Paul’s Second Letter
to the Corinthians: DAY 28
READ 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
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.
Paul reflects on his first encounter of the Corinthians
and how, through the message of the gospel, he betrothed them to one husband,
that is Christ, in great expectation that one day the church at Corinth would
be a pure virgin before the Lord. In other words, he desired to see them grow
in love and devotion and holiness. But the divisions among them had weakened
the church and when enemies of the true gospel came, the believers were
unprepared and there was great upheaval.
False teachers with false doctrine were in their midst
and the church was putting up with it! They were not standing firm in the
truth. It was likely that Paul’s opponents were preaching the false “health and
wealth” doctrine of abundant life in the present without any suffering. Surely
that sort of message would put the apostle Paul in an ungodly light, as
suffering seemed to be his lot in life as a missionary.
False teachers were in the habit of requiring payment for
“ministry” which is why Paul refused to accept support from the Corinthian
church. It was imperative that he differentiate between his ministry and
theirs. And this was all because of his love for Christ and his love for the
church.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1.
Many people had negative feelings
towards Paul, when in reality he was doing only the will of God. Allow God to
bring to mind people whom you have bad thoughts and feelings towards. For each
one, ask Him to point out what is legitimate and illegitimate about how you
feel. Can you forgive that which is legitimate? What are you supposed to do
with your illegitimate ideas of the person?
2.
There are many false teachers in our
day too! The best way to steer clear of latching onto false doctrine is to stay
connected to Jesus through regularly reading the word building a relationship
with Him. In your journal, write out what God has been teaching you from His
word lately. Thank Him for that. Who can you share this with today?
