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August 25

Scripture for today: Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1

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“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:8-9 NKJV).

From: August 25, 2020

WHERE ARE THE OPEN DOORS FOR THE GOSPEL TODAY?

From this passage it appears that Paul was living in Ephesus when he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians. Ephesus was one of the great cities in the Roman empire located on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor in the country we now know as Turkey. Paul stayed in Ephesus for at least three years and found the city to be an “open door” for the gospel, not only for its citizens, but also as a hub of ministry in reaching those in the surrounding cities.

Yet, wherever there are people coming to Christ and getting saved, there is also increased activity inspired by our chief adversary, Satan. So, Paul planned to “tarry” in Ephesus as long as the gospel door was open, knowing that such “doors” do not stay open forever. There is an urgency to such opportunities that Paul recognized. Are we looking for such open door opportunities in our world today?

PRAYER: Dear Father, strengthen us to faithfully minister wherever You have opened a door of ministry. Teach us to listen and look for where You are already at work and join You there. For we are ineffective without You. Lord, open doors of effective ministry in our city. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!” (Job 19:25-26 NLT).

From: August 25, 2019

DO YOU KNOW THAT YOUR REDEEMER LIVETH?

Long before Christ came to redeem us from our sin, Job already hoped for such a “Redeemer.” Job placed his hope in Messiah as one peering through a veil. For the Book of Job is one of the oldest in the Bible. Yet, he knew not only that his Redeemer lived and would come to the earth, he also knew that he himself would be resurrected one day to meet Him.

Job believed without the full revelation of the New Testament. Yet we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ shining as in the light of day. If Job could “know” that his Redeemer liveth, then we can know all the more! If Job knew that someday he would be resurrected to stand before God, then we can have even more confidence.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that you sent Jesus to be our Redeemer. He died for our sins, was buried, and was raised for our justification, so we can be Your children. We thank You that we can know these things with confidence. Help us this day to stand and bear witness to our Redeemer. For our Redeemer liveth! In Jesus’ name, amen.

“On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT).

From: August 25, 2018

THE GRACE OF GIVING

Ironically, the church in Corinth, one of the most wealthy among the 1st Century churches, was the one that Paul had to do the most teaching on generosity. In the poorer churches, like the churches in Macedonia, it seemed giving came easily. They gave with such generosity that Paul was astounded, because they gave “beyond their ability” (2 Cor. 8:3) and this, with great joy and willingness. Yet, even in Paul’s second letter to the well-to-do believers in Corinth, it is obvious that they still weren’t living with generosity.

Notice Paul’s helpful instruction, he taught them…

1) When to give: every Sunday “first day”

2) Who should give: every member “you should each”

3) How much to give: a portion based on your earnings

Corinth was wealthy in every way except in generosity. They abounded in “everything–– in faith, in speech, in knowledge” (2 Cor. 8:7), yet Paul would have them abound in the grace of giving.

“I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly” (Psalm 40:10 NKJV).

From: August 25, 2017

David wrote this psalm to the Lord, writing of his own record of “declaring” the “righteousness, faithfulness, salvation, lovingkindness, and truth” of God before all Israel and to the surrounding peoples. His motivation for writing of his own public witness seems to be that he wanted the Lord to remember it as He considered David’s prayer requests. Surely David was not making a false claim, for the Bible often records his public declarations of God’s great character. Yet, this passage is truly fulfilled in the prophetic office of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Can you make the same claim as David? Do you “declare” the things of God before the people? Or have you “hidden” the gospel within?

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV)

From: August 25, 2016

The apostle Paul closed his epistle to the Corinthians with five instructions for men that are more than applicable today.
1) “Be watchful.” – Be vigilant, stay awake, stand guard. You are built to be a protector. Protect your families, churches, and neighborhoods.
2) “Stand firm in the faith.” – Persevere and grow in faith. Know and stand fast in the Word. Be spiritual leaders who never give up.
3) “Act like men.” – This is a call to biblical masculinity. Grow up. Stop acting like little boys still playing with their toys. Real men are like trucks. They run better when carrying a load. Take responsibility. Work. Sacrifice. Endure pain without complaint. Serve.
4) “Be strong” – Grow strong. Exercise your body and mind to be strengthened for defense of your family and faith. Be courageous. Gain mastery over your appetites and desires, so that you have self-control.
5) “Love” – Let love be the motive for all action. This is “agape” love, which is sacrificial and unconditional. Be full of passion and fire for God and for others. Answer the call to be a man of God with great passion and enthusiasm. Put away passivity. Love!

“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:8-9 NKJV)

From: August 25, 2015

From verse 8 it appears that Paul was living in Ephesus when he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians. Ephesus was one of the great cities in the Roman empire located on the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor in the country we now know as Turkey. Paul stayed in Ephesus for an extended period of time and found the city to be an “open door” for the gospel, not only for its citizens, but also as a hub of ministry in reaching those in the surrounding cities. Yet, wherever there are people coming to Christ and getting saved, there is also increased activity by the Adversary, the devil. So, Paul planned to “tarry” in Ephesus as long as the gospel door was open, knowing that such “doors” do not stay open forever. There is an urgency to such opportunities that Paul recognized. Are we looking for such open door opportunities in our world today?

“You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well” (1 Corinthians 16:18 NLT)

From: August 25, 2014

As Paul closed his letter to the Corinthians, he reminded them of many people who had served them in the church. As he listed several of these Christian workers by name, he encouraged the believers at Corinth to willingly submit to their leadership and to show them appropriate appreciation for their hard work. One of the marks of the body of Christ is that we are not to look down on those who serve among us. Instead, we are to applaud their service. Who is someone that serves in your life that deserves your appreciation today?

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!” (Job 19:25-26)

From: August 25, 2012

Christ had not yet interrupted history by His death, burial and resurrection, yet Job already hoped for such a “Redeemer.” Job placed his hope in this future Messiah as one peering through a veil. However, we can gaze fully at our Savior with the revelation of the gospel shining as in the light of day. If Job could “know” that his Redeemer liveth, then we should know all the more!

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25)

From: August 25, 2011

Even in the midst of his trouble, Job believes. He is hurt and angry, but he doesn’t doubt God’s existence nor His ultimate redemption. Reading Job is for those ready to go on in the school of faith.