Monthly Archives: September 2025

2 CORINTHIANS 10 WHEN WE MEASURE AND COMPARE

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September 12

2 CORINTHIANS 10

7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. 8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. 9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” 11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. 12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

                                                                – 2 Corinthians 10:7-12

2 CORINTHIANS 10 WHEN WE MEASURE AND COMPARE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a believer, we are to be impartial and have no preferences

Whenever we compare ourselves with others, we have biases

Do not judge others by their physical appearances or by accolades

We are to love one another and see others as God’s image bearers

When we measure others by a standard, we are following the world

Let us all measure ourselves based only on what Scripture says.

Paul defends himself and the workers of God as they were judged for their outward appearances. It sounded like they were belittling Paul and some of the other apostles.  We get a glimpse of the immaturity and the shallowness of the Christians in Corinth.

In earlier letters, Paul was confronting them of their sins and how they must walk in the way God wanted them to go. Because the Corinthians church was a newly planted church, they were still behaving like their old selves. He addressed their sins and it wasn’t taken lightly by some offended Christians. It seemed they were addressing Paul’s outward appearance as not living up to his letters since his letters were confrontational and authoritative. He appeared to them as weak on the outside. We clearly see the standards they were using to judge Paul and compare him with what they know of spiritual leaders.

REFLECTION

  • Why should Christians avoid measuring others according to some standards?

2 CORINTHIANS 10 WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

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September 11

2 CORINTHIANS 10

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. – 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

2 CORINTHIANS 10 WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we serve the Lord Jesus Christ, we are fortified

He gave us weapons of warfare so we can overcome

The whole armor of God is able to destroy strongholds

It exposes every argument and opinions from this world

These weapons of our warfare expose the tactics of the devil

Let us use them constantly so we can extinguish all forms of evil.

In this letter, Paul exposes the inner war we face regularly in our lives. Because the battles we face daily are not physical, but spiritual, we ought to be aware that it exists even if we don’t actually see it. In Ephesians 6, we are given the armor of God so we can face and win the battles we encounter regularly. In his letter to the Ephesian church, he mentions very clearly what we are to use as weapons against the flesh. The armor of God is as follows: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, peace as our shoes, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We are also to pray constantly at every occasion. When we wear the entire armor of God as often as we can, we are defeating the world and its system.

Paul urges the Corinthian church to have a mindset that is like the mind of a soldier. They train and are always ready. They are alert and they always wear their weapons of warfare. They do not become slack in their walk, but they are constantly watchful of the enemy.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think some Christians live fruitless and defeated lives?

2 CORINTHIANS 8 ZEAL TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

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September 9

2 CORINTHIANS 8

Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the giftyou have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

2 CORINTHIANS 8 ZEAL TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a believer, we are stirred by the Spirit to give generously

We cannot claim we are believers if we are selfish and stingy

The proof of caring for the needs of our brothers and sisters

Lies in our loving generosity and compassion for each other.

In this letter, Paul reiterates the ministry of grace to the Corinthian believers. He challenges them to follow up on their work to build up the church through the financial giving. He reminds them of the generosity of the Macedonians and how he has boasted about the Corinthian church to them that they already have become generous in their giving as well. It may sound like he was challenging them to compete with the Macedonian churches but it was to urge them to continue their zeal to support the church. It was to stir their hearts to continue to be loving and working their faith to grow. By doing so, they also cultivate their generosity and their love for the Lord grows.

The Old Testament scripture in Deuteronomy 16:17 says “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” It seems like Paul was adapting this same command of God to his people to the Corinthian church. Philippians 4:18 also says that giving is an act of worship. When you give to others especially to the church, you are expressing gratitude and praise to the Lord who is the source of all things.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think some Christians hesitate to give generously?

2 CORINTHIANS 8 GIVE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE

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September 8

2 CORINTHIANS 8

16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sendingthe brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengersof the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

2 CORINTHIANS 8 GIVE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we serve and hold our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

We continue to walk in the grace and love he showed us

Let us outdo one another in proving our love for the Lord

It is how we spread the truth that comes from his word

Let us aim to do only what glorifies God and what’s honorable

We press on to be the light that bears the likeness of our Creator.

In this letter, Paul commends Titus to the Corinthian church. He mentioned to them how Titus, not only accepted his appeal, but earnestly did it. Paul wants them to see the living proof of the work of Christ in Titus’ faithful and generous service for the gospel. He reminds them to remain honorable in their giving and to be messengers of the Lord. This way, the Lord Almighty is glorified. John 14:21 reiterates Paul’s letter since it says that the proof of our love for the Lord is to obey his commands and keep them. John 13:34 also says that whoever loves God must love his brothers as well.

REFLECTION

  • How can you prove that you love God? How should it manifest in your life?

2 CORINTHIANS 8 THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIRNESS

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September 7

2 CORINTHIANS 8

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter, I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” – 2 Corinthians 8:8-15

2 CORINTHIANS 8 THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIRNESS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Though Christ was God and was rich, he gave it up to become poor         

It is to sample a life of simplicity that focuses on depending on God

When we are blessed with an abundance, God expects us be impartial

It is not for us to hoard and keep things as our own possessions

The principle of fairness lies in loving God and blessings our neighbors

It considers others to be as important as God loves us as well.

James 1:17 says that every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James, the half brother of Jesus points us to the principle of fairness which is truly anchored on knowing that everything good we have comes from our heavenly Father. The focus is on the giver, not the gift. As humans, we get wrapped up on the gift that we received and forget the source of such blessings. When we focus on the gift, we fail to see the generosity and loving kindness of God. We start comparing the gifts we received with others’ gifts. We get into the envy trap as soon as we compare and we become discontented. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers of the principle of fairness anchored on God’s generosity.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it so easy to forget the giver and focus on the gifts we received?

2 CORINTHIANS 8 EXCEL IN THE ACT OF GRACE

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September 6

2 CORINTHIANS 8

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

2 CORINTHIANS 8 EXCEL IN THE ACT OF GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you received the grace given by your Lord & Savior

You ought to exercise the same grace you received to your neighbor

You may have had an overflow of other spiritual gifts given to you

But remember that acts of grace must be excellently pursued.

Paul writes to the Corinthian believers about how the Macedonian churches have manifested grace in the midst of afflictions. The more the Macedonians were afflicted, the more they abound in their generosity to each of their brothers and sisters in Christ. It seems like the “acts of grace” that Paul was referring to in verse 7 is their offering or contribution to the less fortunate and marginalized members of the church. Paul is teaching them accountability and caring for each other, especially the needy.

In the book of James, he explains that pure religion according to God is to help the widows and orphans in their afflictions. James also talks about that faith without action is dead. He gave the example of someone asking for help to another brother and the other brother didn’t give the help at the time of asking, but just gave words to that one in need. He says that faith is dead if we are not able to attend to the needs of others.

REFLECTION

·       How does Philippians 2:3-4 reiterate what acts of grace means?

2 CORINTHIANS 7 GODLY GRIEF PRODUCES REPENTANCE

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September 5

2 CORINTHIANS 7

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. 15 And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.

                                                          – 2 Corinthians 7:10-16

2 CORINTHIANS 7 GODLY GRIEF PRODUCES REPENTANCE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you know Christ, you are not overcome with worldly sorrow

Instead, your grief brings about repentance which doesn’t include regret

It doesn’t dwell on the loss but on the hope that you have been vindicated

Godly grief gives hope that your penitence liberates you from bondage.

Paul writes in this letter about how thankful he was that the letter he wrote to them rebuking them of their sins turned out to produce repentance to them and though he was concerned that they may take it badly and be angrier at him, he was glad that he did the right thing to confront them which led to their change of heart.

Spurgeon comments “Repentance must never be thought of as something we must do before we can come back to God. Repentance describes the very act of coming to God. You can’t turn towards God without turning from the things He is against.”

Many people think that when they sin, they have to live in the shame of what they did and condemn themselves for what they did. Jesus died for us so we can repent.

REFLECTION

  • What is the difference between godly grief versus worldly sorrow?

2 CORINTHIANS 7 THE FEAR OF THE LORD CLEANSES OUR HEARTS

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September 4

2 CORINTHIANS 7

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of bodyand spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.2 Make room in your heartsfor us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. 5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. – 2 Corinthians 7:1-9

2 CORINTHIANS 7 THE FEAR OF THE LORD CLEANSES OUR HEARTS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we fear the Lord, we accept our sinful nature

We recognize that without it, we cannot mature

Without the fear of the Lord, we will be living for our flesh

It is obeying his laws that kills the flesh and cleanses the heart

The fear of the Lord comforts us in our weaknesses and grief

It gives us hope that the promises he made will be fulfilled.

Proverbs 9:10 says that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs as a guide to the people of God to grow their fear of the Lord.  No wonder he focuses on the importance this fear for God as the firm foundation of the Christian’s life.  Paul reiterates the wisdom from Solomon’s book of Proverbs by reminding the Corinthian believers that without the fear of the Lord, they will remain corrupt and unclean.

REFLECTION   

  • How has the world corrupted the meaning of the “fear of the Lord?”

2 CORINTHIANS 6 SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THE WORLD

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September 3

2 CORINTHIANS 6

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.– 2 Corinthians 6:11-18

2 CORINTHIANS 6 SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THE WORLD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God has elected you to belong to his kingdom

He gave you his word so you can expose what is wrong

The Lord expects you to stay pure and undefiled from the world

Separate yourself from the impurities and all its unrighteousness

Do not have fellowship with those who don’t believe in God

Keep it holy since the Spirit of the Lord dwells inside you.

In this letter, Paul continues to guide the Corinthian believers how to live for Christ. He presents to them the two worlds at war which is God’s kingdom whose principle is righteousness and the world system which is lawlessness. Paul spoke of God as light and Satan as darkness in verse 14-15. He says that they cannot be together in one place. In John 1:5, it says that light covers the darkness. Where there is light, darkness no longer exists. In other words, when we believe in Christ, we are defeating Satan.

Paul also warns the believers that they cannot mix the world system with God’s kingdom. To do so would be defiling the purity and holiness that God has granted those who belong to him. We cannot follow the world’s ways and say we believe in God. It is an oxymoron.

REFLECTION

  • Show how Christians can unknowingly mix the world system with truth?

2 CORINTHIANS 6 BE FAULTLESS SERVANTS OF GOD

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September 2

2 CORINTHIANS 6

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

2 CORINTHIANS 6 BE FAULTLESS SERVANTS OF GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were called by God to believe in his Son

You ought to receive his grace with a grateful heart

Do not let any obstacles or hindrances get in your way

You must also be able to endure hardships and trials

God’s people rejoice when they face tribulations

Press on and continue to be faultless in all situations.

Paul pleads the Corinthian believers to ensure that they do not take for granted the grace that God has given them. To take God’s grace in vain would be to deny the sacrifice he did on the cross for us to be freed from the wrath of God. Paul lays down the foundation of what is required to accept God’s grace in awe and gratitude. One of them would be to guarantee that we do not become an obstacle to ourselves or to anyone in the growth of the faith in a believer’s life. He gives the formula for being a faultless servant of God. To be pure and holy, to die to our flesh and to endure persecution and hardships for the sake of the gospel.

REFLECTION

·       What is a faultless servant of God & why is it different from perfectionism?