Category Archives: ministry
proof of commitment
2 Corinthians 10:13-12:13. Paul’s opponents in Corinth probably boasted that they were more committed to Christ and the churches than Paul was. After all, he was only a part-time itinerant missionary, but they demonstrated their commitment by staying among the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, conflict, divisions, faithfulness, ministry, submission, suffering
Tagged 2 Corinthians 10, 2 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 12
Leave a comment
mighty weapons
2 Corinthians 10:1-12. Paul has been attacked and his ministry maligned by some within the churches at Corinth. He is careful not to respond in kind, because that would be waging war according to the flesh. Instead, he writes this … Continue reading
Posted in church, confidence, divisions, leadership, ministry, scriptures
Tagged 2 Corinthians 10
Leave a comment
aiming at what is honorable
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15. Paul is sending two men to collect a contribution from the believers in Corinth. He has been collecting funds from the Gentile churches to help those in Jerusalem who have been hard hit by famine. He is … Continue reading
Posted in giving, integrity, ministry, witness
Tagged 2 Corinthians 8, 2 Corinthians 9
Leave a comment
fully loaded
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10. Paul described himself and the other missionaries who worked with him as having a weapon in each hand (6:7). Perhaps he was picturing a Roman soldier with a sword in one hand and a shield in the … Continue reading
Posted in faithfulness, Jesus Christ, ministry, perseverance, suffering, the cross, witness
Tagged 2 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 6
Leave a comment
trophies in tow
2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18. The idea of being led by Christ in triumphal procession sounds great — except for the small detail that in victory parades in Paul’s day it was captured enemies that were led in triumphal procession. They were … Continue reading
Posted in ministry, missions, sovereignty of God, submission, suffering, witness
Tagged 2 Corinthians 2, 2 Corinthians 3
Leave a comment
stumped
Isaiah 6. King Uzziah had lived his final ten years as a leper, with his son Jotham taking his throne instead. In contrast to the earthly king’s shame, Isaiah sees the glory of the heavenly king, who is always on … Continue reading
commitment to integrity
Psalm 101. David’s ten “I will’s” here reflect a commitment to integrity and foreshadow the ministry of Christ. He will sing to the LORD (1) He will ponder the blameless way (2) He will walk with integrity of heart (2) … Continue reading
mercy in ministry
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11. Paul had decided to delay his plans to visit Corinth out of mercy. He felt that a visit soon after his painful letter would only accentuate the condemnation the church members were experiencing. He wanted to give … Continue reading
Posted in church, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, ministry
Tagged 2 Corinthians 1, 2 Corinthians 2
Leave a comment
mission management
1 Corinthians 16. Reading this chapter is like reading the minutes to a business meeting. You get an idea of the things that are high on the agenda for Paul and his missionary team. Benevolence offering for the needy in … Continue reading
word problems
1 Corinthians 14. All of the problems that Paul was dealing with here have to do with speaking in church. He identifies three specific problems:1) too many people were “speaking in tongues” instead of prophesying;2) too many people were speaking … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, Holy Spirit, ministry, spiritual gifts, Uncategorized, worship
Tagged 1 Corinthians 14
Leave a comment
Devotions 