TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:6-13
Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in . . . holiness and sincerity. - 2 Corinthians 1:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Scottish pastor Robert Murray McCheyne once wrote, “My people's greatest need is my personal holiness.” Although only 30 when he died, his godly lifestyle impacted thousands. His Spirit-filled preaching helped to spark a revival that spread across Scotland to northern England in the 1840s.

McCheyne understood the link between personal integrity and effective ministry. Sadly, there are many examples of Christian leaders whose shady financial dealings or sexual improprieties have dishonored the name of Christ and the cause of the gospel.

Paul knew that his credibility in ministry depended upon his personal holiness. During his day, Cynics were philosophers known for their disrespectful antics. The name Cynic comes from the Greek word for “dog,” which gives some hint as to their outrageous tactics. Unlike these frauds, Paul's conscience was clear regarding his own conduct. He could honestly say that he had endured unrelenting suffering and persecution with “truthful speech and in the power of God” (v. 7).

Despite his references to his own suffering, Paul never sought adverse circumstances nor glamorized his trials. All that he endured was for the sake of the gospel. His sufferings authenticated his apostolic calling. Also, these trials revealed a life fully yielded to the Spirit. Notice the stability of Paul's character, unwavering through glory and dishonor, through bad or good reports. Though often misunderstood, Paul didn't retaliate or compromise his integrity, but exhibited patience and kindness. Unlike others who resorted to trickery, Paul was armed with “weapons of righteousness.”

Today's passage ends with Paul's most impassioned entreaty to the Corinthians. He had been completely honest and upright in all his dealings with them, but they were treating him otherwise. Appealing to them as a father, he urged them to respond as his very own children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Personal holiness is perhaps the most essential requirement for ministry. Nothing discredits the gospel more quickly than hypocritical, unethical, or immoral actions. Paul's example presents us with two important responses. First, we need to pray for the protection and continued integrity of our pastors and other church leaders. Second, today's passage also challenges us to “put no stumbling blocks in anyone's path.” In addition to guarding our own integrity, we can also cultivate the servant-like attitude that permeates today's passage.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. - 1 John 5:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent study found that 56 percent of single Christian “fundamentalists” have had sexual relations outside of marriage. Many pastors and Christian leaders report that an increasing number of engaged couples have sex before their wedding. In his book Postmodern Times, Gene Edward Veith Jr. writes that surveys suggest that whereas Christians used to feel guilt and shame for indulging in improper sexual behavior, an increasing number of professing Christians don't appear to consider immorality to be a serious issue.

The failure of Christians to separate themselves from their surrounding culture has always been a serious problem. Although some apply today's passage only to the question of a Christian marrying a non-Christian, the larger focus concerns the problem of idolatry. No doubt Paul had taught about this numerous times during his stay in Corinth, but the Corinthians probably had a hard time grasping this because Greco-Roman culture included the worship of multiple gods and goddesses.

A yoke was designed to join two beasts of burden together. This is the image of Matthew 11:29-30, which teaches that we're to be yoked to Christ alone. How then did Paul apply this imagery to the Corinthians' interactions with nonbelievers? He certainly didn't advocate avoiding any contact with nonbelievers, as 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 makes clear. Paul was warning about alliances that compromised the Corinthians' walk with the Lord. Paul's reference to Satan as Belial, which comes from a Hebrew word meaning “ruin” or “wickedness,” underscores the spiritual threat involved. The danger of spiritual impurity is also seen in the Old Testament quotations woven throughout this passage. Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 32:38, Ezekiel 37:27 (referenced in v. 16), and 2 Samuel 7:8, 14 (referenced in v. 18) all speak in some way of God's covenant promises to His people. The quotes from Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34, 41 stress Israel's need to separate itself from the idolatrous surrounding nations (see v. 17). Paul appealed to these powerful promises and warnings as compelling incentives to purity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All idols promise life, but they actually take away life by demanding more and more. Humans were made for worship, so if they're not worshiping the triune God, they're worshiping something else. Believers aren't immune to idolatry. In our media culture, many idols involve images from TV or movies that appear to promise life and significance. In our sexually obsessed society, idols often involve sexual addiction or pornography. Whatever the idol promises, it can't deliver. God alone is the answer to our longings.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
God’s kindness leads you toward repentance. - Romans 2:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his own words, John Newton “sinned with a high hand” before he met the Lord. After deserting from the British Navy, he was caught and severely disciplined. In lieu of further punishment, Newton persuaded his superiors to assign him to a slave ship. He eventually captained several slave ships, even after his conversion, although he tried to prevent the worst abuses of slavery. Finally, however, Newton became completely disgusted and quit the trade. To his dying day, he shuddered over his former involvement in slavery and fought the cruel trade in every way that he could, including assisting William Wilberforce.

When God convicts someone of sin, there will always be some positive outcome. In John Newton's case, godly sorrow spurred him on to fight injustice. In the case of the Corinthians, godly sorrow led them to repentance and godly growth. This is the second mention we've had of the “tearful” letter that Paul had written to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 2:4). Although that letter achieved its purpose, it's clear from 2 Corinthians that Paul still had to fight wrong perceptions.

This first part of today's passage indicates that some had accused Paul of wrongdoing, perhaps suggesting that he had ulterior motives for the collection to help Jewish believers in Jerusalem. This explains the great care that Paul took in writing this letter and his overwhelming expression of love for the Corinthians. It also explains the tremendous joy that he felt finally to receive a good report back from Titus.

Although difficult, Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church is a powerful example of love in the body of Christ. Paul would have laid down his life for the Corinthians. At the same time, he didn't hesitate to speak painful truth when necessary. He knew that godly sorrow, although painful, ultimately benefited them. If he hadn't confronted them, they would have grown more hardened and persisted in sin. But painful yet faithful words led to repentance and restoration.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To the Philippians, Paul wrote, “[I am] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Phil. 1:6). Our expectations of other believers will always disappoint us unless we base our confidence on the Lord's work in them. Ultimately Paul's confidence wasn't in Corinthians themselves, but in the Lord in them. This is another way in which “we regard no one from a worldly point of view” but as new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:16-17).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Freely you have received, freely give. - Matthew 10:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ”˜I tell you the truth,' he said, ”˜this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on'” (Luke 21:1-4).

For centuries the account of this poor, but generous, widow has both convicting and inspiring. We've no idea if the Macedonian churches had heard this part of Jesus' teaching, but even if they hadn't, they too knew how to give out of their poverty. The churches in Macedonia included those in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and perhaps some others not mentioned in Acts. Their generosity is even more remarkable when we realize that these churches were very poor. The book of Acts records the intense persecution that Paul and Silas faced while in these cities (see Acts 17-18). Thus the “most severe trial” (v. 2) they faced was probably for their faith and no doubt contributed to their extreme poverty. Additionally the entire Macedonia region had suffered economically from political turmoil and decreased trade. Perhaps these circumstances help explain the Macedonians' outpouring of generosity for the believers in Jerusalem who were also persecuted and impoverished. Not only did they give willingly, but they also “urgently pleaded” with Paul for the privilege of giving!

In stark contrast, the wealthy Corinthians had made an initial commitment toward the Jerusalem collection, but had failed to follow through. Tensions between Corinth and Paul probably encouraged their procrastination. Yet Paul didn't want them to miss out on this “grace of giving,” especially given their experience of other spiritual gifts (v. 7). With their positive response to his painful letter, the time seemed right to entrust Titus with exhorting the Corinthians is this regard.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Financial giving isn't about how much money we have. The poor widow and the Macedonians show that poverty doesn't preclude generosity. Even so, giving doesn't come naturally, so we can be thankful the Bible repeatedly teaches about this subject. Giving isn't just about money—it enables us to participate in something greater than ourselves. Through our financial gifts, we're able to participate in ministries around the world and support our own local churches. Generosity also includes our presence, talents, and prayers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Christ Jesus . . . made himself nothing. - Philippians 2:5-7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Tom and Becky Henderson were full-time staff with a well-known university parachurch organization. While raising support, they ran into an interesting phenomenon. More than once, people would write the Hendersons a one-time check—even a generous one—but they wouldn't support the young couple on a monthly basis. The couple began to realize that many people feared a long-term commitment that might go on for several years.

Although reasons why people give or don't give are complex, most believe that giving is mainly about money. Second Corinthians 8-9 offers a helpful corrective to this faulty thinking. God's purposes for giving have to do with gratitude for what He has already done and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ—giving isn't just about writing a check or sending money.

As an apostle, Paul could have commanded the Corinthians to participate in the collection for poor believers in Jerusalem. Instead, he urged them to give as an expression of their sincere love. Recall that the Macedonian churches had given generously out of extreme poverty. In addition to their example, Paul appealed to the supreme example of sacrificial giving—the Lord Jesus Christ. Although Jesus wasn't wealthy during His incarnation, Paul didn't have material riches and poverty in mind. Jesus became poor by becoming human and temporarily setting aside the glory that He had enjoyed with the Father. The point is that believers can never give up what Jesus did, but they can love sacrificially as He did.

Paul offered two other reasons for the Corinthians to be generous. First, he wanted the Corinthians to finish what they had started. Although they had been first to commit to the Jerusalem collection, they had yet to act. Second, he wanted equality among believers. This doesn't mean that everyone has exactly the same amount of money. It means that no one needs and no one hoards. To illustrate, Paul quoted Exodus 16:18, recalling the Israelites' reliance upon manna while in the wilderness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Exodus 16 records that if the Israelites tried to hoard manna, it rotted and stank. The same is true when we hoard money . . . or time . . . or possessions. These things may not literally rot and stink—but, what's worse, something in our hearts does. Conversely, when we see that everything we have is from the Lord, gratitude leads to generosity. In fact, the example of the Macedonians shows that generosity has nothing to do with income; it comes from a thankful heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Avoid every kind of evil. - 1 Thessalonians 5:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
In an effort to protect public trust, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) was founded in 1979. This accreditation council requires adherence to strict standards, including independent financial auditing and fundraising integrity. Thus donors are protected from unscrupulous groups, and organizations are protected from succumbing to methods that might bring dishonor to the cause of Christ. Currently over 2,000 evangelical organizations comprise the council.

Like other wise leaders, Paul knew that special care was needed when it came to money. For several years, he had been collecting funds for famine-stricken believers in Jerusalem from Gentile churches. He knew he would be the object of suspicions given the large sum of money involved. In fact, some in Corinth apparently suggested that Paul used collection funds to line his own pockets. They may have used this to justify their own failure to give.

This explains the great care that Paul took in pursuing the Corinthians' contribution to the collection. If the ECFA had been around, Paul would have met and exceeded their stringent standards! He began by appealing to faithful Titus, who had just returned from Corinth with the “tearful” letter. We get a glimpse of Titus's own deep love for the Corinthians in his enthusiasm to turn around and undertake the arduous trip back to Corinth. Although asked by Paul, it's clear that he acted of his own initiative and desire.

In addition to Titus, Paul saw the wisdom of sending several respected brothers. First, there is an unnamed brother, who had been chosen by other churches, probably in Macedonia and Greece, to ensure the propriety of the collection. There have been many suggestions concerning this individual's identity, including Luke, but what's clear from the text is that this person was highly regarded. Additionally, another brother completed the group. The designation “our brother” indicates someone close to Paul. Such an individual could vouch that Paul's hands were completely clean regarding the collection.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In addition to the need for integrity when it comes to finances, today's passage offers two other lessons for giving. First, notice the eagerness of those involved with this major fundraising drive. They understood they weren't “just asking for money,” but that they were participating in God's glorious work. Second, notice how this collection crossed cultural and ethnic boundaries. Charity begins at home, but it can never stop there. The church must extend beyond itself to minister to its brothers and sisters throughout the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution. - Romans 15:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
On August 15, 2007, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped to 12,861. Just 18 days earlier, the Dow had set a new record high, closing over 14,000 for the first time. What happened? Risky lending practices associated with subprime home mortgages finally began to affect the market. Falling interest rates had made home ownership possible for millions. At the same time, some companies, eager for profit, also devised loans and methods that qualified borrowers with poor credit histories for high-interest loans by giving the appearance on paper that these borrowers had better finances than was actually the case. When interest rates rose again, these borrowers began to default on their loans and the reputations of several home mortgage companies were damaged, forcing them into bankruptcy.

Several times already we've noted the importance of integrity. This is especially true when people stake their reputations on another's integrity, as Paul did with the Corinthians. Paul shared with other churches about the Corinthians' enthusiasm for the Jerusalem collection, which encouraged these churches to contribute to the fund. The problem was that the Corinthians had only pledged the money. When Paul wrote this letter, they still hadn't fulfilled their promise.

Paul was concerned about negative consequences if other churches, especially the Macedonians, discovered the Corinthians' lack of integrity. These churches had given sacrificially. Paul was concerned that the Corinthians' failings might call into question his own integrity and jeopardize his efforts to help the Jerusalem church.

This explains why Paul was sending Titus and two other brothers in anticipation of his upcoming visit to Corinth. We know from Acts 20:4 that Macedonians accompanied Paul to Jerusalem with the collection. They would have been with Paul on this final trip to Corinth. Paul knew that the honor of Christ as well as his reputation and that of the Corinthians could be damaged if they failed to keep their word.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It can be easy to undertake commitments lightly. We might agree to support a ministry after a compelling presentation. When it comes time to write the support check, however, we procrastinate. The same thing can happen when we sign up for a ministry team, only to find ourselves reluctant to make the required time commitments later on. In this regard, we can all be like the Corinthians. Yet we should also keep in mind that our lack of faithfulness affects many others, often far beyond what we could know.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Give generously . . . without a grudging heart. - Deuteronomy 15:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Pastor Ray Stedman told the story of a man in Houston who received a letter from a Christian radio station seeking contributions. The station calculated that it needed $76 from each listener to stay on the air. The letter promised that God couldn't be “out-given”—thus contributors could be assured that their $76 would come back to them three-fold. The man wrote back to the station suggesting that they send him the $76 first. That way the station would receive back three times the amount they needed to stay on the air!

Many people believe that giving is like a cosmic investment plan—give a certain amount and it will come back, with interest! At first glance, today's passage seems to support this thinking. Yet a deeper look shows a much different principle.

In the ancient world, like now, no farmer would sow grudgingly or sparingly, knowing that a little seed in the ground meant little fruit at harvest. So, just as farmers sow generously, God's people should also give generously. Paul followed this proverbial saying with a key principle. God gives to us first so that we can be generous. The order here is key. We don't give first so that we can receive a blessing. This is where the radio station got it wrong.

Knowing that God gives first encourages us that there's never a time when we can't be generous. This also encourages us that when we receive a little extra, it's not so that we can spend it all on ourselves. Instead, material blessings enable us to give even more to others.

Our generosity is a practical means of sharing the gospel, because others will see obedience linked with our verbal profession of Christ. What comes back to us is a spiritual, not material, blessing—namely, others praying for us (v. 14). Ultimately, giving brings us right back to where it all begins—God's indescribable gift of Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“God loves a cheerful giver” because that's exactly what He is! God gives freely and beyond all we can imagine. This is true first and foremost in the gift of His Son, but it's also true every day we live and breathe. Take time this weekend to reflect on God's generosity in your life. If possible, join with family or friends, and write down specific examples of God's abundance. Then praise God together for the opportunity to live out of this generosity as you prepare for tomorrow's collection during church.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 10:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In The Wizard of Oz, a tornado takes Dorothy and her dog Toto far from Kansas to the land of Oz. On their own, they're powerless to return. Only the great and powerful Wizard of Oz can help them. As they travel to the Emerald City to find the Wizard, they're joined by the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. Together they endure trials and terrors, but none compares to the fright of standing before the mighty Oz. Imagine the utter shock to find out that this powerful wizard, feared far and wide, is actually a bumbling old man pulling switches and levers behind a screen!

Paul's opponents had a similar image of Paul. They claimed that he was bold in his letters, but timid in person. So, once again, Paul was forced to defend his apostolic authority. The sudden shift in tone from 2 Corinthians 9 has led some to suggest that 2 Corinthians 10-13 was originally a separate letter. These scholars claim that it's unlikely that Paul would follow an appeal for money with such strong language. But there are good reasons for considering 2 Corinthians a unified letter. It seems that Paul was trying to deal with a number of difficult circumstances by letter in anticipation of his upcoming visit. He certainly wasn't afraid to deal forcefully with any issue (v. 11), but he wanted his visit to be a time of joyful fellowship instead of painful confrontation.

As we've noted already, Paul's concern wasn't for himself but rather for the gospel. If the Corinthians had been persuaded by these false teachers, they would have succumbed to a false gospel. So Paul had to confront them. Notice, however, his “tactics.” Rather than use the worldly means of his opponents, Paul realized that behind their efforts lay demonic strongholds consisting of pretensions against the knowledge of God. Once again, Paul showed that reliance on God's power was no sign of weakness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Ephesians 6:12 reads: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Those who oppose the gospel aren't the real enemies. Behind their efforts is the Evil One who opposes God's work in every way. This is why our weapons aren't worldly ones. We pray against every pretension raised up against God. By the Spirit's leading, we expose faulty arguments for what they truly are.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. - Exodus 20:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Set in Czarist Russia, the popular musical Fiddler on the Roof follows the trials faced by the lovable Tevye, which include finding suitable husbands for his five daughters. Although arranged marriages are no longer common in the West, a father's responsibility to protect his daughter's honor and to secure a proper husband for her has been the norm throughout much of history and is the backdrop for today's passage.

To demonstrate his deep love for the Corinthians, Paul likened his relationship with them to a father and daughter. Paul used the common biblical imagery of adultery to describe spiritual infidelity to stress how deeply he feared that the Corinthians were being seduced by false teaching, which likely disputed the importance of the crucified Christ. Paul was jealous for the Corinthians' spiritual purity: a different gospel, with a different Jesus and different Spirit, was no gospel at all.

Because of his concern, Paul was willing to engage in the “foolishness” of justifying his actions to the Corinthians. Given his apostolic authority, he certainly didn't need to do so. One major accusation he faced concerned not charging a fee for his preaching while in Corinth. Although we're usually happy to get something for nothing, in Greco-Roman culture it was a significant insult to refuse a wealthy person's gift. By supporting himself, Paul looked more like a common laborer than a prestigious teacher who could command a high salary. To the status-conscious Corinthians, this made them look bad.

Furthermore, the Corinthians accused Paul of loving other churches more because he had accepted their financial assistance. But Paul knew that accepting help from the Corinthians would have put him in inferior position to this wealthy church—a position from which he wouldn't have been free to speak frankly and truthfully. Indeed he never would have been able to call the “super-apostles”—who gladly accepted Corinthian money—what they truly were: masquerading servants of Satan.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Unlike other false teachers, the “super-apostles” didn't deny fundamental truths about Christ, such as His full humanity and full divinity. But they focused on victory rather than suffering, and glory rather than crucifixion. In doing so, they distorted the true gospel. The same is true today when preachers promise prosperity and success, often in material terms, to those who follow Jesus. This false teaching doesn't prepare people for the reality of living in a fallen world and the need to persevere in trust and faithfulness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
We are fools for Christ. - 1 Corinthians 4:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a University of Michigan survey, overall customer satisfaction with air travel continued to decline in 2007. Travelers cited lost or damaged luggage, long delays or flight cancellations, and unhelpful airline personnel among their major grievances. For many frequent flyers, travel has become more difficult and less pleasant. Even with all these hassles, modern travelers can barely imagine what Paul endured in his day.

Travel in the ancient world was difficult and dangerous, so many people never traveled. This makes Paul's extensive travels all the more remarkable. Yet traveling was only one hardship that Paul willingly endured for the gospel.

We noted yesterday that, out of love for the Corinthians, Paul answered their false accusations. Today we see that Paul also countered the arrogant boasting of his opponents with some “foolish boasting” of his own. By doing so, he exposed their true foolishness. The Corinthians willingly endured quite a bit from these “fools,” including enslaving and degrading treatment. Paul uses irony (v. 21) to show that a true apostle would never exploit them.

Apparently these false apostles boasted in their Jewish heritage. Philippians 3:3-6 indicates that Paul's Jewish heritage was impeccable. These “super-apostles” also boasted about what they had suffered for Christ. They picked the wrong opponent, because Paul could “out boast” every one of them. For example, the Jewish punishment of “forty lashes minus one” could kill a person. The fact that Paul survived this five times revealed both his love for his own people and God's sustaining power for his body. Despite numerous tangible hardships, nothing compared with the pressing concern that he felt for all the churches. If the Corinthian church is an indication, Paul must have paid a high price in this regard.

Finally, Paul referenced the humiliating way that he fled Damascus soon after his conversion. Although he wanted to crush Christianity, he was humbled by the risen Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The “super-apostles” must have seemed imposing. Yet often, true servants of Christ aren't all that impressive. It can be tempting to look for leaders who have a powerful personality or a certain charisma. To be sure, some godly leaders also have these characteristics. Yet we must be careful that we're not using worldly standards to evaluate our Christian leaders. A faithful, trustworthy pastor or elder is far more valuable than the polish or dynamism of one whose arrogance ultimately enslaves and leads away from the gospel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
When I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
A phenomenon is occurring throughout the Muslim world. A growing number of Muslims report having dreams in which Jesus appears to them. Frequently, these dreams concern Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection—events either not acknowledged or denied in Islamic teaching. As the result, thousands are coming to Christ and new converts often boldly proclaim the gospel, even at risk of death.

Although some are skeptical of dreams and visions, the Bible and church history record numerous examples of God speaking in this way. Unfortunately, unscrupulous individuals have also exploited the power of visionary experiences. This is apparently what was happening in Corinth. Paul's opponents probably used visions to authenticate their apostolic claims. Paul had to set the record straight.

It's a bit curious that Paul used the third person to refer to his own vision of the third heaven, a popular Jewish expression for Paradise. This probably indicates his conviction that this was an issue between God and him. The fact that Paul had spent so much time with the Corinthians without ever mentioning this event implies this conclusion as well. In other words, visions weren't used as the basis of his apostolic authority. Moreover, Paul's language of being “caught up” indicates that he hadn't sought this vision, rather it was completely God's doing.

What a contrast to the false apostles' boasting. In fact, to keep Paul from boasting about this surpassingly great revelation, the Lord allowed a messenger of Satan to inflict Paul with a “thorn” in his flesh, most likely some type of medical ailment. This account also shows God's complete control over the demonic realm.

We might think that the prayers of the apostle Paul would be effective enough to take away this ailment. But the issue isn't about praying “enough,” but submitting to God's sovereign will. In this way, the Lord's all-sufficient grace could be manifest through Paul's weakness. Paul could boast in his weaknesses, because through them, God was glorified.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
While we should rejoice over the reports of those in the Muslim world who have come to Christ through remarkable means, it is important to recognize that the spread of the gospel through dreams and visions is the exception rather than the rule. Visions from God aren't available “on-demand.” God's revelation to Paul was an unsolicited gift. Paul was very hesitant even to mention his experience. Believers with similar experience should take care that if they share it with others, it glorifies God and leads people to Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21
We dealt with each of you as a father. - 1 Thessalonians 2:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Japanese culture values politeness and formality. This is especially true when it comes to giving gifts. Once a gift is received, it's expected that a gift will be given in return. This gift must be chosen carefully. A gift is an expression of status, so an inappropriate gift could bring shame upon an individual. Giving the same gift to different individuals could be insulting.

Every culture has its own set of rules for proper behavior. As we've noted before, patron-client relationships in Paul's day were prevalent. In general, these formal rules would have been inappropriate in a parent-child relationship. Parents generally saw themselves as protectors who helped their children succeed in life. We can imagine the pain Paul felt when his Corinthian “children” treated him according to formal patronage rules.

In the first part of today's passage, Paul concluded his “boasting” by stressing that the true marks of an apostle had been repeatedly manifest to the Corinthians. They had seen all that they needed to know that Paul, not the super-apostles, was the real thing.

Just a few remaining issues needed to be cleared up before Paul could undertake another visit to Corinth. First, Paul underscored that the basis of their relationship was family, not patrons or clients. Love and integrity, not obligation and debt, drove Paul. The same was true for Titus and the other brothers sent by Paul.

Second, Paul clarified that his words shouldn't be construed as a defense. This probably surprised the Corinthians! But a defense would have given credibility to their charges and implied that Paul had been wrong. Paul's concern was for the gospel. To refute false charges was to prevent false apostles from gaining a foothold.

Third, Paul turned the tables by suggesting a few charges of his own. He worried that the Corinthians' past ungodliness hadn't been fully renounced. If so, he would have been humiliated for having labored in vain.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christians aren't expected to be perfect, and both confession and repentance are important parts of the Christian life. At the same time, expecting godliness within a Christian community is entirely appropriate. Given that the Corinthians weren't new believers, Paul was right to expect repentance, sexual purity, and spiritual maturity from those who had “sinned earlier.” The same is true for believers today. True spiritual maturity is reflected in true godliness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:1-14
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. - Deuteronomy 19:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every parent knows the importance of follow-through. Once children figure out that words have no meaning and that no consequences follow misbehavior, they usually push the limits to see just how far they can go and still get away with more disobedience. Unfortunately, not much changes from children to adults.

Apparently the Corinthians had persuaded themselves, helped by the false apostles, that Paul wasn't much of a threat. Sure, he wrote difficult letters, but when confrontations arose, he backed off quickly enough. A quick recap of Paul's visits to Corinth will be helpful. Paul's first stay in Corinth is recorded in Acts 18:1-17. Second Corinthians indicates that he made a short, painful visit sometime later, and had intended to visit again, but held off for fear of causing more pain (2 Cor. 2:1). This had been misinterpreted to mean that Paul didn't carry through with his warnings. Thus Paul made sure that the Corinthians understood that the admonitions contained in his current letter (2 Corinthians) weren't idle. He was fully prepared to carry out his warnings on this third visit.

This intent is evident in Paul's abrupt quotation from Deuteronomy 19:15. Some suggest that this refers to Paul's three visits, but another interpretation explains the Deuteronomy text better. Whereas Paul had previously dealt with individuals privately, this time he would judge unrepentant sinners publicly, on the testimony of two other witnesses, probably Titus and Timothy. If the Corinthians wanted proof of Paul's apostolic authority, they would find it in God's power working through his “weakness.” Even so, Paul still hoped these Corinthians would repent and not fail the test of their faith.

It's probable that this occurred. According to Acts 20:2-3, Paul stayed in Corinth for three months. The brevity of the account and the likelihood that Paul wrote the letter to the Romans during this stay in Corinth indicate that this third trip was peaceful.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our study has covered difficult territory. But the final benediction offers a helpful summary. First, aiming for perfection includes the restoration that comes from repentance and spiritual maturity. Second, it is important to heed the authority of all Scripture. Third, being of one mind, living in peace, and greeting one another with holy affection negates preoccupation with worldly standards and status. Finally, the grace, love, and fellowship stressed in this letter are only possible through God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 63:7-16
You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. - Isaiah 63:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his years in the monastery, Martin Luther was gripped by fear of an angry God who could never be pleased. Desperately seeking forgiveness from this distant, wrathful God, Luther confessed his sins three times a day, for as much as six hours at a time, afraid to miss the smallest sin. Moved to the depths of despair, Luther once declared: “Love God? I hated him!” For young Luther, thinking of God brought only fear and anxiety.

Luther understood something about the seriousness of sin and the need for forgiveness, but at that time his picture of God was only half complete, and for that reason, utterly debilitating. While Scripture teaches us about the problem of sin before a high and holy God, the fullest portrayal of the God of the Bible entails His love and forgiveness, His intimacy and grace. Scripture repeatedly depicts God as our parent, using both fatherly and motherly images to express His relationship with us.

Today's passage in Isaiah summarizes well this theme of God as parent. Speaking to Israel, then beleaguered by oppression under foreign rule, God declared His fatherhood to His people. He began by reminding them of “the many good things he has done . . . according to his compassion and many kindnesses” (v. 7). Then, in a brief retelling of Israel's story, God reminded them of how His parenting was expressed in His salvation (v. 8b), in His sharing in their distress (v. 9a), in His love, mercy, and redemption (v. 9b), in His lifting them up and carrying them (v. 9c), and finally in His disciplining them in their rebellion and disobedience (vv. 10-14).

Near the end of the chapter, Isaiah cries out a final reminder of Israel's relationship with their God: He is their Father and Redeemer; this is how He is known (v. 16). Lest we forget this aspect of God's character, this month's study will focus on Scripture's presentation of God, not as a distant, angry deity, but as our intimate and loving parent. Watch for themes from today's passage in the coming days.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many of us wrestle with feeling that God is a distant, impersonal, even angry deity. Others of us agree that this is an unbiblical view of God, but still struggle to experience the intimacy and love of our personal God. Take time today to pray that this month you will experience a renewed intimacy with God as your loving, merciful, saving Father, and that your life will demonstrate that reality to a world in desperate need of such love.