The Devotional – 1112 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

The Devotional – 1112 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

We are concluding the Book of Second Corinthians today and I will be seeking to down size the devotional after this, so I will be looking for some feedback in the days ahead. The length of these devotionals is good but it does take a lot of time. Time mind you that is well spent for me, but some folks, especially those who work do not have the time to read. Also, the larger the reading material, the more opportunity for typos and error occur. For me, there is nothing more disappointing than to see or hear about a typo or error, little can be done about either once published on the blog or in an email. This brings up the thoughts of the apostle Paul in his last written correspondence to the Corinthian church. Again, while there is NO error in the Written Word of God; perception and understanding by those who read will test the qualified and prove the disqualified.

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

There is no other written word that contains the Authority of the Holy Bible. The Bible gives an absolute command to all who believe in Jesus Christ to be “Holy” along with this command the Bible gives, precepts, statutes, judgments, laws and the Fear of the LORD to instruct the child of God to be an approved student. 2 Timothy 2:15. Also in this same chapter of Timothy the apostle says that the child of God has little business to strive over words since there is little profit to do this, this is found in the verse above, verse 14.

Additionally, God provides godly men to teach, preach and instruct the children of God and as a backup within the local assembly you will find at least two or three witnesses that will establish every word spoken or read. This is not optional, it is mandatory, observe it in this manner. If I come speaking lies and I am “dogmatic” about my lie, should I be spared of reprimand when put to the test and found disqualified, of course not. Thus, since we must all give account to God, we must first examine our self before we judge or speak of another, Matthew 7:1-6.

The apostle and those with him pray that the church at Corinth would be absent of evil practices. Interesting, evil is always present, in people, in congregations, in neighborhoods, in cities and the government, both local and national. If we are to be effective and qualified ministers of righteousness, we must be willing to prefer gentleness or goodness over the present evils and this begins with our personal life and our church. That we do nothing against the TRUTH, but for the TRUTH.

So in closing out this Second Book to the Corinthians which may contain sections of his third epistle to the Corinthians the apostle provides some very important challenges of all of us in his final benediction. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be complete (mature). Be of good comfort (noble). Be of one mind (fellowship or good report). And the God of Love and Peace will be with you. Mostly we are two thousand years away from a “holy kiss” (a blot of shame on the local church today) yet as saints of God, we still agree to greet one another, praise God!

2 Corinthians 13:14 – The grace of the LORD Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion (fellowship) of the Holy Spirit be with us ALL. Amen!