“We have this treasure in earthen vessels (or clay pots!) to show us that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.” John Piper comments on 2 Corinthians 4, in our reading for today: Too many people say, “I’m so ordinary, so average and undistinguished. I can’t do anything significant.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 shows that … More Ordinariness is not a liability; it is an asset
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old … More Seeing Jesus. Unveiled
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10 John Piper, in a sermon, “When Not To Believe an Angel” The most thrilling implication of verse 10 … More Only one person to please: Jesus Christ
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not … More Test yourself: What does your salvation depend on?
2 Corinthians 12:14-15 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for … More Seek not what is yours but you.
John MacArthur preached a sermon on 2 Corinthians 11, our passage for today. Here is the concluding prayer from that sermon, “The Hardships of Paul”: Father, thank You for the insight You’ve given us into this amazing and incredible man. What a model he is for us and we feel, as I said, like nothing, … More Thank God for Paul’s Example
Here is a very helpful paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, in our read-through-the-Bible plan today, about Paul and the False Apostles- A paraphrase of Paul by Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org Reluctantly, I am going to attempt to commend myself, following the same approach as those who oppose me when they commend themselves. I know this … More Paul: “Allow me to make a point here”
For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.—2 Corinthians 10:17 John Piper asks: So the utterly crucial question for many of you, as you have prayed and thought about giving your life, or a … More 5 Missionary Tests
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to … More Why does God love a cheerful giver?
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though [because] he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 Pastor Coty Pinckney on 2 Corinthians 8- What is the relationship between Jesus’ riches and His becoming poor? The usual translation … More Lessons in currency exchange
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 