The Devotional – 1103 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

The Devotional – 1103 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

While looking at our passage today, I was reminded of another passage in Hebrews 13 which we will get to in a moment. But first just let me say that we all go through difficult times from time to time and it is “change” a change in one’s mind that will cause the turbulent waters of life to erupt in difficulties. Now I am not talking about growing from a child to a young adult, nor am I talking of job or career changes; I am talking of the things we purpose in our minds to do and how these at the time may seem like the right path, but are dangerously wrong. Please understand, we do not normally make these changes by our self even though we may think about them at times. Change happens when another like-minded person is found who agrees with you. Now Solomon brings this to light by writing in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 of the value of a friend, without a friend “change” has no value.

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

The writer of Hebrews gives us some concluding comments on direction, direction on loving one another, persecution, marriage and personal conduct. Then he adds, for God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you. See Deut. 31:5 and Josh 1:5. Also the writer goes on to reference another passages from Psalm 27:1 and Psalm 118:6 in Hebrews 13:6.

Direction is important to God, it should be equally important to His Child but far too often we become disenchanted with Jesus and enchanted by another Jesus, one whom the apostle John says is antichrist. Well let’s see what the writer of Hebrews continues to say in his concluding remarks. We are to consider those who lead us in faith and we are to follow their example by observing their good conduct. WHY?

Because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” then he goes on to say (the message does not stop at verse 8) “Do not be carried about (away) with various strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods (doctrines) which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Now for our passage in 2 Corinthians 11; Paul’s concern for the Corinthians saints is that they be found – faithful. Faith in Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever cannot be taken from you or me, as we read earlier “I will never leave you or forsake you” so it is not God who makes a decision for you or me to follow false doctrines and the many antichrists in the world today, it is WE ourselves to change our mind.

Following Jesus is not change after change, nor is it a different gospel after different gospel. There is only one gospel which is found in the words of Titus 2:11-15 so following Jesus is simply, simple. So simple that even a child can follow Jesus and KNOW whom they have believed – young people today fall from their understanding of the grace of God in large numbers, well they have been falling away for a number of years now, at least 20 years.

This is serious, the concern over faith being taught in our churches today is at a critical crossroad, actually we have crossed the intersection; the church of Jesus Christ today is speeding down the highway of a different “spirit” and not the Spirit of Christ, this is a long read, but take a look at 2 Corinthians 2:12 through 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 and especially note 2 Cor 3:17. Where the Spirit of the LORD is, there also is Christ. Folks it is not the spirit of entertainment that leads us to a faithful walk of obedience to God, period.

Today most churches spend TOO MUCH time worshiping in song. Songs that entertain and do nothing for edification. Then when the pastor of the church does speak, the buzz of emotion from all the hype of false worship crowds out any portion of truth that may fall from HIS lips. Now he only has 15 minutes to speak, but for the many it is break time and some just leave.

If the pastor of the church you attend is involved with another Jesus – you may well put up with it! (2 Cor 11:4) but you are being deceived to receive a different gospel, one you did not originally receive.

The Devotional – 1102 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

The Devotional – 1102 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

What is the purpose of going to church? Maybe I should develop a spreadsheet since if we want to be truthful the answer to that question would be many, yet only one answer is TRUE while all the others are simply FALSE. Actually (my father hated that word, actually!) I guess that is why I use it! Actually some of us go to church to be the best dressed, to observe others, to seek out the likeminded sinner, to talk sports, to yada, yada, and yada. The list of reasons are not passive but very active and in our heart. Now, the truth! We should go to church for this one purpose – “But sanctify the LORD God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” 1 Peter 3:15. The first few words of the verse can easily be translated as this. “To set apart Christ as LORD!” The apostle puts this thought in other words that are found in Romans 13:14 – But put on the LORD Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts. To go to church for any other reason is to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Maybe some do not know what the lust of the flesh is? It is SIN.

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 2 Corinthians 10:12-17

What encouragement is gained if we compare ourselves with others? Actually nothing is gained! The Apostle Paul clearly understands this as he says that he and his ministry dare not classify or compare themselves to those who measure themselves by themselves. To do so would be bringing their godly ministry to a lower level of human viewpoint, he says to do this would not be wise.

Is boasting wise? Solomon says that there is a season for everything under heaven and yet the one who compares one with another cannot be found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, but please be aware that the potential for boasting is in all things under the sun. Cannot I throw rocks better, than you! Did I not gain a better report card, than you! I love you more, than you love me and so on.

Yes the apostle can boast of earthly accomplishment, but he has said that he counts all of this as rubbish as he says in Philippians 3:8 – “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ”. Paul’s earthly credentials are very impressive, but he says that the knowledge of Christ his LORD, far exceeds any human comparison.

So I believe we should be careful when we seek to place human limitations on the people of God. The sometimes casual or critical comments about others too others are more often unrepairable. On the other hand, if there is to be any boasting it should not be self-initiated. As the scriptures also say, “let another praise you and not your own mouth… Proverbs 27:2.

If we are going to boast about anything or if we are going to glory over things or circumstances of life, then these things ought first to be found as a response to the grace of God in one’s life. We have all done a little boasting but I can only vouch for me in this, you will have to do your own scan. In searching my mind I am confident that while I have experienced much in life I have always sought to see the LORD’s grace at work through it all. As the apostle Paul we ought not to commend ourselves as approved, but whom the LORD commends, these we approve. Therefore filter everything through the grace of God and there will be no room for self-boasting.

The Devotional – 1101 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

The Devotional – 1101 – Foot Steps in Second Corinthians, On Going

Authority should be recognized early in life with love and respect, with proper awe and as a guide to obedience. Respect, awe and obedience are not traits of character, these are learned attributes that loving parental authority should apply to the developing character of their children. Now this is a serious subject; a subject that is rejected in these times in which we live. All media these days force actions of liberal thinking that guide people (young and old) to believe that there is only one authority to fear (love). This authority is the reigning government of the land in which that person lives. As I thought about this, this morning I felt as if I were opening up a box that had been stored in the attic with no labels. (Wild, I know!) The abuse of authority is so tragic in every avenue of life that it is turning the world in which we live into confusion and disorder. I suppose this subject is not popular with many and therein thrives the critical problem!

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

The apostle Paul says that we are not to look at things according to the outward appearances, by the way do you look at authority as something to fear or something to respect? The outward appearance of the police or military uniform can be a cause a presentiment (false feeling of fear) in our mind. This most always will lead us to wrong conclusions if this sort of thinking is allowed to rule our thoughts.

From the world’s point of view, respect and awe for God is very low these days; why is that? The reasons are as plentiful as grapes on a mature grapevine that is properly care for, of course these would be “sour grapes” since the grapes that are to glorify God cannot produce anything from the branches that are (by the dozens) being tossed into the fire and burned because of the many who are liberal in their approach to the authority of God’s Word and the authority of church leaders.

See Ezekiel 18:1-3 Children and young people today bear the iniquity of their fathers and as a result there is no respect for the Authority of God and the authority of church leadership; Lamentations 5:7 also helps to shed light on this. Parental authority and the authority of church leaders (of course, not all) have failed to bear the fruit that glorifies the Authority of God, John 15:1-17.

Clearly we should take the time to see in our section this morning the apostles concern. Respect for authority is a dual respect. On one hand we must have respect for who we are in Christ and on the other have respect for who those in authority are in Christ. Whether authority is absent or present that we are all present in the sight of God who judges the fruit we bear by the same principle we judge others – Matthew 7:1-6.

Dogs could care about holiness if they were able to understand, but most dogs know enough that you are sanctified and not food. But the pig! The pig is really a dangerous animal and views everything as food. Should you doubt this, just lay down in the pigsty the pig will eat you alive so be careful to whom you cast your pearls at. Better to be like the merchant seeking beautiful pearls for the kingdom of heaven is such, Matthew 13:45-46.