Galatians 2:17-3:9

Are you doing your best? Do you feel like your best is good enough? I tell my kids all the time that all I want them to do at school and in life is to do their best. I think this is decent parenting advice; the problem is that this wisdom does not work when it comes to salvation. If we think our best is going to gain us eternal life, we are clearly wrong because that is exactly what the church in Galatia was trying to do.

Paul uses very strong language to confront those in the church who thought their adherence to the law and good deeds could gain eternal life. He asks them “who has bewitched you?” He wants to know who has essentially cast a spell over them to cause them to miss the truth. He reiterates that the only means of eternal life is what Jesus has already done for us. The only path of salvation is for us to place our faith in Jesus. This is how people like Abraham were saved in the Old Testament and how we are saved today. So, embrace the fact your best is not good enough, and praise God Jesus’ best was enough to achieve what we could not. Let us rest in the work of Jesus, live a life of gratitude and praise, and live as a response to our salvation, not as a means of earning it.

Father God, thank you for what Jesus did for me. Thank you that through his perfect life, death and resurrection, salvation is available to me. Help me to live in response to what Christ has already accomplished for me. Amen. 

What difference does it make in your life when you live not to earn God’s love and salvation, but as a response to what Jesus has already done for you?

Galatians 2:1-16

As we read through Galatians, Paul builds our understanding of the gospel. He wanted the church to understand that grace is central to the gospel. The gospel and our salvation are not acquired by our capabilities but given by grace through the gracious work of Jesus. So, why is it we struggle with the concept of grace so much?

Paul begins Galatians by narrating his autobiography and focuses heavily on moments where he had to stand for the truth that all people from all ethnicities are born again by grace through faith in Jesus. There were many within the early church who thought someone had to come to faith in Christ while also following old covenant laws. This led some people to being circumcised and even Peter to abstain from eating with Gentiles. Yet these ideas were a scandal to the grace found in the gospel. These false ideas diminished the gospel, the finished work of Jesus, and our salvation. It elevated what people had to do to be saved and minimized what Jesus did. Anything that takes the spotlight off grace needs to be opposed and eradicated. Grace distractors manifest themselves in different ways in our culture, but Satan is still trying to take our eyes off Jesus and put them on ourselves. Therefore, we need to listen to Paul and his warning to the Galatians by making sure the true gospel is the foundation for every aspect of our lives. We are saved by grace and need to live with grace overflowing out of our lives.

Father God, help me to always remember your grace. Amen. 

Where do you forget the bedrock principle of grace in your life?

Galatians 1:1-24

If we do not understand the gospel accurately, then we cannot get anything else right. If we misunderstand it or stray away from it, then we fail to have a solid foundation for our lives. Paul writes to the Galatians to ensure they are living rooted in and built upon the gospel. The simple gospel is the truth that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and by placing our faith in him, we can have eternal life. This was not only critical for the church back then, but for us as well. We live in a world that is always trying to push away from the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. It might try to push us towards thinking we can save ourselves through good works or that our own happiness and personal autonomy is where life is found. Regardless of what direction we are being pushed in by the world, Satan, and our flesh, it is vital that we keep Jesus as our foundation. The truth of God and his character is the only firm rock upon which our lives can be built.

Therefore, we must know the truth of the gospel and never be moved from it. We must always remember who God is —the one and only Triune God—and that salvation is found in the finished work of Jesus through his death and resurrection. He is the one for whom we are to live, because he alone is the one who gives us life.

Father God, help me to stay rooted in you. Help me to not look to anyone or anything else to give me the life that only you can give. Amen. 

What alternative gospels do you see our world offering people? How are you tempted by these false gospels?

2 Corinthians 13:1-14

How do you feel about going to the doctor? Do you approach your appointments with great trepidation about what they might find? How would you feel about undergoing a spiritual examination? Would that make you nervous? Well, that is exactly what Paul asks us to do. Paul ended his letter by asking the church to examine themselves. He was writing to a diverse audience and wants to make sure that they are “in the faith.” Though we are saved by grace through faith, there should be fruit or evidence of that salvation in our lives. Paul does not clearly outline in these verses what the examination should exactly look like or what specific fruit we should hope to find, but it seems from the letter that it is obedience to all Paul has written. There cannot be consistent rejection of God’s commands in the lives of a believer. We will never reach perfection this side of heaven, but obedience should be the heartbeat of a believer. Is this true of your life? Can you see how God has matured you over time and how you are obeying now more than you have in the past?

As you think back through 1 and 2 Corinthians, are there any areas where your life is glaringly not matching up to what God has called for? If so, confess it, and turn from it to walk in obedience to the commands of God. When you obey, you will have the added assurance and joy that will come from passing your exam.

Father God, thank you for the assurance, joy, and peace you give to me through your Spirit. Help me to walk in obedience to your ways. Amen. 

How can you experience more assurance in your salvation?

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Impressive people called “super-apostles” had invaded the church in Corinth. These people probably looked great, were well-spoken, and had an aura of leadership that surrounded them. The problem is their hearts were far from God. They looked like Saul, the first king of Israel, who was a head taller than everyone else, and thus impressive on the outside, the problem was their hearts were also like Saul’s—far from God. These “super-apostles” made ministry about themselves rather than about the glory of God and making disciples. The Bible constantly warns us about wolves in sheep’s clothing, false prophets, and liars in our midst. Whether we are in church, our neighborhoods, or workplaces, we need to be on guard against those who might try to lead us astray. Further, we need to ensure that we are cultivating God’s heart. Paul said his desire was for strong relationships with the church and is willing to “spend for you everything” to make this happen. He also says in Philippians 2 that he poured out his life like a drink offering on behalf of others. He saw his life not as his own but as God’s instrument to be used for his glory.

We are called to be disciples who make disciples and must remain tethered to this no matter what others around us might be doing. So let us stay focused on Jesus, stay living for God’s glory, and spend our lives on behalf of others rather than ourselves.

Father God, keep me focused on you. Help me to stay committed to you, your glory, and the mission you have given to me. Amen. 

How can you remember that life is not about you but to be used on behalf of others?

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Why does God allow hard things into our lives? On 9/11 it is hard not to reflect on the terrorist attack that happened so many years ago and the senseless loss of lives. We may struggle to make sense of situations like this and wonder why God did not intervene. I imagine Paul probably wrestled with this very same question.

God allowed Paul to experience unparalleled things like speaking to the resurrected Jesus, performing miracles, and seeing massive numbers of people come to faith in Christ. He also allowed Paul to experience a “thorn in [the] flesh.” Along with the majestic, he allowed the difficult into his life as well. Paul prayed for it to be taken away, but God chose not to answer his prayer in the way he wanted. It is not hard to envision Paul asking the question "why?" At least in Paul's case, the “thorn” remained so Paul would stay humble and recognize God’s grace and power were evident in all circumstances. In fact, it is when we are weakest that we are most reliant upon God’s power. In our own lives, God allows difficulties, hurts, and thorns so we can experience more of him. God wants us to learn to live with absolute reliance upon him. Our own strength is weakness, while God’s strength is the source of true power. So, let us rely on God, trust in him, and experience his power working in and through us whether in peaceful gardens or wandering through thorns.

Father God, help me to trust that you are using all circumstances to conform me into the likeness of your Son. Amen. 

How have you seen God use difficulties to move you towards greater reliance on God?

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

How do you know whether you can trust someone? How do you know whether someone is a messenger of God or using God for their own selfish ends? Paul tries to show the church in Corinth that he is a trustworthy messenger of God and does it through bragging. We may find it shocking that Paul will talk about his accomplishments in this way, but ultimately, he is doing it so that people will be able to recognize that he is a true teacher and apostle of Christ. In contrast, how often do we boast to draw attention to ourselves? It might be innocent enough, for example: “I was so nice to that cashier even though she was rude". We can boast about spiritual things like how many days in a row we have read the Bible. There is nothing inherently wrong with noticing our accomplishments, except when we want to draw attention to ourselves more than God. Whenever we take the spotlight off God and put it on ourselves, we have gone astray. As followers of Christ everything we do and accomplish should point to Christ and his love for us. So, if we boast, let us boast in Christ and point people to him, not ourselves. We should want people to know how amazing he is and that we are simply being faithful to his calling in our lives.

Father God, thank you for loving me the way you do. Help me to do everything to point others to you. Amen. 

What would it look like for you to boast in a way that puts the spotlight on Jesus?

2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Is it ever good to be jealous? It may seem strange, but we are told that God is a jealous God. Twice in Exodus God tells Israel that he is a jealous God because they are to be a people for him alone. He is jealous whenever they give themselves to false gods or worship something other than him. If God is jealous, is there ever a positive aspect to us being jealous?

Normally jealousy is a bad thing. It can manifest itself in a covetous spirit and the desire to be like someone else. It manifests in a lack of contentment that eats away at our joy. Yet in 2 Corinthians 11, jealousy is used in a positive sense. Paul says he is jealous for the church in a way that reflects God’s jealousy for them. This type of jealousy is the recognition that only within a certain relationship (between us and God) is satisfaction and purpose found. God wants the church to be completely devoted to him. This jealousy manifests itself in guarding the church against deception and lies. Paul wants nothing to enter their relationship with God that should not be there. People cheat on their spouses sexually, but we cheat on God anytime we believe a lie and act in sin. We need to be singularly devoted to God and committed to him alone. This “godly jealous” should be evident in our own heart for God and our desire for others to know him as well, because he alone is worthy of our worship, devotion, and our lives.

Father God, help me to be committed to you alone. Amen. 

Is your heart currently divided between a devotion to God and something else?

2 Corinthians 10:1-18

How would you feel if someone said you were gentle and meek? Paul uses these descriptions of himself with Jesus being the ultimate model of these characteristics. The world may not value these attributes, but we need to be more concerned with what God thinks than what the world does. It is so easy to think like the world without even realizing it. Paul was concerned that many within the church of Corinth had begun to do this very thing. He said that they “live by the standards of this world” (2 Cor.10:2). In our day, this would mean accepting anything as okay if it does not seem to hurt anyone, living with our personal happiness as the highest goal, elevating our feelings as truth, and justifying the means if we get the end we want. In clear contrast to the ways of the world is the path of God.

It will take great intentionality and thoughtfulness to think the thoughts of God. Paul says that this will involve taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). There is a swirl of ideas that surround us, and we must take everyone and consider whether it is of God or of the world. Then we need to cling to the truth of God and throw away everything that is against him. This is hard work, in fact it seems exhausting, but this is the path to experiencing the way of God. In knowing and living the truth, we will experience true freedom.

Father God, help me to think your thoughts. Help me to know the truth and walk in it. Amen. 

What lies have you absorbed from our culture that you need to confront with God’s truth?

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Generosity. Most of us would probably claim that we are generous, I mean, who wants to acknowledge that they are tight-fisted and selfish. But are we generous in the way God calls us to be?

As Paul highlights the value of generosity, he gives us several principles that should be evident in the way we give. First, we should be eager to give (v.2). The abundance of what God has given to us should be overflowing into the lives of others. Second, we should give freely, not grudgingly or out of obligation (v.5-7). Giving should be a joyful experience. We should be excited by the opportunity to meet the needs of others and should reflect on the fact that God loves a cheerful giver. Third, we give as an act of faith (v.8-11). From a worldly perspective, it may seem safer to hoard rather than give, but if God is the one who provides all good things, then we can share with others. We can trust God will continue to be faithful to meet our needs, so we do not have to rely on ourselves. As verse 10 describes, God is the one who gives seed and bread to all people. Finally, we give to bring God glory (v.12-13). We are not giving to draw attention to our philanthropy, but spotlight God's goodness, grace, and love. Generosity becomes an opportunity for evangelism and to see people respond in thanks and praise to God. So let us give eagerly, freely, faithfully, and for God's glory.

Father God, help me to recognize all that you have given to me and respond with generosity towards others. Amen. 

How can you better shape your giving around the four principles described in 2 Corinthians 9?

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

When is the last time you got a heartfelt letter in the mail? It may have been a long time. Regardless, what is better than a letter, a FaceTime conversation, or a phone call, is an in person visit. It feels wonderful to receive the written correspondence, but it is even more amazing to meet with someone in person. As Paul writes the letter to the church in Corinth, he wants to let them know Titus and two unnamed fellow believers will be coming to show love firsthand. As great as a letter is, Paul understands that people and relationships are more important than a piece of paper.

This reminds us of the critical role relationships play in our lives. We cannot grow spiritually without other people. The New Testament is filled with "one another" commands that illustrate the integral place that people play in our lives. Amid busy lives we must be intentional to love people and do so by spending time with them. So, when you write up your schedule for the next week, where can you make room for some time with people? With whom will you spend time and how can you encourage them when you meet?

Father God, thank you for the people you have placed in my life. Help me to love them well as an overflow of the way you have loved me. Amen. 

Who is someone with whom you can meet this week as an expression of your love for them?

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Grace. Often, we relegate this word to simply God's forgiveness of our sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus, but it is a far bigger reality than that. Grace encompasses every good thing which God puts in our lives. So, it includes spiritual realities like forgiveness and salvation, but it also includes physical things like food, money, etc. Are you aware of the full extent of God’s grace in your life? James tells us that every good and perfect gift in our lives comes from God. Think how long the list would be if we started to count the acts of God’s grace.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul focuses on God’s grace concerning money and the material blessings which God brings into our lives. He wants the church to see the extent of God’s grace, so they, in turn, can pour grace on others. This theme of God giving to us so we can give to others has been a repeated theme in Paul’s letters (see 2 Cor. 1:4). As we see the astounding magnitude of God's work in our lives, we should live with service, grace, and generosity. When we see a need, we should seek to meet the need, if we are able. When we see an opportunity to serve, we should serve, if we are able. God gives to us, so we can give to others. We are to be a waterfall of grace which pours out God’s work in our lives onto others. We have a generous God, so we are to be his generous children.

Father God, thank you for your continual grace in my life. Help me to use all you have given to me for the good of others and for your glory. Amen. 

How have you seen God's grace at work in your life in the last week? How can you use this grace to benefit others?

2 Corinthians 7:8-16

Truth can cut like a knife. When we speak hard truth into someone’s life, it may feel like we are wounding them. This feeling may then cause us to fail to speak when we should. Paul leads us in this discussion in 2 Corinthians 7:8-16. He wants us to know that we need to be people who speak truth into the lives of those who are lost, hurting, and wandering from God.

The primary issue in which the church of Corinth had failed to speak truth was sexual sin. In 1 Corinthians we learned about unaddressed sin that was even celebrated rather than confronted. We may have these same issues in our lives or in our church. We do not want to hurt someone’s feelings, so we say nothing. Paul points out that truth is a necessary step in our maturity. Confrontation can lead to repentance and experiencing the fullness of our salvation. When Paul spoke truth the church’s initial response was sorrow and his own feelings were clouded by regret, but a long-range perspective showed him it was worth it. He has seen how the church responded in obedience, how they grew in maturity, and how they proved their devotion to God. May we be vessels who speak truth into the lives of others and when confronted, may we humbly respond with confession, repentance, and a renewed walk with God.

Father God, help me to be used by you to speak truth into the lives of others. Help me to do this in humility and out of a life that seeks to follow you. Amen. 

What keeps you from speaking truth into the lives of others? What keeps you from being aware of the full extent of sin in your own life?

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7

The Bible is filled with images that were relevant to the original audience but seem foreign to us. Paul (and Jesus and many in the Old Testament) use the image of being “yoked together” with others. Animals were yoked together to help a farmer plow his land. For this to work effectively, both animals had to be similar; thus, Deuteronomy commanded Israel to not yoke an oxen and donkey together. In the same way Paul tells us that we are only to be yoked together with people who are spiritually like us.

Those we spend time with will powerfully affect our lives. If you have kids, you are highly aware of the effect their friends have on them, but when we grow up, we are still affected the same way. This principle applies to covenant relationships like marriage, potentially some business partnerships, etc. So, we must be cautious, prayerful, and intentional about those we choose to surround ourselves. This does not mean we wall ourselves off from unbelievers, but rather we share Christ with those far from him, befriend them, love them, support them, and encourage them. But we only yoke ourselves to other believers. Our closest relationships need to be people who will point us to Christ and support us in our walk with him. We need to make sure that we have relationships which sharpen us and “purify” us, while supporting us to be disciples who make disciples.

Father God, help me to have relationships centered around you while I seek to make you known to those who are far from you. Amen. 

What have you seen to be the consequences of yoking yourself with those far from God?

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Carpe Diem. If you know one Latin phrase this is probably it. Its meaning is to seize the day and is exemplified in 2 Corinthians 6. Twice Paul says that it is the “day of salvation.” That today is the day to decide for Christ. There is no room for putting him off or delaying our faith, instead we are to choose to live for him today.

Paul’s life exemplified an urgency to make Christ known and to call people to faith. He lived every day seeking to glorify God and communicate the majesty of his grace. Sadly, we are prone to procrastinate and put off the things we should do today. This may be true for things like cleaning and dieting, but it is also true for spiritual activities. We can put off our Bible reading until later in the day and it ends up not happening at all. We can excuse a Sunday morning church absence, because we were out late on Saturday night. We can excuse obedience by minimizing the sin or comparing ourselves to others. Yet Paul says to make those decisions today. Do not put off what you can do right now. Choose today to conform all areas of your life to the will and character of Christ because today is the “day of salvation.” Further, this means not only choosing to live for Christ ourselves but also making him known to others everywhere we go.

Father God, help me to choose you in all areas of my life today. Help me to follow you, love you, and obey you. Help me to always conform my life to you and make your greatness known to others. Amen. 

What area do you need to stop pushing off obedience and make today the day you choose to conform your life to Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

It is an impressive honor to be chosen as an ambassador to another country. The truth in 2 Corinthians 5 is that all Christians are ambassadors. We all represent one kingdom in the territory of another. We are to represent God as citizens of his kingdom but do it in the kingdom of this world. There may be times where this creates a tension in our lives, but our ultimate identity is meant to compel us forward.

One of the things which should lead to the effective work of an ambassador is knowing we are loved by God. Christ died for us to definitively prove that we are loved. This sacrificial love calls us to “no longer live for [our]selves” but his glory. Further, we are a new creation in Christ. We have been made new and no longer need to live as we once did. We can live out of the freedom that Christ has given to us. Finally, we have been reconciled to God. We are united with him, citizens of his kingdom, and part of his family. We have been converted from enemies of God to those closest to him. What a gift! An understanding of our identity should give us peace, comfort, joy, and compel us to living as the ambassadors we are. We can rest in the certainty of our identity as citizens of God's kingdom (2 Cor.5:13). Our ultimate home is not here but in the new earth which Christ will bring, so live with this truth in mind.

Father God, help me to clearly represent your kingdom's values in my words and actions, and as your ambassador today. Amen. 

What are the values of God's kingdom and how can you represent those well this week?

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

Where is your home? If you were asked this question, you might give your address, the city, the state or potentially just the country you live in, depending upon who is asking. Paul wants to give us the ultimate answer to this question in our reading today. He wants us to see that our final, eternal residence is to live with Christ in glorified bodies. We will live on Earth for a few decades, but we will live with Christ in glory on a new earth for eternity. This understanding of our true home should determine the way we live. Since we believe our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, we are called to "speak" and share Christ with others, regardless of the cost or awkwardness that may ensue. We should delight in sharing with others the hope we have of eternal life and invite them to join us. Since we believe, we should speak.

Our final home should not only determine the way we speak, but also what we view. We are to "fix our eyes" on Christ and our eternal home, rather than obsess over the here and now. Our attention should be on things that ultimately matter, rather than the petty concerns that so often consume our lives. Our home is with Christ, our family is God's family, and our lives should reflect these realities in all we do.

Father God, thank you that my eternity with you is secure. Help me to live for eternity, instead of toiling for momentary things. Help me to please you with all I do. Amen.

How should knowing your ultimate home be reflected in your life today?

2 Corinthians 4:1-12

Commercials try to show off the best of a product. They don’t describe how it will soon be obsolete, how it will break after a few uses, or how it is simply a mediocre product. They try to hide reality to sell a product. Paul wants us to make sure that we do not present Jesus like these lying commercials.

This passage calls us to present Jesus accurately and completely and not use deception. Paul wants us to openly announce our belief in Jesus and the Bible. We do not have to make up stories or make the gospel seem more amazing than it is, because there is absolutely nothing greater than it. Even if people do not see it like us, we are comforted by the fact Jesus is always with us, even in the hard times when everything is collapsing. If God is for us, then what is stopping us from proclaiming from the hilltops God’s glory and wonder? The passage closes by saying God has control over life and death, again reminding us he is always right beside us in turmoil and pushing us to share God’s word in all ways.

The last sentence is critical to finish off the theme in the passage. It states that our goal is not to achieve in this Earth ruled by the devil, but in God our Father’s kingdom in heaven. We should not conform to the pattern and lives around us; instead we should stand up and step out as ministers of the gospel wherever we find ourselves.

Father God, help me to be a disciple for you, even when it is overwhelming and the odds seem overpowering. Help me not to focus on temporal things, but focus on things that matter for eternity. Amen. 

Who does God want you to share his gospel with today?

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Throughout history God has revealed himself in clearer ways over time. This concept is called progressive revelation. God never contradicts what came before, but especially through Jesus, God revealed himself in a fuller, more complete way than he had previously done. This means if we have Jesus there is nothing else we need to look for or pursue. In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul contrasts the superiority of Christ and his new covenant with the Mosaic covenant. Jesus’ ministry is superior because he brought freedom. Through the finished work of Christ and the continuing work of the Spirit we can now walk in holiness, righteousness, and obedience to God’s ways. Jesus’ ministry is also superior because he provides confidence to us. Based on the completed work of Jesus, we can have assurance that we have eternal life. Finally, Christ’s work is superior because he is actively conforming us into his likeness and glory. We are being transformed through his power and work.

As we consider what Christ offers, it should lead us to prioritize him above everything else. He alone offers us what we need for life now and for all eternity. So, the temptations of living for money, fleeting pleasure, power, or anything other than Jesus should be cast aside for the superior life, now and for eternity, that God makes available to us.

Father God, thank you for the work of Jesus in my life. Thank you that he has gifted me the Spirit, freedom, and life. Amen. 

How can you learn to walk more effectively in the freedom that Christ has made available to you?

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Are you smelly? No, I am not talking about needing to take a shower, but rather our need to smell like Jesus. When people get a whiff of us are they repulsed, or do they smell the fragrance of Christ. Paul stated that during his travels, he was used by God to "spread the aroma of the knowledge of him (Jesus) everywhere" (2 Cor. 2:14). Wherever Paul went, people could smell Jesus on him. For some this smell was sweet and beautiful as they responded to Jesus as Lord and Savior, but to others it smelled like death. How could the same smell seem so different?

I do not like cheese, so the smell of cheese is disgusting to me. Yet to most people, and probably to you, the smell of cheese is delightful. To those who love cheese, it is a wonderful smell, and to those with a more refined sense of smell, like me, it is gross. The same is true with Jesus. When we love him, we will love the smell of him, but for those who reject him it is a smell of judgment, punishment, and death. So let us choose to smell like Jesus no matter the response of others. Let us be smelly!

Father God, use me to make Christ known wherever I go. Help me to live like Jesus and be the aroma of him to the world. Amen. 

Question: What can you do to make the smell of Christ more evident on your life?

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11

How dependable are you? Are you the type of person that makes plans but does not follow through? Do you find yourself saying, “Yes, yes” and “No, no” in the same breath? Or are you the kind of person who reflects the character of God in being faithful, consistent, and trustworthy?

As God’s children we represent Christ through our words and our actions. Paul understood that the way he lived reflected on the character of God. Similarly, we need to share the message of Christ verbally, but we also need to ensure that our lives are sharing him as well. Paul said his life had been marked by "integrity and godly sincerity." There was no hypocrisy, lies, deception, or pervasive sin which had infiltrated his ministry. This is to be our lifestyle as well. We are to be a people who are examples of Christ everywhere we go. Our world is filled with people who do one thing while saying another, but that must not be who we are. As his children God anointed us, put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, and made us firm in Christ. Thankfully God never lies so we can know our salvation is secure. The faithfulness and trustworthy nature of our Father should be emulated in our lives as well. So, let us show him through our lives and through our words.

Father God, help me to faithfully represent you in words and actions. Help me to allow your life to flow out of me today, and make you known in all I do. Amen. 

Why does hypocrisy so easily find its way into our lives? How can you guard against this?

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

No one likes a ball hog. These people keep the ball to themselves in team sports and fail to share with others. I have watched enough basketball games to know these ball hogs just slow down the game and no one wants to play with them. Sadly, in the same way we can potentially be spiritual ball hogs. We can keep all of God’s gifts to ourselves and inevitably no one will want to be around us. So how can we stay away from this ball hog perspective?

We need to recognize that God showers gifts upon us not so we can enjoy them by ourselves, but so we can pass them on to others. Kirk Franklin, a Gospel musician, wrote a song that says, “Bless me, bless me, God not just for me, but so everyone around me can have everything they need.” This seems to reflect how Paul begins his second letter to the church in Corinth. Paul says the church has been blessed with comfort. God is pouring his comfort into their lives in the midst of difficult circumstances. He is meeting their needs, not by transforming their circumstances, but by changing their hearts. Yet God works in their lives, not just for their own comfort, but so they can comfort others. God never gives to us as an end, but instead to be a channel who passes his grace, compassion, and blessings upon others.

Father God, thank you for the comfort and compassion I continually receive from you. Help me not to keep these gifts to myself, but pass them on to others. Amen. 

Where have you experienced God’s comfort in your life? How can you intentionally comfort others out of this experience?

1 Corinthians 16:1-24

People who have experienced the generosity of God should be generous people. When we recognize all the good gifts which God has bestowed upon us, how can we not extend those gifts to others? Paul ends his letter by pointing the church and us to the reality of generous living.

One aspect of generosity is our finances. Paul had previously called the church in Galatia and now the church of Corinth to regularly set aside money so they can give to those in need. Giving is meant to be planned, consistent, and proportional to what we have. Is this true of your giving? Are you giving regularly, consistently, in a planned way, and based on how much you have?

Another aspect of generosity is our love. We are to be people who like Paul love well. As recipients of the radical love of God we are to be continually pouring out this love on others. We are to see those with needs around us and do everything we can to respond. Sometimes this is financial, but often it is with a listening ear, sacrificing time, or meeting tangible needs. Yet, because we are loved by God, we are to “do everything in love.” So, whether with our love, our time, our possessions, or our money, let us be people who are extravagantly generous with all that God has given to us.

Father God, make me generous. Help me to reflect your generosity with others so that they can see your love and character through me. Amen. 

How can you more intentionally express generosity in a way that points people to God?

1 Corinthians 15:29-58

Does Jesus’ resurrection ever seem like a fantasy? Does it seem too good to be true? Even more so does the idea that you will one day be resurrected and glorified seem too fantastic to embrace? As Paul continues speaking of the resurrection of Jesus, he wants us to understand that it is both true and beautiful. It is the bedrock of our faith, and if it did not happen, then it is meaningless and worthless to be a Christian.

Paul was so certain of Jesus’ resurrection that he was willing to die for his faith. He was willing to surrender his life now because he knew that eternal life awaited him. Since he would be resurrected like Christ, he was motivated to push through suffering, persecution, and hardship to follow Christ. He was willing to “endanger” himself and “die every day” because he knew what was to come. He could endure suffering because paradise was waiting. He could also reject temptation and fleeting pleasures, because he knew that greater things were in store. This forwardlooking perspective comes because Jesus truly had risen and will take those who are his with him. So, as we consider Christ’s resurrection, we see that Christ’s story becomes ours. Where he is, we will be. So, stand firm in God’s ways and persevere in obedience because what Christ offers is greater than anything this world can give.

Father God, thanks that you Jesus died and rose from the dead for me. Help me to have eyes to see and a mind to understand what awaits me in eternity and live out of this perspective. Amen. 

How should your future resurrection lead you to obedience and transformed living today?

1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Since our mission is to be disciples who make disciples, it is critical that we know how to engage in spiritual conversations. As we move discussions from unimportant things to issues of the heart and then ultimately turn the conversations to things of eternal significance, we need to know what we are trying to tell people. Paul helps us understand in 1 Corinthians 15 what is of “first importance” to talk about.

Paul says that which is of "first importance: [is] that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared..."(I Cor. 15:3-5a). These ideas are not just wishful thinking or myths but based on history and reality. We can know Christ died, because he was buried. We can know Christ was raised, because he appeared to multiple people over a period of forty days. By believing the gospel we are not believing in a fairy tale, but instead we are trusting in that which is verifiable and true. Therefore, let us have confidence in the gospel and confidently share it with others as well.

As we talk to people this week, intentionally consider how you can turn the conversations to spiritual things and then how to turn the conversation to Jesus. We can talk about so many things, but the goal of every conversation should be to connect it with Jesus and what he has done for us.

Father God, thank you for the certainty I have in believing in Jesus' death and resurrection. Amen. 

What keeps you from talking about Jesus more often?