2 Corinthians - 11.14.24
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 6:16 NLT
“For we are the temple of the living God.
As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
OBSERVATION:
This letter to the Corinthian Church written by Paul shares such a story of a Pastor’s heart for this congregation to walk in ALL that Jesus paid the Price for.
Paul founded this church in the midst of city that was known for its wealth, commercial success and every single moral depravity known to man. Paul came to Corinth on his second missionary trip and remained for about a year and a half—one of his longest stays in any one city.
What strikes me is in this second letter is how much Paul reveals about his constant hardships, sufferings, beatings, angry mobs, imprisonments, sleepless nights, and lack of food—and yet..also--his extraordinary honor “to be the pleasing aroma of Christ that brings life” (2 Cor 2:15).
“We have nothing…and yet..we have EVERYTHING” (2 Cor 6:10)
When I think about how much Paul endured to bring Christ’s Good News to others..it makes me a little ashamed of myself that I am not more impassioned to be SO on fire-- that no one I know will not have heard the Truth that Jesus Saves out of my mouth.
APPLICATION:
God Lives IN me…And..Walks among me.
How does that TRUTH Change my Life and Actions Today.
As the scripture says, Elijah was a man—Just-like-us (James 5:17).
What was different—he prayed earnestly AND consistently.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:16-18 ESV)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 ESV)
“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2 ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus,
Thank YOU for your living and active WORD that convicts my heart and draws me near and guides me on YOUR Path of righteousness. Purify me and strengthen me in this season of my life, Lord. Help me to be mindful of this one race we have to run. Let me run to win the prize. Keep me from distractions that so quickly seek to entangle me. Fill me with Your Oil and give me a clear understanding of where You are leading. I want to be where YOU are. Give me courage to do things even when I am afraid. Let me keep stepping out. You are boundless. Here I am Lord…nothing but flesh and bones alone—but WITH YOU—Everything…and...willing with all my heart..send me, and help me to make a difference for your glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tina L Kudelka