Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 26-28
Paul’s Second Letter
to the Corinthians: DAY 22
READ 2 Corinthians 3
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.
In
defending his apostleship, Paul is not boasting in himself. The
Corinthian church itself is a visual message from God showing
Paul to be an effective apostle. They are a testament to the new
covenant – the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, making us more and more
like Christ Jesus until the day of His return.
The
old covenant – the Law given to Moses – was wonderful, but it
did not empower the Israelites for obedience. It was glorious, but the glory
was not permanent. God’s plan was always to usher in the new covenant under
which man could receive forgiveness and right standing with God. The glory of
the new covenant does not fade, so Paul could be bold in his ministry.
Many
of the Jews read the Scriptures with a veil over their heart, unable to see
that Jesus is the fulfillment of those Scriptures. But trusting in Jesus and
receiving the Spirit brings freedom –as we recognize that we are unable to save
ourselves. It is so freeing to realize that it is the Spirit that transforms us
into the likeness of Christ through degrees of glory.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1.
The Corinthians were a testament to the
power of God through Paul’s leadership. Like a letter of recommendation, they
showed Paul a true apostle. What kind of letter are you? Does your life speak
of God’s grace and power? If Jesus would “read” you, would your life be a
letter recommending people to follow Christ, or would your life be a letter
with a different message?
2.
Mediate on what you have received as a
result of the new covenant and praise God for these things.
3.
Spend some time interceding for the
lost. Ask God to bring someone to mind, and then ask Him to reveal to you what
“veil” is over their heart that is keeping them from coming to Him. Pray for
that thing to be removed.
