2 Corinthians 11 - 11.19.24
SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINITHIANS 11:23b - 30
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
OBSERVATION
Paul went through a lot in the name of Christ. He, as the leader of the early church, took on everything you can imagine but yet the biggest concern he had was the “daily pressure of my concern for all the churches.” His heart was most concerned about the body of Christ. He even cares, on a deeper level, of those who feel weak and those who are led into sin. His questions in verse 29 shows he is taking those things on himself, he is affected, and cares for the body of Christ.
The end of this scripture (verse 30) concludes with Paul saying if he were to boast it would be about his weakness. He didn’t say all those things from verse 23 - 29 to boast about his trials and what he went through but to say that if he were to boast, it would be about his weakness. Paul knew that in his weakness, God’s power shows through in his life. We can do nothing outside of God. Just like the parable of the vine and the branches in John 15:4 ( “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” ) all that we have and do is because of God’s power through us when we are weak.
APPLICATION
In reading what Paul went through, all I can say is any of my trials or turbulations are nothing compared to all he endured. I’m encouraged to know that ultimately Paul gave glory in his weaknesses and trails, knowing that God’s glory can work through those incidents. Through all of the trials and difficulties in life, I can take comfort in knowing that God will carry me through. In my weakness, God is strong. I can do nothing without God’s strength which is perfected when I am weak.
Paul was the new church “pastor,” guiding, loving and caring for the new believers in Christ’s church. He carried a lot and you can see it in this scripture. This reinforces how much a pastor takes on for the church body. In the same way, my heart is heavy for Pastor Levi and Pastor Katie as they carry the burden and responsibility for the body of believers and the ministry at Desert Streams Church. Considering all they have on their shoulders, it brings me to continue in prayer for them, that God would strengthen, encourage and carry them through the burden they have for the church body.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for Paul’s testimony about what he endured. I am so thankful that in my weakness, your strength comes through. Help me to always be strong in you, that I always abide and remain in you, and never do anything outside of your power. I will praise you in my weakness because I trust and know your strength will come through. Lord, please be with Pastor Levi and Pastor Katie as they carry the burden for all that goes on at Desert Streams Church. This is your church and they are doing an amazing job as leaders. I pray you give them your amazing strength and help them through everything in the body of Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.
- Mary Oberg
2 Corinthians 10 - 11.18.24
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10:17-18
17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Observation
In this section of his letter, the Apostle Paul is humbly defending his ministry to the Corinthian church.
Paul did not seek glory for himself. He was trying to prove to the church that what he writes in his letters would translate the same if he was in person with them. I love the statement he gave at the end of this chapter. God is the one who approves us, not men or people.
Application
The good works we do should boast of the Lord’s goodness, not our own. It gives us an “in” to share the Gospel message and even our own testimony, with others.
We do our Good Works not so that we can get a pat on the back or praise from people, but so that God would be glorified through them.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” -Colossians 3:23 NLT
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 NKJV
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” -2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
What kind and/or good deed have you done in the past couple of weeks, that may lead people to want to glorify God? Please share in the comment section so that we can give each other ideas of ways to continue to be on mission for Jesus Christ, in our daily lives. I’ll start. I made time to put together a gift and deliver it to a complete stranger (Starbucks worker) who took care of my daughter when she took the wrong bus. I also gifted one of my piano students some Christmas music that she was really excited about. One of the books also had some Christmas hymns in there, which talk about Jesus.
There are a lot of acts of kindness that we can do in our daily lives, especially during this holiday season. It can point others to the goodness of God and possibly give us an opportunity to share Christ with them and/or invite them to church.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please open up opportunities for all of us to share Your kindness and goodness with others, especially during this holiday season. May we do it not to get approval, recognition or an award from people, but because we desire Your approval alone. Give us your boldness and courage to get out of our comfort zones and be interrupted in our schedules if needed. May our good works boast about You and lead others to glorify You. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
2 Corinthians 7 - 11.15.24
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:4-7 NIV
“I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.”
Observation:
Paul had written a previous letter to the Corinthians sharing his concern for ways they were straying from following God. Some were sinning and in total disobedience. They did repent in verses 12-13 Paul share they were devoted to God and he was encouraged.
Then in Macedonia they were harassed.
Verse 4 stood out to me “in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”
Titus came and was exactly what Paul needed to be encouraged.
Application:
God comforts us when we are hurting.
That comfort can come in the form of people sharing good news or concern for us. We need to be a guide to those God puts in our care. Sometimes there will be trouble and we will have to reprimand.
I want to be sure I don’t push thoughts aside when the Holy Spirit nudges me to speak up.
I can have joy in troubles.
Prayer:
Father God, Thank you for your love and comfort. You care so much for me. Help me speak words of encouragement to others and guide those who need a nudge in the right direction. Thank you that my joy can abound in troubles. I have seen you do this. May I continue to be a light to others as you guide my steps. Amen
- Cindy Howard