Bible Chapter: II Corinthians 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Comfort. That is something we all need periodically. We love it when we receive it. The picture of this comfort is one standing beside another. I can picture someone holding up the one who is hurting. Paul talked about those who suffer who then can help others in their times of grief. Those who have experienced loss can feel and help others in an effective way. The Christian life will include suffering. Paul said that there were times they thought they were going through things beyond their ability to endure, even to feel the sentence of death. But, God carried them through. God is faithful. They were then able to help others through their times of trial.
Verse 12 jumped out to me. They had conducted themselves in their ministry in holiness and sincerity. The did not follow worldly wisdom. They were showing that they understood the importance of living a holy life and rejecting in influence and standards of the world. These actions are necessary to make it in the work of the ministry.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I think of Biblical application I continue to think of verse 12. I must life a holy life. How is that defined? Simply, I think it means that I strive to live according to the foundational principles of the Bible and seek to follow a Christlike life. The question “What would Jesus do?” must be asked and answered sincerely. It cannot be manipulated to try to provide the answer I want it to say to allow it to feed my fleshly desires. I must separate the world view of the Bible and the worldly system. I must strive to discover the standards of righteousness that define God. The more I get that right, the closer I will get to the Savior. The closer I get the more I will be able to live the life God planned for me.
3. How can I help someone?
I think of the part of this chapter that talks about comfort. The comfort that the world offers is generally quite pathetic. The world talks about making sense of horrible situations. They say that counselors and comforters need to make sense of the situation. Sin doesn’t make sense. God’s comfort carries us through the trials of life (in spite of the craziness of sin and destruction) and gives an inner strength that doesn’t make sense to those who don’t know the Lord. People in times of trial need the comfort that comes from the Lord. I need to point them to that source, to HIM.
Bible Book: II Corinthians
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: Paul
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Greeting and Opening Blessing (1:1-2)
Paul’s Explanation of His Actions and Ministry (for the Sake of the Loyal Majority, 1:3-7:16)
Praise and Thanksgiving for God’s Comfort Through Suffering (1:3-11)
Explanation and Motives for His Change in Travel Plans (1:12-2:4)
Discipline and Forgiveness for the Offender (2:5-11)
Direction and Triumph in Ministry (2:12-17)
Clarification Concerning the Character of His Ministry (3:1-6:10)
New Covenant Glory (3:1-18)
Openness and Truth (4:1-6)
Personal Suffering (4:7-5:10)
Compassionate Dedication (5:11-6:10)
Sincere Appeal to and Love for the Corinthians (6:11-7:16)
The Offering for Christians in Jerusalem (8:1-9:15)
An Example of and a Challenge for Christian Generosity (8:1-15)
The Mission of Titus and the Need for Readiness (8:16-9:5)
The Response and Results of Generosity (9:6-15)
Paul’s Defense of His Authority (to the Rebellious Minority, 10:1-13:10)
An Answer to Challenges and the Measure of His Ministry (10:1-18)
A Reluctant Self-Defense of His Apostleship (11:1-12:13)
Justifying His Ministry in Corinth (11:1-15)
Affirming His Rights as a True Apostle (11:16-12:13)
An Upcoming Third Visit Mentioned as a Warning (12:14-13:10)
Promise and Concern (12:14-21)
Warning and Expectation (13:1-10)
Conclusion and Final Blessing (13:11-14)
Theme: Glory Through Suffering
Date of Writing: A.D. 55/56
Purpose
Paul wrote this letter to address three categories of people involved in the church at Corinth. (1) First, he wanted to encourage the majority who had remained faithful to him as their spiritual father (i.e., the leader who originally introduced them to faith in Christ and helped establish their church). (2) He wanted to challenge and expose the false leaders and messengers who continued to speak against him personally, trying to undermine his leadership and authority and to change his message. (3) He wanted to warn and firmly address the minority in the church who were being influenced by Paul’s opponents and resisting his authority and correction. Paul defended the integrity of his ministry and reaffirmed his authority as a pioneer leader of the Corinthian church. He also clarified his motives of love and concern for the Corinthians and warned them against further rebellion. 2 Corinthians served to prepare the church as a whole for his future visit.
Survey
2 Corinthians has three main divisions. (1) In the first section (chs. 1-7), Paul begins by thanking God for giving him peace and comfort as he suffered for the sake of Christ and his message. He then defends the reasons for changing his travel plans for his next visit, and he commends the Corinthians for how they disciplined a spiritual offender. In the next section (3:1-6:10), Paul shares the most extensive insight in the NT on the true character of Christian ministry. He goes on in the third section to stress the importance of separation from worldly beliefs, behaviors and lifestyles (6:11-7:1). He then expresses joy in learning from Titus (a younger ministry assistant whom Paul had mentored) that many in the church who had previously rebelled against Paul’s authority (ch. 7) had experienced a genuine change of heart.
(2) In chs. 8 and 9, Paul encourages the Corinthians to match the wholehearted generosity of the Macedonian Christians who had contributed to the offering he was raising for the distressed Christians at Jerusalem.
(3) The tone of the letter changes in chs. 10-13. Here Paul defends his apostleship (his God-given authority to deliver Christ’s original message and to lead the effort of establishing his church). He begins by describing his initial commissioning by Christ himself, his spiritual qualifications and his sufferings as a true messenger of God. By presenting this defense, Paul hopes the Corinthians will be able to compare and, thus, identify the false messengers among them and be spared from further discipline when he arrives again in person. Paul concludes 2 Corinthians with the only benediction (i.e., closing blessing) in the NT addressing all three persons in the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit (13:14; see article on The attributes of God, and Mk 1:11, note, for a brief explanation of the Trinity—the one true God in three distinct, interrelated and unified persons).
Special Features
Four major features characterize this letter. (1) It is the most autobiographical of all Paul’s letters (i.e., he writes and reveals more about his own background, situation and perspective). His many personal references are made with open and transparent humility, sincere apology and even embarrassment at the need to defend himself. But this tone was understandable and necessary because of the situation at Corinth. (2) It goes beyond all of Paul’s other NT letters in revealing the deep love and concern he felt for his spiritual children (i.e., those he introduced to faith in Christ and mentored spiritually). (3) It contains the NT’s most-developed teaching about Christian suffering (1:3-11; 4:7-18; 6:3-10; 11:23-30; 12:1-10; see article on The suffering of the righteous) and about Christian giving (chs. 8-9). (4) Key terms, such as weakness, grief, tears, danger, distress, suffering, comfort, boasting, truth, ministry and glory, highlight the unique character of this letter.
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 16
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter is the wrap up, the conclusion of the letter. It starts out with a reminder for them to be faithful in collecting for the church in Jerusalem that was suffering. Paul went on to tell them of his plans to visit in the future.
As I read, verses 13-14 jumped out to me.
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love. (NLT)
This is a good warning and challenge to believers. Stay on guard regarding the tricks and deceit of the evil one. Stand firm, stand strong in the faith. Live with the courage it takes to not compromise what the Bible clearly teaches. Be strong whatever the opposition may throw at you. Those who are strong get that way through exercise, through faithfully doing what they need to do. Those who are spiritually strong have stayed active in the spiritual exercises necessary. I appreciate this challenge and hope that all who call themselves followers of Jesus will pay heed.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Having just expressed my appreciation for the challenge of these two verses, the application here is that I must strive to live them. I must strive to apply what they say. These days of compromise, of saying that we must have peace at all costs, are dangerous days. I must not fall prey to the trap of public opinion that sways from day to day. I must not build my life and convictions based on the latest poll.
3. How can I help someone?
Paul ended the book with a statement of the importance of loving the Lord. That is what people need most, to know and love Jesus. That is the best thing I can to do help people, help them know Jesus.
Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 15
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The resurrection - according to the scriptures. Not only is this important, it very exciting. Think of the amazing fact that Jesus said He would lay down His life and then He would come back to life. He did that for all the people of the world. Think of what it was like that first day when those who were following Jesus realized that He was alive again. Before He returned to heaven, Jesus appeared to more than five hundred people. The evidence is overwhelming that Jesus really did rise from the grave.
What does that mean for us? It means that we have eternal hope. Without the resurrection Paul said that our faith is futile, we have no forgiveness from sin, we have no hope for the future. Without the resurrection we are most miserable. But there is an amazing promise. This mortal will put on immortality and this corruptible body will be replaced with one that will never fade away. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The resurrection and promise of eternity are powerful influencers for life. They impact thoughts and decision. Since Jesus rose from the grave and He returned to heaven preparing a place for all who serve Him, that must affect all my decisions and actions. What we do will impact our relationship with Jesus and our eternal destiny. Since we as believers in Jesus do not fit into the category of the most miserable, we must let the future impact our present. Many short term decisions destroy eternity. I must be careful to not get caught up in bad decisions. This chapter ends with a great challenge - stand firm and don’t let anything move you. This is awesome advice.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people see the reality of the resurrection. Why do I believe in it? What evidence is there to show it to be true? There is much evidence and I must share it with others so they can have the same hope in Jesus. The whole resurrection story is not some historical myth, but historical fact that impacts eternity.
Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 14
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God has given His supernatural spiritual gifts to the church. They are used by God to advance His work and purpose. They are used to strengthen the individual believers as well as the church body together. God uses believers who are filled with His Spirit in various ways. These gifts are for the church until Jesus returns, so, they are for today. We are told here to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. We must be open to be used by God in the gifts as He empowers us.
This chapter talks much about the gift of tongues. Paul was not putting down the use of this gift. It seems that the Corinthian church was giving an over emphasis to this gift, so Paul was giving them some guidance in the proper use and balance of the gifts. In no way does he say that this gift, or any spiritual gift, was to be rejected or would not be used by God. He was speaking that they would use all the gifts in a proper way.
There are eternal benefits from the use of the gifts of the Spirit as God enables. In a church service they are to be properly used. Everything is to be done decently and in order. When that happens God speaks to people and ministers to their needs.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must be open to all the ways that God wants to use me in the gifts of the Spirit. I must not be shy to let the Spirit work through me. I have sometime felt pressure to be cautious, probably overly so, in how I would be used by the Holy Spirit in the gifts. While I must be sure God is prompting me, I also must not allow any fear to interrupt what God wants to do. There is no doubt that the gifts of the Spirit are for today. We see them in operation when great things are happening for the Lord and lives are being changed.
3. How can I help someone?
I must be open to the Spirit to be used in the gifts to minister to people. I must be willing to take a step of faith to be used. God has not given us the spirit of fear. I believe that all believers can continue to learn more and more how God wants to use them in various works of ministry.
Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 13
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A short chapter, a favorite chapter of many because of the topic: LOVE. In the middle of a discussion regarding spiritual gifts we get the teaching that love is an integral ingredient in the application of the gifts. This definition of love puts the emphasis on how to apply love. Love is outward, not selfish. To minister in the gifts in love (and about anything else we do in life as well) is the best way. We often think of love as simply an emotional reaction to a person. Love is more an action, a decision on an individual’s part on how they will act or respond in a situation.
Love is patient, kind, keeps no record or wrongs and does not delight in evil. Love is not selfish. Actually, selfishness is the opposite of love because love focuses outwardly and selfishness focus on the three most important people in the world. That would be me, myself and I. Well, I guess that is not love.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The typical human response to love is to focus our love and attention on those easiest to love. Those who are not socially popular, unattractive, needy and emotionally awkward are easy to reject. But, they probably need someone to love them more than most. An influence of selfishness impacts the love many express, which is in itself a contradiction. People are drawn to love those who give the most return to personal fulfillment. Again, love is not simply an emotional response. I must make the conscientious effort to love without regard to my personal expectation of response or reward. This is not easy.
3. How can I help someone?
Let Christlike love infiltrate every aspect of my life. How would Jesus look at the person? That must influence my daily life.
Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
How does the work of God’s Kingdom get done? It is through God’s power. God’s power works in the through people. The power of the Holy Spirit, working through believers, accomplishes God’s eternal plan and purposes. The Spirit works through believers and Jesus is glorified. The gifts that God gives are not to exalt an individual or show they are more spiritual or valuable than others. All believers are of equal value to God. We must all do what God has enabled us to do so the work of God is accomplished. God’s gifts are for the world today and believers must use what God has given to them.
It is interesting to see all the different gifts God gives to His people. In my travels I met a man at a church who takes notes in every Sunday morning service. He then goes home and writes a poem based on the message preached. I had the privilege of preaching at that church and was amazed at the poem the man wrote. He captured the essence of the message, including listing all the verses read in the service. I was very impressed. He uses this literary gift each week and the church posts them on their web site. This man faithfully expands the ministry of the preaching given in the morning service through his writings. I can tell you I could never do that.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I need to look at the gifts and desires God has put in my life. I must develop them and then use them. I am coming to understand that some things that seem simple and common to me are not necessarily so simple or common to others. I must do what God has enabled me to do. I see things others are doing for God and say I know I can’t do it like they do. But, when we all pull together and do what we are gifted at, the work will get done. The illustration of the human body is used in this chapter. God has crafted us with an amazing collection of parts that work well together. I depend of all the parts of my body, the parts I can see and the parts I can’t, to all work in harmony to allow me to live my daily life. The church is dependent on all of the members of the body to work together as well. When that happens God is glorified and His purposes are accomplished. I must do my part. I cannot do the parts others should.
3. How can I help someone?
Some have a hard time identifying what their gifts are. Some think that it all should come easily and naturally without any work. God gives gifts but we must develop them (can you say hard efforts required?). I can help people understand this and help them see how God wants to use them.
