Paul does not specify what the “test” is to know whether you are saved. …..Paul himself did not supply us with the “test” but only a challenge to take the test. I think there is good reason for this. One who is willing to accept Paul’s challenge and “take the test” is reminded of what constitutes … More Christ Alone or Christ plus something else?
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 … More In Pursuit of the Heart
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 Are you a showcase for Jesus’ power?
The Father of the Bride Exposes the Master of Deceit (2 Cor. 11:1-15) 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 do it, but … More The Father of the Bride Exposes the Master of Deceit
Pastor Coty Pinckney challenged his church in a sermon from 2 Corinthians,”Who Should Lead?” But suppose that God changes those plans and a few months from now you have to search for a new senior pastor. What criteria would you use in the selection process? A lot of churches will look with favor on: A … More Servant leaders or professionals?
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully [4] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that … More The connection between KNOWING God and giving cheerfully…
Pastor Coty Pinckmey on 2 Corinthians 8- What is the relationship between Jesus’ riches and His becoming poor? The usual translation of this phrase is: “Though he was rich, he became poor” But now let’s try substituting the ideas we have seen as we have understood Jesus’ riches and poverty: “Though he was loved by … More Jesus’ Riches and Poverty
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 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. John Piper, in a … More Is your regret God-saturated or world-saturated?
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Ray Ortlund: There’s your picture on a baseball card. Turn it over, and whose stats, season by season, do you find there? Not yours, but Jesus’. A great … More Baseball Card Justifiction
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 why. It says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels (or clay pots!) to show us that the transcendent power belongs to God and not … More Calling all clay pots
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 