December 5, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Corinthians 5 - Paul gives a pretty good picture of what we can expect after our passing into heaven.  We will have bodies and we will always seek to please our God, verse 9.  Paul goes on to speak of the wonderful change in our lives when we trust in Christ, verse 17.  We are to recognize that God has called us to be "ambassadors for Christ" verse 20 and that we represent Him to this world.  Please note the powerful way God speaks of what Christ was willing to do for us on the cross, verse 21.

2 Corinthians 6 - Paul emphasizes in this chapter that a Christian should seek to avoid "unequal" relationships with unbelievers, verses 14-18.  We cannot enjoy fellowship with Christ and then with wicked people too.

2 Corinthians 7 - Spiritual growth is ongoing, verse 1, where Paul speaks of "perfecting holiness" which implies an continuous growth in Christ.  Paul speaks of the godly repentance that believers should exhibit as they turn away from sin in their own lives, verse 10.

2 Corinthians 8 - Paul speaks about giving to the Lord.  Verse 5 gives a proper order to giving:  to the Lord first and then to His servants.  He also speaks of the greatest Example of giving in verse 9 how the Lord Jesus gave up His riches and became poor that we might become rich!

2 Corinthians 9 - Paul continues to speak about giving and encourages a generous spirit of giving, verses 6-8.  In this he makes it clear that God will provide even more when we have learned to give more to His work.  Many have taken verse 15 to speak of the gift of Christ to this world.