Tag: 2nd Corinthians 12
Danger in failure to repent!
Scripture reading for August 12th: 2nd Corinthians 12
Key scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Corinthians 12:19-21 “We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
The pastor’s heart of the Apostle Paul was concerned about the spiritual state of the members of the church at Corinth. He earnestly desired their strengthening in Christ and spiritual health so he wrote to them concerning sins that he knew were still prevalent there. This list could still fit many or most church families today! The sins he listed caused division and strife and would ultimately bring God’s judgment if not repented of! The only way to deal with any sin is to turn from it, confessing responsibility for the sin and asking Christ for mercy through faith in His sacrifice. Without repentance sinners will perish! (Luke 13:3,5)
Observations for over-comers: Self-examination and regular repentance when the Holy Spirit convicts us keeps our souls healthy and strong! “Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be My spokesman. . . .”” (Jeremiah 15:19)
Learning to delight in weakness!
Scripture reading for August 13th: 2nd Corinthians 12
Paul continued to plead with the church for their good. He told them a story about a man in Christ that was caught up into heaven. This man was actually him!
“I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know–God knows. And I know that this man–whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows–was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” (2nd Corinthians 12:2-5)
Paul used the third person to tell this story, because he did not want anyone to exalt him. He explained that following these revelations, God used “a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me.” (2nd Corinthians 12:7) This ‘thorn’ was given to keep Paul from the sin of pride! Paul prayed for this ‘thorn’ to be removed but was told by the Lord, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2nd Corinthians 12:9)
The ‘super apostles’ boasted about their greatness and speaking ability, commanding large offerings. Paul tried to show the Corinthians and us that God works through weak vessels. Charisma, large crowds, and large offerings are not necessarily signs of God’s anointing! As Paul preached, he came in humility, weakness, and dependence on Christ. God did signs and wonders, confirming his ministry.
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. . .For when I am weak, them I am strong.” (2nd Corinthians 12:9-10)