"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD DOES AND HAS DONE"
2nd Cor 1:21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
2nd Cor 1:22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. In these two verses, Paul tells us 3 things about God. One of them has to do with the on-going work of God in our lives, and the other things have to do with what He has done already, (in the past tense) but a blessing to us in the present.
2. See if you can pick them out as you read these verses in the New Living Translation, or as it's often called, the NLT
2nd Cor 1:21 It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us,
2nd Cor 1:22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us.
3. Before we look at them, it's interesting to note, that Paul in the previous verses had been not only began to defend himself against the false accusations against his apostleship and character, but had also been talking about the fact that God is truthful, that God is true, and that when God makes a promise you can count on it. All of His Promises are yes and amen. God is faithful, truthful and does all that He promises to do.
4. But, here's what said in detail. There are five specific truths here.
(1) He establishes us, or He gives us the ability to stand firm for Christ. I.E to not waver, but be steady and firm.
(2) God also has anointed us. What does this mean? Literally, it carries the idea of contract; to smear or rub with oil, i.e by implication, to consecrate to an office or religious service. It's used of the consecrating of Jesus to the office of Messiah, and furnishing Him with the necessary powers for it's administration. And, for us, it's the Lord's giving us, or enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
(3) God has sealed us. In Paul's culture, when you sealed something, it meant two things. It indicates possession, and security.
Or to put it another way, the fact of the Holy Spirit being in the Christians life, or the seal, is the believers guarantee of the security of his or her salvation. It's proof if you will that you belong to God, and can rest assured that You are saved.
(4) To go on with the idea of guarantee. As it's stated in 1:22, Paul says the Holy Spirit is in our hearts as a guarantee. Or a deposit, a down payment. The presence of the Spirit is God's pledge that our salvation will be consummated one day.
(5) In Paul's day, official seals pressed in wax secured information or property and authenticated ownership. God's seal of ownership for His people is the Holy Spirit, placed in believers hearts as a guarantee of their future riches in Christ. They are securely His, that's the idea here.
5. Lets' take one more quick look at these verses, and just read then over slowly, and enjoy seeing what God does in your life, and has done in your life.
2nd Cor 1:21 It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us,
2nd Cor 1:22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for giving us the many, many blessings that You have. And, thank You that You by Your Holy Spirit, help us to stand firm in Christ. We need the Holy Spirit's help to stand firm, and we want to stand firm in Christ. We do not want to be wabble about, and be blown about by every wind of doctrine, and moved about by our own sinful desires. We want to stand strong in Jesus.
And, thank You for sealing us, and making, showing us that we not only belong to You, but, we are promised safe delivery in heaven. We are securely in Christ. Thank You for that. Finally, Lord, help us now to not just read these blessings, but to really let them sink into our hearts, and to live our lives in light of these truths.
We are saved, we belong to You, You help us to stand firm in Christ, ( go with Him, follow Him, stay with Him, obey Him, etc ) and we are heading for heaven, it's a guarantee, You have already made the first installment on what You intend to complete.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S FAITHFULNESS AND PROMISES"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S FAITHFULNESS AND PROMISES"
2nd Cor 1:18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
2nd Cor 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us--by me, Silvanus, and Timothy--was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
2nd Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Some explanation, application, and a prayer:
1. The background to these verses, actually have to do with Paul being attacked and falsely accused of not being a man of his word, and of being a deceiver.
2. In defending himself, Paul points the Corinthians and us to truths about God. Let's look at the wonderful things that he says about God, ( and then himself )
(1) But as God is faithful. Or dependable. Or, as surely as God is true is the idea.
(2) Our word to you was not Yes and No. In other words, just like God is true, so are we. We were not telling you one thing, and then another about the plans we had. Paul is telling them, that just as God's Word is true, so is his, and his yes, means a yes.
(3) The Son of God was preached by Paul among the Corinthians, along with Paul's co-workers. When we preached Jesus, the truth of Jesus is not yes, and then no, but rather the truth of Jesus Christ is Yes. There is no back and forth about who He is, and or what He has done. Jesus is the way the truth and the life period.
(4) All of God's promises in Jesus Christ are Yes. They are are true. God does not waver between a yes and a no. God is true, and we affirmed that to you.
(5) All of God's promises have come to pass in Christ. When God promises something, you can bank on it being not only true, but ultimately in God's perfect timing, coming to pass, just as God has said it would. This is why we affirm the Word of God as being true. And, this is why we give glory to God, for who He is. Is there anyone like Him?
3. With all of the above in mind then, we can not only find great comfort in knowing that what God says is true, but, what God has said will take place. Sometimes, much of the time in fact, we need to just be patient, and wait on Him.
4. With God being the truth teller and the truth doer, He becomes our example of being the same in our lives day to day. Truth tellers, and truth doers, (in love I might add, as Paul did in Ephesians 4)
5. When we read the Bible may we pray for eyes to see, and a heart to understand God's Word, and the personal resolve to obey it.
A prayer:
Father, Thank You for being truthful, and faithful, and always on time, that is Your time. Our part is to believe, receive, trust, and rejoice in You as we watch You work out Your wonderful plan for our lives in this world.
One day, the great promise You have given us of our being with You will come to pass. My, My. what a day and a moment that will be. As far as we know, it could be today. We really don't know when we will see You face to face, but You do.
What a day of rejoicing that will be. In the meantime, may we be those those who walk in the truth, and tell the truth. Make us so Lord, make us so.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
2nd Cor 1:18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
2nd Cor 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us--by me, Silvanus, and Timothy--was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
2nd Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Some explanation, application, and a prayer:
1. The background to these verses, actually have to do with Paul being attacked and falsely accused of not being a man of his word, and of being a deceiver.
2. In defending himself, Paul points the Corinthians and us to truths about God. Let's look at the wonderful things that he says about God, ( and then himself )
(1) But as God is faithful. Or dependable. Or, as surely as God is true is the idea.
(2) Our word to you was not Yes and No. In other words, just like God is true, so are we. We were not telling you one thing, and then another about the plans we had. Paul is telling them, that just as God's Word is true, so is his, and his yes, means a yes.
(3) The Son of God was preached by Paul among the Corinthians, along with Paul's co-workers. When we preached Jesus, the truth of Jesus is not yes, and then no, but rather the truth of Jesus Christ is Yes. There is no back and forth about who He is, and or what He has done. Jesus is the way the truth and the life period.
(4) All of God's promises in Jesus Christ are Yes. They are are true. God does not waver between a yes and a no. God is true, and we affirmed that to you.
(5) All of God's promises have come to pass in Christ. When God promises something, you can bank on it being not only true, but ultimately in God's perfect timing, coming to pass, just as God has said it would. This is why we affirm the Word of God as being true. And, this is why we give glory to God, for who He is. Is there anyone like Him?
3. With all of the above in mind then, we can not only find great comfort in knowing that what God says is true, but, what God has said will take place. Sometimes, much of the time in fact, we need to just be patient, and wait on Him.
4. With God being the truth teller and the truth doer, He becomes our example of being the same in our lives day to day. Truth tellers, and truth doers, (in love I might add, as Paul did in Ephesians 4)
5. When we read the Bible may we pray for eyes to see, and a heart to understand God's Word, and the personal resolve to obey it.
A prayer:
Father, Thank You for being truthful, and faithful, and always on time, that is Your time. Our part is to believe, receive, trust, and rejoice in You as we watch You work out Your wonderful plan for our lives in this world.
One day, the great promise You have given us of our being with You will come to pass. My, My. what a day and a moment that will be. As far as we know, it could be today. We really don't know when we will see You face to face, but You do.
What a day of rejoicing that will be. In the meantime, may we be those those who walk in the truth, and tell the truth. Make us so Lord, make us so.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR CONSCIENCE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR CONSCIENCE"
From the NKJV
2nd Cor 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
2nd Cor 1:13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end
From the NLT
2nd Cor 1:12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have been honest and sincere in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own earthly wisdom. That is how we have acted toward everyone, and especially toward you.
2nd Cor 1:13 My letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us,
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul was being attacked by some false teachers within the church of Corinth, and they were making many different accusations against his apostleship, and his character. One of the things they were accusing him of, was not meaning what he said, when he said something, or, of being a liar.
2. Paul boasts to them, and says he has a clear conscience. The word conscience, means, the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other. Paul has a clear conscience regarding their accusations.
3. He goes on to say that the way he conducted himself among them, and in general was that he had "been honest and sincere in all of his dealings with them"
4. Additionally, He told them, that "he depended on God's grace, and not on his own earthly wisdom" And, that his writings to them, had been straightforward, and there was nothing written between the lines, and nothing they could not understand. He also hoped that someday they would really fully understand him, and his fellow ministers.
5. When you put all of this together, there is a great example for us to understand, what to expect, and how to live in Christ.
(1) Don't be surprised by attacks against your character if you are doing the work of God.
(2) Realize that false teachers lie, that's because they are false, and lie like their father the devil lies.
(3) Having a clear conscience is indeed a blessing. By the way, if it's not clear, it can become clear by confessing our sins.
(4) Being honest, and sincere is the way Jesus was, and the way that He calls us to be. It's a powerful witness in the world.
(5) We do not have to depend on our own wits, but we can depend on the wonderful grace of God.
(6) Telling the truth in love, and living with "nothing between the lines" as it were. Just honest and sincere. A blessing indeed.
(7) We can always hope that those who may not believe us, will one day have a change of mind.
(8) In the meantime, the Lord knows the truth about all of us, from top to bottom, from the inside and the out.
A prayer:
Father, You have saved us. So, may we start by simply saying thank You. And, You have given us spiritual food to nourish our new life on, Your Word, thank You for that also. And, we appreciate how the Bible, no matter where we open it to, seems to have something to say to us, that resonates with our souls, and encourages us, convicts us, helps us, comforts us, instructs us etc.
Please help us to live in all good conscience before You, and before people, day by day, until we get to heaven. We love You Lord, in Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
From the NKJV
2nd Cor 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
2nd Cor 1:13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end
From the NLT
2nd Cor 1:12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have been honest and sincere in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own earthly wisdom. That is how we have acted toward everyone, and especially toward you.
2nd Cor 1:13 My letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us,
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul was being attacked by some false teachers within the church of Corinth, and they were making many different accusations against his apostleship, and his character. One of the things they were accusing him of, was not meaning what he said, when he said something, or, of being a liar.
2. Paul boasts to them, and says he has a clear conscience. The word conscience, means, the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other. Paul has a clear conscience regarding their accusations.
3. He goes on to say that the way he conducted himself among them, and in general was that he had "been honest and sincere in all of his dealings with them"
4. Additionally, He told them, that "he depended on God's grace, and not on his own earthly wisdom" And, that his writings to them, had been straightforward, and there was nothing written between the lines, and nothing they could not understand. He also hoped that someday they would really fully understand him, and his fellow ministers.
5. When you put all of this together, there is a great example for us to understand, what to expect, and how to live in Christ.
(1) Don't be surprised by attacks against your character if you are doing the work of God.
(2) Realize that false teachers lie, that's because they are false, and lie like their father the devil lies.
(3) Having a clear conscience is indeed a blessing. By the way, if it's not clear, it can become clear by confessing our sins.
(4) Being honest, and sincere is the way Jesus was, and the way that He calls us to be. It's a powerful witness in the world.
(5) We do not have to depend on our own wits, but we can depend on the wonderful grace of God.
(6) Telling the truth in love, and living with "nothing between the lines" as it were. Just honest and sincere. A blessing indeed.
(7) We can always hope that those who may not believe us, will one day have a change of mind.
(8) In the meantime, the Lord knows the truth about all of us, from top to bottom, from the inside and the out.
A prayer:
Father, You have saved us. So, may we start by simply saying thank You. And, You have given us spiritual food to nourish our new life on, Your Word, thank You for that also. And, we appreciate how the Bible, no matter where we open it to, seems to have something to say to us, that resonates with our souls, and encourages us, convicts us, helps us, comforts us, instructs us etc.
Please help us to live in all good conscience before You, and before people, day by day, until we get to heaven. We love You Lord, in Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, December 20, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING"
2nd Cor 1:11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
And, in the NLT, it reads, 2nd Cor 1:11 He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:
1. Paul who had just spoken of the many tribulations he had gone through, and the comfort he had received from God, now turns the subject back to the prayers of the believers in Corinth, and acknowledges how God has used those prayers.
2. He calls it "helping together in prayer for us" Isn't that a neat way to express it. Prayer is helping together. Helping in what?
Helping in the will and the work of God being accomplished. So, if you are praying, You are helping in God's work.
3. Prayer of course is talking to God, and it's effective when we pray according to God's will. He not only hears prayer, but He answers it, and does so in His own timing and in His own way.
4. Additionally, Paul says ( in the NLT ) "He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us" Prayer and rescue being linked together.
5. One other thing about prayer, is that it results in thanksgiving by many. That is, when God hears our prayers and answers them, we wind up saying thank You to God. So, prayer helps in the work of God, prayer is used to rescue, and prayer results in thanks being given.
6. So, if you are praying about a particular thing, situation, event, challenge, project, person or whatever, please be encouraged.
Be persistent, and patient, be submitted to God's timing and His way, and His will in answering Your prayer, but, be sure of this, He is hearing You pray.
A prayer:
Father, there was a time when we never ever prayed. But, since we have come to know You we do talk to You. We would like to talk to You more, but we do talk to You. And, we also thank You that You hear us when we talk to You. Prayer is really simply talking to You in either requests, or praise, or thanksgiving. My prayer today, is for any and all who are praying that they will be encouraged by this devotional, and by the testimony of the apostle Paul here in 2nd Cor1:11. Lord, You are the prayer hearer, and the prayer answerer, and the one who winds up being thanked by those who have prayed. What would You have us to pray for today Lord? Put it on our hearts, and let's go for it.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd Cor 1:11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
And, in the NLT, it reads, 2nd Cor 1:11 He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:
1. Paul who had just spoken of the many tribulations he had gone through, and the comfort he had received from God, now turns the subject back to the prayers of the believers in Corinth, and acknowledges how God has used those prayers.
2. He calls it "helping together in prayer for us" Isn't that a neat way to express it. Prayer is helping together. Helping in what?
Helping in the will and the work of God being accomplished. So, if you are praying, You are helping in God's work.
3. Prayer of course is talking to God, and it's effective when we pray according to God's will. He not only hears prayer, but He answers it, and does so in His own timing and in His own way.
4. Additionally, Paul says ( in the NLT ) "He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us" Prayer and rescue being linked together.
5. One other thing about prayer, is that it results in thanksgiving by many. That is, when God hears our prayers and answers them, we wind up saying thank You to God. So, prayer helps in the work of God, prayer is used to rescue, and prayer results in thanks being given.
6. So, if you are praying about a particular thing, situation, event, challenge, project, person or whatever, please be encouraged.
Be persistent, and patient, be submitted to God's timing and His way, and His will in answering Your prayer, but, be sure of this, He is hearing You pray.
A prayer:
Father, there was a time when we never ever prayed. But, since we have come to know You we do talk to You. We would like to talk to You more, but we do talk to You. And, we also thank You that You hear us when we talk to You. Prayer is really simply talking to You in either requests, or praise, or thanksgiving. My prayer today, is for any and all who are praying that they will be encouraged by this devotional, and by the testimony of the apostle Paul here in 2nd Cor1:11. Lord, You are the prayer hearer, and the prayer answerer, and the one who winds up being thanked by those who have prayed. What would You have us to pray for today Lord? Put it on our hearts, and let's go for it.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, December 19, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE DOING GOD'S WORK, BUT, IT ALL LOOKS HOPELESS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE DOING GOD'S WORK, BUT, IT ALL LOOKS HOPELESS"
2nd Cor 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
2nd Cor 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:
1. Paul did want the Corinthians to be without the knowledge of how difficult things had gotten in his ministry activities.
He goes into great detail explaining it to them.
2. For example in 1:8, he calls it trouble, burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
3. Let's look at how bad it actually was. Trouble, means, affliction, anguish, persecution, a pressing together, great pressure, oppression. ( in England at one time, they used to execute criminals by "pressing them" that is, they would lay heavy stones and rocks on them, and press them to death. Thats the idea behind this word trouble. He was in today's language under "alot of pressure" to say the least.
4. The other words, above strength, mean, they had literally no more strength to face the troubles they were in, but, here's the main one that says the most, "so that we despaired even of life" which means, they had come to the place where they thought they were going to die. By the way, Paul does not go into the details of the situation, other then to describe their own personal thoughts and feelings. But, it was perhaps due to a riot that took place while in Ephesus, see Acts 19, and or the other things that are recorded for us in 11th chapter of this letter, all of which happened to him as he was traveling through Greece doing the work of God. ( it's worth taking a look there to see what he went through. See 2nd Cor 11:23-28
5. Here is the main point he wanted to get across to them, and I believe to us who are facing what we might call hopeless situation, when all "looks lost" as we say, or "when all things are against me" and so on. Here it is. 2nd Cor 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
This means, he really thought it was over for him. He could see no way out, and figured this was it, this was the end, I'm going to die. But, notice please at the end of the verse, because here's the lesson he learned, and God wants us to learn also. "That we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" In other words, God brought Paul to what he thought was the end, he could see no way out, so, he in a sense had to trust God. Isn't that great. God used the situation to bring him to trusting in God.
6. Here's how it reads in the NLT with an extra verse added.
2nd Cor 1:8 I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it.
2nd Cor 1:9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.
2nd Cor 1:10 And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us.
What Paul says, that they were learning to not rely on themselves, but on God. He adds, that God did deliver them, and that they were confident God would continue to deliver them.
A prayer:
Father, what a great passage this is from Your Word. Thank You for it. It hits the spot with us. We often feel just as Paul did. But, these verses help us understand, that You also want us to learn to trust in You, and not in ourselves. We need to learn these things Lord, and we pray that You would help us to learn, teach us Lord. Thus, we can approach these time where it may seem hopeless, and realize that it's not. Because You are here, and we can put our trust in You, and You are our deliverer.
2nd Cor 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
2nd Cor 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:
1. Paul did want the Corinthians to be without the knowledge of how difficult things had gotten in his ministry activities.
He goes into great detail explaining it to them.
2. For example in 1:8, he calls it trouble, burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
3. Let's look at how bad it actually was. Trouble, means, affliction, anguish, persecution, a pressing together, great pressure, oppression. ( in England at one time, they used to execute criminals by "pressing them" that is, they would lay heavy stones and rocks on them, and press them to death. Thats the idea behind this word trouble. He was in today's language under "alot of pressure" to say the least.
4. The other words, above strength, mean, they had literally no more strength to face the troubles they were in, but, here's the main one that says the most, "so that we despaired even of life" which means, they had come to the place where they thought they were going to die. By the way, Paul does not go into the details of the situation, other then to describe their own personal thoughts and feelings. But, it was perhaps due to a riot that took place while in Ephesus, see Acts 19, and or the other things that are recorded for us in 11th chapter of this letter, all of which happened to him as he was traveling through Greece doing the work of God. ( it's worth taking a look there to see what he went through. See 2nd Cor 11:23-28
5. Here is the main point he wanted to get across to them, and I believe to us who are facing what we might call hopeless situation, when all "looks lost" as we say, or "when all things are against me" and so on. Here it is. 2nd Cor 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,
This means, he really thought it was over for him. He could see no way out, and figured this was it, this was the end, I'm going to die. But, notice please at the end of the verse, because here's the lesson he learned, and God wants us to learn also. "That we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" In other words, God brought Paul to what he thought was the end, he could see no way out, so, he in a sense had to trust God. Isn't that great. God used the situation to bring him to trusting in God.
6. Here's how it reads in the NLT with an extra verse added.
2nd Cor 1:8 I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it.
2nd Cor 1:9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.
2nd Cor 1:10 And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us.
What Paul says, that they were learning to not rely on themselves, but on God. He adds, that God did deliver them, and that they were confident God would continue to deliver them.
A prayer:
Father, what a great passage this is from Your Word. Thank You for it. It hits the spot with us. We often feel just as Paul did. But, these verses help us understand, that You also want us to learn to trust in You, and not in ourselves. We need to learn these things Lord, and we pray that You would help us to learn, teach us Lord. Thus, we can approach these time where it may seem hopeless, and realize that it's not. Because You are here, and we can put our trust in You, and You are our deliverer.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE WEIGHED DOWN WITH TROUBLES"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE WEIGHED DOWN WITH TROUBLES"
NLT Version.
2nd Cor 1:6 So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.
2nd Cor 1:7 We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul in writing to the Corinthian church, and ( God's Word to us today ) in this verse, has to do with those times when we are weighed down with troubles. He is going to tell us some things that will help us and give us peace if we believe it, and take it to heart.
2. First, of all, there are times when we do get weighed down with troubles. These times come to each and everyone of us. You may be in that situation today, or you may know someone who is. Or you may be in this situation tomorrow. Jesus told us in the world we would have tribulation, and He knows what He is talking about.
Joh 16:33* “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
3. The phrase "weighed down with troubles" means, to be troubled, to be afflicted and distressed. These things come into our lives. But, this is not the end of the story as it were.
4. Please notice the purpose that is stated here when we are weighed down etc. The purpose has to do with the benefit and salvation of others. Here's how it works. When we are weighed down and troubled, then God comes and comforts us, so that we in turn can be an encouragement to others. This will help others to patiently endure the troubles they are going through.
5. Other people are going through similar troubles. They have their own misfortunes if you will, and their own calamities, just like You may have at this time.
6. Paul's hope for the Corinthians, (should I say God's hope for them and for us) is that as we share in the sufferings, we will also share in the comfort. Or to put it another way, that just like Paul did, we also will find comfort and encouragement from God. And, then we can pass that on to others.
7. God really does use us to help others. May I ask if you are weighed down today with troubles? Then, I pray that God will comfort you. Is He using someone to comfort you? Then let's thank God for using that person or persons. Do you know someone who is weighed down with trouble, then maybe God wants you to reach out to them, and help them, by sharing how God has helped you.
A prayer:
Father, You are the God of all comfort, and the God of mercies. Thank You for connecting us with Yourself through our faith in Jesus Christ. We have fellowship with You, we can come to You and find help and mercy in our times of need. We do that now, at this moment, not only for ourselves, but for any of our friends that may be going through a tough time. Lord, direct us today, to share and encourage. We love You Father. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
NLT Version.
2nd Cor 1:6 So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.
2nd Cor 1:7 We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul in writing to the Corinthian church, and ( God's Word to us today ) in this verse, has to do with those times when we are weighed down with troubles. He is going to tell us some things that will help us and give us peace if we believe it, and take it to heart.
2. First, of all, there are times when we do get weighed down with troubles. These times come to each and everyone of us. You may be in that situation today, or you may know someone who is. Or you may be in this situation tomorrow. Jesus told us in the world we would have tribulation, and He knows what He is talking about.
Joh 16:33* “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
3. The phrase "weighed down with troubles" means, to be troubled, to be afflicted and distressed. These things come into our lives. But, this is not the end of the story as it were.
4. Please notice the purpose that is stated here when we are weighed down etc. The purpose has to do with the benefit and salvation of others. Here's how it works. When we are weighed down and troubled, then God comes and comforts us, so that we in turn can be an encouragement to others. This will help others to patiently endure the troubles they are going through.
5. Other people are going through similar troubles. They have their own misfortunes if you will, and their own calamities, just like You may have at this time.
6. Paul's hope for the Corinthians, (should I say God's hope for them and for us) is that as we share in the sufferings, we will also share in the comfort. Or to put it another way, that just like Paul did, we also will find comfort and encouragement from God. And, then we can pass that on to others.
7. God really does use us to help others. May I ask if you are weighed down today with troubles? Then, I pray that God will comfort you. Is He using someone to comfort you? Then let's thank God for using that person or persons. Do you know someone who is weighed down with trouble, then maybe God wants you to reach out to them, and help them, by sharing how God has helped you.
A prayer:
Father, You are the God of all comfort, and the God of mercies. Thank You for connecting us with Yourself through our faith in Jesus Christ. We have fellowship with You, we can come to You and find help and mercy in our times of need. We do that now, at this moment, not only for ourselves, but for any of our friends that may be going through a tough time. Lord, direct us today, to share and encourage. We love You Father. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 2 THINGS THAT ABOUND IN OUR LIVES"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 2 THINGS THAT ABOUND IN OUR LIVES"
2nd Cor 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul tells us what these 2 things are in verse 5. Sufferings, and consolation. These both abound in our lives.
2. Let's look at these words more closely.
(1) Sufferings. Also translated, affliction, misfortune, calamity, evil. Speaking of the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured. It's an inward state, an affliction, passion, an enduring, undergoing
suffering
(2) Consolation. Or exhortation, that is a calling near, encouragement, solace, what which affords comfort or refreshment
3. Here's how this reads in the NLT 1st Cor 1:5 You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
4. Putting this into application, and viewing it as a promise from God, it's telling us that we can be sure of two things. The more we suffer for Christ, and the sake of Christ, and the things of Christ, the more God will faithfully shower us with His comfort through Christ. These two things are very real in the lives of those who know and serve the Lord.
5. So, if you are suffering, then please look for and ask for, and expect the Lord to comfort You.
He will do it. Be patient, wait on the Lord, and He will bring you through, and He will strengthen You
A prayer:
Father, Your Son suffered more then we can imagine. And, You know what we go through for His sake. Thank You for what Jesus did for us on the cross, dying for our sins, so that we could be saved, and thank You for your promise to comfort us. We pray right now for those we know who are suffering, that You would pour Your comfort into their lives. And, if by some chance, the person reading these words is suffering, we pray that You would pour your comfort into them this very day.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
2nd Cor 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul tells us what these 2 things are in verse 5. Sufferings, and consolation. These both abound in our lives.
2. Let's look at these words more closely.
(1) Sufferings. Also translated, affliction, misfortune, calamity, evil. Speaking of the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured. It's an inward state, an affliction, passion, an enduring, undergoing
suffering
(2) Consolation. Or exhortation, that is a calling near, encouragement, solace, what which affords comfort or refreshment
3. Here's how this reads in the NLT 1st Cor 1:5 You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
4. Putting this into application, and viewing it as a promise from God, it's telling us that we can be sure of two things. The more we suffer for Christ, and the sake of Christ, and the things of Christ, the more God will faithfully shower us with His comfort through Christ. These two things are very real in the lives of those who know and serve the Lord.
5. So, if you are suffering, then please look for and ask for, and expect the Lord to comfort You.
He will do it. Be patient, wait on the Lord, and He will bring you through, and He will strengthen You
A prayer:
Father, Your Son suffered more then we can imagine. And, You know what we go through for His sake. Thank You for what Jesus did for us on the cross, dying for our sins, so that we could be saved, and thank You for your promise to comfort us. We pray right now for those we know who are suffering, that You would pour Your comfort into their lives. And, if by some chance, the person reading these words is suffering, we pray that You would pour your comfort into them this very day.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
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