The Message of the Book of Galatians

The message of the Book of Galatians in the Bible is central and profound, especially for understanding the Christian faith. It can be summarized in the following main points:

1. Justification by Faith, Not by Works of the Law

A central idea of the Epistle to the Galatians is that people are not justified before God by keeping the law (e.g., the Mosaic Law or external rituals like circumcision) but solely through faith in Jesus Christ.

“We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16)

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace and cannot be earned through human effort.

2. Freedom in Christ

The letter illustrates that Christ has freed believers from the bondage of the law. Paul warns against reverting to dependence on the law, which equates to rejecting the freedom that Jesus brought through His death and resurrection.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery!” (Galatians 5:1)

3. The Gospel of Grace Must Not Be Distorted

Paul confronts the Galatians with the problem that they have followed a “different gospel” that dilutes the true message of grace through Christ. He calls them to hold firmly to the pure teaching of the gospel.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed!” (Galatians 1:8)

4. The Holy Spirit as the Source of Life and Sanctification

Paul emphasizes that the Christian life must be led by the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who enables believers to live a life pleasing to God, not the strict adherence to external rules.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

He describes the “fruit of the Spirit,” including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control, as characteristics of a life led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

5. Unity and Equality in Christ

The Epistle to the Galatians explains that in Christ, all believers are equal. Differences such as origin, gender, or social status do not matter for salvation and belonging to God’s family.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

6. Warning Against Legalism and Carnality

Paul warns against reverting to legalism but also against misunderstanding freedom as a license for a carnal, sinful life. True freedom in Christ leads to a holy life, not a life of selfish desires.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

Summary of the Message

The Book of Galatians emphasizes the truth that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works or keeping the law. This grace leads to a freedom that is lived by the Holy Spirit. The letter calls believers to stand firm in the truth of the gospel, lead a life empowered by the Spirit, and maintain unity in Christ.

The message of the Epistle to the Galatians remains relevant today: it reminds us that true freedom and righteousness are found only in Jesus Christ.

 

January 9, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 1

¹ Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

² And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

³ Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

⁴ Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

⁵ To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

⁶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

⁷ Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

⁸ But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

⁹ As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

¹⁰ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

¹¹ But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

¹² For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

¹³ For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

¹⁴ And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

¹⁵ But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

¹⁶ To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

¹⁷ Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

¹⁹ But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

²⁰ Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

²¹ Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

²² And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

²³ But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

²⁴ And they glorified God in me.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The first chapter of the Epistle to the Galatians, written by the Apostle Paul, serves as the introduction to his profound theological discourses and personal statements to the churches in Galatia. In this chapter, Paul lays the groundwork for his argument against those who attempted to distort the gospel of grace through works of the law. He emphasizes his apostolic authority, which he received not from humans but through a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. Additionally, he warns the Galatians about the dangers associated with deviating from the original gospel and clearly outlines his mission and calling.

Commentary

Greeting and Blessings (Verses 1-5):
Paul begins the letter with a formal greeting and blesses the recipients with grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He highlights the central role of Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father. This introduction underscores the foundation of the gospel: salvation through Christ.

Against the Distortion of the Gospel (Verses 6-10):
Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly turning away from the one who called them to the grace of Christ to a different gospel. He emphasizes that there is no other gospel except those who are misleading them and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. He vehemently warns against accepting a different gospel, even if it is preached by him or an angel from heaven, declaring that such a person should be accursed. Finally, he questions his own motives and emphasizes that he serves not people but God, so that he may not be pleasing to humans.

Paul’s Calling as an Apostle (Verses 11-24):
Paul explains that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin but was received through a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. He describes his former life as a passionate persecutor of the church and his radical conversion by God’s grace. After his calling, he first withdrew to Arabia and then returned to Damascus without immediately consulting the other apostles in Jerusalem. After about three years, he went to Jerusalem to meet Peter and stayed with him for fifteen days, but he did not see any other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. Paul emphasizes his credibility and honesty, reporting that he was active in the regions of Syria and Cilicia. The Christian communities in Judea scarcely knew him, but they praised God because, who had once persecuted them, he was now preaching the faith they had once disturbed.

Summary

Galatians Chapter 1 serves as a powerful introduction to Paul’s letter to the Galatians, in which he emphasizes his apostolic authority and the purity of the gospel of grace. Paul expresses his dismay that the Galatians have turned away from the original message and urgently warns them about the dangers of distorting the gospel. He makes it clear that his calling came directly from God and not from human influences and describes his personal transformation from a persecutor of the church to one of its most fervent defenders. The chapter lays the foundation for the subsequent theological arguments in the letter and underscores the central message that salvation is achieved solely through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/09-01-2025-galatians-chapter-1-believe-his-prophets/

2.4 Mercy Forfeited
Conditional Grace – The Responsibility of Forgiveness

Read 1 John 4:7–20, with particular emphasis on verses 7 and 19. What does this tell us about the primacy of God’s love?

The passage from 1 John 4:7–20 and the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23–35) illustrate a central truth: God’s love is the source and starting point of all love. It is given to us unconditionally, yet our handling of it has consequences. The idea of “realized grace” admonishes us to take responsibility in dealing with God’s love and forgiveness.

1. The Primacy of God’s Love

The verses in 1 John 4 remind us that we can love because God first loved us. This love is not only the origin but also the model for our relationships:

• God’s Unconditional Love: Just as the master in the parable forgives the servant’s immense debt, God shows us His boundless grace. We could never repay our “debt,” but through His love, we are free.

• Invitation to Reciprocate: God’s love calls us not only to receive it but also to give it forward. Without this reciprocation, our relationship with God remains incomplete.

2. Responsibility in Dealing with Forgiveness

The parable of the unforgiving servant shows that accepting God’s grace comes with responsibility:

• Forgiveness as a Response to Forgiveness: The servant to whom an immense debt was forgiven failed to reflect this grace in his life. This failure shows that we can lose God’s grace if we are not willing to extend it to others.

• Disproportion of the Debt: The enormous discrepancy between the 10,000 talents and the 100 denarii reminds us of how incomparably great God’s forgiveness is—and how small our own offenses or demands are in comparison.

3. The Reality of Realized Grace

While God’s mercy never runs out, it remains possible to lose the benefits of His grace:

• Conscious Rejection: We can choose not to accept God’s love or block its effects in our lives.

• Lack of Sharing: If we receive God’s love and forgiveness but are not willing to live it and pass it on, we cut ourselves off from its blessings.

4. Practical Significance for Our Lives

• Cultivate Gratitude: The realization that God’s love is immeasurable should lead us to deep gratitude. This gratitude is expressed in a life that reflects this love.

• Practice Forgiveness: We are called not only to receive God’s forgiveness but also to actively implement it in our relationships. Forgiveness is not a one-time act but a state of heart.

• Exercise Humility: The parable reminds us that we ourselves are dependent on grace. This insight should make us humble and help us treat others with leniency.

Summary                         

God’s love is the foundation of our faith and life. It calls us not only to receive it but also to pass it on. The parable of the unforgiving servant shows that the grace we receive can be lost if we do not live accordingly. This teaching calls us to gratitude, forgiveness, and a life in alignment with God’s love.

Reflect on what has been forgiven to you and what it cost you to receive forgiveness from Jesus. What should this tell you about how you forgive others?

The forgiveness we receive through Jesus is an immeasurable gift offered to us unconditionally, even though it cost Jesus the highest price—His life on the cross. This reality should shape our understanding and attitude towards forgiving others. Here are some thoughts on this:

1. The Depth of Jesus’ Forgiveness

• Our Debt: We stood in a debt before God that we could never repay. This debt was not just the sum of our errors but the separation from God Himself.

• The Price of Forgiveness: Jesus sacrificed Himself to reconcile us with God. This sacrifice demonstrates the radical, unconditional nature of God’s love.

2. What It Teaches Us to Forgive Others

• Humility: The reminder of how much has been forgiven to us should humble us. If God forgives us in our imperfection, how could we then deny forgiveness to others?

• Unconditionality: Jesus’ forgiveness was not earned but an act of pure grace. Similarly, we should not wait for others to “earn” our forgiveness but grant it freely.

• Vision: Our forgiveness of others is a way to make God’s love and grace visible. It reflects that we ourselves live by grace.

3. What It Costs Us to Forgive Others

• Letting Go of Resentment: Forgiveness means giving up the claim to retribution or revenge. This can be painful but is also liberating.

• Exercising Patience and Love: Forgiveness is often a process that requires patience—especially when the wounds are deep.

• Abandoning Pride: Forgiveness often means surrendering our own ego and hurt feelings to God.

4. Practical Steps to Forgiveness

• Remember Jesus’ Forgiveness: Reflect on what Jesus has done for you and let this truth shape your attitude.

• Pray for the Person: It can help to pray for those who have hurt you. This not only changes your perspective but also opens your heart to forgiveness.

• Act According to God’s Example: Forgiveness is not just a feeling but a conscious decision to act toward others as God acts toward you.

Summary

The forgiveness we have received from Jesus is an undeserved gift that leads us to gratitude and humility. It calls us to forgive others with the same generosity and love we have experienced ourselves. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is the path to inner peace, true freedom, and a life that reflects God’s love.

The teaching of “realized grace” has profound implications for our daily lives and our faith. It connects the central truth of God’s love and forgiveness with our responsibility to reflect this love and forgiveness in our everyday lives. Here are the main connections:

1. Forgiveness as the Core of Our Daily Lives

The forgiveness we have experienced through Jesus is not only a theological truth but also a practical model for our relationships:

• In Conflicts: In everyday life, we often encounter situations where we are hurt. The knowledge of Jesus’ forgiveness calls us to let go of resentment and forgive others.

• In Family and Friendships: Relationships are often challenging. Forgiveness is a bridge that can heal broken relationships.

2. Forgiveness as a Testimony of Our Faith

The ability to forgive others demonstrates our faith in the transformative power of God’s grace:

• Life as an Example: When we practice forgiveness in our family, workplace, or community, God’s love becomes visible.

• Live the Gospel: Forgiveness makes the Gospel tangible and shows that grace is stronger than revenge or resentment.

3. Responsibility for God’s Grace

The forgiveness we have received obligates us to pass it on:

• Cultivate Gratitude: The reminder of how much has been forgiven to us inspires a posture of gratitude and humility.

• Passing on Grace: Our responsibility is to not only keep God’s love and forgiveness for ourselves but also to make them accessible to others.

4. The Challenge of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is often difficult, but it brings liberation and peace:

• Letting Go of Resentment: In daily life, we often carry injuries with us. Forgiveness means letting go of this burden and creating space for healing.

• Process of Healing: Forgiveness can take time. It is important to have patience with oneself while recovering from injuries.

5. Practical Steps to Implementation

• Reflection: Consciously think about what has been forgiven to you through Jesus and compare it with what you could forgive others.

• Prayer: Ask God for the strength to forgive others, especially when it is difficult.

• Action: Act according to God’s example and take the first step to seek reconciliation.

6. Forgiveness and the Faith in God’s Love

The practice of forgiveness deepens our relationship with God:

• Closeness to God: Forgiveness aligns us with God’s heart and makes His love alive in our lives.

• Peace and Freedom: When we forgive, we experience the liberating power of God’s grace, which helps us live in peace.

Summary

The forgiveness we have received through Jesus shapes our attitude and actions in daily life. It challenges us to meet others with the same grace we have experienced ourselves. Forgiveness is an expression of our faith, a testimony to God’s love, and a key to a life of freedom and peace. By living this truth, we reflect the transformative power of God’s grace in the world.

Forgiveness is the key that frees us from the burden of the past and opens the door to God’s grace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-covenant-love-2-4-mercy-forfeited-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 8, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 13

¹ This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

² I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

³ Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

⁴ For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

⁵ Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

⁶ But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

⁷ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

⁸ For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

⁹ For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

¹⁰ Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

¹¹ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

¹² Greet one another with an holy kiss.

¹³ All the saints salute you.

¹⁴ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The 13th chapter of the 2nd Letter to the Corinthians marks the conclusion of a moving epistle by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. It is characterized by a blend of warning, exhortation, and encouraging words. Paul prepares the church for his third visit and calls on them to examine themselves to ensure their faith is genuine. He emphasizes the authority given to him by Christ while highlighting that his aim is not to punish but to build up the church. He concludes by blessing the Corinthians with the well-known Trinitarian benediction, which underscores love, grace, and fellowship.

Commentary

This chapter highlights several central themes:

Self-Examination in Faith (Verses 5-6):
Paul urges believers to test themselves to see whether Jesus Christ truly lives within them. This is a powerful reminder that faith should not only be outwardly visible but also deeply rooted in the heart and reflected in actions. This call remains relevant today, inviting us to reflect on our own lives in the light of Christ.

Authority and Humility (Verses 2-4, 10):
Paul points to the apostolic authority he received from Christ. Yet, he shows that this power is meant not for destruction but for building up the church. This balance between authority and humility serves as a model for leaders in the faith.

Unity and Peace (Verses 11-12):
Paul calls the church to joy, comfort, unity, and peace. These qualities are essential for a healthy community rooted in God’s love.

The Trinitarian Blessing (Verse 13):
The conclusion with the Trinitarian benediction reminds us that the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit form the foundation of Christian life.

Summary

The 13th chapter of the 2nd Letter to the Corinthians is a compelling exhortation and a loving appeal, urging the Corinthians to self-examination and adherence to Christian values. Paul reminds believers of the power of God, revealed in weakness, and the need to live in truth and integrity. His words emphasize that Christian community should be built on unity, peace, and mutual comfort. The Trinitarian blessing at the end of the chapter calls us to live in the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit—a timeless invitation for every believer.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/08-01-2025-2-corinthians-chapter-13-believe-his-prophets/

2.3 Conditional Relationship
God’s Love and Our Response – Conditional Blessings, Unconditional Love

Read Hosea 9:15; Jeremiah 16:5; Romans 11:22; and Jude 21. What do these verses teach about whether one can reject or even lose the benefits of God’s love?

This lesson highlights a central truth: God’s love is eternal, but the enjoyment of the benefits of a saving relationship with God depends on our response to His love. The cited verses make it clear that it is possible to turn away from the blessings of His love without God ceasing to love us.

1. God’s Love Remains

The statement in Hosea 9:15 (“I will no longer love them”) shows that God, in His righteous judgment, can withdraw certain blessings of the relationship when people reject His love. However, Hosea 14:5 reveals that God’s love is relentless—it is always ready to return to grace when people turn to Him.

2. Human Responsibility

John 14:21 and 16:27 clarify that our love for God and our faith in Him are closely related to our willingness to keep His commandments. This willingness is not only a sign of responding to God’s love but also the key to maintaining the benefits of this relationship. The responsibility lies with us not to reject God or isolate ourselves from His love.

3. The Image of the Sun

The image of God’s love as a sun that shines continuously is particularly helpful. Even though God’s love remains constant, we can voluntarily place ourselves in the shade and reject its warming rays. This choice has consequences: we lose access to the life-giving blessings of this love, including the promise of eternal life.

4. Practical Significance for Our Faith Life

   • Cultivating Gratitude: The assurance that God’s love never ends should lead us to deep gratitude and a conscious life in His presence.

   • Practicing Spiritual Vigilance: We should be careful not to fall into indifference or disobedience that could separate us from God’s blessings.

   • Sharing Love: Our acceptance of God’s love requires that we become bearers of this love ourselves—in obedience to His commandments and in love for our neighbors.

Summary                   

God’s love is unshakable, but our response to this love is crucial for maintaining a saving relationship. This realization calls us to gratitude, devotion, and obedience so that we remain in full fellowship with God and experience the blessings of His love in our lives.

In What Ways Can People See and Experience the Reality of God’s Love, Regardless of Whether They Respond to It? For Example, How Does Nature Reveal God’s Love Even After the Fall?

God’s love permeates all of creation and becomes visible in various ways, even to those who do not consciously respond to it. Even after the fall, the world remains a testimony to His goodness, care, and faithfulness. Here are some ways people can see and experience the reality of God’s love:

1. God’s Love in Nature

Nature is a powerful testimony of God’s love, even in a fallen world:

• Preservation of Life: The cycles of nature—such as the sun, rain, and seasons—provide humanity with food, water, and air, regardless of whether they recognize or respond to God’s love (see Matthew 5:45).

• Beauty of Creation: Majestic mountains, peaceful forests, and radiant stars convey a sense of God’s greatness and care. They remind us that creation is more than just functional—it is an expression of love and creativity.

• Healing and Growth: Even in a world marred by the fall, nature demonstrates God’s regenerative power through healing, reproduction, and the renewal of the earth.

2. God’s Love in General Grace

God’s love is evident in His general grace, which applies to all people, regardless of their faith:

• Ability to Rejoice: A child’s laughter, the warmth between friends, or the joy found in art and music reflect aspects of God’s love.

• Ability to Love: The human capacity to love and be loved mirrors the very nature of God, who is love itself (1 John 4:8).

• Gifts of Life: Health, talents, and opportunities in life are signs of God’s goodness.

3. God’s Love in the Human Conscience

   • Moral Sense: The human ability to distinguish between good and evil indicates that God’s law is written on our hearts (Romans 2:14–15).

   • Desire for Meaning: The inner longing for purpose, connection, and eternity signifies that we are created for a relationship with God.

4. God’s Love in Suffering

Even in suffering, people can recognize the reality of God’s love:

• Comfort and Hope: In difficult times, God’s love is shown through comfort, inner peace, or help from others.

• Redemption through Suffering: The fall brought pain into the world, but even this is used by God to draw people to Himself and to shape them.

5. God’s Love in Jesus Christ

The ultimate revelation of God’s love is found in Jesus Christ:

• The Cross: Even for those who do not respond to His love, the cross remains an eternal testimony of His dedication and willingness to sacrifice.

• Grace Time: God’s patience and invitation to repentance are signs of His love that continue to apply to all.

Why This Is Important:

People can experience God’s love in various ways—through nature, conscience, suffering, and Jesus Christ. This universal revelation reminds us that God’s love encompasses everyone, regardless of their response to it. It is up to us to consciously recognize His love and respond with gratitude, devotion, and sharing it with others.

The teaching of God’s enduring love and the conditional nature of its blessings has direct significance for our daily lives and faith. Here are the main connections:

1. Responsibility in the Relationship with God

Realizing that God’s love remains constant but the blessings depend on our response calls us to responsibility:

• In Daily Life: We are called to live in obedience by honoring God, keeping His commandments, and consciously remaining in His presence.

• In Faith: It reminds us that our relationship with God must be active and living, through prayer, Bible reading, and praise.

2. Cultivating Gratitude

The undeserved constancy of God’s love inspires deep gratitude:

• In Daily Life: Gratitude is shown in small gestures—such as showing patience to others, appreciating the moment, and consciously thanking God for His care.

• In Faith: Gratitude deepens our understanding of grace and invites us to express this attitude in prayer and life.

3. Spiritual Vigilance

The possibility of turning away from God’s blessings demands vigilance:

• In Daily Life: It urges us to avoid indifference, sin, and complacency that could distance us from God.

• In Faith: Vigilance means actively listening to God and seeking fellowship with Him, even in difficult times.

4. Hope in Failure

Even if we turn away from God, His love remains:

• In Daily Life: This truth gives us hope that we can always return—even after mistakes.

• In Faith: It reminds us that repentance and turning back are always possible because God’s arms remain open wide.

5. Sharing Love

The call to be bearers of God’s love shapes our relationships:

• In Daily Life: We can reflect God’s love through forgiveness, helpfulness, and compassion, especially toward those who are hard to love.

• In Faith: Our love for God is shown in our love for our neighbors and our commitment to justice and mercy.

6. Recognizing God’s Love in Daily Life

The universal revelation of God’s love—through nature, conscience, suffering, and Jesus Christ—calls us to be mindful:

• In Daily Life: Take time to appreciate the beauty of creation, find joy in small things, and recognize God’s care in daily blessings.

• In Faith: Regularly reflect on how God has personally met you, whether through comfort, guidance, or grace.

7. A Life with an Eternal Focus

The promise of eternal life invites us to look beyond the earthly:

• In Daily Life: Focus on things of lasting value, such as relationships, love, and truth.

• In Faith: Be aware that your decisions and actions are expressions of your response to God’s love.

Why This Is Important:

The connection between God’s enduring love and the conditional nature of its blessings teaches us to live our lives consciously and gratefully. It calls us to remain vigilant, live near to God, and share His love. In a world full of challenges, this truth gives us hope, direction, and a foundation for a fulfilling life.

God’s love remains unchanged, but our decisions determine how deeply we experience its blessings in our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-covenant-love-2-3-conditional-relationship-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 7, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 12

¹ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

² I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

³ And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

⁴ How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

⁵ Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

⁶ For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

¹¹ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

¹² Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

¹³ For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

¹⁴ Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

¹⁵ And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

¹⁶ But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

¹⁷ Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

¹⁸ I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

¹⁹ Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

²⁰ For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

²¹ And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

2 Corinthians 12 is a profound chapter in which Paul describes the tensions of his ministry: revelations of divine glory and the humility that results from his weakness. He shares an extraordinary vision but emphasizes that his weaknesses and trials are not obstacles but channels for the power of Christ. Paul illustrates how his personal experience—the “thorn in the flesh”—teaches him humility and keeps him dependent on God’s grace. Additionally, he speaks about his sincere love and dedication for the church in Corinth, despite misunderstandings and challenges.

Commentary

Paul begins with an unusual revelation: a “man in Christ” was caught up to the third heaven (verses 1-4). Although Paul describes this experience, he distances himself from pride and emphasizes that he only wants to boast about his weaknesses (verses 5-6). Here lies a deep spiritual truth: God is revealed not through human strength but in our fragility.

The words in verse 9 are particularly significant: “But let your grace be sufficient for me, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul recognizes that God’s grace is all he needs. His weakness becomes the space where divine power is made visible. This attitude serves as an example for us on how to experience God’s presence and work amidst trials.

In the second part of the chapter (verses 11-21), Paul defends his apostolic ministry. He clarifies that he does not exploit the church but does everything for their spiritual well-being. His warning against sin and discord shows that true love not only comforts but also corrects. Paul speaks with the passion of a spiritual father who wants the best for his children, even if it means being misunderstood.

Summary

2 Corinthians 12 highlights the paradox of Christian life: strength in weakness, humility despite great revelations, and love willing to make sacrifices. Paul teaches us that God’s grace is sufficient, even when we struggle with “thorns in the flesh.” He calls the Corinthians to seek unity and repentance so that they can grow as a church in Christ. This chapter reminds us that true spiritual strength does not come from ourselves but solely from the power of Christ.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/07-01-2025-2-corinthians-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/