"Strength Under Control"2 Corinthians 10:1
I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

Thoughts for Today:Paul had previously written a strong letter of correction to the church at Corinth. Regardless of their strong support and general obedience to his instruction, there still remained a minority faction that was sharply critical of him. They said, "Paul writes big words, but in person he's not very impressive at all. He's just a tentmaker, an ordinary man, and certainly no apostle with the right to rebuke us!"

Sometimes Paul was misunderstood because he wrote and conducted himself with the same humility and gentleness of Jesus. Our Lord didn't shout so that His voice would be heard above everyone else; and He didn't walk around with a crown on His head demanding to be worshipped. In fact, His outward appearance and position in society was just the opposite, a mere carpenter. Our Savior conducted Himself as one who was meek and lowly. And it's our position as well -- if we are truly to walk as one of His followers.

I think it's important to remember that humility and gentleness do not indicate weakness. Biblical gentleness or meekness can best be described as strength under control. I like that definition. It perfectly reflects the nature, power and persona of Jesus. And it is this same controlled strength that Paul uses as he deals with the Corinthians.

Questions to Ponder:How do you demonstrate the strength of Christ? Is it with humility and gentleness or something else? If not, how?

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"Introduction to 2 Corinthians 10"2 Corinthians 10
Introduction

Thoughts for Today:Some biblical scholars have proposed Paul was preparing to close his letter to the Corinthians at the end of the preceding Chapter (nine). As you will soon see, the subject matter does make a pretty dramatic change from Paul's instructions related to giving, to now a much heavier topic, his apostolic authority. This also would explain the "missing" letter (a letter referred to by Paul, yet not available to us in any of the historical records of the Church).

As a result, some have suggested these two sections were originally separate letters which were later combined. Perhaps, but I also think the change in tone can be explained in another way. As you will remember, the Corinthian Church was a fractured church. Paul referenced their condition in 1 Corinthians 1:11-13: "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.'"

The subject of leadership had led to a number of divisions in the church which Paul thoroughly addressed in his first letter. As a result, the majority of believers had come to respect Paul's apostolic authority. However, there still remained a very vocal and disruptive minority -- they opposed Paul, questioned his credentials, and right to instruct and rebuke in general. Over the next three chapters, we will see a side of Paul we haven't observed before. Why? Because in this closing section, he finds it necessary to address this outspoken minority and actually defend his apostleship.

Questions to Ponder:Just because a person's voice is loud and committed to their opinion doesn't mean they are right. How much weight do you give to the most vocally aggressive people? Is their approach "Christ-like"? Is it uplifting and supportive, or disruptive and quarrelsome? How should differences of opinion be shared? Read on -- Paul will provide additional example and insight into how he deals with disruptive and difficult people.

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​"No Other Response"2 Corinthians 9:14-15
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Thoughts for Today:Paul has spent two Chapters (Eight and Nine) discussing the importance and benefits of giving. He now comes to the bottom line: It's all about Jesus.

For Paul it was really simple: What other response could we have to God's most indescribable gifts of forgiveness, restoration, salvation, and future glory, but to be generous? God's promises to us, His purpose for us, His process in us, and His presence with us -- each alone are reasons to give with incredible joy. Together they leave us with no other option.

Questions to Ponder:What is your response to God's gift of Jesus? Is it to love others, as He has demonstrated His love to us? How else could we respond?

"Linking Loving with Giving"2 Corinthians 9:12-13
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the LordÕs people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

Thoughts for Today:The Bible tells us that God can be disappointed with His people from time to time. Over and over, He has looked at His chosen ones and called them stiff-necked and hard-hearted. Do you think He's said those things to be mean? Of course not. What God wants from us is to be different than the world. He wants us to be forgiving, loving, merciful and generous. God wants us to care about people like He does. And that also means giving our money to help those in need.

Some people might say there is no correlation between caring for people and giving money. Scripture would disagree. In fact, Jesus said there is a direct relationship between how we feel about money and the way we demonstrate compassion toward others. (Luke 6:34-36: "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.")

In our passage today, Paul tells us something else about giving: It proves us. In other words, the sharing of our financial gifts is evidence of our obedience to Christ. So if we claim to love people, but aren't giving financially, we're fooling ourselves. Why? Because the Bible inextricably links the two together.

Questions to Ponder:How does your godly concern for people relate to your checkbook? Are caring and financial giving correlated in your household?

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"Maturity: Fully Engaged in Giving"2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Thoughts for Today:The ultimate motivation for giving is because we love others. It's comparable to children who as they've grown more mature in their faith have learned to serve. Not just out of obedience, fear of punishment, or the example of their parents. Rather, they serve because their own hearts have been affected and changed. They have developed their own personal generosity and concern for others. Every parent longs for their children to make this transitional step. And it's what the Lord desires in His children as well.

In our passage today, Paul is following the same concept he spoke of in verse 8: God provides prosperity to us and enriches us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion. The mature believer understands, trusts -- and most critically -- is fully engaged in this process. Not in all the possibilities God might have in our giving, but with confidence that giving works in just this way.

Questions to Ponder:It takes maturity to not only understand a concept, but also apply it faithfully in our lives. How are you doing on the maturity scale? What does your giving say about your spiritual condition? Are you fully committed to generosity?

"Blessing and Honor by Giving"2 Corinthians 9:9
As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Thoughts for Today:Previously, Paul said that the Lord brought abundant prosperity to the cheerful giver so that God's people would have the financial (or other means) to do good. Our passage today follows this same thought with a supporting quote from Psalms 112:9a.

Scripture is full of many accounts of the incredible blessings God has placed upon the lives of those who love and serve Him. Look at Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, Solomon, and even Job. This list also includes the people referred to in Psalms 112. They are also cheerful givers -- and as a continuation of verse 9 reveals -- God places great value on their faithfulness: "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor." It's something to really think deeply about: God remembers, honors, and richly blesses those who cheerfully give. Does that sound like you?

Questions to Ponder:Does our passage today describe your attitude toward giving? What can you do to "freely scatter your gifts to the poor"? God does not want us to place our families in financial jeopardy; however, each of us can do something (no matter how small it may seem) to help others. What will you do today?

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"Abundance Provided For Every Good Work"2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Thoughts for Today:I think it is very important to understand both what our passage says, and what it doesn't say. It doesn't say: God WILL bless us abundantly. However, it does say: God is ABLE to bless us abundantly. This is a very important distinction in our understanding of how God works. God is willing and able to supply the every need of the cheerful giver, but it doesn't happen automatically. (Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.")

There is also something else that we must pay careful attention to -- some people think God is stingy and only wants to supply our bare necessities. But that isn't the case. The word Paul uses to describe God's blessings is "abundant", which means "in great number or amount". (Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.")

One of the great purposes God has in pouring prosperity into our lives, is so we can in turn be a blessing to others. (Genesis 12:2: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.") In our passage today, Paul explains our blessing from God is so great that we can "...in all things at all times, having all that you need...abound in every good work." In other words, no good work should ever go unfunded. Why? Because God is able to provide much more than we could ever personally require. Therefore, we can certainly afford to be equally generous in meeting the needs of anyone God places in our path. The point of our passage today is -- doing good with what God has given us is the key to abundance in life -- both spiritually and financially.

Questions to Ponder:If we are not selfish with our wealth, prosperity can be a very good thing. However, it can also blind us and bind us. (Revelation 3:17: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.") What have you done with your wealth? No matter how little we think we have, there are many other people who are less fortunate. How will you do good with the abundance God has given you?

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​"A Lack of Worry -- Plus Freedom and Contentment Within "2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Thoughts for Today:Will God protect us from the breakdown of our car at the most inopportune time, from losing our jobs, or from a home appliance that stops working when it's needed most? Of course He can. Think about it: We don't always know what He's done because the potentially catastrophic event never happened. Sometimes our lack of faith is from our perception of what He didn't do (the times He chose not to intercede), rather than all of the times He was right along beside us, protecting from all of the things that could have gone wrong. We just didn't know. (Malachi 3:11: "'I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,' says the Lord Almighty.'")

In our passage today, Paul tells us, our knowledge of the goodness of God is the foundation and basis for our hearts to give. And we should do so, not with reluctance or compulsion, but joyfully. Giving is the best way we have to demonstrate our trust and love for God.

Should we give even if we feel reluctant or under some sort of coercion? Of course not. Why? Because God loves a cheerful giver. However, if we've decided in our hearts to give, the Lord promises that we will be blessed. (Malachi 3:12: "'Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,' says the Lord Almighty.") When the world looks at God's people, they should sense a lack of worry -- plus freedom, joy and contentment within. Why? Because of our confidence that He will protect the same things He has given us. Therefore the generosity of our hearts is found in the Lord's promise that He will not only rebuke the enemy (and protect us in the process), but also reward and renew us.

Questions to Ponder:God loves a cheerful giver, yet so many of us have lost our joy. Could it be that we've stopped giving? How much has God done for you that you know nothing about? What about the sicknesses avoided, car accidents prevented, and loved ones brought home safely? We just don't know all of the ways God is at work in our lives. One thing I am certain of -- I am very glad He is watching over me. His goodness and provision is the reason for my joy, even though I might be currently experiencing hard times or tragedy.

"The Spiritual Law of the Harvest"2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Thoughts for Today:Our passage today is the key to understanding the topic of "giving" (which Paul has been discussing throughout Chapters Eight and Nine). Unfortunately, if we miss this point, we'll have a difficult time putting together all of what Paul has been teaching. He begins by saying: "Remember this..." -- the reference is to the natural law of planting and harvesting. Most of us understand the basics of this concept -- if a farmer doesn't plant seeds, then there won't be a harvest. And how much he sows will ultimately determine how much is reaped.

We know there are a number of other natural or physical laws that govern our universe, most of which are uncontested, if not completely unavoidable. For example, the law of gravity. I might deny its existence -- disapprove, reject, or even offer an alternative to believing in it -- however, none of my objections make it untrue. Every time I drop an object from my hand, regardless of my opinions to the contrary, it will fall to the ground. And I don't even have to believe, have faith, or understand why or how it works. It just does.

In the same way, there are many, much more critical spiritual laws that are all too often ignored by the vast majority of humanity. One of those, applied to giving, is identified by Paul in our passage today: If we give sparingly, we will reap sparingly. However, if we give abundantly, we will reap with great abundance. It's an absolute spiritual law of God. Just as certain as gravity or any other physical law.

Questions to Ponder:Do you trust in God's spiritual laws with the same degree of faith that you trust in His physical laws? All the laws come from Him -- both spiritual and natural laws -- He is the Creator of the universe and everything in it. Will you place your confidence in His law of the harvest?

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"The Pledge is to the Lord, Not People"2 Corinthians 9:4-5
For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul is saying that it would be embarrassing to him personally, if he found out the Corinthians had given nothing, especially after he had been boasting about their generosity. In other words, their giving would be a testimony of their obedience, heart and generosity of spirit.

I think this same thing (as evidenced by generosity) can be said about a congregation's spiritual condition in general. Abundant giving is an indication or test of the health of believers and their churches. If the giving is generous (based upon financial resources), then the church typically has great spiritual passion and enthusiasm. On the other hand, if a church is barely alive spiritually, then the giving is virtually non-existent.

I think it is also important to note that the Corinthians' promise to give is not an obligation they owe to Paul, only to serve as an example for the Macedonians, nor even a responsibility to support the Jerusalem Church. Any offering that is made, whether personally or collectively, is always between the giver and the Lord. Therefore, their desire to generously give is a pledge to the Lord, not a promise to people.

Questions to Ponder:Is the Lord pleased with the way you manage the resources He has given you? How would He change your heart? What adjustment is He calling you to make today? Will you respond to His will?

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