2 Corinthians

September 4, 2017

There is a sorrow that comes from getting caught doing wrong and having to suffer the consequence. There is a sorrow that comes in the shape of grief when losing a loved one or experiencing some loss. There is a sorrow that comes as shame and guilt after sobriety returns. Yet, all of these are worldly sorrows that do not produce repentance. Worldly sorrow only produces regret, which ultimately leads to death. For worldly sorrow is about self and circumstance, not God. But “godly sorrow” is different. It is sorrow according to God’s will that brings our sin into contact with the cross of Christ. Instead of being sorry for the suffering that comes from sin, we are sorry for the sin itself because it is what nailed Jesus there. This “godly sorrow” that “worketh repentance” is a gift from God, just as faith is. Repentance and faith are inseparable. In repentance, we turn from our sin. And in faith, we turn to God by trusting in Jesus, God’s provision for our sin.

September 2, 2017

The apostle Paul quoted Isaiah’s prophecy (Isa. 49:8) concerning the time of salvation that the coming Messiah would bring to both Jew and Gentile alike. Paul declared to the Corinthians that the long awaited for time had come. Paul began both phrases of his application of Isaiah’s prophecy with “behold, now.” The word “behold” demanded that one “look” and “see” with an understanding mind. The word “now” called for a sense of urgency from the one who having understood the gospel, would quickly decide to believe it.

As the Ecclesiates reading for today states, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). So today, we live in the “accepted time” of the gospel, yet let us not “receive the grace of God in vain.” Having heard the gospel, now is the time to accept it. Having accepted the gospel, now is the day to live it out and proclaim it.

September 13, 2016

This beautiful benediction closed Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s trinitarian blessing bestowed three powerful attributes of the Godhead upon the believers at Corinth. 1) The “grace” (χάρις – charis) of Jesus. Which is Christ’s free and unmerited favor. 2) The “love” (ἀγάπη – agape) of God. Which is God’s unconditional love and chief attribute. 3) The “fellowship” (κοινωνία – koinonia) of the Spirit. Which is the abiding communion of the Spirit living in those of us who believe. May this threefold blessing be yours today!

September 8, 2016

Apparently, there were leaders in Corinth who were boasting of superior authority over the apostle Paul in his absence. Some accused him of being bold in writing, but timid in person and in speech (2 Cor. 10:10). Yet, Paul was the one who had first carried the gospel to Corinth. He warned against those who boasted in themselves. They may be more impressive in stature and superior in speech, but it was the Lord who had given the Corinthians Paul as their spiritual father. Instead, the “one who boasts,” should “boast in the Lord.” Here, Paul offered a summary of Jeremiah 9:23-24 to show that such self-commendation was unwise. The only boasting a Christ follower should do, is boasting about Christ. Whatever you are, whatever you have, whatever accomplishments or successes that have accrued to you… give the glory to the Lord. Boast in Jesus, not in yourself.

September 5, 2016

The example of Christ’s generosity should inspire and empower our own. He took on the poverty of our separation, sin and death, that we might receive the riches of His sonship, righteousness and eternal life. Having received this grace of Christ, we also have received His generous character. We can live the life of the open hand, one hand open to God receiving, the other hand open to others giving. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8).

September 1, 2016

Christianity is not self-improvement. It is an invitation to come and die, that we might be born again. It is not incremental nor partial, but drastic and total. By believing and receiving Christ, we are found in Him. Our old nature we count crucified with Christ. Our new nature and identity in Christ, we count as risen with Him. And so, we no longer “regard” anyone according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. In Christ, we are a “new creation,” and we regard everyone and everything in a new way.