In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” - Luke 22:20
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. – Hebrews 12:4
Today, let’s dwell on the blood of Christ. Again, think about what it was like for Jesus at the Last Supper. He passed the cup knowing that in just a few hours, he’d see his own blood splattered on the ground. He knew that scourging (or whipping) and crucifixion were coming – both excruciatingly painful, bloody affairs. Now read Hebrews 12:4. The author reminds us that our struggles aren’t nearly as hard as what Jesus did when he offered his blood for us. His love is that immense; his resolve that firm. So when you look at the cup during communion, realize that Jesus was giving his blood for you – on purpose – so that you could live and have eternal life.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Communion – Day 3
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again." - Luke 18:31-33
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." - Luke 22:19
Let’s take some time to dwell on the body of Christ. When Jesus broke the bread at the Last Supper, he knew that in the new few hours he’d be severely beaten and tortured. He knew what was coming, and he still offered his body to be broken for us. Think about the immensity of that sacrifice. If you knew you were facing physical harm, not to mention torture, then you’d probably avoid the situation. Jesus didn’t. Instead, he walked into it on purpose, knowing it would cost his very life. He loves you that much. So when we take the bread, we need to remember the magnitude of the sacrifice Jesus made by offering his body to be broken for us.
Spend some time just thinking about what it would take to purposefully offer yourself for someone else.
Thank Jesus for his sacrifice for you.
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." - Luke 22:19
Let’s take some time to dwell on the body of Christ. When Jesus broke the bread at the Last Supper, he knew that in the new few hours he’d be severely beaten and tortured. He knew what was coming, and he still offered his body to be broken for us. Think about the immensity of that sacrifice. If you knew you were facing physical harm, not to mention torture, then you’d probably avoid the situation. Jesus didn’t. Instead, he walked into it on purpose, knowing it would cost his very life. He loves you that much. So when we take the bread, we need to remember the magnitude of the sacrifice Jesus made by offering his body to be broken for us.
Spend some time just thinking about what it would take to purposefully offer yourself for someone else.
Thank Jesus for his sacrifice for you.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Communion – Day 2
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke 22:14-20
This story may seem all too familiar to us. Even the setting is familiar: A meal with friends. We probably eat with our friends all the time. No big deal, right? Actually, this was a very special thing. In Jewish culture to share a meal was an intimate event. To invite someone to a meal was to say, “You’re one of the closest people in my life.” At his last meal, Jesus didn’t offer a review of his teachings; he reminded the disciples that they were his friends. So when we take communion, realize it’s not just a ritual. God is literally inviting us into the deepest of friendships. God wants to be united with us, so he invites us to his table.
Do you have a close relationship with God or is it more distant? Why?
Imagine what it was like to be part of the communion at the Last Supper.
This story may seem all too familiar to us. Even the setting is familiar: A meal with friends. We probably eat with our friends all the time. No big deal, right? Actually, this was a very special thing. In Jewish culture to share a meal was an intimate event. To invite someone to a meal was to say, “You’re one of the closest people in my life.” At his last meal, Jesus didn’t offer a review of his teachings; he reminded the disciples that they were his friends. So when we take communion, realize it’s not just a ritual. God is literally inviting us into the deepest of friendships. God wants to be united with us, so he invites us to his table.
Do you have a close relationship with God or is it more distant? Why?
Imagine what it was like to be part of the communion at the Last Supper.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Communion – Day 1
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. - 1 Corinthians 11:17-29
Yes, people actually got drunk at communion. Crazy, I know, but it’s true. Jesus started communion with his disciples all together, not individually. The Corinthians had missed this, and they were being selfish during communion and ignoring some of the people they didn’t like as much. But communion isn’t just about your relationship with God, it’s about all of us. God means for us to take communion together as a church family. When we do so, we’re being united to Christ and to each other. So when you take communion, examine your relationship with God and your relationship with others in the church. If these aren’t right, then make them right. Otherwise, you’re missing the point – just like the Corinthians did.
Do you ever think about others during communion?
Ask God to show you ways you can become more united to your church family today.
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. - 1 Corinthians 11:17-29
Yes, people actually got drunk at communion. Crazy, I know, but it’s true. Jesus started communion with his disciples all together, not individually. The Corinthians had missed this, and they were being selfish during communion and ignoring some of the people they didn’t like as much. But communion isn’t just about your relationship with God, it’s about all of us. God means for us to take communion together as a church family. When we do so, we’re being united to Christ and to each other. So when you take communion, examine your relationship with God and your relationship with others in the church. If these aren’t right, then make them right. Otherwise, you’re missing the point – just like the Corinthians did.
Do you ever think about others during communion?
Ask God to show you ways you can become more united to your church family today.
Week 36 – Communion: First Letter to the Corinthians
Memory Verse
“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.’” – Acts 2:32
Little cups filled with grape juice. Little pieces of bland bread. Must be communion time again. We’ve all probably participated in communion, but do we actually understand what’s going on? In the early Roman world, some people feared Christians since one of their rituals supposedly included cannibalism – at least that’s what some people thought was going on. They’d heard that to be a Christian you had to eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus. I guess to an outsider it does sound strange, but communion is an intimate and precious thing to a Christian.
Jesus asked us to regularly take part in communion. It’s a continual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and constant union with us. If we don’t keep this in mind, then we could miss out on the spiritual impact that communion can bring. Paul taught the churches to practice communion, but he had harsh words for those who failed to approach the communion table properly (for example, the Corinthians).
Does communion make sense to you? It’s one of the church’s most intensely personal traditions. This week we’re going to spend some time looking at what happens when we take communion. Why did Jesus tell us to keep doing it? What’s it about anyway? Look deep this week; there may be much more going on than you’ve ever imagined.
“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.’” – Acts 2:32
Little cups filled with grape juice. Little pieces of bland bread. Must be communion time again. We’ve all probably participated in communion, but do we actually understand what’s going on? In the early Roman world, some people feared Christians since one of their rituals supposedly included cannibalism – at least that’s what some people thought was going on. They’d heard that to be a Christian you had to eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus. I guess to an outsider it does sound strange, but communion is an intimate and precious thing to a Christian.
Jesus asked us to regularly take part in communion. It’s a continual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and constant union with us. If we don’t keep this in mind, then we could miss out on the spiritual impact that communion can bring. Paul taught the churches to practice communion, but he had harsh words for those who failed to approach the communion table properly (for example, the Corinthians).
Does communion make sense to you? It’s one of the church’s most intensely personal traditions. This week we’re going to spend some time looking at what happens when we take communion. Why did Jesus tell us to keep doing it? What’s it about anyway? Look deep this week; there may be much more going on than you’ve ever imagined.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Accountability – Day 1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Sin is serious; but apparently the Corinthians had forgotten that fact. Paul was furious. The church had failed to see the danger in allowing a sinful activity to go unchecked. So now Paul demanded they stop allowing such behavior. He told them to exclude the immoral person from the church. This “handing over to Satan” would hopefully help this person see that his actions were incompatible with godly living and prompt him to repent and return. Sound too harsh? Remember, sin is serious. But the goal was not to have him remain outside. Paul’s love was a tough love, but it was love in its truest form, a love that wouldn’t allow a friend to destroy himself.
Do you know a Christian who is consistently living in an ungodly way?
How would Paul suggest you deal with this person? Are you living in a way that’s consistently ungodly? What can you do to address your sinful actions?
Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Sin is serious; but apparently the Corinthians had forgotten that fact. Paul was furious. The church had failed to see the danger in allowing a sinful activity to go unchecked. So now Paul demanded they stop allowing such behavior. He told them to exclude the immoral person from the church. This “handing over to Satan” would hopefully help this person see that his actions were incompatible with godly living and prompt him to repent and return. Sound too harsh? Remember, sin is serious. But the goal was not to have him remain outside. Paul’s love was a tough love, but it was love in its truest form, a love that wouldn’t allow a friend to destroy himself.
Do you know a Christian who is consistently living in an ungodly way?
How would Paul suggest you deal with this person? Are you living in a way that’s consistently ungodly? What can you do to address your sinful actions?
Week 35 – Accountability: First Letter to the Corinthians
Memory Verse
“Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also be tempted.’” – Galatians 6:1
I never would’ve survived high school without my best friends. Together we had some of the best years of our lives, but we also kept each other from straying from Christ. We were accountable to one another.
In week 9 we figured out that if we’re going to have integrity as a church, then we can’t let sin go unchecked. That’s easy enough when we’re the problem, but it gets a little harder when we have to tell someone else what they’re doing is wrong. That’s where accountability comes in.
As Paul planted churches, he didn’t forget about them once he left. While he traveled, he routinely kept track of them and even made return visits to make sure they stayed healthy. So when Paul found out the Corinthians were allowing sin to go unchecked, he wrote a letter to keep them accountable to their commitment to Christ.
Every now and then we’ll have friends who stray off the path. When that happens, we need to be there to help them get back on the right track, just like we’ll need them to help us. I know it sounds unpleasant, and it can get messy. But when we actually start holding each other accountable, you’ll be surprised how it helps your own spiritual life. Instead of dealing with sin on your own, you can tackle it with the help of your Christian friends. But it starts when we’re honest about our own lives and open to listening to others when they confront us.
Ready? Let’s figure out how we can hold each other accountable.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also be tempted.’” – Galatians 6:1
I never would’ve survived high school without my best friends. Together we had some of the best years of our lives, but we also kept each other from straying from Christ. We were accountable to one another.
In week 9 we figured out that if we’re going to have integrity as a church, then we can’t let sin go unchecked. That’s easy enough when we’re the problem, but it gets a little harder when we have to tell someone else what they’re doing is wrong. That’s where accountability comes in.
As Paul planted churches, he didn’t forget about them once he left. While he traveled, he routinely kept track of them and even made return visits to make sure they stayed healthy. So when Paul found out the Corinthians were allowing sin to go unchecked, he wrote a letter to keep them accountable to their commitment to Christ.
Every now and then we’ll have friends who stray off the path. When that happens, we need to be there to help them get back on the right track, just like we’ll need them to help us. I know it sounds unpleasant, and it can get messy. But when we actually start holding each other accountable, you’ll be surprised how it helps your own spiritual life. Instead of dealing with sin on your own, you can tackle it with the help of your Christian friends. But it starts when we’re honest about our own lives and open to listening to others when they confront us.
Ready? Let’s figure out how we can hold each other accountable.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 5
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. - Romans 12:17
It’s a sad reality that people hurt us occasionally – intentionally or unintentionally. We don’t have any control over that, but we do have control over our responses. Paul reminds us to react as Jesus did, and he even gives us a reason why: God will ultimately deal with all wrongs. So we don’t have to get revenge; God will deal justly with everyone. God’s answer when we get hurt isn’t, “Get over it”; it’s “I’ll take care of it. Just trust me.” Knowing that, it’s easier for us to allow God to resolve situations instead of addressing them ourselves.
Are you refusing to live at peace with someone?
According to this Scripture, what should you do?
Ask God to help you give him control of the difficult situations of your life.
It’s a sad reality that people hurt us occasionally – intentionally or unintentionally. We don’t have any control over that, but we do have control over our responses. Paul reminds us to react as Jesus did, and he even gives us a reason why: God will ultimately deal with all wrongs. So we don’t have to get revenge; God will deal justly with everyone. God’s answer when we get hurt isn’t, “Get over it”; it’s “I’ll take care of it. Just trust me.” Knowing that, it’s easier for us to allow God to resolve situations instead of addressing them ourselves.
Are you refusing to live at peace with someone?
According to this Scripture, what should you do?
Ask God to help you give him control of the difficult situations of your life.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 4
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 1: 8
The Corinthian church had a lot of issues that Paul tried to tackle. That’s probably why 1 Corinthians is such a long letter. One of the main issues was that the Corinthians they knew it all, and their pride led them to hurt each other. They started to focus on minor things (like being able to eat whatever they wanted) instead of major things (like loving their fellow church members). Paul told them to get off their pedestals and see what was happening. I don’t believe anyone does it on purpose, but we can drift in a prideful direction if we’re not careful.
Are there any ways in which you believe you’re more spiritual than most?
Ask God to reveal any places where your pride is causing you or others to stumble.
The Corinthian church had a lot of issues that Paul tried to tackle. That’s probably why 1 Corinthians is such a long letter. One of the main issues was that the Corinthians they knew it all, and their pride led them to hurt each other. They started to focus on minor things (like being able to eat whatever they wanted) instead of major things (like loving their fellow church members). Paul told them to get off their pedestals and see what was happening. I don’t believe anyone does it on purpose, but we can drift in a prideful direction if we’re not careful.
Are there any ways in which you believe you’re more spiritual than most?
Ask God to reveal any places where your pride is causing you or others to stumble.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 3
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. - Philippians 4: 2-3
I know this never happens in your church; but apparently in the Philippian church, some women weren’t getting along. Disagreements are a common – yet costly – problem. When people hold grudges, get angry, or refuse to compromise, they end up spending precious time and energy putting out relational fires instead of focusing on the work God has for them. Satan can’t destroy the church, but he can sidetrack us. Prompting fights between church members is an easy way for him to accomplish that. So if you find yourself in a disagreement with someone at church, make every effort possible to resolve the situation quickly by practicing patience and forgiveness. I know that’s easier said that done, but it’s more important than you know. And we can’t afford to put off the work of God.
Are you in a situation like these two women? Why can’t it be resolved today?
Spend some time praying for wisdom, patience, and a spirit of forgiveness.
I know this never happens in your church; but apparently in the Philippian church, some women weren’t getting along. Disagreements are a common – yet costly – problem. When people hold grudges, get angry, or refuse to compromise, they end up spending precious time and energy putting out relational fires instead of focusing on the work God has for them. Satan can’t destroy the church, but he can sidetrack us. Prompting fights between church members is an easy way for him to accomplish that. So if you find yourself in a disagreement with someone at church, make every effort possible to resolve the situation quickly by practicing patience and forgiveness. I know that’s easier said that done, but it’s more important than you know. And we can’t afford to put off the work of God.
Are you in a situation like these two women? Why can’t it be resolved today?
Spend some time praying for wisdom, patience, and a spirit of forgiveness.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Internal Divisions – Day 2
I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. – 2 Corinthians 11
Whoa! How’s that for a tirade? If you’ve never read sarcasm in the Bible, then here it is. It seems odd for us, but Paul was actually defending his status as an apostle. Other “super teachers” were trying to put Paul down, saying he wasn’t flashy enough and he didn’t act like the other charlatans who were running around. Translation for today: Paul wasn’t cool/funny/popular enough. But Paul made no apologies for this. He was more interested in telling people about the truth than tickling their ears. We have to be very careful about whom we listen to; otherwise, we’ll end up like the Corinthians who started dismissing Paul – Paul! – for some other guy who made them laugh. We’ve got to be on guard against flashy hypocrites, no matter how cool they seem.
Whom do you follow as a spiritual leader? Why?
Ask God to show you who true spiritual leaders are and how to spot imposters before they lead you astray.
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. – 2 Corinthians 11
Whoa! How’s that for a tirade? If you’ve never read sarcasm in the Bible, then here it is. It seems odd for us, but Paul was actually defending his status as an apostle. Other “super teachers” were trying to put Paul down, saying he wasn’t flashy enough and he didn’t act like the other charlatans who were running around. Translation for today: Paul wasn’t cool/funny/popular enough. But Paul made no apologies for this. He was more interested in telling people about the truth than tickling their ears. We have to be very careful about whom we listen to; otherwise, we’ll end up like the Corinthians who started dismissing Paul – Paul! – for some other guy who made them laugh. We’ve got to be on guard against flashy hypocrites, no matter how cool they seem.
Whom do you follow as a spiritual leader? Why?
Ask God to show you who true spiritual leaders are and how to spot imposters before they lead you astray.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)