1 & 2 Corinthians – Page 14

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 – A New Look

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a reflection you are happy with? So many of us find fault with our earthly bodies. Maybe we’re too fat or too thin. We’ve got straight hair when we’d prefer curly. Don’t get me started on being short, wishing I had long, lanky legs. My long-legged friends lament they can never find pants long enough, while mine drag on the ground. We are never content, are we?

As we age, these earthly bodies start to wear out, too. Our text says we will “groan and sigh.” Our earthly bodies have their limitations. We’re surrounded by a lot of retired expats here in our community, and it’s funny how many conversations revert to our aches and pains and how our bodies just can’t keep up with us anymore. This passage today speaks of hope. Our earthly bodies are only for a season; they aren’t meant to last forever. Our heavenly bodies, on the other hand, are designed for eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18 – Look Past Your Troubles

Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

What a beautiful passage of hope. This is one that we should read over and over again when we are feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances. What kind of faith do you have? Finish this sentence: “I believe in God, so I ______.” You may recognize that from our text today. Paul, like the psalmist believed in God so he “spoke.” When we put our faith and trust in God, we have so much more power to work with. I believe in God so I wrote a book would be one thing I could say.

We’re only given so much time on earth to do what we are called to do. This text calls it right out. Our bodies are dying. But we don’t need to live like we’re dying. Our spirits are being “renewed every day.” How do you refresh yourself? Spending time in God’s word, in prayer, and seeking his will for your life should give you plenty of refreshment. That’s why it’s so important to not just “go through the motions.” Don’t put spending time with God as just another “to-do list” item. Doesn’t God deserve your best?

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 – Jars of Clay

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

When I read this text, two things stand out to me. I think of a Christian band called Jars of Clay, and I recognize the lyrics of song “Trading My Sorrows” by Darrell Evans are taken from this text. I love when I find lyrics in Scripture. But what I want to focus on today is how fragile we all are, even if we don’t realize it.

Have you ever dropped a clay pot? What happens? It shatters and dirt goes everywhere, not to mention the plant you are trying to grow. At least the clay pots I’ve encountered are fragile–just like we are. In this passage, Paul is being real with his friends in Corinth. Paul hasn’t had an easy go of it. He has endured exactly what he describes. Paul has seen it all, being pressed, perplexed, hunted down, and knocked down. Just like us.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 – Let Your Light Shine

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

How are you serving God? Maybe you’re involved heavily in a church and are feeling overwhelmed wishing you could just say “no” when asked to serve. (I am very familiar with that scenario!) Maybe you’re tired and unsure how God wants to use you in this season of your life. Maybe you’re a little angry with God because you see other believers acting in ways that are not in alignment with what you believe God intends and don’t want to serve. In any case, Paul says, “never give up.”

There are a lot of scary things going on in the world today. I, for one, believe this is a time to rely on God more than ever. It is an opportunity for us who believe and trust to be more vocal than ever. We can help people calm their fear, find hope, and feel secure in the future. There was an interesting passage in today’s reading that resonated truth to me. “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe.” How true is that? The evil one is alive and well and causing havoc in the hearts of God’s people and especially the unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 – The Glory of God

Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

When Jesus came, everything changed. The old covenant with God, as given to Moses, was replaced with a new covenant promise from God. No longer was there separation between man and God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Because of Jesus, we can now approach our Father God.

So, what is the “glory” of God? I could spend hours researching it, and I’m sure my husband will correct me and hand me the exact books I need if I’m totally off base here. To me, simply put, the glory of God is his majesty manifested into tangible form. God is full of light, and that light, his glory, shines brightly when we’re in his presence.