II Corinthians 6- Protecting Our Ministries

3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

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Paul as his fellow ministers worked hard in every aspect of life to ensure those evaluating their lives for legitimacy would only see nothing but proof of God's work in them. That required many times persecution, beatings and hunger (see following verses). However, they had one goal: To show Christ's work in transforming them into servants of God.

They ensured all things to present the saving work of Christ and make sure it was not discredited. We have the same responsibility today in our daily lives. Do we live up to the persecution of Paul's day? NO. But we have many opportunities to ruin our testimony. People will be rude to us, they will take our parking spot, cut us off in traffic and some will try to push us to the edge.

How are you "giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited"?

II Corinthians 4- God's Treasure

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
...
17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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Paul is pointing out that although we have been blessed beyond measure with salvation, we are replaceable. We will not be here forever, and all that God has done thorough us, is strictly that, GOD WORKING IN US. Not anything that we have done.

Then Vs. 8-9 talk about all the trials of life, when things are not going "our way". Then then end of the chapter Vs.17-18 remind us of the purpose of the trials. They have been allowed to influence our lives to continue to build the stockpile of treasure God has stored in us.

Salvation is incredible enough to marvel at continually, but we see here that God is building us up to become an acceptable sacrifice to Him one day when we see His face in Heaven!

Maranatha! (what?)

II Corinthians 3- Our Futility

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

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While reading this passage I was encouraged that we can have confidence (as sinful as we continue to be while on earth) about our standing with God (vs 4).  But as I read the associated notes in my study Bible this is what I found about the Law:

"The letter kills in two ways: 1) it results in a living death.  Before Paul was converted, he thought he was saved by keeping the law, but all it did was kill his peace, joy and hope; and 2) it results in spiritual death.  His inability to truly keep the law sentenced him to eternal death.  Only Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit can produce eternal life in one who believes."

So, not only is the law simply a measuring stick, but it's only purpose is to point our our inadequacy.  All our efforts are complete futility when measured up to God's standard.  That is the reason for Christ.  He is the only way to a relationship with God.

Now, back to vs.4...  Christ's death on the Cross for our sins gives us the ability to be reconciled, and because God Holy Word declares it, we have confidence through Christ! 

II Corinthians 2- Tough Love

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.

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If have read I Corinthians you will understand the "tough love" Paul needed to use with this church. Everything was done with incorrect heart attitude from taking the Lord's Supper to sexual sins. And the Corinthians were okay with it...

That is why Paul had to step in and correct their behavior. It didn't feel good at the time, but as Paul describes in this verse it was all in love. It was obvious that Paul spent much time in prayer and anguish over the situations, but his ultimate goal was to drive the Corinthians back to Christ.

Lord help me to use discipline appropriately and only in a pure and loving manner... but help me not to ignore to sin.

II Corinthians 1- Comforted to Serve

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

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What an encouragement to all of us who are being afflicted by circumstances we are in. The message here is that God will comfort us even at our most down-trodden times. Later in this chapter Paul was talking about being tormented to the point of wishing for death (vs 8). This is as low as you can get, but he reminds us that God will not leave you out to dry, but will comfort us to the point that we can even encourage others!

Thank You Lord for continually reminding me to have an out word focus and to serve others!

I Corinthians 16- Always Be Ready to Serve

13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

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Verse 13 is a command to be ready for any circumstance. But vs 14 is the descriptor in that is tells us how we should behave in "all that you do", in everything. What does it mean to do everything in love? We just read a few chapters ago:

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails;...

To me that sounds a lot like serving. Serving God, serving Christ, serving family, friends. How about co-workers, your boss, the grocery store clerk, the bank teller? There truly is no limitation here. We were called to serve others and in so doing, share the Gospel of Christ!

What would the world think of Christians if we were known for serving? What would they think about Christ's saving grace? Are you serving those around you as Christ would?

I Corinthians 15- Our Sure Hope

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

54b "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.

55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

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What an incredible time it will be when Christ returns for His bride... It could be any moment! What a day that will be, finally made perfect in every way. Eternity with Christ in Heaven. Worshiping constantly, ever in adoration. No opportunity to sin, only perfect living in holiness. Thank you Lord Jesus for the victory! Maranatha!