24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning. Three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea. 26 I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers, 27 in hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing. 28 Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with indignation? 30 If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows I am not lying. 32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to arrest me, 33 but I was let down in a rope-basket through a window in the city wall, and escaped his hands.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Omar Dewan

This year at work, I was somewhat expecting a promotion. I led important pieces of work through to completion, and was seen as a “go-to” person for getting things done. So when I was told that I wasn’t getting promoted, I was frustrated and confused. I thought, “Did management not see my output and the value I added? Should I have ‘boasted’ about my achievements so they would notice me?”

This passage cuts right into my heart and challenges what I place my value in and where my priorities lie.

In this part of 2 Corinthians, we see Paul defending his ministry against those who see him as “timid” and not as impressive as the “super-apostles”. At this part of his defence, Paul boasts about himself, but not in the way I expect. I expected him to boast about the fact that he:

• was a highly-trained Pharisee who used that intellect and logic in his defence of Jesus; or

• travelled throughout modern-day Europe establishing many churches and bringing many people to salvation in Christ; or

• actually saw the risen Jesus and talked to Him.

Rather, Paul boasts about his weakness in spreading the gospel – how he has suffered physical punishment, personal security threats, worry and anxiety, lack of sleep and an ever-growing workload, as well as hunger, thirst, and cold. But even in this strange “boasting”, Paul doesn’t attribute his perseverance to anything in himself. Instead, Paul’s weakness magnifies God’s glory, power and strength to bring about His divine will and to bring many people into His Kingdom.

Perhaps we can pray that each of us would fix our value to Christ and what He has done for us, and not attribute any achievements in ministry to ourselves. Pray that we would recognise that we could not serve God without Him first saving us from our depraved, weak state through Jesus Christ – and that it is only through His Spirit that we can serve the Lord, despite our weaknesses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omar is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

16 I say again, let no one think that I am a fool. But if you do, then at least accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence I do not say the way the Lord would. Instead it is, as it were, foolishness. 18 Since many are boasting according to human standards, I too will boast. 19 For since you are so wise, you put up with fools gladly. 20 For you put up with it if someone makes slaves of you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone behaves arrogantly toward you, if someone strikes you in the face. 21 (To my disgrace I must say that we were too weak for that!) But whatever anyone else dares to boast about (I am speaking foolishly), I also dare to boast about the same thing. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keith Hengpoonthana

Sometimes you can’t help but roll your eyes at people who boast openly about themselves. Many would regard high self-confidence and a strong self-belief in action or words as a positive character trait. But we also recognise that there’s something very wrong when someone openly boasts about their own superiority. Often they may be seeking to elevate themselves to cover their own inadequacies.

Paul main message here is that boasting for self-gain is foolishness. As Christians we should seek to love God and love others. How we speak and act should reflect the humility, love and grace that Christ has shown us. Paul himself went through many trials and great suffering in the name of Christ, but he doesn’t use that as a means to elevate himself above others.

But that gives Paul a dilemma. How should he address the self-centred teachers in Corinth who were boasting about themselves and raising their own profile in order to mislead the church? In his frustration, Paul states that if anyone should be able to boast about suffering for being a servant of Christ, he should. He also has all the credentials of what one might openly boast about in being a leader. However, as we will see in the following sections, he only boasts of his own weaknesses, because his goal is to encourage others and point them to Christ. The gospel calls us to live selflessly.

Is boasting ever a good thing then? Back in 2 Corinthians 10:17 Paul said: “But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord“ – which is a quote from Jeremiah 9:24. We should be openly boasting in the same manner as Paul – not in self-promotion, but in celebrating and raising up the love that God has for all of us and the grace that we have received through Christ for our salvation.

Perhaps instead of boasting about how much wealth we have, how good we look or how much we have achieved, we should be boasting about God’s great love and mercy – that we once we were dead in our sins, but now by grace we have been saved and made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Now that’s something worth boasting about!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

7 Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you! 9 When I was with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia fully supplied my needs. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Adam Davies

It seems so strange that the Corinthians would doubt Paul's authenticity or legitimacy because he didn’t charge them money to receive the gospel message! But that seems to be something of what has happened here. Paul insists on not burdening the Corinthians, even though as a gospel worker, he could legitimately have received financial support from them. Instead, when he needed financial support, it was the churches further north in Macedonia who provided for him. It seems to me that Paul wanted to distinguish himself from certain people in Corinth who were deceitfully preaching a message for their own gain or financial benefit.

The whole passage makes me reflect on the partnership development I do as an AFES University Christian worker. At university, we offer the gospel free of charge to students so that there is no confusion about the free gift of God’s grace in Christ. But to do that I am funded by Christians from other churches partnering in the ministry with me. I guess some might say I’m robbing other churches (v8) – I never thought about it like that!

But it's such a joy to be able to offer salvation to people who don’t know Christ without any other motives in the mix. Simply being able to hold out the message of God’s free gift of mercy and forgiveness, teaching and training students in following Christ, without charging them a cent, is a huge blessing. It is really quite remarkable when nothing else in this world is really free. The passage has made me feel super grateful to the people who partner with me so that students at university can receive Christ and grow in him.

Who held out the gospel to you? How did you feel about the offer of complete forgiveness without having to open your wallet? I’m so thankful that our God is gracious and compassionate, full of love, mercy and forgiveness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

1 I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me! 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his treachery, your minds may be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus different from the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough! 5 For I consider myself not at all inferior to those “super-apostles.” 6 And even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am certainly not so in knowledge. Indeed, we have made this plain to you in everything in every way.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Annie Davies

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas!

This passage reminds me of the vows I made on my wedding day. I promised to forsake all others and remain faithful to my husband as long as we both shall live. That I will only have eyes for my husband for the rest of my life. Paul uses this marriage analogy where the Corinthian church is the wife and Christ is the husband. This really makes me feel the importance of our relationship with Christ and the intimacy that should characterise this relationship. Like a wife to her husband, we should be fully devoted and committed to Christ. When our mind wanders to different ideas and teachings, or wanting the most fulfilling experiences, the most successful career, the most likes on social media; that is adultery!

Since having kids, I have struggled with wanting to live an easy, comfortable life. I like to keep the peace and don’t want to offend others. But when I think of Christ, I realise that is not being devoted to him. That is not being serious about defending my relationship with him so that no one and no thing will take that away. I want to be frequently reminded of the gospel, so that I will not put up with different thoughts that seep in from our culture, but instead, I will live boldly for Christ.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Annie is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

12 For we would not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you. 14 For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ. 15 Nor do we boast beyond certain limits in the work done by others, but we hope that as your faith continues to grow, our work may be greatly expanded among you according to our limits, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area. 17 But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not the person who commends himself who is approved, but the person the Lord commends.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ken Wong

As humans, we are prone to compare ourselves to others. We compare our homes, cars, jobs and even church ministries. In this passage, Paul is responding to boastful teachers who had arrived in the church in Corinth and who were comparing themselves to Paul and commending themselves over him. But what does God say about this, and what can we do about it?

The first thing to see is that any measure of success that doesn't come from God is foolishness. A common problem with commending ourselves according to worldly measures is that it leads to pride. In ministry, pride can lead to both over-estimating our own abilities and not relying on God – and reliance on God is essential for fruitful service.

Paul's concern was not how other people viewed him but how to expand the gospel in the sphere that God had placed him. His focus was not on himself but on how to build others up in Christ. His reward was not in people praising him but in seeing the gospel go out through those he ministered to.

Paul sums this all up by encouraging the Corinthians to boast in the Lord only and to seek his approval. Ultimately God's approval is all that matters.

When we follow God rightly, we free ourselves from the tyranny of human comparisons, because we are all saved by God’s grace in Christ. Willingly accepting this enables us to serve freely without judgement and joyfully proclaim his name as we are called to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

7 You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we. 8 For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so. 9 I do not want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters, 10 because some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is weak and his speech is of no account.” 11 Let such a person consider this: What we say by letters when we are absent, we also are in actions when we are present.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

How good are you at judging people based on what you see? One time at Katoomba men's convention, a young gentleman came up to read a Bible passage. He was short and had glasses, spoke with funny lisp, and had a mild and meek voice. But I'll never forget what happened when he started reading the passage. He had this magnificent way of reading the Bible that made the words come alive. Over 2000 men in the auditorium suddenly went dead silent and when the reading was over, it was like everyone wanted to applaud him or something.

In today's passage, Paul has a gentle rebuke towards those in the Corinthian church who, based on Paul's appearance, have decided to ignore Paul's authority in the church. They have seen Paul speak – and what they've seen is enough for them to draw the right conclusion. But Paul reminds them: his authority is from the risen Lord Jesus himself. Jesus was the one who appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and sent him as his apostle to the Gentiles. And the Lord gave him this authority to build the church up, both through his preaching and his letters, so the Corinthians ought to listen to him.

These letters are equally important to us today. I'm convicted from the passage today that no matter who is bringing this word to me, I would do best to pay close attention, and not let any judgements based on appearances cloud the significance of what is being said. Whether it's a child repeating a memory verse, or some famous preacher – all Scripture is God-breathed, and so rightfully deserves our careful attention.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

1 Now I, Paul, appeal to you personally by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (I who am meek when present among you, but am full of courage toward you when away!)— 2 now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving according to human standards. 3 For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments 5 and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ. 6 We are also ready to punish every act of disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

I work in a pretty secular workplace. Sometimes when I’m on my way into the office, I imagine the type of opposition that I might face during the day. Perhaps it’ll just be a secular manager who doesn’t like when I talk about God. Or perhaps I’ll bump into someone who I know used to go to church, and maybe even at one point used to call themselves Christian.

In the next few chapters of 2 Corinthians, Paul tackles a major problem that had arisen in the church in Corinth. It seems some outsiders had come into the church and stirred up opposition against Paul among some of the believers.

In this passage, the apostle Paul lays out two ways that he might respond to this opposition.  The first is to use “human weapons” according to “human standards”. The second is to use spiritual weapons made powerful by God. Paul makes it clear that it is these spiritual weapons that have power enough to tear down strongholds.

I wondered after reading this: why does Paul make this distinction between human weapons and spiritual weapons?  I think it’s probably because behind all human opposition to Christians and the gospel message, there is a spiritual stronghold that opposes God himself.  To contend against that sort of opposition, you need to be equipped with spiritual weapons made powerful by God.

What weapons might Paul have in mind? Ephesians 6:12-13 is helpful here: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.”.  So I’m encouraged to fasten my belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and to wield the Word of God.  But above all, I ought to be regular in prayer, for not only myself, but all the saints. How much bolder and less fearful would I be if, by God’s grace, I took up these spiritual weapons made powerful by God, in his Spirit and through his Son.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, 12 because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God. 13 Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone. 14 And in their prayers on your behalf, they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

REFLECTIONS

Written by Helen Troung

With Christmas Day just five days away, I hope those reading or listening have their gifts in order! This period can often feel overwhelming, not just from the flurry of social gatherings but also from the pressure of choosing the perfect gift for our loved ones. It's not so much about the time spent shopping; it's the mental energy invested in selecting something thoughtful (and that they don’t have already!), rather than opting for something random.

But in all the fuss of our quest for the perfect gift, it’s important to remember the one gift that exceeds them all – God’s gift of Jesus Christ in whom we are saved by grace through faith! (vs 15)

In this passage, Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generosity, reminding them that all we have comes from God. He is the one who supplies and multiplies seed for the sower and bread for food (vs 10). When we give generously, we mirror God's own generosity, reflecting His love and kindness in tangible ways. These acts go beyond meeting physical needs – they glorify God and strengthen the faith of others (vs 13). This made me think about how I can give generously in ways beyond material gifts, such as taking the time to re-connect and encourage a dear sister in Christ.

As we enter this Christmas season, let us remember the ultimate gift we have already received – the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. As John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (NIV). And just like any true gift, it has been given to us freely, without strings attached.

This Christmas, instead of focusing our energy on finding the perfect present for others, may we be filled with thankfulness for the perfect gift we have already received through Jesus. Let this truth shape how we engage with our friends and family, and if the opportunity arises may we share the good news with them. And may we do ALL of this with hearts full of thankfulness and praise! "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (vs 15)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

6 My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rebecca Shead

Recently I read the Barefoot Investor, a popular Australian book about managing your money. The author says you should divide your money into three different “buckets.” The goal is to build your wealth so you can have a comfortable standard of living now, and enough saved for a comfortable retirement. It sounds sensible, and he practically guarantees that you will never have to worry about money again if you follow his formula. The thing I noticed was that his plan didn’t include a “bucket” for giving. He did say that when kids are learning to manage money they should be encouraged to give. But once you’re an adult with bills or a mortgage, giving is not part of the equation.

However, the Bible gives us a completely different perspective. As we’ve seen over the last week, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Today, we read that “God loves a cheerful giver”, and that if we sow generously we will also reap generously.

It's easy to be afraid, to listen to the world’s wisdom and feel like we have to cling onto what we have in order to have financial security for our future. But instead, we should remember that God has blessed us with so much! We have everything we need – v8 says “you have enough of everything in every way at all times”.

God himself is our example. He is so generous towards us, and this is why we can be generous towards others. In verse 8, God’s grace to us is overflowing, and this will lead to us overflowing in good works – including giving generously to Christian brothers and sisters who are in need.

So instead of pouring my money into “buckets” for myself, I should be sowing generously and sharing God’s material blessings with others in need. It’s helpful to work out how much money I really need to live on, and then work out how to be generous with the rest. Verse 7 says “each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion”. I find that I’m more generous if I make a plan for giving and stick to it. Otherwise I don’t follow through with my good intentions.

If I sow generously, with joy and thankfulness, I will reap the benefits. Not in my bank balance, but in being a blessing to others and growing in godliness. And as we’ll see tomorrow, this will bring glory to God. This kind of investing gives the best returns!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

1 For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints 2 because I know your eagerness to help. I keep boasting to the Macedonians about this eagerness of yours, that Achaia has been ready to give since last year, and your zeal to participate has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending these brothers so that our boasting about you may not be empty in this case, so that you may be ready just as I kept telling them. 4 For if any of the Macedonians should come with me and find that you are not ready to give, we would be humiliated (not to mention you) by this confidence we had in you. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange ahead of time the generous contribution you had promised, so this may be ready as a generous gift and not as something you feel forced to do.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Dania Mourad

This passage sparked conviction within me as I reflected on our calling to be generous and how I show generosity as a follower of Christ. I am reminded of God and how he generously lavished his love upon us through his only Son’s death on the cross for rebels like you and me. How can I be generous like Christ as I continue my Christian walk? I can carefully consider how God has blessed me and use my strengths to help those in need, be generous in my tithings, serve others with my time and gifts, and ultimately use what I have for God. 

However, Paul says in verse 5 that we should not give grudgingly. Rather, we are called to be generous with how we give and serve, because all good things come from God. I think of times where I have limited my generosity for personal convenience, or even not given at all. That comes from the selfishness that is innate to my flesh. But this passage both encourages and challenges me to truthfully assess my attitude and the condition of my heart when I generously give as a follower of Christ. I strive to be a cheerful giver who does so willingly in light of what Christ has done for me. We see Christ’s generosity on the cross connect his people as the body of Christ and therefore bring about God’s glory. My prayer for myself and the church is that we continue to imitate Christ’s perfect example of generosity on the cross. May he give us the strength and wisdom to carry out this calling to ultimately bring him glory. I pray that God replenishes our giving so we are able to consistently live this out and become increasingly Christlike.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dania is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.