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2 Corinthians 1-5 daily bread by Kevin E. Jesmer 2010

2 Corinthians 1-5 daily bread by Kevin E. Jesmer 2010

2 corinthians

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS

 

Paul wrote several letters to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians is the fourth book. He wrote it while he was on the way to Jerusalem, around AD 55-57. He intended it to be read throughout the province of Achaia (1:1).

 

The book is personal and autobiographical. In it, we see Paul’s struggle to help the Corinthian church to mature and grow. The following is a general overview. In 1:1-2:11 Paul explains his ministry. In 2:12-7:16 Paul defends his ministry. In 8:1-9:15 Paul explains the material offering and in 10:1-13:14 Paul defends his apostolic authority.

 

In the church there were false teachers who denied Paul’s apostleship. They questioned his motives and slandered him. But Paul defended his calling. He wanted them to learn from him the Gospel way of life and so they needed to accept his apostleship. In chapter 3 he makes theological contrasts between the old and new covenants in order to reveal Jesus more vividly. In chapter 5 Paul goes on to say that God also commissions us with the glorious ministry of reconciliation. In 8 and 9 Paul teaches the meaning and attitude of giving.

 

Today broken relationships abound. The root cause is sin and our broken relationship with God. To Paul there is only one real solution…our being reconciled with God. Only the true gospel of Jesus can bring about true reconciliation. May we learn how we can carry out this glorious ministry of reconciliation in our generation.

 

Sunday, February 20

 

GOD COMFORTS US

 

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Key verse: 3-4
I. The God of all comfort (1-7)

From Paul’s praise we can learn who God is. First, God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Their relationship is intimate. Through Jesus Christ we can also call God our Father. God is very near to us and cares. Second, God is the Father of compassion and of all comfort. God is with his people in their times of sufferings and struggles. God suffers together with us and comforts us along the way, making us strong to endure and triumph over sufferings. He comforts us through Jesus. We can receive comfort through the word of God, through sincere prayer and through sharing in the suffering of Christ.

 

2.  Rely on God who raises the dead (8-11)

Paul despaired of life at times. However, he sought God. He learned not to rely on himself but on God who raises the dead. When he relied on the Almighty God he could have unwavering resurrection faith. God is faithful to work his power in our lives. When we depend on God we can live a victorious life in all circumstances.

 

Prayer: Lord, this world leaves my soul weary. Comfort me, Lord Jesus, with your word and by helping me to follow your footsteps.

 

One Word: Rely on Jesus.

Monday, February 21

 

LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD’S WISDOM

 

2 Corinthians 1:11-2:4

Key verse: 1:12

 

  1. World’s wisdom verses God’s wisdom (12-22)

Paul defended his integrity by explaining why he changed his plans to visit Corinth. From him we can learn principles in living as a gospel worker. Paul conducted himself in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. Paul behaved according to God’s wisdom. He resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Worldly wisdom makes us proud and boastful. But God’s wisdom urges us to boast about Jesus Christ and God’s grace and helps us to follow God’s will. This makes us humble and reveals God’s glory.
2.   The heart of a shepherd (1:23-2:4)

Paul did not want to lord it over their faith, but he shepherded them to help them stand firm and be filled with joy. Paul’s plan was that they would repent through the letter that was written out of anguish of heart. Then, when they met face to face, they could share good fellowship and mutually encourage one another. A shepherd’s tears for God’s flock are very precious.

 

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for allowing myself to be led by the wisdom of this world. Help me to humbly follow your wisdom and reveal Jesus.

 

One word: Live according to God’s wisdom

Tuesday, February 22

 

THE AROMA OF CHRIST

 

2 Corinthians 2:5-17

Key verse 2:15

 

1. Practice forgiveness (5-11)

Someone wrongfully criticized Paul’s apostleship. He was punished and repented. Some wanted his punishment continued. But Paul taught to forgive and comfort, so he will not be overwhelmed by sorrow. The purpose of punishment is to bring people back to God. When a person repents we must forgive without conditions. Then we grow in the image of Jesus and Satan’s schemes are thwarted.

 

2. Paul’s identity as the aroma of Christ (12-17)
Paul was filled with a triumphant spirit. Why? Jesus Christ won the victory over the power of sin and death through his death and resurrection and he shares this victory with those who believe in him. With this triumphant spirit, Paul spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.
Paul, in his suffering, is like burning incense signaling Christ’s victory. We can be the aroma of Christ to God. As we preach the gospel there is the work of life and the message of judgment. May this aroma spread throughout our campus’.

 

Prayer: Lord, you saved me from the power of sin and death. Help me to totally forgive others and spread the aroma of Christ on my campus.

 

One Word:  You are the aroma of Christ

Wednesday, February 23

 

WE ARE MINISTERS OF THE NEW COVENANT

 

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Key verse 3:6

 

  1.  You are a letter from Christ (1-5)

False apostles wanted proof of apostleship from Paul or they rejected his message. To help them, Paul produced the best recommendation letter, the sincere faith of his Bible students. The Holy Spirit had forgiven them, healed them, given them new hope, transformed their lives, and imprinted the image of Christ. Only Christ could do this. And it happened through Paul’s ministry. Letters from the Spirit, written on human hearts, are eternal and trustworthy. May there be many letters from Christ in our midst.
2.  Ministers of the new covenant (6)

The old covenant was a conditional covenant based on works. When the Israelites obeyed the law, they received blessings. When they disobeyed, they were cursed. The new covenant is based on God’s grace. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we cross over from the power of sin and death into the power of the Spirit of life. We receive a new life and we become ministers of a new covenant.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me a letter of your grace for all to see. It is all because of the new covenant. Use me to help others come into this new covenant.

 

One Word: Be a minister of the new covenant

Thursday, February 24

 

THE MINISTRY OF THE NEW COVENANT

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

Key verse 3: 9
1. The surpassing glory of the new covenant (7-16).

The ministry of the old covenant taught slaves the law of God. It revealed that sin was their real problem, how to deal with sin, and how to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. But the old covenant condemns. However, the new covenant brings righteousness. It never condemns us for it points us to Christ who took all our sins on himself at the cross. Through Christ, we are forgiven, encouraged and strengthened to live as God’s children. We are right with God.

 

2. The blessings of the new covenant (17-18).

There are many blessings being part of this new covenant. Jesus sets us free from the fear of death, enabling us to serve him, willingly and joyfully, without fear in holiness and righteousness. We are being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever-increasing glory. When Jesus comes again, we will be like him: imperishable, glorious, powerful and spiritual. Another blessing is that we can be ministers of this new covenant.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making us righteous through the new covenant. Make us bold ministers of this covenant so that our young people may find forgiveness and freedom in Jesus.

 

One Word: New covenant – ever increasing glory

Friday, February 25

 

THE MINISTRY OF LIGHT

 

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Key verse 4:5

1. Paul’s attitude (1-4)

Paul was a minister of the new covenant. He suffered a lot but never despaired. He lived a life filled with the Spirit. He trusted God and worked for God’s glory with pure motives. He lived by and taught the truth plainly. When he did God used him to advance the gospel with victory in his heart. We have the glorious ministry of the new covenant only by God’s mercy. In order bear this grace we must learn Paul’s attitude, live by the spirit and taste God’s victory.
2. Paul’s message (5-6)

Paul did not preach himself but Jesus Christ as Lord.  He knew that Jesus alone gives us salvation. He knew that people needed to receive Jesus as Savior who saves from sin and death; as King who rules with love and peace; and as Lord who leads to God’s eternal kingdom. People are searching for this Jesus who is the only true Messiah. When they do they will find true rest and God’s light will shine in their hearts.  They will see the glory of God.

 

Prayer: Lord, young people are walking in the darkness. May they accept Jesus as Lord. Shine your light in their hearts. Help them to know your love. May I never give up in revealing your love.

 

One Word: Preach Jesus as Lord!

Saturday, February 26

 

TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Key verse 4:7

 

  1. Jesus…our treasure (7-12)

Paul had Jesus and the gospel. These were treasures. His body was a jar of clay, encasing this treasure. Jesus is a treasure because in him is life; light; living water; spiritual bread; love; wisdom; the way to eternal life and the Kingdom of God and so much more. God chose to put this treasure in jars of clay. Jars of clay are common, of little value and easily broken. But when Jesus comes into our hearts we become of utmost value. But why jars of clay? God wants to show plainly that the power of the gospel is from him, not his servants. This protests us from pride. When we have this kind of attitude then God’s power works through us.

 

  1. God will raise us also (13-18)

Paul had resurrection faith. With this faith he opened his mouth and spoke the word of God. Even though we are hard pressed we must believe in the Risen Christ. Then we can find power to preach the gospel boldly, and to raise disciples of Jesus in any situation.
Prayer: Lord, I know that on my own I am a jar of clay. But with you in my life I am a vessel for a great treasure. Fill me with your spirit and with resurrection faith so that I can serve you.

 

One Word: Renew this jar of clay today

Sunday, February 27

 

MAKE IT OUR GOAL TO PLEASE HIM

 

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Key verse 5:9

 

  1. Longing for our heavenly dwelling (1-5)

Paul uses metaphors to explain what our true hope is. Our body is an earthly tent and the kingdom of God is an eternal house. Tents are temporary and flimsy. The problem is that people want to live in their bodies forever. This can not be. We have an eternal house in heaven, built by God. It never perishes, spoils or fades away for it is built on the foundation of Jesus’ death and resurrection. With this hope we do not lose heart but rather live a powerful life full spirit and confidence in God.
2. Live by faith, not by sight (6-10)

When we have true hope in the kingdom of God our lifestyle is affected. Christians no longer live by sight in this world rather we live by faith, trusting and obey God, believing he will bless us in the best way. We too must make it our life goal to please God in whatever we do. This is not a suggestion. God will evaluate the motives for what we have done. That is why we have to make it our goal to please him.
Prayer: Lord, I know that my hopes are drawn to this world. Help me to put my hope fully in my eternal dwelling place and while I live in this world, may I make it my goal to please you alone.

 

One Word:  I want to please Jesus

Monday, February 28

 

WE ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS

 

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Key verse 5:20
1.   Why we try to persuade others (11-17)

Paul tried to persuade people out of the fear of the Lord and God’s love. He knew that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. He wanted to please God. Paul was also crazy in love with Jesus. This love grew in his heart when he realized that Christ died on the cross for his sins, once for all. Those who love Jesus willingly live for Christ. Christ’s love is their inner motivation.
2.    Be reconciled to God (5:18-21)

The ministry of reconciliation proclaims that God reconciled us to himself through Christ. There was no way for us to reconcile to God. We had no peace within. But God took the initiative. Now we have a right relationship with God and enjoy true love, joy, peace, freedom and eternal life. Praise Jesus! God wants us to proclaim that he is reconciling the world to himself in Christ. We are now Christ’s ambassadors, representing and reflecting Jesus and winning others over to him with a sense of urgency.

 

Prayer: Lord, I lived for so long in a broken relationship with you. I was helpless. But you came and reconciled me to yourself. Thank you Jesus.

 

One Word: Live as an ambassador of Christ

 




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