2 CORINTHIANS

Today is Friday.  I'm in II Corinthians and it is a lovely day outside.  It is hard to believe that soon Christmas will be here.  Today is the 16th day of December and soon a new year will be ours again.  My how the years pass.  It won't be long before we are rejoicing with our Savior.  What a day that will be!  Here are some thoughts from II Corinthians:

1) IT IS ALL FOR YOUR SAKE- Paul was telling the Christians at Corinth that all that happened to him and through him was for their sakes.  In Chapter 1:6, it reads:  "And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation."  So whether afflicted, or comforted; "it is for your consolation and salvation."  It was all for their sakes!  This is the mark of a true minister of the LORD Jesus Christ.  It is all about Christ and others!  Our trials are not only to teach us, but to better equip us to help others.  Oh how we need to keep this at the fore fronts of our mind when we are going through one of life's fiery trials.  We are tested to advance others!

2) HOW TO TREAT THE CHRISTIAN WHO HAS DONE WICKEDLY, BUT NOW REPENTS- Well, II Cor. 2:6,7 tell us.  Keep in mind this is talking about the same man as I Cor. 5:5 "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."  But, now, in II Corinthians 2:6 we see: "Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many."  and then verse 7 tells us our response: "So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (vs. 8) Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him."  So, Here is what we do when a Christian, who goes off into sin and now comes back repentant:  Forgive, Comfort, and Confirm our love towards him!  This is Bible!  Well, they hurt me.... so, forgive, comfort, and confirm!  Bible!

3) PERFECTING HOLINESS- In II Cor. 7:1, it says "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  Cleanse & Perfect. This is the process of sanctification that the Lord works out in us, but clearly we see our part in this matter.  We are to cleanse ourselves (remove ourselves from the filth of the flesh and spirit), and we are to perfect holiness in the fear of God.  It is a lifelong process and progression, but let us be about it day by day.  You and me both!

Well, so much for today.  Hope you have a blessed day in the Lord and spend time with Him today.  There is nothing like your time with the Lord.  Blessings on you!
Pastor Mike Mutchler