“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

            Is God’s grace sufficient for you?  It is a beautiful thought to think about our lives being guided and buoyed by the grace of God, but Paul reminds us of what that actually looks like.  God’s grace is shown through His power being glorified through our weakness.  In order for our lives to be grace-driven, we must be willing to be weak and vulnerable.

            A grace-filled life looks like healthy problems and the patience to wait for God’s timing instead of our own.  A grace-filled life looks like unimaginable loss and grief being shouldered by hurting people who trust in the hope of the resurrection when every tear will be wiped away and every broken heart mended.  A grace-filled life looks like forgiveness when wronged, confession when we sin, and the humility reconciliation requires.  A grace-filled life looks like weariness, struggles, and burdens being which we are too weak to bear alone and require us to lean on the power of God for gracious mending and to make whole what is forever torn without Him.

            Is God’s grace sufficient for you?  Do you have the faith to take that journey?

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading:  2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?” (2 Corinthians 11:29)

            Paul had such a solid reputation of concern for people that he could openly boast about his concern for others, and the facts clearly corroborated his statements.  Would the same be true for me or you?  Do we hurt with the hurting and show intense concern for the spiritual well-being of others?

            Do our actions line up with our intentions, or is our concern for our fellow man more a state of delusion than fruit born from active decisions?  Christians must do more than profess our care for others; we must actually care for them.  Indeed, saying you care isn’t necessary, but showing you care is.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:21-33

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Jesus preached more against the religious of His day than anyone else.  There is a reason for that.  World religions have long been the bastion of Satan.  He loves religion as long as it is not built upon Christ and His Word.

The religious man feels safe in his traditions and genuflections of worship.  The man who feels safe doesn’t try and flee the danger of sin and temptation because he believes himself already perfectly fine.  The Pharisees religiosity blinded themselves to their own sinfulness.   Traditions, rote prayers, and a heritage of religion were enough to callous their hearts.

Satan disguises rebellion against God as spirituality all the time.  Make sure you know what you believe because merely believing something isn’t good enough.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:10-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

            There is a difference between clever and smart.  The devil is clever and offers for us to feel clever, too.  Satan is all about shortcuts, bribes, tricks, and crafty ways to avoid doing the work that God calls us to.  Deception may be clever, but it isn’t smart.

            The smart thing to do is to not be led astray from the simple and pure teachings of Christ.  The smart play is to follow the playbook (the Bible) that works every single time.  The smart move is to avoid shortcuts when eternity is at stake.

            Be smart, not clever.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:18)

            I cannot emphasize enough that what you think about yourself has absolutely no bearing on reality.  Self-esteem is an illusion based upon feelings instead of facts.  There are many people with low self-esteem that bring immense joy to God and serve Him faithfully each day.  There are many with high self-esteem that grieve Him and are loathsome in His sight.

            Stop worrying about what you think about yourself and take a long, hard look at what the Bible says about you.  Would God commend you?  If so, rest easy.  If not, re-evaluate.  It is that simple.  You are not the center of the universe, so what you think doesn’t really matter.  If you commend yourself, who cares?  If you feel “less than”, who cares?  You aren’t in charge.  He is.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:10-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God…” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

            The devil deals in speculations… which is a fancy way of saying the devil likes to keep us guessing.  The easiest way to keep someone from the task of following God is to keep them speculating about other ways that might fulfill us.

            Maybe money might make me happy… or an extra donut or two… or maybe a career move… or a new spouse… or another vacation… or new golf clubs… or…  Speculation is all based upon conjuring up new theories without any evidence.  I have no proof that money, fame, fun, or relaxation will fulfill me, but insufficient evidence doesn’t stop us from wasting our whole lives speculating instead of serving God.

            Part of the job of the gospel is to crush speculations and replace them with truth.  The truth is that no one will ever be fulfilled without God.  All the evidence points toward Him.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:5)

            One of the reasons that God asks us to prepare our contribution ahead of time (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 for that command) is so our gift isn’t tainted by covetousness.  When we wait until we are assembled to decide how much we are going to give, we might be tempted to give more than we cheerfully wish to because of the pressure of the moment, or we may choose to withhold part of our contribution because we didn’t purpose in our hearts ahead of time to give to God.

            Your contribution should be a sort of “first fruits” of giving.  It should be given from the beginning of the paycheck, not the last of what is jingling in your pocket.  It should also be given with intentionality so that the amount is not an emotional gift swayed by the moment but a determined choice to put God’s work first.  Don’t let covetousness affect your giving.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12)

            God does not expect anything from you that you cannot do.  God’s character is not malicious or cruel.  He does not demand we jump ten feet in the air while knowing we are incapable of it.  He expects of us only what we are capable of doing.

            However, that is EXACTLY what He expects of us.  God accepts what you are capable of and what you have to offer.  No more, no less.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:11-24

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For I testify that according to their [the churches of Macedonia’s] ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

            In a period of history when we all have a quality of life five times better than the generations before us, there is a lot to be learned from the generosity of the Macedonian churches.  They begged for the opportunity to give.  Nowadays, it is often the opposite – people have to be begged to give.

There are so many opportunities to do spiritual work with our finances… help widows, support preaching in impoverished countries, save orphans and finance adoptions, meet the needs of lesser-fortunate Christians, feed and house saints, and the list goes on and on.  The Macedonians ached for the chance to be a part of this kind of work, and it was a testament to their faith.  Their financial giving matched their passion to give themselves to the Lord. Do we?

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance.” (2 Corinthians 7:9)

            In his second letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wanted to make his intentions clear.  He never rejoiced in their sorrow, but he did find joy that their sadness made them do something about their sins.

            Every emotion has a purpose.  One function of sadness is its ability to cause us to rise up and want to change our circumstances.  Sadness, typically, leads us to do things to try and stop being sad.  In the Corinthians’ case, their grief led them to change their behavior – and that’s fantastic!

            If you are unhappy, it may be time to do something about what has happened.  Sometimes we are unhappy because we have been making unhealthy choices, and sin has borne poisonous fruit in our lives.  If that is the case, let sadness trigger repentance.  

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:6-16

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision