Monthly Archives: August 2025

2 CORINTHIANS 5 THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONTROLS US

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August 31

2 CORINTHIANS 5

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

                                                        – 2 Corinthians 5:11-15

2 CORINTHIANS 5 THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONTROLS US

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If we truly believe in God, we’ll have the fear of the Lord

We’ll trust and obey Him and not follow this world

For it is the love of Christ that controls us

It makes us discern what is right from wrong

Since he died for us so we can be raised

Believing in him makes us receive his amazing grace.

Paul once again teaches the Corinthian believers what one is supposed to boast about. Unlike those who do not know Christ, their boasting should be different from unbelievers. Those who are not serving Christ are concerned with worldly things and their boasting is focused on what they see outwardly. The believer on the other hand should boast inwardly about spiritual things.

Paul alludes to the two kingdoms that are very different in their focus: the kingdom of God and the world system. Those who know and believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ do not focus on boasting about physical or material things. Instead, they only focus on depending on the greatest sacrifice done for them so they can be reconciled with God.

They give credit to the only one who can boast about the greatest gift and work of salvation that no human being can be able to surpass.

REFLECTION

·       Share insights how the love of Christ must be the one controlling our lives.

2 CORINTHIANS 5 WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

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August 30

2 CORINTHIANS 5

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. – 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

2 CORINTHIANS 5 WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As children of God, we live as people of courage

We do not dwell in fear because we are freed from bondage

Even though we are still living in this corrupt world

We look beyond the conditions we go through

We live knowing that though we don’t see

God is faithful to walk us through all our misery.

Hebrews 11 defines faith as this: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” We believe even though we don’t see. Interesting how the world twisted the meaning of faith. The Oxford dictionary defines faith as trust in someone’s ability or knowledge. That definition is very different from the bible definition of faith. It eliminated the phrase “the conviction of things not seen.” As human beings, we are very limited with our understanding. We can easily think that we can fabricate faith and believe in someone or something on our own strength. The difference of believing in God who is sovereign, omnipotent and omnipresent is huge. To believe in a person or in whatever they promise, they may not be able to pull through with the fulfilment of that promise. But God is a promise-keeper and whatever he says he would do, it will come to pass. Those who do not know God and believe in him will have a hard time truly comprehending the meaning of true faith. Even believers struggle with the human condition of trying to understand things and get a guarantee from who or whatever they are believing in. Sadly, when we believe in earthly things, we will not have that complete assurance because they are temporary. God, on the other hand is eternal.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think some people lack assurance when they claim they believe?

2 CORINTHIANS 5 A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS

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August 29

2 CORINTHIANS 5

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it onwe may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. – 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

2 CORINTHIANS 5 A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God chose his people, he provided everything for them

As they are still in their earthly bodies, it is their tents

But the Lord God made a house for them not made with hands

Unlike their tents, God’s heavenly home is not temporary but is eternal

While we are in our earthly tents, we will experience challenges in life

As his children, let us long for that eternity that we only receive from God.

Paul likens our human bodies to tents. God’s people lived in tents and are nomadic especially during the time that God was moving them towards the Promised Land. Abraham led God’s people as he was prompted to and left his pagan country Ur to a place where he had no clue of at the time he was called to do so. He lived in tents with his flock and herds and entire household. Imagine the instability of the nomadic life. How inconvenient it was for the Israelites to do. In Genesis 12, we have an account that Abraham was seventy-five years old when God called him and promised him that he will be blessed with a great nation and a great name. Genesis 21:5 indicates that Abraham had his son Isaac at a hundred years old. It took twenty-five years before the fulfillment of the promise came about. The Israelites didn’t enter the promised land while Abraham was still alive. The bible tells us that Moses led them and eventually Joshua moved them into the Promised Land. While we are still living in our tents, which are our bodies, we will experience difficulties and challenges while we wait for the time when Jesus comes again and gives us new heavenly bodies. It will be a new earth where we will worship him only.

REFLECTION

·       Why is it important for us to long for God’s promise spoken in Revelations 21?

2 CORINTHIANS 4 AFFLICTIONS PREPARE US FOR ETERNAL LIFE

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August 28

2 CORINTHIANS 4

15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer selfis wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

                                                                – 2 Corinthians 4:15-18

2 CORINTHIANS 4 AFFLICTIONS PREPARE US FOR ETERNAL LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Don’t be disheartened when you are faced with afflictions

They prepare us for the eternal life that the Lord promised

Without afflictions, we won’t see the value of a higher power

It is the broken and the afflicted that Jesus Christ died for

When you are faced with various kinds of trials, rejoice

It will build your character and make you strong to endure.

Paul encourages the Corinthian believers who were plagued with many kinds of afflictions. Because Corinth is a big city with a history of many pagan idols, it probably was a big challenge to live outside of the culture that they have known for years. Paul reiterates James 1 when the book of James in chapter one says the following: “2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” It means that if we encounter such trials and hardships, we must be thankful because we have a chance to grow our faith and our dependence on God. In our world today, many people frown upon afflictions such as illnesses, diseases, uncomfortable and hard lives. Do you ever wonder why there is so much suffering in this world we live in? Aside from the truth that we live in a corrupt world with an inherited sinful nature, God uses afflictions to prepare us for eternity.

REFLECTION

  • Why do humans tend to avoid afflictions instead of embracing them?

2 CORINTHIANS 4 TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY

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August 27

2 CORINTHIANS 4

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 

                                                                   – 2 Corinthians 4:7-14

2 CORINTHIANS 4 TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were chosen to be God’s child

You are God’s treasure and the apple of his eyes

Even though we are only humans and limited

God uses each of his children to be his word’s vessel

Though we are inadequate, he still uses as his tool

We are the means that he uses to speak out the truth.

Why did Paul use “treasures in jars of clay” as a metaphor? What does it mean? Like jars, we are fragile and easily broken. Jars are containers of many things. In the days of Jesus, they used jars for storing food, water and oil. Without jars, they won’t have somewhere to place these essentials that they need to survive. They didn’t have the luxury of cars and groceries where they can just buy food, oil or water. Sometimes they walk miles just to draw water from wells in the heat of the sun. We could see how important jars are in their culture.

What does it mean to be a jar of clay for Jesus?  As disciples of Christ, we are ambassadors of the word of God. We need to declare the treasure that is contained inside our hearts to the world, so that God may be glorified.

REFLECTION

  • How are these following verses hopeful and encouraging for Christians?

2 CORINTHIANS 4 UNBELIEVERS ARE KEPT FROM SEEING THE LIGHT

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August 26

2 CORINTHIANS 4

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

2 CORINTHIANS 4 UNBELIEVERS ARE KEPT FROM SEEING THE LIGHT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

The Spirit of God lives in them, and they are given the light

Those who do not believe in Christ, will be blinded by the world

They live in the darkness full of lies and cannot fathom God’s word.

In this letter, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to press on and not be discouraged when the world persecutes or attacks their faith. He admonishes them to keep on doing what is right and proclaiming the gospel without compromise. He wants the believers to continue to press on despite the inability of unbelievers to understand the gospel. The work of the hand of God in a believer’s life is anchored on God’s grace and not on the gifts that were given them.The parable of the sower in Matthew 13, reiterates this letter of Paul. Verse 3 reminds believers of their purpose which is to sow seeds of truth in the world. Verse 4 explains that we have no control over how the soil would bear fruits from those seeds we planted. Only those who were chosen will bear fruit as they belong to him, while the unbelievers remain to live in darkness and without fruit.

This goes to say that we can only sow and plant God’s word, but it is the Spirit’s work to bear the fruit in the lives of those who believe in the Lord.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it that some Christians think that declaring the gospel means that the hearer will receive it right away? What is not right with this thinking?

2 CORINTHIANS 3 FREEDOM IN GOD’S SPIRIT ALONE

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August 25

2 CORINTHIANS 3

7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

2 CORINTHIANS 3 FREEDOM IN GOD’S SPIRIT ALONE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Whenever we listen to lies and satisfy our own flesh

We will be fearful of things we don’t have control over with

Since God is love, only in Christ will we have true peace and freedom

But if we rely on following rules without love, we will be imprisoned.

Our world system has distorted the meaning of “freedom.” Freedom in the perspective of this world means independence from anyone or anything that would hamper their cravings to be satisfied. The world’s concept of “freedom” is a “no-consequence” concept. This only leads to chaos and turmoil. Paul explains to the church in this letter what true freedom is. It is to rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for everything in our lives. It is a “God-dependence”: the exact opposite of independence which Satan propagates in the world.

REFLECTION

  • How is “freedom” thwarted in our world today?

2 CORINTHIANS 3 SUFFICIENCY FROM GOD

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August 24

2 CORINTHIANS 3

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. – 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

2 CORINTHIANS 3 SUFFICIENCY FROM GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we believe in Jesus Christ, we do not depend on ourselves

We draw strength and power only from our heavenly Father

The world gets their power from being independent from God

They do not recognize that without God, they are nothing

Sufficiency from God enables all his children to build up each other

Dependence on the “self” makes one inept to have true power.

In this letter, Paul addresses the aftermath of living a life independent from God. He reminds them that God has written in our hearts God’s letter of recommendation. In other words, the Lord has equipped us to declare and speak the truth to others as well as to those who have not heard of the gospel. Paul says that we do not need any other recommendation from any human being because God has granted it to all those who belong to him. Paul also reminds them that not any of them should take credit for anything since God made all things and even our abilities to say “yes” to him also originate from him. So, there is no reason to boast of anything.

In the world, self-sufficiency is the norm. Humans are taught to be independent and rely on themselves heavily or they will be judged. Since they do not acknowledge a higher power, they can not fathom what it means to depend on God.

REFLECTION

  • What are some automated ways we rely on ourselves instead of on God?

2 CORINTHIANS 2 THE AROMA OF CHRIST IN US

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August 23

2 CORINTHIANS 2

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

2 CORINTHIANS 2 THE AROMA OF CHRIST IN US

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God chose you to be one of his children

He made you a sibling of Jesus Christ

Like your brother Jesus, you are also God’s heir

You are an aroma of Christ to your Father

To those who are being saved, you are pleasing

To the unbelieving, you are perishing.

Paul relates to the Corinthian believers in this letter his concern that he didn’t see his brother Titus when he preached in Troas. Although he appreciated the blessing of a door opening for him to preach the gospel there, he was a bit perturbed that he didn’t find his brother there. So, he proceeded to Macedonia and there he found another opportunity to declare the gospel. What a blessing it was that he was directed to leave Troas when he was worried about Titus and was led to find new opportunities to preach the Good News. The Spirit of the Lord shifted his mindset from worry to joy. Joy that he was given all these occasions to declare the word of God and be like the fragrance that is pleasing to God.

Even the strongest apostle of Christ experienced worry over a brother he was hoping to see. Isn’t this very true of us too in our lives? When we love someone whom we have the same beliefs and calling, we long to be with them especially when we face challenges in our work for God. God blessed him with a change in scene so he can change his mind.

REFLECTION

·       Share some struggles you encounter as you bring the gospel to the world.

2 CORINTHIANS 2 WATCH OUT FOR SATAN’S TACTICS

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August 22

2 CORINTHIANS 2

5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

                                                         – 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

2 CORINTHIANS 2 WATCH OUT FOR SATAN’S TACTICS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As Christians, we are soldiers for Christ equipped with God’s word

It is Scriptures that bring the truth and exposes lies from the world

When we do not know the truth, we are prey for being devoured

Let us watch out for Satan’s tactics so we can win and overcome

Satan uses subtle ways to entice humans to seek pleasures

Be wary of the wiles of the devil so you will not give in to cravings.

In this letter, Paul cautions the Corinthian believers to watch out for Satan’s clever and subtle ways of tempting them. He mentions someone in the church that sinned and was punished for it. His name wasn’t identified but some scholars think that it was the same man that was in the church who was having an incestuous relationship. Paul was probably glad that the sin was presented in the congregation to be addressed. But knowing how these Christians were, he also wanted them to forgive that man who has already repented and grant him grace. By doing so, they avoid being preyed on by Satan.  It may feel like a condemnation if one doesn’t exercise grace after rebuking another Christian brother or sister.

It is not easy to correct someone in the body of Christ because all of us still live in our sinful bodies and we will face conflict of personalities, viewpoints, differing maturity levels of faith, etc. Without grace, correction may appear like condemnation

REFLECTION

·       Why is it important for us to decode Satan’s tactics?