TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:12-22
God is not a man, that he should lie. - Numbers 23:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a 1991 poll, 32 percent of Americans believe that their pastor has lied to them. Moral weakness among religious leaders has become fairly widespread. In fact, there's a perception among many that clergy are untrustworthy and after people's money. According to Paul's opponents, such a perception perfectly described him. His frequent change in travel plans showed that he was fickle. Even worse, philosophers and religious leaders were supposed to show the way to the good, virtuous life—Paul's sufferings and his apparent change of mind were major strikes against his credibility in Corinth.

This may explain why Paul began speaking, somewhat abruptly, about boasting. This would have hit home in Corinth, where people boasted in their status, wealth, and power. Yet notice how Paul redefined boasting. First, he boasted about his holiness and sincerity. Second, God's grace, not worldly wisdom, was the basis of his boast. Such transparency was unheard of, yet it showed Paul's conviction that he had nothing to hide. Paul was confident that when the Corinthians understood his motives, they too would boast, or have confidence, in him as well.

Paul then began to defend his changed plans. He had originally planned to visit Corinth twice, once on his way to Macedonia, and then again on his return. In this way, the Corinthian church might benefit, or be blessed, two times.

These plans were made with all integrity before the Lord. In fact, Paul's plans were consistent with the Lord's own faithfulness (v. 18). Everything that God promised in the Old Testament is fulfilled, or is “yes,” in Christ. This same God was preached among the Corinthians and made them stand firm. This God anointed and sealed them (as a sign of ownership). He also gave them the Spirit, as a deposit guaranteeing what's to come. This focus on God's promises reminded the Corinthians that God could be trusted completely and implied that Paul's changed plans were in line with God's faithfulness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul's confidence was rooted in his integrity. His conscience was clear when it came to his conduct among the Corinthians. This is a powerful statement. Little compromises chip away at our confidence. Although we may be misunderstood or falsely accused as Paul was, we still need to do all that we can to ensure that our consciences are clear. As you prepare for another week in the office, at school, or in the home, pray that you conduct yourself in such a way that your conscience remains clear.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4
Many of the Corinthians who heard him believed. - Acts 18:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most painful experiences in life is to be misunderstood by loved ones. Paul's love for the Corinthians was profound. Recall from our study in September that Paul spent over eighteen months in Corinth, despite great opposition. In fact, so great was resistance to the gospel that the Lord encouraged Paul in a vision not to give up on this wicked city. With the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul devoted himself fully to ministering to the Corinthians. It must have been hard for Paul to leave Corinth, although he knew that the gospel compelled him to go forward. Even so, Paul's deep affection for the Corinthians never wavered: in 1 Corinthians 16:6-7 Paul wrote that he hoped to spend extended time with them, perhaps even an entire winter.

Apparently, Paul had been forced to make an emergency visit to Corinth, a trip not recorded in Acts. During this visit, Paul likely had to confront and discipline church members who were challenging his apostolic authority. It's important to understand that Paul wasn't concerned for his own reputation. Rather, an attack on his authority jeopardized the entire church, because it was ultimately an attack on God's authority.

Because this emergency visit had been painful, and had not produced the repentance that Paul sought, he was understandably reluctant to make a second visit, wanting to spare the church further pain (v. 23). As an apostle Paul could have forced, or “lorded over,” the church to comply with his petition. Instead, out of love, he chose humility and restraint and postponed his visit. In lieu of a visit, Paul wrote “out of great distress and anguish,” hoping that a letter might accomplish his redemptive purposes.

Imagine his anguish when his opponents claimed that his change of plans revealed a fickle instability that disqualified him from being a true apostle! Motives rooted in unselfish love had been twisted in a most untrue way.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Throughout our study, we'll see numerous signs of spiritual maturity. Today's passage shows the wisdom of knowing when to push forward and when to hold back. Sometimes we stick with a set plan, convinced that any deviation indicates we're being wishy-washy. Paul's example suggests otherwise. Scholar Ben Witherington writes, “Sometimes a foolish consistency leads away from what God is urging in a particular situation. Paul's example suggests that one must learn when to follow a plan and when to depart from it.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
You have not brought back the strays. - Ezekiel 34:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a 2005 interview in Christianity Today, Ken Sande of Peacemaker Ministries describes an effective example of church discipline. A man was persuading elderly members to invest in a risky business venture. After receiving thousands of dollars, the man failed to deliver the promised investment return. Church leaders began to confront the man, and eventually persuaded him to return the money or face formal discipline. The man did return the money, but the greater outcome was his eventual repentance from a lifestyle of financially defrauding others. He himself requested to confess his sin publicly before the congregation.

Church discipline can be controversial, but it's intended to bring about repentance and restoration. The Corinthians had responded to Paul's painful letter requesting that a certain individual be disciplined (v. 6). Some commentators have suggested that this was the man who had committed incest (see 1 Cor. 5:1-13). It seems more likely that this is the one who had been slandering Paul and disregarding his authority. Although the Corinthians had complied with Paul's request, they were apparently having a hard time restoring the person who had been disciplined. Discipline is only one half of the coin; the other half must include forgiveness and love.

Paul's example here is powerful. It's clear that Paul wasn't demanding this individual's discipline to be spiteful. He knew that this person's actions were ultimately destructive to the entire church. That is why obedience in everything (v. 9) was so essential.

Paul's goal all along had been redemptive. Although he had been the one wronged, he took the lead in forgiveness. Knowing the human tendency to hold grudges or to shun those who have sinned, Paul also stressed the necessity of loving forgiveness on the part of the Corinthians toward this individual. Paul's mention of Satan in verse 11 reminds us that far beyond personal offenses and sins against one another is another much more serious threat to the unity of the church.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
C. S. Lewis once said, “We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it.” It's so easy not to forgive those who have been caught in sin. Yet we must never forget that the body of Christ is under constant spiritual attack. Even though “the gates of Hades will not overcome” the church, we need to make every effort to extend forgiveness to the repentant and to seek their full restoration. Failure to do so leaves an open door for an all-too-ready adversary.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
I am being poured out like a drink offering. - Philippians 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine combining the frenzy of a World Cup soccer match with the pomp of a royal ceremony. This barely begins to describe a Roman triumph. Victorious generals were awarded the privilege of parading through Rome, dressed in purple and gold robes. First, the conquered king, followed by his children, their tutors and servants, other family members, and eventually, the conquered king's army were paraded past jeering spectators. Terrified, they marched to either death or slavery. Then, the general appeared, eliciting cheers from the crowd, followed by his army, singing his praises.

The Corinthians would have loved this powerful imagery, naturally assuming that it pictured their triumphant victory in Christ. Imagine their shock when Paul portrayed himself as the conquered enemy! This is more clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 4:9—“God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena.” Why would Paul align himself with the condemned?

Paul clearly understood that as God's enemy, he had been defeated. His life now was being poured out so that the power of the gospel might be displayed through him. Just as the cross is at the core of the gospel, so also Paul's suffering was at the core of his ministry. As one Bible scholar writes, “To encounter Paul in his suffering on behalf of his churches is to encounter a picture of the crucified Christ.”

Such thinking was offensive to the Corinthians. In contrast to their focus on power and eloquence, Paul stressed humility and suffering. Furthermore, the Corinthians would have seen Paul's anxiety-ridden decision to leave Troas as weakness. Ironically, his concern to find Titus, and with him news about the Corinthians, caused him to pass up an opportunity for the gospel. Once again, love and not instability drove Paul. Moreover, unlike disreputable marketplace peddlers, Paul wasn't “selling” the gospel for a profit. Instead, his very life was poured out that the gospel might advance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
By now it should be clear that the intensity of Paul's suffering was part of his calling as an apostle. Yet today's passage shows that when our lives are offered up to God as the aroma of Christ, knowledge of God will spread around like perfume. For some, this will be like a sweet aroma that draws them nearer; for others, it will be like a foul stench that repels. Either way, our desire is to be that fragrance of Christ wherever God might lead us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3
You are a letter from Christ. - 2 Corinthians 3:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the Web site, jobsearch.about.com, it's important to find the right person to write a letter of recommendation. “A less than positive reference can cause as much harm as a negative reference.” A good letter should specify how long the person recommending you has known you, and in what capacity. Specific details about your skills and job performance are key. It's also helpful to describe specific attributes that set you apart. For many employers, excellent letters of recommendation are important factors for those they hire.

Letters of recommendation were also essential in the ancient world. In the Roman Empire, people were either patrons (those with power and resources) or clients (those who needed patrons and gave them status and honor). Patrons provided letters of recommendation for clients. One could also commend oneself, which would be like presenting one's own credentials.

But who needs recommendation letters to establish a relationship among close friends? It's likely that Paul's opponents were suggesting that Paul didn't have the right credentials. Paul's two rhetorical questions (v. 1) reveal just how strained things had become with the Corinthians. Paul wasn't against letters of recommendation— they were (and are) a necessary part of life. But surely his relationship with the Corinthians had gone well beyond the need for third-party referrals!

If the Corinthians wanted such letters, they had only to look at their very lives. Bible scholar C. F. D. Moule aptly wrote that Paul's credentials were “not on paper but in persons.” In fact, the Corinthians were letters from Christ, who had been written upon their very lives. Their existence as “letters of Christ” was dependent upon Paul's ministry. Moreover, they were “letters” written by the Spirit upon their hearts, not in ink upon stones. These last two images anticipate Paul's discussion of the new covenant in the following verses. Thus to deny Paul also denied the work of the new covenant that God had been accomplishing in their hearts.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever thought that your life is actually a “letter from Christ”? Your life is a testimony to those who brought you to Christ and who instructed you in the faith. Your life bears witness to the Spirit's power at work in you. Your life is also a letter “known and read by everybody” (v. 2). Take some time this week to consider what kind of “letter” you are. What kind of recommendation does your life give to Christ? It's a sobering thought!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11
Our competence comes from God. - 2 Corinthians 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some people's business cards have a lot of letters following their names—M.D., Ph.D., J.D., M.B.A., C.E.O., C.F.O. Paul could have put together a pretty persuasive business card himself! Philippians 3:5-6 tells us that Paul was “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews,” and a Pharisee. Pretty impressive!

Yet Paul didn't consider such credentials to have great importance. As we saw yesterday, it wasn't letters of recommendation that counted, but rather letters of Christ written in human hearts. These lives, together with the knowledge that only God could make him competent for his calling, gave Paul great confidence. Indeed, his calling was to be a minister of the new covenant. Mention of the new covenant reminds us of the covenant that God enacted with Moses at Sinai. Like Paul, Moses didn't rely upon his own competence. He knew that he was inadequate to be the mediator of that covenant, due to an apparent speech impediment (see Ex. 4:10).

The contrast between the Spirit and the letter has caused much debate. It's more than a simple contrast between the law and the gospel, because Scripture makes it clear that the law is good and perfect.

Instead, because the letter is written on stone tablets, it is unable to impart life. The Spirit indwells people and enables them to do what is otherwise impossible, namely, obey the law. Apart from the Spirit, the law is lifeless.

This point led Paul to contrast the glory that came with the giving of the law at Sinai and the glory that accompanies the new covenant.

It's rather amazing that Paul could say that the ministry of Sinai brought death, but this underscores human inability to keep the law, which brought about condemnation and death. To be sure, there was glory that accompanied this covenant, but it could not compare with the glory of the new covenant.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's worth repeating that the law is good. It's human effort to keep the law that brings death. Obedience is only possible through the indwelling Spirit's power. Even so, many Christians think that it's up to them to walk in obedience. Rather than humbly acknowledging their own inability, they try harder and harder, and often end up more and more defeated. How about you? Are you trying to fulfill the requirements of God's law apart from His Spirit? If so, today's passage shows that there's a better way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
We bear the likeness of the man from heaven. - 1 Corinthians 15:49
TODAY IN THE WORD
The sight was terrifying. Moses' face was radiant, glowing in a supernatural way. Aaron and the others backed away from him, unable to bear the sight. It was enough that Moses had gone back up the holy mountain to receive a new set of stone tablets. (He had smashed the first set when he returned from God's presence only to find the people engaged in gross idolatry.) But to have his face radiant like that was more than the people could bear—Moses had to wear a veil to cover his shining face!

It's hard to imagine what Moses' glowing face must have looked like, despite several attempts by Hollywood! It's also been hard for Bible scholars to explain why Moses hid his face with a veil. Some suggest that Moses was trying to hide his fading glory, but Exodus 34:29-35 doesn't indicate that Moses was trying to cover anything up. Another explanation is that Israel's persistently hardened heart made it impossible for them to see any measure of God's glory, even reflected off Moses' face. To see God's glory with such hardened hearts would have brought about their judgment. So it's more probable that Moses hid his face to protect the people, given their rebellious state.

This background helps us to understand Paul's comparison in today's passage between the glory that shone from Moses' face and the glory that now shines from the unveiled faces of believers. The Israelites couldn't see God's glory reflected on Moses' face because of the hardness of their hearts. That hardness can only be removed by Christ. That's why the veil remained for Jews in Paul's day (v. 15). Recall how resistant the Corinthian Jews were to the preaching of the gospel (Acts 18:5-6). But whenever anyone turns to Christ, the veil covering God's glory is removed. What was once possible only for Moses has now been made possible for all who turn to Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage says that, as believers, we all reflect the Lord's glory with unveiled faces. This is a lifelong process. We're continually being transformed into Christ's likeness. Romans 12:2 exhorts us to transform our thinking so that we are no longer living according to worldly standards. Galatians 5:22-23 gives further indications of a life being transformed in accordance with the Lord's likeness. Consider memorizing these verses as you pray that the Spirit will enable you to yield more fully to His transforming work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-5
I am among you as one who serves. - Luke 22:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the great English preacher Charles Spurgeon died in 1892, over 100,000 people lined the streets as his casket was transported from the Metropolitan Tabernacle to the cemetery. Yet despite his popularity, Spurgeon was often criticized for his passionate, salt-of-the-earth style. He was even called “the pulpit buffoon.” In an era that prized polite society, Spurgeon refused to water down the gospel message. He once wrote, “My firm conviction is that we have had enough polite preachers.”

The same could be said for the apostle Paul. In Paul's day, it was not uncommon for traveling philosophers to delight audiences with clever arguments and powerful oratorical skill. To demonstrate their worth, these speakers charged a fee from their audience. Earlier, Paul had used the image of a marketplace peddler (2 Cor. 2:17) to describe these hucksters. Paul would have nothing to do with their secret and shameful ways, or their deception or distortion. Paul did what none of them were doing—he set forth the truth!

We might think that the Corinthians would have welcomed Paul's integrity, but, in fact, they found his straightforward style less than impressive. Some might have implied that the reason more people weren't receiving the gospel was Paul's ineffective style. This explains several of Paul's points in today's passage.

First, Paul's ministry was solely rooted in God's mercy, which kept him from being discouraged by either suffering or criticism. Second, he could rightly commend himself to the Corinthians because he had nothing to hide. Third, resistance to the gospel was not due to weakness on Paul's part, but because “the god of this age” blinded people to God's truth. Calling Satan a “god” in no way suggests that Satan is like God, but only that he has certain dominion, limited authority, and the power to deceive. Finally, Paul didn't preach himself, but Christ. Unlike his opponents who drew people to their powerful personalities, Paul presented himself as a servant.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Before we're too hard on the Corinthians, we should ask ourselves if we're much different. It's easy to think that effective evangelism can happen only if our church has the latest multimedia equipment, a large gymnasium, and programs that appeal to nearly everyone. We want a popular pastor with relevant sermons and an outgoing personality. In the midst of it all, we lose sight of the fact that people need Jesus, not the perfect church. It's Satan who blinds people to the gospel, not a less than dynamic pastor.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:6-12
A light from heaven flashed around him. - Acts 9:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2006, Americans spent nearly $11 billion on bottled water, consuming about 24 gallons of bottled water per person. Although most people agree that water is precious—especially on a hot summer day—few think twice about the plastic container that holds its refreshing contents. In the ancient world, clay water pots were looked at in much the same way. When one of these inexpensive containers broke, it was thrown away with scarcely a second thought. Paul used the powerful imagery of these expendable vessels to contrast human frailty with God's amazing indwelling power.

No doubt Paul had his own experience on the road to Damascus in mind when he wrote verse 6. Whereas Satan blinds, God shines forth the light that brings knowledge of Him. Drawing from Genesis 1:3, Paul likened God's power to bring forth light at creation to God's power to illumine a human soul and bring forth eternal life through the gospel. At creation, humans were made in the image of God, but in redemption, believers are remade into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).

Recall from yesterday's study that Paul had to defend his ministry against critics in Corinth. They considered Paul's experiences of being given over to death as discrediting his apostolic authority. Paul countered that in contrast to the human power that the Corinthians highly prized, what mattered was God's power in human weakness. Paul's apostolic calling meant a life of suffering so that Jesus' resurrection life might be revealed through him.

Paul previously presented himself as a defeated slave who had been God's former enemy (see Nov. 7). Here he presented himself as a worthless container. These images offered a compelling picture of Paul's humility in contrast to the Corinthians' arrogance. The image of a clay jar also showed that Paul was expendable. It wasn't the container that counted, it was the contents—the power of God working through the gospel—that truly mattered.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever thought that you weren't qualified to serve in a particular ministry because you weren't smart enough? Or maybe you think that you aren't outgoing enough, or that you're too old . . . or too young. What an encouragement to realize that the Lord isn't looking for these qualifications. Our frailties and fears are no obstacle for the all-powerful God. He delights in using clay pots, chipped and cracked, so that His “all-surpassing power” might be displayed in our human weakness.

[Def]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:6-12
A light from heaven flashed around him. - Acts 9:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2006, Americans spent nearly $11 billion on bottled water, consuming about 24 gallons of bottled water per person. Although most people agree that water is precious—especially on a hot summer day—few think twice about the plastic container that holds its refreshing contents. In the ancient world, clay water pots were looked at in much the same way. When one of these inexpensive containers broke, it was thrown away with scarcely a second thought. Paul used the powerful imagery of these expendable vessels to contrast human frailty with God's amazing indwelling power.

No doubt Paul had his own experience on the road to Damascus in mind when he wrote verse 6. Whereas Satan blinds, God shines forth the light that brings knowledge of Him. Drawing from Genesis 1:3, Paul likened God's power to bring forth light at creation to God's power to illumine a human soul and bring forth eternal life through the gospel. At creation, humans were made in the image of God, but in redemption, believers are remade into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).

Recall from yesterday's study that Paul had to defend his ministry against critics in Corinth. They considered Paul's experiences of being given over to death as discrediting his apostolic authority. Paul countered that in contrast to the human power that the Corinthians highly prized, what mattered was God's power in human weakness. Paul's apostolic calling meant a life of suffering so that Jesus' resurrection life might be revealed through him.

Paul previously presented himself as a defeated slave who had been God's former enemy (see Nov. 7). Here he presented himself as a worthless container. These images offered a compelling picture of Paul's humility in contrast to the Corinthians' arrogance. The image of a clay jar also showed that Paul was expendable. It wasn't the container that counted, it was the contents—the power of God working through the gospel—that truly mattered.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever thought that you weren't qualified to serve in a particular ministry because you weren't smart enough? Or maybe you think that you aren't outgoing enough, or that you're too old . . . or too young. What an encouragement to realize that the Lord isn't looking for these qualifications. Our frailties and fears are no obstacle for the all-powerful God. He delights in using clay pots, chipped and cracked, so that His “all-surpassing power” might be displayed in our human weakness.

Pastor Roger, as i woke up this morning the first thing that came to my mind was,
 that 'in the beginning we were made in the image of God than Adam fell ,
and Christ  Jesus had to come
 and i was made in the image of Christ Jesus,now for ever clone to Christ.and i was sad cause i could never be able to give God nothing genuine of me ,
so i offered in submission my blood in Jesus blood and i will never be genuine. but that 's OK i remember who i am in Christ "a light in the Light"
love in Jesus Def

[Soldier4Christ]

Sister, when you gave yourself to Jesus you did in fact give of yourself to God. We turn ourselves over to Him completely.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Now faith is being . . . certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2003, Americans received 2.8 million injections of Botox, at an average cost of $399 per injection. Nearly 8.7 million had some type of cosmetic procedure, spending total of $9.4 billion. A full face lift costs on average $6,542. Half of all cosmetic procedures were performed on people between the ages of 35 and 50. Although women have been the primary consumers of such surgeries, an increasing number of men are seeking minimally invasive procedures to help make them look younger. It's no secret—many people are obsessed with looking younger.

Today's passage offers a compelling challenge to this fixation on youth. Paul contemplated decay and death from a much different perspective. The passage begins with a quote from Psalm 116:10. The psalmist praises God for delivering him from a near-death experience. Filled with praise, he proclaims the Lord's goodness. Paul links his own proclamation of the gospel, even in the face of persecution, with his faith in God's resurrection power.

Once again Paul reminded the Corinthians that his own adverse circumstances were for their own benefit. Because of Paul's suffering for the gospel, the grace of God was being manifest to many people, resulting in gratitude and glory to God.

Focusing on God's greater purposes gave Paul an eternal perspective. The second half of today's passage links the “outwardly” with our mortal experience in this present age, where we experience the ongoing effects of the Fall.

The “inwardly,” however, is linked with Christ's work in us, through which we're being prepared for life in heaven. (This contrast will also be our focus in tomorrow's passage.) The experience of being “hard pressed” (see 2 Cor. 4:8 ) doesn't actually crush us, but prepares us to receive future glory. The “weight,” or substance, of this glory makes earthly pressures seem light and momentary. To understand that the painful pressures of life are temporary is truly to have an eternal perspective.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Fear of death is a natural human emotion. But this fear is unbearable without the eternal perspective that today's passage offers. It's not that the decaying process of the “outer” person isn't painful and distressing. It's not that trials in this life aren't anguishing. It's just that life on this earth isn't all there is . . . and what's to come is beyond all we can imagine. Are you fearful of aging and dying? Ask the Spirit to help you see these fears from the perspective of eternal glory with Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Death has been swallowed up in victory. - 1 Corinthians 15:54
TODAY IN THE WORD
For the past four years, TV viewers have watched Ty Pennington and his design team transform run-down dumps into dream homes. Each Sunday, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition features a family chosen for a home renovation. The next hour chronicles a suspenseful race against the clock as walls are moved, exteriors are redone, and yards are landscaped within the given week. At the show's end, the family returns to its new home, hidden from sight by the large “Extreme Makeover” bus. Then the design team, volunteers, neighbors, and the family all cry out, “Move that bus!” At last, the family sees its new home for the first time.

Sometimes it's nearly impossible to imagine how Pennington and his team will make something desirable out of the dilapidated challenge they're facing! Similarly, it can be hard to imagine the eternal house in heaven that God has for us. In today's passage, the contrast between our mortal, “outer” and our eternal, “inner” existence is further developed. Here we have the contrast between earthly and heavenly. Paul used the common ancient metaphor of a house to speak of human bodies to assure the Corinthians—and us—that, at death, our earthly bodies are clothed with our resurrection bodies. The normal human fear of dying is reflected in Paul's statement that “we do not wish to be unclothed” (v. 4). And yet, we groan, or sigh, for our heavenly dwelling. This idea was also expressed by the writer of Ecclesiastes, when he said that God has put eternity in human hearts (Eccl. 3:11). Just like a monetary down payment on a home, God gives us the Spirit as a deposit, making absolutely certain the reality of our resurrection bodies.

If we're in our earthly bodies, then we are not “at home” with the Lord, which is where we long to be. Although the difference between earth and heaven is more than we can imagine, one thing remains the same: our desire to please the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Romans 8:1 makes it clear that faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross clears us from condemnation. So the judgment in today's passage is about evaluation, not condemnation. The idea of accounting for our lives isn't popular these days. Yet what we do now with our bodies matters. On the other hand, obedience doesn't earn our salvation. Obedience and good works show our trust and delight in God. As John Piper writes, “Sin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-15
Christ’s love compels us. - 2 Corinthians 5:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1996, pollster George Barna published an influential study about American religious beliefs. According to his polls, 85 percent of Americans consider themselves Christians. Nearly nine out of ten people believe that God judges individuals for their deeds. A surprising 56 percent of respondents claim that being “generally good” or doing “enough good things” enables a person to go to heaven. Only 39 percent believe that those who reject Jesus Christ are damned.

Today's passage offers a very different view from what passes for much of American Christianity. Yesterday we considered the judgment that evaluates believers' actions. Paul may have had this in mind when he spoke of the fear of the Lord (v. 11), indicating part of his motivation for evangelism. The final judgment of all people also drove Paul to persuade people concerning the truth of Jesus Christ. The word persuade was probably deliberately chosen to show the contrast between Paul and those in Corinth who resorted to polished rhetoric and who took pride in outward appearances (v. 12).

Paul again urged the Corinthians to recognize the integrity of his preaching and lifestyle. This was no popularity contest. To take pride in Paul was to take pride in Christ. To reject Paul, or to be ashamed of him, was to trust in something deceptive, and ultimately destructive. The reference to being out of his mind could be taken in one of two ways. First, Paul's opponents may have had ecstatic experiences that they claimed as validation for their ministries. The Corinthians may have wanted to see this in Paul. The Apostle argued that such experiences were between him and God. Alternatively, some may have said that Paul was psychologically imbalanced.

If fear of judgment was one motivation for Paul, the greater driving force was the love of Christ. For Paul, this meant the love that Christ demonstrated by dying on the cross. It's that love, and the resurrection that it made possible, that compelled Paul in all that he did.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
According to the Barna report, many people believe that good people go to heaven, with or without Jesus Christ. Some claim that 2 Corinthians 5:15 supports the idea that Christ died for everyone, so everyone will go to heaven. But in keeping with the rest of the Bible, this verse indicates that Christ died the death that all should have died and will have to die apart from saving faith in Him. The rest of this verse makes it clear that life is only possible through Christ's resurrection.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2
I am doing a new thing! - Isaiah 43:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jim Strietelmeier, a graduate from Moody Bible Institute along with his wife Debbie, leads an amazing church in East Indianapolis. Their church-based mission, Neighborhood Fellowship, includes a Christian school, foster care for emotionally disturbed children, and employment opportunities in two associated businesses. Their diverse church is about 60 percent Caucasian and 40 percent African American. This remarkable work stems from Jim's thoroughly biblical view of ministry: “We aren't ministering to the poor. We are the poor. There's no distinction between our church and our community.” Jim and Debbie are true ministers of reconciliation, exemplifying many of the principles in today's passage.

Prior to his conversion, Paul viewed Jesus as a blasphemer who had been justly executed (v. 16). His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus revealed to Paul the reality of Jesus Christ and exposed his own deeply rooted sin. This encounter with Jesus Christ brought forth a new work in Paul, and indeed in anyone who is in Christ. Believers are new creations, bearing His image, not that of fallen humanity. This new work brings about a new perspective—one that regards others not by external standards, but by the indwelling Christ.

Viewing others as new creations in Christ is evidence of the greater work of reconciliation that God is effecting through Jesus Christ in the world. Because the greatest division of all is the rift between God and fallen human beings, God made the sinless Jesus to be sin so that His own righteousness might be satisfied. The greatest need of any human is first and foremost to be reconciled with God through Christ.

Because the Corinthians' rejection of Paul reflected alienation from God, Paul urged them to be reconciled. Quoting from Isaiah 49:8, Paul showed that God had now done something even greater than bringing the people back from exile in Babylon. Through Christ, the day of salvation from the bondage of sin had arrived. His urgent appeal revealed once again his deep love for the Corinthian church.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
True reconciliation begins with God and is only possible through Christ. Our part involves repenting and receiving His grace. Once reconciled with God, we have a responsibility to live as ministers of reconciliation. As scholar David Garland writes, “Like Christ, a minister of reconciliation plunges into the midst of human tumult to bring harmony out of chaos, reconciliation out of estrangement, and love in the place of hate.” We may need to repair broken relationships or renounce sinful attitudes toward others.