Saturday, October 18, 2014

2 Corinthians 1:15-22

2 Corinthians 1:15-22
And by this confidence I was previously desiring to come to you all in order that you all should have a second time of grace – to go through you all into Macedonia and again to come from Macedonia to you all and for you all to send me on my way into Judea.  Therefore, while desiring this I have not behaved fickly, have I?  Or when I decide this do I decide it according to the flesh – in order that it is “yes, yes” and also “no, no” for me?  But God is faithful since our word to you all is not “yes” and “no.”  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ – the one who as being proclaimed in you all through us (through me and Silvanus and Timothy) – did not become “yes” and “no” but in Him it has been “yes.”  For as many as the promises of God are, in Him they are “yes.”  Therefore, also the amen is to God to glory through us.  And God is the one who establishes us with you all in belief into Christ, who anointed us, and who sealed us and who gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

This is another passage that is written out of Paul’s need to defend himself and his choices.  He had told the Corinthians that he was going to come and visit them (See 1 Corinthians 16:2-8).  But when their contention became bitter, he wanted to give them time to sort it out themselves rather than come to them and yell at them.  (See 2 Corinthians 1:23)  But some of his opponents in the church accused him of being a fickle person who makes one promise and then doesn’t live up to it.  So Paul has to defend himself once more.  Again we see an example of how our humanity interprets things for us rather than allowing us to be willing to truly understand the motivations of others and accept them.  Paul’s enemies accuse him and judge him rather than consider that there might be a logical reason for his choices.

Do you ever judge the motivations of other people?  Do you ever make assumptions of the motivations of others?  When are you likely to judge others?

Second Thought:

Having said this, Paul then states that his conscience is clear.  Paul was always up-front with the Corinthians.  He brought the truth them.  He gave them access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He tried his best, but life conspired against him and he had to change his plans.  If the Corinthians are unable to accept this, that is to their shame.  But Paul’s conscience is clear because he is honest and open and up-front all the time.  I admire Paul for sticking to the truth in spite of what people think of him.

How does it feel to have people judge you when your conscience is clear?  Why is it important to live a live that allows you to have a clear conscience?

Third Thought:

Paul gives us a string of God’s action as this passage ends.  God establishes us with His other followers.  We do not establish ourselves and we do not make ourselves great.  It is God who anoints us for the completion of His will.  It is God who seals us; we receive His seal rather than seal ourselves.  It is God who gives us His Spirit as a down payment – a word also translated as guarantee.  Once again we hear Paul emphasizing the importance of God’s work.  Everything that matters with respect to salvation and relationship with God originates with Him.  We receive everything from His hand.

How does this thought make you feel towards God?  How do you live out this feeling?


Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

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