Devoted to Scripture

https://netbible.org/bible/2+Corinthians+5-9/

This is day 334 of our journey.

Paul begins our passage today with a focus on the way we should live our lives. We must live by faith rather than sight, remembering that we have been reconciled to God through Christ.  But, that reconciliation does not mean that life will be perfect...we will still face trials and persecution.  While not an easy road to walk, these sufferings will bring about God's glory in our lives.  Paul then reminds the Corinthian church of a letter that he had sent earlier.  This letter contained a rebuke that brought sadness to the people of Corinth, but that sadness was good because it resulted in repentance and a return to the ways of God.  Finally, Paul speaks of our partnerships with others and explains that Christians should not partner with those who are not believers.  Instead, we need to partner with brothers and sisters in Christ, providing for their needs in accordance with our blessings.

Join me in 2 Corinthians 5-9 and rejoice in the sufferings that bring repentance.

Key verses:

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.  

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness?  

2 Corinthians 7:9

Now I rejoice, not because you were made sad, but because you were made sad to the point of repentance. For you were made sad as God intended, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.  

2 Corinthians 8:7

But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you – make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/2+Corinthians+1-4/

This is day 333 of our journey.

Paul opens this second letter with a message of encouragement in the face of persecution.  God's comfort is always present regardless of the circumstances that we are facing.  He follows this with a defense of his ministry as an apostle, bringing life and comfort to the perishing through the love of Christ.  He gives Glory to God by reminding his reader that, in reality, it is not his work that matters but rather the work of the Spirit. Paul continues by, once again, reminding them that in the midst of persecution and life's many hardships, God will grant them victory!

Join me in 2 Corinthians 1-4 and claim the victory that is only in Christ!

Key verses:

2 Corinthians 1:5

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you.

2 Corinthians 2:14

But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place.  

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.  

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair;  9 we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed,  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/2-Corinthians/

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Corinthians+15-16/

This is day 332 of our journey.

Paul closes his letter today with a final defense of the message he has preached: Christ died, was buried, and was raised for our sins.  He makes it clear that without this resurrection of Christ, our faith is worthless.  But through this resurrection we have hope for a new life in a new body.  Death's sting is removed, our victory is secured in Christ alone!

Join me in 1 Corinthians 15-16 and rejoice that we have new bodies in heaven!

Key verses:

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!  

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.  14 Everything you do should be done in love.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Corinthians+12-14/

This is day 331 of our journey.

Our reading today discusses the life of believers.  Chapters 12 and 14 specifically speak about the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Every believer is gifted by God in some way.  These gifts are different for different people, but each of these spirtual gifts work together to make the church function.  No one should boast about their gifts or covet those of others because we are all necessary for the health of the Church!  Sandwiched between these two chapters is chapter 13, the love chapter.  This placement is a reminder of the importance of showing love in the way we carry out the gifts we have received.  Love is the most important thing!

Join me in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and use your gifts in love!

Key verses:

1 Corinthians 12:7

To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.  

1 Corinthians 14:12

It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Corinthians+9-11/

This is day 330 of our journey.

In chapter 9, Paul gives evidence for his work in Christ and the purity of his motivation. He is not preaching and healing for his own fame or financial gain.  Instead, he is walking in obedience to God and is tailoring his ministry in order that all people might hear the Gospel in the way that will reach them.  He asks for nothing in return.  In chapter 10, he speaks about how we, as Christians, should live.  He first looks at the example of Israel and all their past sinfulness and idolatry.  These countless failures have been recorded (as an example to avoid) in order to teach us what is right.  Each of us should live in a way that brings glory to God in everything we do!  Chapter 11 discussed a specific concern in regards to personal conduct while worshipping in church.  He speaks about head coverings for men and women, telling them that believers should continue to respect the cultural expectations when it comes to times of worship because they were established to honor God (instead of drawing attention to man). In all things, when we present ourself before God, we must do so with humility and holy reverence.

Join me in 1 Corinthians 9-11 and do everything for the glory of God!

Key verses:

1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some.  

1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.  

1 Corinthians 11:12

For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman. But all things come from God.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Corinthians+5-8/

This is day 329 of our journey.

In today's reading, Paul addresses some of the specific sins of the Corinthian people and clarifies poor interpretations of Scripture.  It seems that members of the church of Corinth were interpreting their freedom in Christ too loosely and had been using "grace" as an excuse to do whatever they desired.  Paul, makes it clear that while "all things are lawful for me", "not all things are beneficial".  When believers are walking in sin, they need to be held accountable by their brothers and sisters in Christ and, in some cases, disciplined according to the Scriptures!  Paul also addresses different types of people: married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free.  In each circumstance, Paul emphasizes that who we are doesn't matter.  All are equally in need of grace and mercy.  All are equally victorious through Christ.

Join me in 1 Corinthians 5-8 and live with integrity before God.

Key verses:

1 Corinthians 5:12

For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside?  

1 Corinthians 6:12

 “All things are lawful for me” – but not everything is beneficial. “All things are lawful for me” – but I will not be controlled by anything.  

1 Corinthians 7:24

In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God.  

1 Corinthians 8:13

For this reason, if food causes my brother or sister to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause one of them to sin.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/1+Corinthians+1-4/

This is day 328 of our journey.

Paul begins his letter to the church at Corinth with a short greeting, but then quickly begins addressing significant concerns he has about the way that the people have fallen out of line with the Gospel .  The church is now divided based on the person that brought them to faith instead of being united together in Christ.  In a city where status was everything, Paul reminds the church that Christianity is not a popularity contest - it is about following the one who gave his life for us.  God chose to take what the world sees as foolishness to shame the wise.  All those who labor in Christ build on the same foundation: our Savior, Jesus.  Paul clearly explains that, the mission of the church (until Christ returns), is to be good stewards of the Gospel and to bolster one another to endure the persecution that the world will aim at us.

Join me in 1 Corinthians 1-4 and be united in the power of Jesus Christ!

Key verses:

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.  

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ.  

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/1-Corinthians/

https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+13-16/

This is day 327 of our journey.

Paul ends his letter by giving instructions for how we should interact with others.  We are to love one another and must not judge others based on their convictions or understanding of God's instructions.  Instead, Paul reminds the reader that God is the one who knows our hearts and it is he who will rightly judge all people according to their actions.  Instead of bringing judgement on our brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to lovingly "bear with each other" and support one another for mutual benefit and growth.

Paul's final words include his plans to try to visit the church in Rome after a trip to Jerusalem.  Then, he greets many of the members of the Roman church by name.

Join me in Romans 13-16 and love one another in all things!

Key verses:

Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.  

Romans 14:4

Who are you to pass judgment on another’s servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.  

Romans 15:1

But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves.  

Romans 16:20

The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+10-12/

This is day 326 of our journey.

Paul continues to break down the distinction between Jew and Greek.  He explains that we are all the same before God and all come to Him in the same way.  The Jew is not superior because of his prior knowledge and adherance to the law.  The Gentile is not superior for the gift of grace that he has received.  Both have access to Christ through faith alone.  Paul urges the people to renew their minds, transforming them to understand the will of God and to desire Him above all things.  He reminds his audience, and us, that this renewal can only be accomplished through the Spirit that God has given to us.  In all things, we must carry ourselves with humility and love.  Humility, because we know that Salvation was a gift that we could never earn.  Love, because love overcomes the power of evil.

Join me in Romans 10-12 and rejoice that Salvation is by grace alone!

Key verses:

Romans 10:12

For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him.  

Romans 11:6

And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.  

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

https://netbible.org/bible/Romans+7-9/

This is day 325 of our journey.

In today's reading, Paul asks a profound question: Knowing that we are justified by faith and not the Law, what purpose does the Law serve?  Instead of a nearly impossible pathway to God, Paul explains that The Law reveals our sinful nature and, ultimately, our need for the Savior!  We have been given the Holy Spirit to set us free from the law of sin and death.  By God's grace, the Spirit will never be removed from us and will work in us and through us to accomplish good for the glory of God.  Paul affirms that God's gift of the Holy Spirit comes solely because of his mercy on us and could never be earned by our own efforts.  Rather, God, in his mercy, has chosen us to be his children.  Similarly, he has chosen to reveal how great his mercy is by allowing others to reject him and receive the punishment for that rejection.

Join me in Romans 7-9 and take comfort in the life-giving mercy of the Father!

Key verses:

Romans 7:25

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.  

Romans 8:18

For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the coming glory that will be revealed to us.  

Romans 9:15

For he says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  

All Scriptures are from the NET.