QT 6/30/2025 2 Cor 13:1–4, Rebuking sin in the church

2 Corinthians 13:1–4 (ESV) —

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

 

NOTE: Paul had warned individuals on his second visit. And in an sense, the whole church was put on notice regarding certain behaviors that were identified in his first letter. He was now coming a third time, and this third time it will be a public rebuke. He suggests that he is bringing witnesses with him. This time, his visit will be painful for those who are sinning, and those who are tolerating the sin.

 

Paul brings up Jesus who in his humility, allowed himself to be crucified on the cross. But then God, in his awesome power, raised Christ from the dead. Paul has been humble and gentle (like Jesus) before them, but now he will exercise the authority he has as an apostle. Two verses I recall as I consider Paul's strong words.

 

Acts 5:3–5 (ESV) — 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.

 

Hebrews 10:30–31 (ESV) — 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

I'm not suggesting Paul had the power to take life or anything like that. But a judgment from an apostle is indeed a fearful thing. God would carry out the discipline if the person was a believer. And if not a believer, Jesus said "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin." I don't know what that means, but I don't want to be that person. I do know that we have no right to do anything physical, beyond what government laws allow, to those who bring harm to the body of Christ. As God say in Hebrews, "Vengeance is mine." We need to call sin, "sin;" we need to rebuke those in sin; and we need to pray for the individuals in sin to repent and return to God.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I justify certain behaviors that others would call sin? What does God say to me in my heart of hearts?
2. Do I need to rebuke (with careful consideration and prayer) someone who is in continual sin?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is a fearful thing to rebuke a person in sin. I've only done it a few times and I have only experienced myself a couple of times. It has always been hard. For myself, it was good. I'm not sure how others reacted to the rebuke, but God did get a hold of me. The only question I have today is how to react to someone who does not claim to be a Christian yet lives in a way that flaunts his own sin. I pray for wisdom to approach the issue.

QT 6/27/2025 2 Cor 12:16-21, The need for cleansing

2 Corinthians 12:16–21 (ESV) —

16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.

 

NOTE: At times, it does sound as if Paul's lost second letter is intermixed here. Because previously he seemed very satisfied at their response (2 Cor 7:11-15). But now, and in the verses starting in Chapter 10, he seems concerned (again). God's word is true, but it is certainly possible the letters were combined. Ignoring that issue, since it really is a minor point, Paul's words in these verses (especially verse 21) reflect one of the beatitudes.

 

Matthew 5:4 (ESV) — “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

 

It breaks my heart to think of what God sees that I only hear a snippet about in the news. The things that are done to children, that alone is enough to cause great pain, grief, and mourning. How can this world sin so greatly? A child -- Jesus gave a great warning to those who might hurt a child.

 

In these verses, Paul is not talking about sins against children thankfully. The sexual immorality is among adults, but every time I read the word "mourn," I think of God who sees all, and my eyes tear up for the helpless. Paul's mourning was because these sexual sins among adults hurt our lives in ways we cannot even imagine. And that is why he is so sad. Repentance is needed because it begins the process of cleansing and restoration.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I mourn over sin?
2. Do I even care about the sin done by believers and the impact on their lives?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive us. There is still great sins in the church, and even greater sins across my nation. Forgive us. May we repent and return to you. May we desire truth in our inmost beings. Protect us from the temptations of the evil one which are all around us. Have mercy on us.

QT 6/26/2025 2 Cor 12:11–15, Spend and be spent

2 Corinthians 12:11–15 (ESV) —

11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

 

NOTE: Paul is slightly embarrassed at his foolishness in boasting. It is a letter, so he could have thrown it away and started again, and I wonder if he considered it. But, in the end, he decided it would be good thing, and it is a door into Paul's world that most would never know about -- how much it cost him to serve God.

 

Verse 15, another of my favorites, is such a beautiful verse reflecting the heart of a disciple maker. "I will most gladly spent and be spent for your souls." We live in a day and age of spending on ourselves and making choices on the basis of what we get out of it. Life, for the average believer, is not about others but about themselves. Retirement is not seen as an opportunity to trade work for ministry, but an opportunity to enjoy life and relax. I'm sorry, but I disagree. Life is to be lived for others and it is selfishness to always evaluate life choices on the basis of self. Paul said "I will most gladly spend and be spent …." He wasn't saving it up for his retirement. He died in his 60's beheaded by Nero. And you know what? HE DID NOT MISS OUT ON ANYTHING. We are stupid when we trade (give up) ministry for our own pleasures. Do we not believe that heaven is far greater than anything this life has to offer? Do we not believe Jesus' words?

 

Mark 10:29–30 (ESV) — 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

 

Luke 14:33 (ESV) — So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

 

The cost to be Jesus' disciple is great but it has the greatest benefit package in the world.

 

PONDER:

1. If I am honest with myself, who am I really living for, self or God?
2. Am I content, even excited about serving God until the end of my life?
3. Do I believe that I am not missing out on anything when I spend my life for others?

 

PRAYER: Father, what a great reminder. I now live in those retirement years, and I am getting the opportunity to put words into practice. It is not easy, but I am in the middle of your will, and it is a very good thing. Continue to lead and guide. Things may change in time, and I will be open to whatever direction you lead us.

QT 6/25/2025 2 Cor 12:1–10, Content in hardships?

2 Corinthians 12:1–10 (ESV) —

1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

NOTE: It would be pretty hard for me to see that for the sake of Christ, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, etc. Certainly, I am not content when my little world seems to turn upside down. Would it be any different if I got a glimpse of heaven? I'm not sure. I doubt things so easily. I would begin to wonder about my experience especially if I was not sure if it was in body or spirit. And then again, the vision of heaven may be so glorious as such I could not forget, like the song "I can only imagine."

 

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in your presence

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine, yeah

I can only imagine

 

I've asked each of those questions of myself, and concluded I will just fall down on my knees and cry.

 

The third heaven confirms the Jewish usage of heavens. The first heaven is the atmosphere on the earth. The second heaven is the celestial universe. The third heaven is where God's presence abides. It also confirms Jesus trip down to Abraham's bosom (also called paradise), the closing down of the place in Sheol, and the taking its occupants up to heaven. Paradise is now in heaven (the third heaven), Jesus blood has cleansed all to allow man's spirit into heaven.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my contentment level?
2. Does my contentment include the struggles in life of Christ's sake?

 

PRAYER: These are hard questions and I feel weak that I cannot answer them strongly. I need your help to go through the hard times. I thank you for the peace of the last few days. I thank you for the answers to prayer. I thank you for where I am these days. Continue to show grace, mercy, and peace to me, I ask.

QT 6/24/2025 2 Cor 11:28–33, People worries

2 Corinthians 11:28–33 (ESV) —

28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.

 

NOTE: It looks like I got ahead of myself yesterday in stating that Paul struggles with anxieties and worries too. It is a very human thing and even though we have promises from God, that does not take away the fear completely. I did wonder yesterday why Paul was indignant (the Greek word puroo means to burn), and I think it was because he was not accepted at some of the churches, like Corinth, even though he had poured so much of his life into them. Paul was unappreciated and his teaching was being replaced by "super-apostles." He had poured out his life for others, and the enemy was stealing his joy.

 

I don't think there is anything quite as depressive as those you love turning from you or watching them make foolish moves after warning them. It hurts and Paul was hurting. If people could hurt Paul, we should not be surprised when someone hurts us. Don't give up. Try, as Paul was doing, to restore the relationship. And pray positively for the other person.

 

I have found that boasting of the things I do not do well, helps in developing a bond with people. I can't sing and I am forever mixing metaphors. I create words because I can't remember the actual word. I'm poor at telling jokes unless they involve something stupid I did. And so, by doing the opposite of boasting, I find more connection with people.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I been hurt by someone? I need to pray positively for that person
2. Am I depressed because of anxious thoughts and worries? Don't give up, but keep praying and trust that God is at work. He cares. He knows what is best. He promises to bring good out of a situation

 

PRAYER: Father, I can't think of any relationships where someone has a grudge or hurt against me. But I also realize that I may be unaware. I do struggle with anxieties for my family and home at times. I continue to give those things to you. I cast them upon you. I pray as James promised:

 

James 1:17 (ESV) — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

 

Thank you for all the gifts that you give.

QT 6/23/2025 2 Cor 11:22-27, Dealing with worries

2 Corinthians 11:22–27 (ESV) —

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

 

NOTE: It is pretty clear, Paul does not want to share these details, but they have a good purpose. It is not to build him up, but to show that these false apostles have no claims to apostolic authority on the basis of works.

 

Obviously, this is not the prosperity gospel (or health and wealth as some call it). I reject very strongly the false teachers who promote health and wealth as God's promise. What encourages me is to see how many times Paul says "danger," eight times! When you are in danger, it is natural to feel depressed and alone and worried. When you feel safe, you are relaxed, calm, and happy. We all struggle with worries. I have some particular worries that I have been carrying for months now. I have given them over to the Lord, quoting 1 Pet 5:7, Phil 4:6,7 and other verses. And yet, the worry remains.

 

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) — … casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

 

Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) — 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

I believe that God is in charge. I believe God will take care of events in my life. But it is still difficult (and very human) to worry. My days of stoic responses to life are long gone. I do believe that God will help me through danger, and I also struggle with worries. Paul said just as much, "… apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches …." Is it any surprise that Paul calls out,

 

2 Corinthians 11:29 (ESV) — Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?

 

It is okay to struggle in the human flesh. It is important to remind ourselves of God's promises. But, we are not failures if the promises don't seem to take the worries away.

 

PONDER:

1. What are my worries, have I given them to the Lord?
2. Do I struggle with faith, even after giving my worries away? So did Paul, but we don't quit, we continue in trust.

 

PRAYER: Father, there is an answer on the horizon to one of my worries that has been eating away at me for months. It's funny, I want to protect myself from disappointment and yet I also want to rejoice, but I don't know what to do. I will repeat what I know is true. Father, you care for me. You understand my needs. You know what is best. And you are still sovereign. Help me in my unbelief.

QT 6/20/2025 2 Cor 11:16–21, Being open to challenge

2 Corinthians 11:16–21 (ESV) —

16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.

 

NOTE: Paul makes it very clear that boasting is foolishness, but not if it serves a spiritual purpose. In the next paragraphs, Paul will share the things he went through in order to bring the gospel to the Corinthians and to others. His life had not been easy. But he did not share his boastings to make him seem superior to others, but to remind them of the things he rarely shared but the super apostles did share quite often. Paul did not speak of his sufferings because it was not central to the gospel message. The false apostles did speak of their events so as to build up their reputations. Paul does so now (at this point), only for the sake of the Corinthians. Clearly the "super-apostles" could not match Paul's sufferings or God's protection of Paul, but they needed to be aware that their comparisons were wrong, partly because they did not have all the information, partly because comparisons are never wise, and partly because one does not measure apostleship on suffering.

 

There are times we do need to compare teachers to make sure we are not following a false teacher. While character is important, the most important aspect is the actual message -- does it agree with scripture? Does the person's teaching challenge God's word in such a way that requires a less-than-honest assessment of what was being said? Does the person's teaching twist the words or meaning? Is the person's teaching in contradiction with other scripture?

 

PONDER:

1. How is my teaching, is it based on God's word, not what the world thinks is right, but what God says?
2. Do I regularly check my own teaching? Do I allow others to challenge me? Am I gracious in accepting their challenges? And do I follow up on other's challenges, to search the true, plain meaning?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray people would not be afraid to challenge my teaching. I pray I would be gracious. And I pray I would listen and learn, most of all from you. I pray for the all-day prayer on Monday -- refresh me, teach me, encourage me, and change me.

QT 6/19/2025 2 Cor 11:7–15, Beware of false leaders

2 Corinthians 11:7–15 (ESV) —

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

 

NOTE: It is a scary thought that there are false apostles out there. How do you see them? Their reputation shouldn't be based off their long exposure or the control they exercise or their number of friends. I've seen people like that who were crackety, complaining, and slowing down efforts that did not agree with their view of what the church should do. Were they deceitful or just deceived by Satan? Some of these men are held in high honor. But were they loving? Was Jesus changing their life? Were they a positive addition to a meeting? Did they help others to succeed? Did they always have to be at the center of attention? And to repeat, were they kind and gentle? A lot of people who are just religious, are not kind and gentle. They don't love others, they only love being at the center. I may be off in my assessment of certain "saints" I've known in years past. I think what scares me the most, is how do you detect these false prophets?

 

PONDER:

1. Rather than worrying about others' falseness, what about myself? Am I kind, gentle, and loving to every person, regardless of status?
2. Do I show irritation with certain people in the church? Jesus loved them all

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see my own failures in relationships. I don't ever want to think of myself more highly than another brother or sister in Christ. I want to be humble. I want to be joyful. I want to seek the best for others.

QT 6/18/2025 2 Cor 11:1–6, There is so much deception out there today

2 Corinthians 11:1–6 (ESV) —

1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

 

NOTE: The first attack of Satan in human history was questioning the word of God -- what God said, whether he said it, and what he meant by it. His second attack was to place human wisdom and desires ahead of God's plan or better than God's plan, in essence, to make man his own god.

 

There is so much of this happening in our world today. It is very sad. People are following individuals who are deceived themselves. They are not finding what they are looking for, just band aids for hurts. The answers are found in Jesus and in his word. If we do not go to scripture for the answers to life, we are going to the wrong place and will only add misery to our search.

 

The problem is not the church. It is churches that have abandoned the teaching of God's word, substituting man's wisdom (which is really Satan's deception). When we abandon parts of God's word, we are fashioning God in an image that we want to believe in -- we are creating an idol, because that is what idol makers of old did -- they fashioned God into an image that the idol worshipper wanted.

 

What is the answer? We must go to God's word for truth about life, no matter how much it disagrees with culture, God's word is always true.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I ignore part of God's word because it is not fashionable in today's culture?
2. Do I read into God's word to make it what I want it to be? (Thereby creating an idol in the image I believe God is, rather than who God really is, as told in his word)

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for protection from Satan's schemes. The world is being taught lies daily by our media and our so-called elites. They are working against you and we are blind to their schemes and lies. Show us truth. Help us to see truth. Protect us from Satan's evil schemes.

QT 6/17/2025 2 Cor 10:13–18, What is the work God has called you to?

2 Corinthians 10:13–18 (ESV) —

13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. 17 “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.

 

NOTE: I can only do the things God has called me to do. And it is not really boasting, because it is God's work. I can serve in many areas, but for my main ministry, it ought to be where God has assigned me. I came to Christ almost 50 years ago, and nearly all of that time, I have been involved in making disciples. Most of that work was one-on-one, which I do not regret even though I did not see a lot of disciple makers emerge. Lately, I have been involved in small groups of three, called triads, in intentional discipleship relationships. The extra person and  sharing leadership after six weeks has removed the "teacher-student" barrier where others thought they had to be me in order to do what I was doing. Anyone can make disciples. I can boast now that many more people are making disciples in these last 8-9 years, than I ever saw in the previous 40. Like Paul, I am "preaching" in many lands now because of these new disciple makers. But there is nothing to boast about, only something to get excited about. I am nobody, used by God, and unworthy. What can I say to God except thank you for your mercy to me.

 

PONDER:

1. Disciple making is called the great commission. Jesus calls all disciples to make disciples. What are we doing to be obedient to this command?
2. Have we ever seen a person come to Christ through our testimony? Have we ever helped the new born babe in Christ grow into a mature believer who is now also making disciples too?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am in the latter third of my life now. I don't need to work. You have provide all that I need. Help me to see my ministry opportunities. Right now, two precious babies occupy all my time, but I know that is only for a season. Prepare me now for the next stage in two to three years.

QT 6/16/2025 2 Cor 10:7–12, Being different from the world

2 Corinthians 10:7–12 (ESV) —

7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. 8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. 9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” 11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. 12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

 

NOTE: Verse 12 is a good lesson (principle) for living life -- comparisons with people are never good. Two things can happen when you compares yourself to another; one, you see yourself as better, engendering pride, or two, you see yourself as weak, bringing about low self-esteem or a feeling that God cannot use you. A good verse is

 

Romans 12:3 (ESV) — For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

 

Each of us is loved by God supremely (if we have put our faith in Jesus) and are endowed with gifts to be used in the building up of the church, and reaching out into the world. We are all ambassadors for Christ. Peter calls us a royal priesthood. We have been delivered out of darkness into his marvelous light.

 

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) — But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

 

We don't need to be something special because in God's eyes we already are. We just need to do what God calls us to do. Comparisons are not wise! We are servants and priests of the most high. We are immeasurably loved by the most High and members of God's glorious family. Praise God!

 

PONDER:

1. Do we fall into the comparison trap?
2. Do we measure our performance or do we just seek to serve?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for stupid comparisons. Help us to rest in your love and our position in your family as sons and daughters of the King. Speak to us this day. Show us the opportunities you give to serve. Let us seek humility and service. Let us be different from the world.

QT 6/13/2025 2 Cor 10:1–6, Seeing ourselves as we truly are

2 Corinthians 10:1–6 (ESV) —

1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

 

NOTE: Paul says that he "walks in the flesh," meaning that he, like us, struggles with the flesh, and is not perfect. I'm sure there were many accusations against him. No one is perfect; we all fight battles against our sinful flesh. But struggles against the flesh do not disqualify a person from ministry. Surrender to the flesh, I think, can disqualify someone, and even certain overt sins can disqualify the person from particular ministries. The point is to never give up, but to repent, ask for forgiveness, and ask God for help going forward. Over time, it seems we see more sin in our life, but that is only a realization that our mind is weakened, and the things that we justified in the past are actually selfishness. These are real steps toward righteousness, not phoniness. When we understand how much we sin, we are actually moving toward righteousness.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I think I am pretty good? If I do, I have a real sin problem that I am not addressing.
2. Do I see sin in others but not in myself?

 

PRAYER: Lord, this battle seems long and slow with a lot of failures. I pray for the strength to continue. I pray that I would not think of myself higher than I should, but would have a sober account. Give me grace. And then give me mercy for all my failures.

QT 6/12/2025 2 Cor 9:11–15, Giving produces thanksgiving

2 Corinthians 9:11–15 (ESV) —

11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

 

NOTE: When we give to others and to the church, we give, not to get more material things (which is what many prosperity-gospel false prophets teach). We give for two reasons. One, there are spiritual blessings and growth which comes from giving. Two, giving produces thanksgiving to God (vs 11). Are we truly thankful for our salvation? Then we should want to give, not only as an expression of our thankfulness, but to produce thanksgiving to God in others. The idea of God being glorified as a result of our small actions is humbling and exciting. But if that idea doesn't appeal to the you, well, maybe, you have not experienced the life changing transformation of being born-again. Or you have never grown in a deep and abiding relationship with the savior. One cannot help being thankful for experiencing salvation and experiencing a relationship with the savior through his word.

 

PONDER:

1. What really gets me excited?
2. Is my relationship with God one of the things that gets me excited?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the work you have done and are doing in my life. Thank you for these days. Thank you for the rest this summer. Help me to use my time wisely. Help me to give freely and to bring more thanksgiving to you.

QT 6/11/2025 2 Cor 9:6–10, Blessed spiritually through giving

2 Corinthians 9:6–10 (ESV) —

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

 

NOTE: As I reflect on our years of giving, both my wife and I started giving as soon as we came to Christ. It was a natural part of the rebirth. Over the years we grew our giving by always giving more than the growth of our income. There were two occasions when I changed jobs where we needed to dial back our giving for a year, but usually we were above where we had been in less than a year. Spiritually, we grew a lot all those years. We made an impact in the ministries where we served. I credit a lot of that to a spirit of giving -- God blessed. We had to scale back our giving when I retired too, but all of our needs are met and we are increasing our giving once again. We have not given to get rich, but we are rich in every way because we gave sacrificially.

 

PONDER:

1. Where is your giving today?
2. Do you give because you have to or because you want to?

 

PRAYER: Father, you have blessed us in many ways. Some of it has certainly been materially, but most of it has been spiritually. You have given us the blessing of making an impact in the lives of the people around us. And that is the greatest blessing one can have.

QT 6/10/2025 2 Cor 9:1–5, Giving out of joy not requirement

2 Corinthians 9:1–5 (ESV) —

1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

 

NOTE: The idea of a "willing gift" (vs 9:5) is very much a New Covenant idea. In the Old Covenant, the multiple tithes each year were expected. There were normally two tithes a year (each time, ten percent of all grain and all animals you had at the moment) and three tithes every third year (the extra tithe was for a special purpose). Tithing was not giving ten percent year, but on a yearly basis it ranged from 19 to 27 percent of your grain and animals. Today, ten percent seems difficult and it is, when you are already paying 15 percent or more in taxes. But for others, especially the rich, ten percent is nothing. In those cases, the rich could certainly give 20-30 percent and pay 20-30 percent in taxes, and still enjoy a comfortable life. That is why the New Covenant teaching is summed up in 2 Cor 9:7.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) —

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

 

The New Testament does not teach tithing in any form, it teaches giving. We are not under the OT law. And while the "tithe" preceded the law, Abraham gave a one-time gift of ten percent of the proceeds of war to Melchizedek, and that is not anything like the OT law of tithing twice a year. Jesus does mention tithing once or twice but only when he is rebuking the Pharisees for hypocrisy.

 

We give out of joy and cheerfully. We don't give a tithe to hold back money for ourselves. We give as we are able. And God promises to provide. Every year I worked to increase the percentage of income I was giving -- and I always had enough.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I give because I have to or because I love to?
2. Do I use the idea of tithing as a way to hold back my giving and keep more for myself?

 

PRAYER: Father, I realize that these are very personal issues between a person and you. We don't need to perform or meet some percentage. I believe that spiritually a person will grow even more with a good giving program, but there is no law in giving. It should be from the heart and decided in the heart.

QT 6/9/2025 2 Cor 8:20–24, Trusting the leadership

2 Corinthians 8:20–24 (ESV) —

20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.

 

NOTE: Money is a contentious issue in the church. I actually don’t think about it much. I know that there are many unscrupulous individuals who have used ministry to line their pockets and get rich. But, that is never my thought when I hear of some ministry project. Apparently, many people (in the church) assume that there is something deceitful or could be. I just don't think that way, and I really don't believe that deceit would have ever occurred to me in regard to Paul. But Paul goes to great effort to bring along other men to protect the money from any charge of corrupt or unprincipled behavior. I wonder if people truly realize the power of God to change our hearts, or maybe they only follow Jesus intellectually and have not experienced the transforming power of the gospel.

 

There is another aspect of this. I would not want to be the person who stole money from the church that was going to meet the needs of the poor. God will judge that person harshly. One does not want to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I ever think about God's judgement? It is not for the end of times only
2. Am I willing to trust other believers who have been transformed by God, the leaders in the church?

 

PRAYER: Father, I think we are called to trust our leadership. In fact, that is why leaders are held to a higher standard, because they have been entrusted with more. They stand before you, not just men, and that can be a fearful thing. Protect me from the enemy wiles. I don't want to ever bring disgrace to you or the body.

QT 6/6/2025 2 Cor 8:16–19, Wisdom and Prudence

2 Corinthians 8:16–19 (ESV) —

16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.

 

NOTE: We learn a lot about this gift and the precautions taken here. First, the churches appointed representatives to go with the gift. Counting Paul, there were at least eight, and we see their names in Acts 20:4. We also see in Acts, that they did not travel by land but traveled almost entirely by sea. Initially they used coastal craft which traveled about a day and harbored up every night. Later, they secure an ocean going vessel, cutting the time considerably, and taking away Paul's concern of making it to a certain festival period. The avoidance of land routes and the number of men were prudent measures and did not indicate a failure to trust God, but a desire to be wise in the responsibility given to them.

 

We don't know the brother who was famous for his preaching the gospel. I suppose he was a first century Billy Graham. I'm glad that Paul does not mention his name because everything we have and do is through grace. None of us are famous for anything and if we are, it is only by the grace of God. We have no basis for boasting. Rather, we have a responsibility to use our gifts for the kingdom's sake.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I being prudent and shrewd for the kingdom's sake with the riches God has given me?
2. How am I being responsible to use the spiritual gifts God has given me?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the recent opportunities. Help me to be observant to the opportunities that you probably place around me all the time. I want to be faithful to my calling.

QT 6/5/2025 2 Cor 8:6-15, Do the right thing

2 Corinthians 8:6–15 (ESV) —

6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

 

NOTE: Much of these two paragraphs is to remind the Corinthians of an earlier commitment to give to the poor in Jerusalem, and now the need to complete the gift. Paul spends a lot of time with a number of the churches in Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia (Western Turkey) to bring this project to completion and to supply needs in Jerusalem. In the end, although I am sure there were grateful believers in Jerusalem, Paul has to suffer through people probably questioning his motives, his handling of the money, and ultimately being put in Jail after he delivers the money to the Jerusalem church. Later, he might have wonder if it was the right thing. The outcome of an action is not always the best measure of the action. While many negative things happened to Paul, he did get to share the gospel with a group of people, Roman citizens, leaders, military officers, guards, and other high-ranking officials. In essence, he traded 5 years of his life and his subsequent death to reach this group for Christ (He also wrote a group of prison epistles which are timeless and of infinite value).

 

As we evaluate God's will for our life, the highest priority must remain "what is the right thing to do?" As opposed to asking the question, "what might happen to me?" We do the right thing and trust God for the outcome.

 

PONDER:

Am I seeking God's will in some decision? One of the questions needs to be (if not the first question), "What is the right thing to do?"

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the opportunities that you present for service. Sometimes I miss them, but sometimes you make them impossible to miss. Thank you that you continue to use me.

QT 6/4/2025 2 Cor 8:1–5, Giving is an expression of God's Grace

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 (ESV) —

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

 

NOTE: Why does Paul include this in his note to the Corinthians? Well, certainly the Corinthians were a part of the same giving project for the poor in Jerusalem and he wanted to tell them how well it was going. I think we learn something about Paul's view of giving, again the tithe is never mentioned in a positive way in the NT, giving does not have percentages. Yes, some give out of their means (whatever that might mean), but some really give above and beyond their means. Paul's explanation is "God's grace." When we give, we are the visible expression of God's grace in our life. I think a lack of giving shows a lack of grace. Everything I have is really the Lord's. It is not mine, but his. I'm really not giving since he owns it. But if I don't give, then I am being selfish with God's resources.

 

PONDER:

1. What does my giving life look like?
2. Do I give and seek to increase my giving regularly?
3. Or do I only give a certain percentage, and only increase my giving by the percentage of my latest increase in salary?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for the grace you have bestowed on my family and for the understanding of giving that we have. I feel blessed to give, and to be a major part of many missionary and children's lives. Continue to use us in a positive way for the kingdom's sake.