2 Corinthians 8:1-24 – Be Generous

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Chapter 8 is the first of two chapters dealing with the concept of giving. Here Paul gives examples and encourages gracious giving. The Corinthians apparently had shown great generosity in the past. Paul wanted to bring that to mind in case they had forgotten their zeal for giving. They had to complete what they had started.

Paul puts giving into perspective, and verse 9 speaks volumes. “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” Jesus was the most generous giver of all. He gave his very life so that we could be reconciled to himself and the Father. He sacrificed himself for you and me. Take a moment to reflect on what Jesus left behind in his heavenly kingdom to come to earth as a tiny baby. Now let the gratitude of your abundance swell up inside. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 8:1-24 – Be Generous”

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16 – Our Identity in Christ

Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16

Who are we? Paul tells us we are “the temple of the living God.” That is quite a responsibility. We make up the temple together. Holy places are to be protected and revered. Pressures of the world can take a toll on us, so how do we shield ourselves? Paul knew that we would face temptation when surrounded by unbelievers.

I always appreciate when Paul brings in Old Testament texts to emphasize his point. Here, Paul quotes the law and prophets to remind us of God’s promises. God wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to pour himself into us so we can share his grace with others. What does being a temple of the living God mean to you? Continue reading “2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16 – Our Identity in Christ”

2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13 – It’s a Fearful Responsibility

Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13

This reading is overflowing with verses that stand alone as memory verses. Paul was on a roll here with words of encouragement and direction for these new believers. Paul knew firsthand that being a disciple of Jesus was a fearful responsibility. It wasn’t easy to navigate life lived for Jesus because it was brand new thinking. For us, the concept is still revolutionary, yet refreshing.

Have you ever been intimidated to think of yourself as Christ’s ambassador? Paul gives us more insight into this. He put the idea out there in our last reading, but expounds on our responsibilities to help guide and inform us. It’s always helpful to know what our role is designed to be. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13 – It’s a Fearful Responsibility”

2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10 – While We Have Breath

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10

Paul continues to defend himself and his ministry. We can’t even begin to fathom what Paul encountered as he shared about Jesus. For some, it was the first time they had heard about Jesus. Certainly, understanding that Jesus was God’s Son and Savior of the world would be a revolutionary thought. And then there were all the false teachers who were confusing the people with the wrong message.

We know what happens to us thousands of years later as we try to share our faith. We’re not always welcome when speaking about Jesus and the message of the gospel. We should all pay attention to Paul’s declaration so there can be no condemnation: “We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God.” Sadly, I often see Christians distorting the Bible’s message, watering it down, or picking only the parts they agree with and then ignoring the rest. False teachers, to be sure! Continue reading “2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10 – While We Have Breath”

2 Corinthians 3:1-18 – Old vs. New Covenant

Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

This is one of those passages you may need to read more than once to begin to follow what Paul is teaching. His Jewish audience would be very familiar with the Old Covenant and its limitations. Now, understanding a brand-new, completely different covenant with God would have been challenging. Paul was doing his best here to help them understand the difference.

For us, it’s good to recall the history of how God interacted with his people. It was especially meaningful to imagine Moses and the veil. To have been in the presence of God, Moses’ face would have shone with glorious light. The people feared being that close to God and his glory. The veil signifies that boundary that only Jesus can take away. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 3:1-18 – Old vs. New Covenant”

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