Paul’s Second Letter
to the Corinthians: DAY 21
READ 2 Corinthians 1:12
– 2:17
In your journal, write
down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to
what God shows you as you feel led.
Originally Paul’s plan was to go first to Corinth and
then to Macedonia. He struggled with the decision and finally decided to go
first to Macedonia and to send Titus with this letter to the Corinthians
instead of coming in person. In these verses he explains his decision process,
because his opponents have accused him of being indecisive – saying first one
thing, then the other. In these verses he affirms that he was not indecisive;
rather he was listening to the will of God which is always perfect. The change
of plan not to visit Corinth was a “Yes” because it was in accordance with
God’s will (v 12-20).
Paul goes on to urge the faithful majority to offer
forgiveness to the ones who initiated the rebellion against him. Again, Paul’s
heart for the Corinthians is shown so pure and honourable; he longs to forgive
even those who sought to destroy him. Paul is fully aware that the enemy would
love to destroy the church at Corinth, first through division and now through
unforgiveness.
In verses 12-17 he moves away from speaking of the past
and transitions into the present goal of this letter: to defend his sincere and
blameless leadership as an apostle of Jesus Christ to the church at Corinth.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1.
What does 1:19-22 teach you about God’s
character and His ways?
2.
What does 2:5-11 tell us about Paul’s
character? How might God want you to specifically imitate Paul?
3.
Meditate on 2:14-17. What truths are
being told in this passage? Ask God how you can bring life into people’s lives
today? Ask Him to grow depth of sincerity and love in your heart so that you
will become more and more in Christ-like.
