Thursday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:22-24
22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you. 23 If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. 24 So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified.
22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you. 23 If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. 24 So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified.
Commentary:
As Paul delivers the gift to Jerusalem, he will be accompanied by a team of men well known for their integrity. Their presence will guarantee a public accounting for the gifts and also provide protection from robbers. See chart.
8:23 the glory of Christ. The delegates are equated with the glory of Christ since their love reflects Christ’s love for his people (v. 9) and results from their having encountered the glory of God in the face of Christ (3:18; 4:4–6).
8:23 the glory of Christ. The delegates are equated with the glory of Christ since their love reflects Christ’s love for his people (v. 9) and results from their having encountered the glory of God in the face of Christ (3:18; 4:4–6).
Questions:
- Good stewardship starts with the understanding that you're on a BATTLESHIP. The Macedonians responded to the emergency in Jerusalem with urgent generosity. What is the emergency? The gospel ministry and helping those in need. Reflect on this quote from Francis Chan... "We have become dangerously comfortable—believers ooze with wealth and let their addictions to comfort and security numb the radical urgency of the gospel." Are you numb to the urgency of the mission? Have you been too comfortable? Is there something in your heart that might need to shift?
- The big idea was that you are a STEWARD, not an OWNER. If you can shift your mindset in this direction, it will change everything. It makes decisions on how to spend your money a whole lot clearer. Have you fully embraced this idea yet? How can you begin to remind yourself daily that what you have ultimately comes from Him? How might this change your spending habits?
Pray:
- That you realize you are a steward, not an owner.
- That you wouldn't become numb to the urgency of the Gospel.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
7. How can I trust that the Bible is still God’s Word today? I trust the Bible is still God’s Word today because Jesus rose from the dead proving He was God and said His words would never pass away. Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired the writing of the Scripture, determined the canon of Scripture and protected the copying of Scripture so that we might know Him and worship Him to this day.
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
(Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Revelation 22:18-19)
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