagreements.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
In the mid 1970’s Angel Fire Ski Resort in New Mexico was making a transition from a private ski area to a public ski area. On the front basin there was one chair lift, a couple of rope lifts and a few well groomed beginning to intermediate ski areas. A bus ride was required to get to the back basin and three other chair lifts. For the first two hours after opening the waiting lines to board a bus were long and slow moving. First time visitors would often have an easily recognizable look on their faces screaming out, “Is it worth it?” Once they finally arrived at the back basin they would the see blue chair lift and skiers racing in with a big smile on their faces as they took their place in line to board the lift again. The answer to the question was obvious, “it was definitely worth it.”
The Bible seeks to communicate the same to the Corinthian church as Paul and his cohort had already learned. God’s deliverance through our suffering is always worth it. Someone has said we are either going into a storm of life, in the midst of a storm, or coming out of a storm. The idea of a storm is the idea of difficult circumstances. What Paul most wanted the Corinthian church to be aware of in sharing the story of his afflictions was this, God has delivered them from great
peril and He will continue to deliver in the days to come. He is just as trustworthy in the valley as He is on the mountain top.
Another encouragement of community surfaces in verse 11. Apparently the church at Corinth had agreed to pray for this group of missionaries who had gone to Asia. Because they had shared in the sufferings through intercession, they could also share in the glory of God through answered prayer. If you have participated with others in intercessory prayer you also rejoice with those for whom you have prayed. That is why the intercessory prayer ministry of our church is so rewarding. If you haven’t committed to one hour per week in the prayer room, perhaps this is a good day to give it consideration.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
1 Corinthians 1:1-7
Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 1 Corinthians 3:17
Several years ago, a presidential candidate used the phrase “I feel your pain” in a stump speech. In the intimacy of the moment with the gathered crowd, the phrase found acceptance and the candidate gained favor because he was believed. When a recording of the statement made its way onto national TV and radio it had the opposite effect. Non supporters of this candidate mocked him and said there is no way this politician could feel their pain.
As you read the Scripture text for our daily reading today, key in on the Apostle Paul’s emphasis on his connection to the community of faith at Corinth. This is the second letter of the Bible he has sent to this church and scholars believe there was an additional letter preceding both. You can discern from the tone of the first and in parts of the second that not everyone in Corinth was on great terms with Paul. Even so, he reaches out with a carrot and while standing firm on the truth of God’s Word, he seeks personal reconciliation.
Although 2 Corinthians is not a theological treatise God’s purpose in conflicts and trials, it does offer some wisdom and insight on the subject. It is probable Paul is running on two tracks as he introduces this epistle. One is the track of suffering due to his ministry elsewhere. He notes in other places of shipwrecks and beatings. We know he was imprisoned and beaten with a cat of nine tails. The second track was that of suffering within the body of Christ and in particular the discord between him and some members of the Corinthian church. This discord brought him pain. With that I can concur. Some of the greatest pain in the lives of American believers often comes in disagreements within a church family. Notice the sharing of suffering as Paul outlines it in this chapter. One suffers so another may be comforted. How often does that ring true? I am comforted by the suffering of others and they are comforted by my suffering. That is how it works in God’s economy.
Application of the principles of suffering is very clear in the Scripture. We are to use life’s difficult experiences to assist in bringing comfort to others. If there is pain within the fellowship of a congregation, the members are to seek resolution. I almost wrote immediate resolution and then pulled back. Yes we should quickly seek resolution with brothers and sisters in Christ, but often God has to quicken and change hearts before resolution can take place.
As you enter your prayer time with the Lord ask Him to help bring reconciliation with any fellow believer that might be causing affliction in their life or your life. Let us seek reconciliation with brothers and therefore reconciliation with the Father. You might also want to ask the Lord to help you minister comfort to others out of the afflictions you have experienced in your life to date.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
Read your Life Group lesson in your Learner guide today.
Memory Verse: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
1 Corinthians 13:14-24
Memory Verse: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2
In my attempts to write and to speak publicly, I have found beginnings and endings to be the most difficult sections to complete effectively. Do you sometimes find the proper words for departure to be the most difficult? What do you say to someone when you are leaving and may not see them again? As we come to the end of Chapter 16, Paul is closing his letter to this beloved church.
Verse 13 of today’s reading contains ample food for meditation throughout this day. Paul gives them five concluding commands. First he tells them to “be on the alert.” This admonition immediately reminds me of Peter’s commendation to look out for the devil who is like a roaring lion seeking to devour. Remember, we have an active enemy. Second, he tells them to stand firm in the faith. You may have an active, devouring enemy, but you have all you need to stand strong against him in Christ Jesus. Third, act like men. Surely his instruction is not just for the men but also the ladies. Are they to act like men? I don’t think so. I believe the admonition is to stand strong as adults. Men act like men not
boys. Ladies, act like ladies not girls. Stand with the faith of a child in the maturity of adulthood. Fourth, he commands them to be strong. The command reminds us we have a mental choice in the matter of mind strength and spiritual strength. And finally, the command is to do all things in love. Love is to be the primary motivator of our lives. All this can serve as adequate material for meditation for several days. Perhaps you should pick out just one of the four to supply your meditations for today. Beware of the enemy. Rejoice in the victory we have in Christ. Act like an adult. Decide to be strong. Do all things in love.
These are powerful and encouraging words used to bring this letter of reproof and correction to a conclusion. I praise the Lord today and thank him for the divine revelation He has given in His Word.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
1 Corinthians 16:1-12
Memory Verse: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2
One of the marks of a great leader is the ability to identify what needs to be done and see a way for it to be accomplished. Leaders see opportunity when no one else does. The one who sees opportunity in the work of God is the one who walks with God. We often say around the church, “Jesus is the head.” This would mean that we are relying upon on Jesus to guide us. We also mention from time to time that God directs our steps. I believe God does direct our steps when we set our hearts toward Him. One way He does this is by the written Word. The written Word, the Bible, sometime leads us by command and other times by example. In the case for attending a gathering of saints on the first day of the week, Sunday, we have both command and example. The command is from Hebrews 10:25 and the example is from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Paul instructed the church at Corinth, to give an offering when they met on Sundays for the purpose of sending missionaries into service. From this we know we are obedient to Christ when we follow biblical instructions to give to missions through the local church. This is an opportunity.
The Apostle Paul also saw great opportunity according to verse 9 in your reading for today. On the one hand Paul was longing to spend some time with the Corinthian church, but on the other hand his calling as a church planting missionary limited his time with them. When Paul looked at the world around him, he saw a vast sea of lostness. This view of others compelled him to go in the power of God. Due to his faith in the divine hand of God in this world, he went in confidence knowing that God would bring an increase.
May we catch the spirit of Paul. Many believers have given up on this world. Do you see that if we fail to recognize opportunity for the furthering of the Gospel we have actually given up on God’s intervening power? Do you see any opportunity? Do you see the lostness? Where there is lostness there is opportunity for the Gospel. May we see a “wide door for effective service” opening for us in our attempts to take the Gospel of Christ to the nations.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did God say to me?
Yes, We Will Be Resurrected
1 Corinthians 15: 35-58
Memory Verse: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2
Recently, I spent in the waiting room of Baptist Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo, Texas. Many of the patients there are dealing with serious heart issues. There were numerous families waiting on news about their loved one’s condition. Some were given only threads of hope for this life to continue more than a few days, months or years. In the minds of at least a few of the patients, thoughts of what it will be like on the other side appear in the most solemn of moments.
The Bible does not go to great lengths to give explicit details of what we will be like in the resurrection. Our Scripture reading for today creates more questions than it gives answers. Although, the details it does give are greatly encouraging. The author reminds us that we cannot really live unless we die. That is a great truth for daily living and for living beyond the grave. We cannot really live as Christ intends us to live here on earth until we die to self and take up the life of Christ. Hence we know that many people live on this earth but really never live if you know what I mean. But for us to get a resurrected body, this old one must cease to pump blood through its veins.
Verse 38 is of the greatest of encouragement. God gives a body to plants and animals just as He wished. The comparison is mind boggling. I don’t know exactly what my body will be like after the resurrection, but I do know it will be specifically designed by the Lord, who created this universe; the one who designed the intricacies of all life and matter on this earth. He designed those intricate details that continue to confuse and intrigue scientists in our age. I trust the Lord that I will surely not be disappointed in that which is to come. According to the Scriptures, we will never receive that great spiritual body God has for us until this old physical body wears out and stops. If I can trust God for Salvation, I can also trust Him to raise me up in a spiritual body that will bring great satisfaction to my soul for all eternity. All I can think of at this moment is, “to God be the glory.”
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
