"2 Corinthians 7-11"
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Something about college football brings out our pride in the strangest ways. Rivalries get so intense that winning isn't enough, we need a crazy trophy! For example, the winner of the Oregon-Oregon State "Civil War" game gets the Platypus Trophy — that's right, a big, wooden platypus! The winner of the Indiana-Mighigan State game takes home the Old Brass Spittoon! Other trophies include the Dutchman's Shoes (two wooden clogs!), the Battle of the Bones (a 100 lb., bronze rack of ribs), and the Troll (a monster made of moss and pinecones!).
The things we'll do to show off our bragging rights! Look beyond football and notice all our status symbols — we love to show we're exceptional. We even have a name for stealth boasting — the "humble-brag!"
But as we read Second Corinthians, we find Paul in a dilemma. He deserves the Corinthians' respect as the apostle who brought them the gospel. They should submit to his authority and listen with open hearts. So when they question his credentials, he has to build himself up. But this can come across as boasting. So in this week's reading, Paul helps us all understand what it means to boast as a Christian.
Ready to Repent
On Monday (2 Cor. 7), Paul rejoices that they heard his letter with godly sorrow and repented. He boasted to Titus about their character, and they proved him right by receiving his correction (2 Cor. 7:14). Remember, Paul opened the letter reveling in his confidence that they'd boast in each other when Christ returns (2 Co 1:14). What a different kind of boasting — not in how great Paul is, but that God has brought more saints into fellowship through Paul, and someday they'll celebrate Christ's final victory together!
- How can you distinguish godly sorrow for your sins from worldly sorrow?
Ready to Give
Our readings on Tuesday and Wednesday (2 Cor. 8 and 9), focus on the gift Paul want to collect for the needy saints in Judea. You might remember, he told them to set money aside "for the saints" in his first letter (1 Cor. 16:1-4). This week we'll read some of the New Testament's most profound — and convicting — insights into giving.
- Why should grace lead to generosity (2 Cor. 8:9-11; 9:7-15)?
- What did the Macedonians give first, before giving their money (2 Cor. 8:3-5)?
- What does the principle of equity have to do with manna (2 Cor. 9:9-10)? What kind of responsibility comes when others have a lack, and you have more than you need (2 Cor. 8:12-15)?
- How does the law of the harvest affect your giving (2 Cor. 9:6-7)?
Ready to Preach
On Thursday (2 Cor. 10), we'll see a shift in tone, as Paul completes his heartfelt appeal and begins a sharp defense. He uses the word "boast" 22 times this week, and 17 of those come on Thursday and Friday (2 Cor. 10 and 11). He closes Thursday's reading with his commitment to do the work God gave him — bringing the gospel to new areas, just as he did in Corinth.
"We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence" (2 Cor. 10:15–16).
Maybe some in Corinth commended themselves, but Paul aimed to anchor all his boasts in the Lord (2 Cor. 10:17; cf. Jer. 9:23,24).
- What "strongholds" in your life need destroyed (2 Cor. 10:4)? What arguments, opinions, and thoughts in you need taken captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5)?
- How can we maintain simple devotion to Christ, protecting ourselves from Satan's cunning (2 Cor. 11:2-3)?
