As Paul ends the letter we know as 1 Corinthians, he reminds them that they are in a world that views the things of God as foolishness. As Christians, they are to in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (LEB) “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act courageously, be strong” but this stance is not like the firmness in the world because for us he says in 1 Corinthians 16:14 (LEB) “All your actions must be done in love”. This is what sets us apart from the world and as Jesus taught his disciples, it is this love that defines us in John 13:35 (LEB) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another. It isn’t always easy for us to demonstrate this love because, though we may want to spend time with our fellow believers there is a specific path that the Lord is leading us to follow. As Paul describes his decisions it is clear that he feels pulled in different directions, that he sees himself vacillating but in the end he says in 2 Corinthians 1:20–21 (LEB) “For as many as are the promises of God, in him they are “yes”; therefore also through him is the “amen” to the glory of God through us. 21 Now the one who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anoints us is God”.
Flesh and Blood is Not Able to Inherit the Kingdom of God
1 Corinthians 15:46–58
A Great and Effective Door Has Opened
Stand Firm in the Faith, Act Courageously, be Strong
1 Corinthians 16:13–24
As Paul closes this letter, he admonishes all to
1 Corinthians 16:13 (LEB) “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act courageously, be strong”
and he also reminds them that everything they do must be done in love in
1 Corinthians 16:14 (LEB) “All your actions must be done in love”.
and Paul also names certain people that have been faithful in the things of God and says “be subject to such people” in 1 Corinthians 16:16 and then also says “recognize such people” in 1 Corinthians 16:18 and it is good for us to commend, to give thanks, to those that are active in the work of the ministry. After all, it is the whole body of Christ united together and our love that is the witness to the world in
John 13:35 (LEB) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”
God of All Comfort
Purity of Motive from God
2 Corinthians 1:12–14
In another place, Paul says he didn’t come with man’s wisdom, which he could have because he was very well educated but he came with one message, the gospel of Jesus Christ in
1 Corinthians 2:2–5 (LEB) “For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I came to you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling, 4 and my speech and my preaching were not with the persuasiveness of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power, 5 in order that your faith would not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God”
If there is anything for Paul to boast about in his life, it is the work that God has done through him “by the grace of God” in 2 Corinthians 1:12 “we conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and purity of motive from God, not in merely human wisdom, but by the grace of God”.
But God is Faithful
2 Corinthians 1:15–24
Paul has a personal desire to return to Corinth yet he is busy with the work God has called him to complete in Macedonia in
2 Corinthians 1:15–16 (LEB) “And with this confidence, I was wanting to come to you previously, in order that you may have a second proof of my goodwill, 16 and through you to go to Macedonia, and to come to you again from Macedonia, and to be sent on my way by you to Judea”
It may have seemed to the people of Corinth that Paul was vacillating and it is true, he was being drawn in two directions. He personally had relationships with some in Corinth and wanted to spend time with them but his mission was to finish the work in Macedonia. And how often do we find ourselves in this position where we want to move in a certain direction and we know it would be good for us and good for others, but God’s perfect will is in a different direction. If there is any place we are to die to ourselves, it is here where we lay down our desire and out will to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. It says it this way in
Proverbs 16:9 (KJV 1900) “A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps”
There may seem to be vacillation in our direction as we are pulled by natural demands or led by our own desires but God is steadfast in His promises and it is He that will establish us in
2 Corinthians 1:20–21 (LEB) “For as many as are the promises of God, in him they are “yes”; therefore also through him is the “amen” to the glory of God through us. 21 Now the one who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anoints us is God”
I Have Confidence About You All
2 Corinthians 2:1–4
Study Verses
- 1 Corinthians 16:13–24 Stand Firm in the Faith, Act Courageously, be Strong
- 2 Corinthians 1:12–14 Purity of Motive from God
- 2 Corinthians 1:15–24 But God is Faithful
Today’s Reading
- 1 Corinthians 15:46-58
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-24
- 2 Corinthians 1:1-24
- 2 Corinthians 2:1-4