December 30, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 4

¹ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

² But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

³ But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

¹⁰ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

¹¹ For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

¹² So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

¹³ We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

¹⁴ Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In the fourth chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul examines the nature and purpose of apostolic ministry. He describes the challenges and joys associated with proclaiming the Gospel and reminds readers that the true value of the ministry lies in the power of God, which is made evident through human weakness. This chapter serves as an encouragement for all who suffer in their faith in Christ and offers a deeper perspective on the eternal glory that surpasses present trials.

Commentary

Paul begins with a clear and humble portrayal of his ministry. He makes it clear that he does not act out of his own strength or motivation but is empowered by the mercy of God. His ministry is based on openness, honesty, and the unblemished Word of God, in contrast to the secret deceptions that he condemns.

He emphasizes that the Gospel remains hidden to those who have been blinded by the “god of this world.” This points to the spiritual dimension of proclamation, where the knowledge of God’s glory is revealed only through Jesus Christ. Paul describes the Gospel as a light shining in the darkness, much like how God created light from darkness.

A central part of the chapter is the metaphor of “earthly vessels.” Paul views himself and his fellow apostles as fragile vessels that carry the immeasurable treasure of the Gospel. This emphasizes that the power comes from God and not from humans. Despite external pressures and weaknesses, they experience renewal and strength through God’s presence.

The fellowship in suffering with Christ plays a central role. Paul describes how the proclaimers of the Gospel bear the death of Christ in their lives so that the life of Christ may be evident in them. According to Paul, the present trials are only temporary and light compared to the eternal glory they are creating.

Summary

2 Corinthians 4 showcases the beauty and purpose of Christian ministry. Paul reminds us that human weaknesses and sufferings are stages on which the power of God becomes visible. The difficulties believers experience are temporary and lead to an eternal glory that far surpasses the earthly. By shifting the focus from the visible to the invisible, Paul urges steadfastness in faith and trust in the eternal reward. This chapter serves as a powerful encouragement to look to divine strength and the promised glory in all of life’s challenges.

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:33-48; John 20:19-29.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

The chapter “Peace be with you!” describes the events following the resurrection of Jesus, where He appears to the disciples, strengthens their faith, and brings them peace. It is based on the accounts in Luke 24:33-48 and John 20:19-29. These encounters reveal the deep mercy and patience of Jesus towards His disciples, who, despite His repeated teachings, struggled to comprehend His resurrection.

Commentary

The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection are marked by a message of peace, forgiveness, and new life. Jesus unexpectedly enters the midst of the disciples and greets them with the words “Peace be with you!” This greeting reflects the core message of the Gospel: reconciliation with God and inner peace despite external uncertainty. By showing them His pierced hands and feet, He strengthens their faith by answering doubt with the reality of His resurrection.

A key message of this chapter is that Jesus approaches the doubters with love and patience, as in the case of Thomas. Thomas, who reacts skeptically to the reports of the others, receives exactly the evidence he demands from Jesus. However, Jesus gently admonishes that greater blessings await those who believe without seeing. This is an invitation to trust, even when not all questions are answered.

Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus breathes into the disciples to prepare them for their mission. Without the Spirit of God, they are unable to preach the forgiveness of sins and spread the Gospel to the world. The gift of the Holy Spirit is essential to continue Christ’s work.

Summary

The chapter “Peace be with you!” demonstrates Jesus’ loving manner in renewing the faith of His disciples, dispelling their doubts, and preparing them for their mission. His words and actions after the resurrection call for finding peace and faith, even when external evidence is lacking. The disciples were equipped with the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and sent out to share this message with the world. This chapter reminds us that Jesus meets every doubt with patience and love and that the Holy Spirit is the key to serving in His name.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-11-2024-2-corinthians-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

December 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 3

¹ Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

² Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

³ Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

⁴ And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

⁵ Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

⁶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

⁷ But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

⁸ How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

⁹ For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

¹⁰ For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

¹¹ For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

¹² Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

¹³ And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

¹⁴ But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

¹⁵ But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

¹⁶ Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

¹⁷ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

¹⁸ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In the third chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes the glory of the ministry under the New Covenant. He compares the Old and the New Covenant, highlighting how the New Covenant, through the Spirit of God, brings greater glory and freedom. In doing so, Paul demonstrates that true transformation and understanding occur through the Lord’s Spirit, not through the adherence to letters and laws.

Commentary

Paul begins by referring to the Corinthians as a “letter of Christ” – a living testament of his ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of God on hearts. Here, he emphasizes the inner change effected by the New Covenant. The ability to perform such a ministry does not come from human strength but from God, who imparts life through the Spirit, in contrast to the letter of the law, which brings death.

The comparison with Moses and the veil shows that the glory of the Old Covenant was limited. While Moses wore a veil to conceal the clarity, Paul speaks of the veil being removed in the New Covenant once someone turns to Christ. This makes clear that the New Covenant brings openness, freedom, and enduring glory.

A central verse is: “Where, however, the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This freedom is not only from the regulations of the law but also an inner liberation for transformation into the image of Christ. Paul describes the progressive transformation of believers, who, through the Lord’s Spirit, grow into the glory of God.

Summary

2 Corinthians 3 shows the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, from law to Spirit, from condemnation to righteousness, and from veil to revelation. Paul explains that the ministry of the Spirit possesses a greater and enduring glory, transforming believers into freedom and into the image of Christ. The text calls for hope and joy, as the Spirit of God enables access to true glory and freedom in Christ.

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:33-48; John 20:19-29.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

The chapter “Peace be with you!” describes the events following the resurrection of Jesus, where He appears to the disciples, strengthens their faith, and brings them peace. It is based on the accounts in Luke 24:33-48 and John 20:19-29. These encounters reveal the deep mercy and patience of Jesus towards His disciples, who, despite His repeated teachings, struggled to comprehend His resurrection.

Commentary

The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection are marked by a message of peace, forgiveness, and new life. Jesus unexpectedly enters the midst of the disciples and greets them with the words “Peace be with you!” This greeting reflects the core message of the Gospel: reconciliation with God and inner peace despite external uncertainty. By showing them His pierced hands and feet, He strengthens their faith by answering doubt with the reality of His resurrection.

A key message of this chapter is that Jesus approaches the doubters with love and patience, as in the case of Thomas. Thomas, who reacts skeptically to the reports of the others, receives exactly the evidence he demands from Jesus. However, Jesus gently admonishes that greater blessings await those who believe without seeing. This is an invitation to trust, even when not all questions are answered.

Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus breathes into the disciples to prepare them for their mission. Without the Spirit of God, they are unable to preach the forgiveness of sins and spread the Gospel to the world. The gift of the Holy Spirit is essential to continue Christ’s work.

Summary

The chapter “Peace be with you!” demonstrates Jesus’ loving manner in renewing the faith of His disciples, dispelling their doubts, and preparing them for their mission. His words and actions after the resurrection call for finding peace and faith, even when external evidence is lacking. The disciples were equipped with the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and sent out to share this message with the world. This chapter reminds us that Jesus meets every doubt with patience and love and that the Holy Spirit is the key to serving in His name.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-11-2024-2-corinthians-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/

1.Which account in the Gospel of John best expresses the love and character of God? Explain to the other conversation participants why you find this account so captivating.

An account in the Gospel of John that best expresses the love and character of God is John 13 – the foot washing by Jesus.

Why this account is so captivating:

1. An Expression of Humble Love:

   • Jesus, the Son of God, the Master and Teacher, washes the feet of His disciples. This task was typically the lowest duty of a servant. By doing so, He demonstrates a love expressed through humility.

   • It illustrates that true greatness lies in the willingness to serve others.

2. A Model for Discipleship:

   • Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you…” (John 13:34). This love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.

   • The foot washing is not just an act of kindness but a representation of how Christians should serve and love one another.

3. Forgiveness and Grace:

   • Even Judas, who would soon betray Jesus, is among the disciples whose feet He washes. Jesus acts without bitterness, showing that His love is unconditional, even in the face of betrayal.

4. The Character Traits of God:

   • The account portrays God’s love as pure, selfless, and active. Jesus reveals that God’s nature is not marked by power or domination but by care, dedication, and the willingness to take the lowest position to uplift others.

Why this account captivates us:

• Deep Emotional Connection: It is moving to see the Creator of the universe show love in such a personal and intimate way.

• Challenge to Imitate: The foot washing challenges us to be humble in our own lives and to love others without reservations, regardless of their status or behavior.

• A Picture of Divine Love: The account illustrates that God’s love does not need to be earned—it is given unconditionally. This inspires and encourages us to pass on that love.

John 13 is a vivid portrayal of God’s character, who desires to transform our lives through love and humility.

2.How should one concretely approach the search for truth?

The search for truth is a central component of the Christian life and requires a conscious and holistic approach. Here are concrete steps on how to proceed:

1. Align Yourself with God’s Word

• Bible Reading and Study: The Bible is the foundation for truth. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Regular Bible study helps understand God’s thoughts.

• Consider the Context: Read Scripture in context to properly understand the meaning of a passage and avoid misinterpretations.

2. Pray for Guidance

• Trust in the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit leads into all truth (John 16:13). Praying before reading the Bible helps cultivate a receptive heart for God’s guidance.

• Humility in Prayer: Pray that God removes pride and prejudices that might hinder the recognition of truth.

3. Openness and Willingness

• Open Heart: Be willing to question your beliefs and ways of thinking when the truth calls you to do so.

• Obedience: The willingness to not only recognize the truth but also act upon it is crucial. John 7:17 says, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”

4. Seek Community

• Exchange with Other Believers: Conversations with spiritual mentors, teachers, or other Christians can help better understand the truth and dispel doubts.

• Pray and Learn Together: Fellowship in the church strengthens faith and promotes understanding.

5. Test the Truth

• Compare with the Bible: Everything you hear or learn should be compared with Scripture to ensure it aligns with God’s truth.

• Fruit of the Spirit as a Standard: Insights that originate from God’s truth will always align with the love, peace, and grace of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

6. Remain Patient

• Truth Takes Time: Spiritual growth and deeper understanding of God’s truth do not happen overnight. It is a lifelong process.

• Accept Doubt as Part of the Search: Doubts can be opportunities to grow deeper in faith and better understand the truth.

7. Seek Truth in Life

• Live in Discipleship of Jesus: Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Discipleship means using His life and teachings as the standard for truth.

• Integrity and Honesty: Seeking the truth also means being honest with yourself and others and seeking God’s will in all things.

Summary: The search for truth begins with studying God’s Word, praying, being open and obedient, engaging in community with other believers, testing insights against Scripture, and living in discipleship of Jesus. Patience and the willingness to be transformed are essential to deeply understand and live out God’s truth.

3.Why is it generally difficult to relinquish the self as a judge of truth? Can we ever fully do so, or will our humanity always influence how we view the Holy Scriptures to some extent? Why must we acknowledge this fact, and how does humility help us subordinate our prejudices to the word of God?

Why is it difficult to relinquish the self as a judge of truth?

Relinquishing our ego and human self-perception as the standard for truth is challenging because:

1. Human Pride and Self-Centeredness:

   • The Desire to Be Right: The desire to be correct is deeply ingrained. We tend to place our opinions and interpretations above the truth.

2. Limited Perspective:

   • Influenced Perception: Our perception is shaped by culture, upbringing, personal experiences, and emotions, which can distort our view.

3. Fear of Losing Control:

   • Seeking External Truth: Seeking truth outside of ourselves means relinquishing control and relying on God’s revelation—a step that can bring uncertainty.

4. Cognitive Bias:

   • Confirmation Bias: People tend to interpret information in ways that confirm their existing beliefs, hindering the objective search for truth.

Can we ever fully do so?

No, we cannot completely eliminate our humanity and its influence on our perspective. We remain flawed beings with limited understanding. However, through the Holy Spirit and spiritual growth, we can:

1. Become More Aware:

   • Recognize Biases: We can learn to recognize and acknowledge our prejudices.

2. Seek Divine Truth:

   • Subordinate Self to God’s Word: With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can increasingly subordinate ourselves to God’s Word.

3. Progress Over Perfection:

   • Continuous Maturation: It is not about being perfect but about pursuing a path of constant maturation and correction.

Why must we acknowledge this fact?

1. Avoiding Pride:

   • Recognizing Limitations: Acknowledging that our perception is limited prevents us from arrogantly claiming absolute truth for ourselves.

2. Better Learning:

   • Openness to God’s Wisdom: Knowing our limitations makes us more open to God’s wisdom and correction through Scripture and other believers.

3. Honest Approach to Scripture:

   • Preventing Distortion: Recognizing our limitations guards us against distorting the Bible with preconceived opinions.

How does humility help us subordinate our prejudices to the word of God?

1. Humility Opens Us to God’s Guidance:

   • Receptive to the Holy Spirit: Acknowledging that we do not know everything makes us more receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and God’s truth.

2. Learning Through Correction:

   • Admitting Misinterpretations: Humility allows us to admit our misinterpretations and learn from them instead of clinging to false beliefs.

3. Alignment with God Instead of Self:

   • Acknowledging God’s Authority: Humility helps us recognize God as the highest authority and align ourselves with His plan rather than fitting Him into our own thinking.

4. Fostering Community:

   • Learning from Others: Humility enables us to learn from others and protects us from isolation and self-righteousness.

Conclusion:

It remains difficult to relinquish the self as the judge of truth because our humanity always influences us to some extent. However, acknowledging this fact prevents pride and error. Through humility, we can recognize our prejudices and subordinate them to God’s Word. The willingness to be corrected by the Holy Spirit and Scripture is key to a mature, truth-oriented faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-13-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 2

¹ But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

² For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

³ And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

⁴ For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

⁵ But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

⁶ Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

⁷ So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

⁸ Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

⁹ For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

¹⁰ To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

¹¹ Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

¹² Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

¹³ I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

¹⁴ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

¹⁵ For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

¹⁶ To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

¹⁷ For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In the second chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul shares his deep inner struggles, his concern for the church in Corinth, and his desire for reconciliation and love. This chapter is divided into two main themes: Paul’s motivations for his written admonitions and the importance of forgiveness within the church, as well as the portrayal of the proclamation of the Gospel as the triumphant victory of Christ.

Commentary

Paul exhibits a very human side in the first section, characterized by sorrow, compassion, and responsibility. His letters to the Corinthians are not intended to sadden the congregation but to encourage them toward love and unity. Particularly noticeable is the emphasis on forgiveness: a disciplined church member should not be permanently excluded but should be readmitted to the community through love. This underscores the central value of reconciliation in the Christian faith. Paul reminds the Corinthians that a lack of forgiveness could provide space for the workings of Satan.

In the second section, Paul turns his attention to the greatness and glory of the proclamation of the Gospel. He describes it as a “good fragrance,” which means life for believers but death for unbelievers. This metaphor emphasizes the profound impact of the Gospel, both positive and negative, depending on the heart attitude of the listener. In doing so, Paul presents himself as a faithful servant of God who delivers the word pure and untainted.

Summary

The chapter provides insight into Paul’s pastoral care. He writes with great emotional depth to urge the church toward forgiveness and love. At the same time, he highlights the triumphant nature of the Gospel, which brings both life and judgment. Through these words, it becomes clear that Paul aims not only to protect the unity and purity of the church but also to emphasize the glory and power of the Gospel, which he proclaims with integrity and in the authority of Christ.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 82: “Why Are You Weeping?” describes the wonderful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Lord. Based on the Gospels, it is shown how the sorrow and despair of the believers are transformed into joy and hope as they realize that Jesus is alive. This chapter emphasizes the central significance of the resurrection for the Christian faith and invites believers to embrace the hope of eternal life.

Commentary

The Women at the Empty Tomb:
The women who had accompanied Jesus up to His death came with spices to honor His body, unaware that the promise of His resurrection had already been fulfilled. Their deep sorrow was transformed into awe when they saw the angel who proclaimed the good news: “He is risen.” Their spices became unnecessary because the Savior was alive.

Mary Magdalene and Her Encounter with Jesus:
Mary Magdalene, whose grief was particularly great, experienced a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. Her inability to recognize Him immediately reflects the despair that kept her from the reality of His resurrection. However, Jesus’ loving “Mary” opened her eyes. This scene illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself uniquely to each individual.

The Disciples’ Doubts:
The disciples initially reacted with disbelief to the women’s message. Their doubts and fears prevented them from accepting the truth of the resurrection. Nevertheless, Jesus did not reject them but revealed Himself to strengthen their faith and restore their hope. Especially Peter received personal assurance of forgiveness through the mention of his name.

The Message of Hope:
Jesus’ words “Why are you weeping?” and the angels’ exhortation to spread the good news are still relevant today. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope and joy because it demonstrates that death has been overcome. The call to shift our focus from sorrow to the living Christ is an invitation to live in faith and hope.

Summary

Chapter 82 depicts the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Jesus and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection. It shows how sorrow, doubt, and despair can be transformed into joy, hope, and faith. The central message is clear: Jesus is alive, and through His resurrection, He grants all believers the hope of eternal life. This chapter calls believers to grow in faith and joyfully share the message of Jesus’ victory over death.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-11-2024-2-corinthians-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/