Tag Archives: Christian blog

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?

2 CORINTHIANS 2 ON FACING PAIN

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August 21

2 CORINTHIANS 2

For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? 3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. – 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

2 CORINTHIANS 2 ON FACING PAIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Pain is inescapable in this fallen and corrupt world

The more we avoid it, the more it brings us down

If we face and process the pain, we may understand it

Then we can learn to endure it and let the healing begin.

It seems that there was a change of plan discussed in this letter. Paul was supposed to make another visit to Corinth, but he changed his mind. 2 Corinthians 1:23 mentioned the reason for his aborted visit. He was sparing them of the pain. His last visit there wasn’t pleasant at all but full of conflict and sorrows. So, instead of a visit, he wrote them this letter. From the tone of this letter, it sounded like the Corinthian believers were offended that Paul didn’t come as he planned. Paul had his reasons for not coming. He wrote them a letter to spare them of the rebukes and corrections that he would not be able to stop himself from doing. Like a good father, he will not allow his children to continue their sinful and wayward choices. Clarke comments “Because of the scandals that were among them he could not see them comfortably; and therefore, he determined not to see them at all till he had reason to believe that those evils were put away.”

Correcting or rebuking a brother or sister in Christ could be a source of conflict for some members of the church. According to Wikipedia, ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. You can imagine that Paul planted a church in a Greek city full of many different idols and cultural traditions that do not acknowledge God. It was a hedonistic city, full of materialism.

REFLECTION

  • Why do human beings avoid pain instead of facing them?
  • Was Paul avoiding pain for himself or for the sake of the church?

2 CORINTHIANS 1 NOT BY EARTHLY WISDOM BUT BY GOD’S GRACE

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August 19

2 CORINTHIANS 1

12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicityand godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 13 For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and understand and I hope you will fully understand— 14 just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.15 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 16 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. – 2 Corinthians 1:12-18

2 CORINTHIANS 1 NOT BY EARTHLY WISDOM BUT BY GOD’S GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As children of God, everything we do is by God’s grace

Without God, we are nothing so we cannot brag

Boasting is not a behavior that God’s people engage in

We rely on God’s grace for our talents and abilities

When we acknowledge God, we will manifest humility

There is no room for boasting to all those who love Him.

Have you ever encountered a boastful person who thinks highly of himself and has no room for listening or acknowledging others? Don’t you want to run away from them? Arrogance is a worldly trait that focuses on bragging about their own abilities and showing them off to appear like they are more superior than others. I think that the root of arrogance is “insecurity.” If you are secure about who you are and what you can do, there is no reason to boast or prove that you are good at what you do is the better option.

In this letter, Paul addresses the importance of recognizing that everything we have or any abilities we possess come from God alone. It is God’s prerogative to give it to us by his grace alone. We cannot take credit for anything because God made all things and he alone is in control and has the option to take it away from us. We’re under his grace.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think boasting and Christianity do not go together?

2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

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August 18

2 CORINTHIANS 1

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. – 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

2 CORINTHIANS 1 THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As Christians, we are to pray for one another

We are connecting with others when we do this

We are manifesting our love when we intercede for others

It pleases God that we take care of our sisters and brothers

As we pray for others, we are giving hope to those afflicted

We will also be comforted by our Lord when we plead for them.

In this letter, Paul explains to the church the importance of intercessory prayers. He openly shared his challenges in Asia as they work for the Lord in that place. He described it in verse 8 that they were at a point of desperation. In verse 9 he depicted it as a sentence of death.

According to the introduction of this book in the English Standard Version, Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia around A.D. 55/56 which was approximately a year after he wrote 1 Corinthians and a year before he wrote his letter to the Romans. The central theme of this letter is the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul’s apostolic life, ministry and message. The source further says that Paul’s opponents had questioned his motives and his personal courage. They argued that he had suffered too much to be a Spirit-filled apostle of the risen Christ. But Paul argues that his suffering is the means that God uses to reveal his glory. Isn’t that true of us too, when we face so much suffering too? We can be more dependent and prayerful when we face many trials in life and this dependence brings God more glory and praise

REFLECTION

  • Share some insights on the power of intercessory prayers you’ve experienced.

1 CORINTHIANS 16 WHEN ONE HAS NO LOVE FOR GOD

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August 16

1 CORINTHIANS 16

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. – 1 Corinthians 16:19-24

1 CORINTHIANS 16 WHEN ONE HAS NO LOVE FOR GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one has no love for God, they will be proud

When there is no acknowledgement of someone higher than you

You will think highly of yourself and be partial to others

You will not be accountable to those who are your neighbors

You will only be concerned with satisfying your cravings

There will be no room for worshiping a higher being.

According to some sources online, in many Middle Eastern cultures, kissing, particularly on the cheek, is a common greeting gesture among family and close friends, signifying affection and respect. The number of kisses and the specific context (e.g., between men, women, or mixed genders) can vary significantly based on region, relationship, and personal preference. In some areas, like the Gulf states, physical contact between unrelated men and women is more restricted. 

In this letter, Paul urges the saints to greet each other with a holy kiss. In those times and probably until now, in the Middle East, they greet one another with a kiss. It is part of their culture. But what is a holy kiss? According to another source: “ In the Bible, a ‘holy kiss’ is a form of greeting and expression of brotherly love and unity among believers, particularly within the early Christian church. It was a common practice in the Middle East during that time and was meant to convey genuine affection, acceptance, and peace. The term “holy” distinguishes it from a romantic or sexual kiss and emphasizes its purpose as a genuine expression of Christian love. So, if anyone has no love for the Lord, how could one possibly engage in this holy kiss? It is not possible, is it?

REFLECTION

  • What are manifestations of a “holy kiss” in our modern-day Christian community?

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ACT LIKE MEN & BE STRONG

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August 15

1 CORINTHIANS 16

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his willto come now. He will come when he has opportunity.13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. – 1 Corinthians 16:12-18

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ACT LIKE MEN & BE STRONG

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ

We are urged to be on guard and firm

We need to act like men and be strong

We can do this by walking in love

Do not fear for God is with you always

Have courage and live abounding in His grace.

In this letter, Paul reiterates the promise and command of God to Joshua in chapter 1. He was directed by God to deliver his people to the promised land after Moses died. He is now leading God’s people as they enter the Promised Land. These are the following words of the Lord himself: “5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous.8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is exactly what “act like men” means. To obey and be faithful.

REFLECTION

  • Why are Christians commanded to be strong and act like men in this letter?
  • How can we manifest this in our lives as Christians?

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ON CHURCH COLLECTION

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August 14

1 CORINTHIANS 16

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. – 1 Corinthians 16:1-11

1 CORINTHIANS 16 ON CHURCH COLLECTION

Why do we have a collection in the church? When I was a newly born-again Christian, I didn’t understand all these tithes and offerings. That was because I wasn’t encouraged to live the principles taught in the bible.  The church I grew up in did not explain these things to its members. We also weren’t encouraged to read the bible and make it our guidelines for living the Christian life. The bible tells us everything we need to understand regarding generosity and caring for one another. In James 1:27, it shows us that pure religion according to God is helping the orphans, the widows and the vulnerable. In other words, those who are unable to live with dignity under their circumstances. God gave his people the responsibility to exercise love by addressing the needs of our sisters and brothers in Christ. In James 2:14-17 he says that faith with no deeds is useless. His example here presents another believer who comes to you with their need for clothes and daily food. He challenges the believer who can exercise their faith by addressing the physical needs of their brother or sister. Otherwise, if they don’t do anything about it and they have the capacity to do so, their faith is futile. It was important that Paul make the Corinthian believers aware of the needs of the church. Generosity towards the poor and needy is the work of the Spirit in us to manifest love towards others especially the vulnerable & weak.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think some people struggle with giving, especially to the poor?