S – “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless you fail the test.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

O – Paul is warning the Corinthians to examine themselves before he arrives. If there isn’t evidence of Christ working in their lives, then maybe they don’t know Christ. 

A – It is easier to look at others than ourselves.  The only person we have power to change is ourselves.  In examining ourselves, we must look at our heart, thoughts, words and actions and stand them up against the Bible and what the Lord is showing us.  God never asks us to be perfect.  As in any relationship, growing closer to the other person is a sign of good health.

R – Lord, test me and examine me today.  Reveal to me the area where I am not lining up with Your word or desires for me.  I open myself to be challenged so I can know you more.  Thank you for your graciousness in loving and caring for me.

S – Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. ⁸ Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”

 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 CSB

O – Commentary:  

We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was; we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride. • It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s strength showed itself through his weakness.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – We all have our kryptonite.  We need to embrace it as part of the journey and recognize its reminder that we cannot do this alone.  Easy to say – hard to do.  By inviting Christ into it, he gives us grace (forgiveness and compassion) and direction (how to work through it.)

R – Lord, I surrender all of my weaknesses and challenges to you.  I invite you into them to show me your presence and power.  I ask for your grace to minister to me and your direction to show me my next steps.  I will glorify you in the good and the difficult.

S – For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light

2 Corinthians 11:13–14 CSB

O – Paul is condemning these leaders because they are good on the outside and evil on the inside.  

A – There is a tension we feel in our relationship with God that is growing from sin and wrong things towards holiness and good things.  This addresses a person’s heart and intentions in that process.  If we are doing it as a “facade,” then it is like putting on a “disguise.”  But, if our relationship with God is sincere and genuine, it is part of the journey to know Him more.

R – Lord, I know I am a sinner.  I sincerely come before you with all of my flaws and ask for your forgiveness.  I want to know you and emulate that in my thoughts, words and actions.  In my weakness, make me strong in You today.

S – And every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 CSB

O – A “proud” thing is elevated to a place that it opposes the “knowing” of God.  It can be any attribute or attitude we possess that causes us to think we are better than God at addressing that issue.  It goes back to the fundamental challenge of God’s will or my will.  When I think I need to follow my path over God’s path.  Interesting that it then says take every thought.  Our thoughts are the foundation and the battlefield in the spiritual realm.  

A – I must surrender and submit my thoughts to God daily.  As I win the war with my thoughts, I will have an easier time winning the war with my words and actions.   

R – Lord, I surrender my thoughts to you today.  You are the giver of life, gifts, talents, blessings and all that I am.  I recognize there is a war going on for my words and actions today.  I submit to you.  I choose your will over mine.  Let me be a blessing to you and others today.

S – The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously

 2 Corinthians 9:6 CSB

O – Commentary:  A principle holds true in both the natural and the spiritual spheres: the size of a harvest corresponds to the scope of the sowing (cf. Prov. 11:24–26). A man may enjoy all his grain by eating it, or he may “lose” some of it by sowing it and later reaping a bountiful harvest. A spiritual harvest, of course, may differ in kind from the seed sown. Material seed may reap a spiritual harvest (2 Cor. 9:9; cf. 1 Cor. 9:11). (2) Another reason for giving generously is that God loves generosity. God prizes not the size of the gift (cf. Acts 11:29; 1 Cor. 16:2), but the giver’s sincerity (not reluctantly), spontaneity (not under compulsion), and joyful willingness (a cheerful giver).

 “2 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – I love this principle – it applies to all aspects of our lives.  Finances, relationships, talents and abilities all are affected by it.  It isn’t the size of the of the “seed” sown, it is the attitude and willingness that come into play.  Just as I don’t want my kids to “just do it” when I ask them to do something, I want to give with a heart that reflects why I am giving.

R – Lord, you have blessed us with so much.  As you lead us to give today of our time, talent and treasure, help us to do it with a willingness and attitude that will honor you and bless others.

S – Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace

2 Corinthians 8:7 CSB

O – Commentary: This is the key verse in Paul’s exposition on Christian giving (8:1–9:15). The Corinthians had a reputation for spiritual gifts (1 Cor 1:5–7; 14:12). Now, they must be leaders in this gracious act of giving, which is a hallmark of true spirituality (cp. 1 Cor 13). God had been lavish in his goodness to the Corinthians, so they should be generous to the Jewish believers in their need (9:13). 

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – The application of giving.  Grace is simply defined as “unmerited favor.”  Are we willing to give something that we earned or deserved to benefit someone else?  Just as we ask God for direction and wisdom in our other gifts, we can be led by the Spirit of God in giving. Pray about it – if you feel God is leading you to do this, do it.  If not, don’t. 

R – Lord, thank you for all that you have given me.  My time, talents and treasures are yours.  I am just a steward.  Please give me wisdom and direction on how to use all of these to demonstrate the love you have already given me.

S – For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death

2 Corinthians 7:10 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Two kinds of sorrow are mentioned: (1) Worldly sorrow that lacks repentance leads to spiritual death (e.g., see Matt 27:3–6; Heb 12:16–17). (2) Sorrow that leads us away from sin leads to salvation, as it did when the church in Corinth responded positively to Paul’s rebuke

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – Use challenge, grief and even loss to move closer to God.  It causes us to recognize that we can can be healed and free through the blood of Christ.  We have to recognize what we do that contributes to the challenge, repent and accept God’s forgiveness.

R – Lord, thank you for the gift of your forgiveness.  Help me to recognize where I fall short and accept your forgiveness.  I repent of my thoughts, words and actions that don’t line up with your Word.  Give me the ability to turn this decision into growth and closer intimacy with You.

S – And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, 

says the Lord Almighty.^,

 2 Corinthians  6:18 CSB

O – Commentary: A redeemed people are brought into a special relationship with God the Father as His sons and daughters (cf. Isa. 43:6). Those who identify with Christ by faith in Him may call God “Father” (Eph. 2:18; Gal. 4:5–6). From these sons and daughters God wants obedience (Deut. 32:19–21) as He did from David, His people’s chief representative, and from David’s lineage (2 Sam. 7:14; cf. Ps. 89:30–34).

“2 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

“Almighty” – pantŏkratōr,  the all-ruling, i.e. God (as absolute and universal sovereign):— Almighty, Omnipotent.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – Quoting the OT text, Paul isn’t just establishing God’s sovereignty.  He is establishing our relationship with him in a familial context.  Like an earthly father, God wants obedience.  Not like a robot, but rooted and demonstrated in love.  Fascinating, the only place in the NT you see “Almighty” used and is used in “elevating” us into a place of relationship with the “absolute and universal sovereign.”

R – Lord, we are grateful for our relationship with you.  You are the one true God and you choose to have a relationship with us.  Help us be obedient to your words today.  Draw us closer to you so that we may emulate the character of God.  

S – Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 CSB

O – Commentary: The great privilege of believers is to be Christ’s ambassadors (cp. Eph 6:20). • God is making his appeal through us: Paul doesn’t say that he speaks for God; rather, God speaks his word through us. • Christ’s redeeming work for sinners opens the way for them to “Come back to God!” and be reconciled with him (see Rom 5:1–11; Col 1:15–23; Eph 2:11–22). Christian witness has this appeal at its heart. Paul was also appealing to the rebellious Corinthians to come over to his side (see 6:1).

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – There is honor in representing Christ to the world.  God entrusts His message to us to model and speak on His behalf.  There is also weight and responsibility that comes with this.  The lives of those we interact with are at stake.  While it is their decision, we must lead well.

R – Lord, I invite you Holy Spirit to minister your love for others through me today.  I appreciate the gravity of being your ambassador.  Help my thoughts, words and actions model your love and draw others closer in their relationship with you.

S – For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. ¹⁸ So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal

2 Corinthians  4:17–18 CSB

O – Paul is amazing in calling all of his “challenges” as light afflictions.  Yet, he can do this by sharing that his focus and goal is heaven and eternal life.

A – Life is hard.  We face challenges that impact us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  How do we view these?  What do we do with them?  How do they impact and change us?  How do we move through this to the next thing?  Questions we face all the time.  Grateful that we can invite God into all of them.  Our eternal reward is before us.

R – Lord,  it is hard doing daily life.  The goal of loving You and others every day is challenged by our own inadequacies, people’s behavior and an enemy who loves to pour condemnation on us.  Help us today to walk with you, love people and defeat sin and temptation.  Our goal is heaven…we are one step closer today.