As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. —2 Corinthians 7:9-10 John Piper, in a sermon, … More Godly Grief
Coty Pinckney describes God’s solution to the sin problem, using an accounting analogy (2 Corinthians 5): But although God would be just to do away with every one of us, He chooses not to. He chooses to show His justice in another way, by providing the solution to our failure. [2 Corinthians 5] Verse 21 … More Debits and credits: An accounting lesson from 2 Corinthians
“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: Too many people say, “I’m so ordinary, so average and undistinguished. I can’t do anything significant.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 shows that this argument is wrong and … 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
So look for statements about God’s promises as we read these verses [2 Cor 1:17-22] Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been … More Better Promises
In Him we have set our firm hope, that he will deliver us, as you join in working for us by prayer, so that the blessing that comes to us from the prayers of many persons might result in thanksgiving to God by many as they see our deliverance. —2 Corinthians 1 Pastor Coty Pinckney asks: … More What is prayer? Is prayer effective?
John Piper, in a sermon, “Christ’s Power is Made Perfect in Weakness”- God’s purpose in our weaknesses is to glorify the grace and power of his Son. This is the main point of [2 Corinthians] verses 9–10. Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s design … More God’s design is to make you a showcase for Jesus’ power.
Here is a very helpful paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, about Paul and the False Apostles- A paraphrase 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 is foolishness, and I regret having to … More Paul: You should cut me a little slack
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 … More Take the “missionary test”?
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 Do you want to be a cheerful giver?
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 