Week 23
Monday, June 2
2 Corinthians
12
Commentary
As
Paul has implied throughout this letter, his jealous opponents influenced the
Corinthian church to follow them by bragging about themselves and tearing down Paul
and the apostles. In refuting their claims, Paul declares that if the foolish
game of boasting is played, he has more to brag about anyways (ch.11), but he only
wants to brag about God’s sustaining strength (ch.12). In a limited, humble
description, Paul says he had either a vision of or a trip to heaven and rather
than add this experience to his resume, so to speak, he instead only wishes to
boast about his weakness and frailty. The apostle explains that God gave him a
“thorn,” a hardship or limitation of some kind, to help him see that he must
rely on God’s strength and not his own. Paul asked God for the removal of this
hardship, but God instead gave him renewed strength. God may not always answer
prayers the way we expect, but he will answer according to his perfect wisdom
and will if we have faith in him.
Paul
reiterates that the reason he is defending his ministry from his detractors,
whom he sarcastically nicknames “super apostles,” to uphold the credibility of
what he and his companions have taught. These opponents suggested that Paul did
not take any financial support from the church because he wanted to pocket the
money they were collecting for the churches in Judea. Paul does not want the
Corinthians’ money or acclaim. Like a father with his children, he simply wants
his “children” to be following and pleasing God because he loves them. We
should emulate Paul’s attitude here and desire the salvation and sanctification
of those around us, rather than just what we can get from them. Jesus gave up
his own life for our salvation, we are called to follow in the same
selflessness.
Application/Discussion
1. Our
skills, privileges, or experiences are not our achievements; they are God’s
blessings. These gifts should be used to build others up and help them look to
God, not tear them down or make them look to us. How can we cultivate humility
and kindness in contexts like work, sports, and friendships?
2.
If Paul, an apostle writing a God-breathed book of the Bible, was so reluctant
to try and explain what he experienced, then we should be wary of those who
boldly claim they have been to heaven in a similar manner. Whatever we or
others may dream or see, the Bible is the only perfect and inerrant description
of God, heaven, and much more. Base your understanding of these matters on
God’s Word, not sensationalist stories or hearsay.
Points
of Prayer
1. Praise
God for his endless strength and thank him for using the hardships in our lives
to strengthen us and point us to him.
2. Pray
for the Holy Spirit’s help in relying on God’s strength and humbly putting
others above yourself.
3.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s strength and encouragement for a believer in your
church who is suffering.
Tuesday,
June 3
2
Corinthians 13
Commentary
As
Paul concludes his letter, he reminds the Corinthians that he is coming to
visit them and he will certainly address those who remain in sin and ignore
God’s warnings. Anyone in the church who persists in sin after multiple
warnings must face discipline to preserve the purity and witness of the church
(see Matt. 18:15-17, Titus 3:10). Influenced by Paul’s opponents, at least some
of the Corinthians desired proof of Paul’s apostolic authority. In response, as
Colin G. Kruse said, “Paul threatens to provide evidence of Christ’s speaking
through him, but it will be evidence that his audience will not find to their
liking. He will not spare them. He will be severe in his use of apostolic
authority… Christ had worked powerfully by the Spirit among the Corinthians
when Paul performed the signs of an apostle in Corinth (12:12; cf. Rom. 15:18-19),
but in the present context Paul has in mind the power of Christ revealed in
disciplinary action against those who persisted in their sins.”[1] Remember
that God struck many from the church with sickness and death for their lack of
reverence for the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:30-31). God is not someone to put to
the test to justify your refusal to obey his Word!
Paul
wants the Corinthians to examine themselves so that they would be restored to
faithfulness and fruitfulness. When Paul arrives, he hopes and expects to find
them repentant and restored to right living so that he will not have to rebuke
or discipline anyone. He tells the Corinthians to follow the same pattern,
aiming for restoration. If we are believers, God has helped us see our sin so
we could repent and follow him. We are God’s instruments in this redemptive
mission and should warn, encourage, and love those God places around us.
Application/Discussion
1. Follow
Paul’s advice and examine your own salvation. Do you believe you have genuinely
repented of your sin and trusted in Christ? Why do you believe this, and does
your life reflect God’s salvation and sanctification?
2. Is
there someone in your life persisting in sin that you have not prayed for and
lovingly warned? Why have you delayed? How can you help this person?
Points
of Prayer
1.
Thank God for his gracious warnings and the ability to understand and obey them
through the Spirit’s work in our hearts.
2.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin in your heart and the sincerity of
your faith.
3.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s conviction and correction for someone you know is
living in sin and for opportunities to warn that person lovingly.
Wednesday,
June 4
Luke
1:1-25
Commentary
Today we move into the next section of
our reading plan. We started with Foundations of New Testament theology and
finished our section on Christian Living yesterday. Today, we begin our
study of Church History with Luke’s gospel, Acts, and the rest of Paul’s
letters.
Commentary
Luke
was an associate of Paul and an active part of the early church. While not a
direct witness of Jesus’ life, Luke carefully compiled this account of Jesus’
life based on direct eyewitnesses. Jesus’ life was very public, very
controversial, and sparked a very influential movement. The truth of what
happened would have been hard to marr or hide, especially within the lifetimes
of the original witnesses. Luke writes because the events of Jesus’ life really
happened and they really matter. Throughout his gospel and his church history,
Acts, Luke loves to write about God’s love shown to ordinary, unimportant people.
He begins his two-volume narrative with Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were
good, godly people but were very old and still without children. Yet God used
these years of heartache to underscore the miraculous arrival of John to
prepare the way for Jesus. The Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the
temple, was only entered by one priest, once a year, for the special sacrifice
on the Day of Atonement. God certainly had a purpose in this lot falling to
Zechariah!
An
angel appears to Zechariah, and like most people, he is terrified to be before
such a being. Angels are not cute, naked babies; they are otherworldly
messengers from the throne room of God himself. Yet this is a time for joy, not
fear – God has heard his prayer, either for a child or for God to deliver
Israel, and they will finally have a child. The child, John, had to live as a
Nazarite, living a strict life of devotion to God. John would turn people to
God, just like Elijah, as God had promised some 400 years ago through the
prophet Malachi. To paraphrase a wise man of old, God’s promises are never
late, nor are they early; they are fulfilled precisely when God intends.
Application/Discussion
1. Doubt
and discouragement fall upon all of us from time to time. How does spending
time in prayer and Scripture help keep us from these dangers?
2. Zechariah
had a hard time believing God would give them a son, given their age. God gave
him a lesson about trust that he would not soon forget! Remember that God’s
discipline is a kindness meant to encourage and strengthen you.
Points
of Prayer
1. Praise
and thank God for his faithfulness in making and keeping his promises to give
us a Savior.
2.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in trusting God’s promises and living
faithfully.
3. Pray
for the Holy Spirit’s help for your church to boldly live out and proclaim
God’s Word.
Thursday,
June 5
Luke
1:26-56
Commentary
In a
similar way to Zechariah, an angel appeared to Mary. Mary, like Zechariah, is
afraid, but again, the angel is here to bring good news of God’s grace. Another
miracle baby will be born, and he will be even greater than John. Why was Jesus
born of a virgin? 1) The power of man would not bring Jesus to this world, but
the power of the Holy Spirit, 2) the corruption of sin introduced to the world
by Adam would not be passed to Jesus if God was his father rather than a man,
and 3) Jesus could be fully God and fully man if he was both the son of a human
woman and the son of God. As God, Jesus could forgive sins, be our righteous
example, and be adequate to atone for sins. As man, Jesus could be tempted in
every way as we are and genuinely die. The virgin birth of Christ is necessary
to believe not only because this part of Scripture teaches it, but because all
of Scripture demands it.
Mary
trusts the Lord and goes out in faithfulness, rejoicing with Elizabeth and
recognizing that God truly can do the impossible. Even
in the womb, John recognizes who Jesus is and jumps with excitement and
Elizabeth is the first human to say Jesus is Lord. Think of that! An unborn
baby and an old woman may be useless in the eyes of the world, but in the sight
of God, they have much value, and with God’s help, they have wisdom that far
exceeds even the best of humanity. Mary overflows with joy and song. This song
is much like Hannah’s prayer of thankfulness when God miraculously gives her a
baby, Samuel. Jesus is the best of all the leaders who came before him and then
some, and with none of the weaknesses. Again, we see the beauty of Jesus being
both fully human and fully divine.
Application/Discussion
1. Consider
the content of Mary’s song and that God unimportant, everyday young lady and
her elderly cousin to bring the Savior and his messenger into the world. How do
these truths help us reevaluate what should be impressive or important to us?
2. The
virgin birth may be hard to believe, but this happens after 39 other books of
the Bible. What in the Old Testament is hard to believe? Why do we believe
these things to be true anyway?
Points
of Prayer
1.
Thank God for his grace, mercy, and salvation through Jesus.
2.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in trusting, praising, and witnessing for God
in every part of your life.
3. Pray
for the Holy Spirit’s conviction and enlightenment of a lost person you know
and for opportunities to witness to him or her.
Friday,
June 6
Luke
1:57-80
Commentary
The time has come for John to be born.
For the whole of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zechariah has remained mute. Now, when
Zechariah names the baby as the angel instructed him, he finally speaks again,
and the first thing he does with his voice is praise God. Another parallel of
Luke-Acts to 1-2 Samuel is the motif of fear. Folks were afraid after Zechariah could suddenly speak again – what kind of child would bring into the world with
him the instant and complete cure of an incurable illness? Zechariah, like
Mary, is moved to pour out his heart to God, in this case prophesying about the
great ministry this baby would fulfill. A few months ago, he doubted God would
give him this baby; now, he confidently declares that John will indeed fulfill
God’s promises to prepare the way for the Lord himself to deliver his people.
What
changed? He was filled with the Holy Spirit – the Spirit helped Zechariah
understand God’s truth when he could not on his own. In the Old Testament (in
1-2 Samuel especially), the Holy Spirit is occasionally described as empowering
a person, Zechariah. Now, through Christ, we are washed of our sins and made new
creations, temples of God. The Holy Spirit guides us, convicts us, and teaches
us in ways our sinfulness otherwise limits us. All of this is God’s great
kindness to undeserving sinners. As Mary and Zechariah exemplify, the only
proper response to this grace is praise and devotion.
Going
Deeper
While
brevity limits us from quoting this in full, Matthew Henry’s commentary on
Zechariah’s prophecy is very helpful. You can find it online at this link:
·
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhm/luke-1.html
Application/Discussion
1. Why
would Luke add so many literary ties to 1-2 Samuel in writing about the life of
Jesus and in the life of the early church? If you’re looking for an Old
Testament narrative to read through, consider reading the books of Samuel and
seeing how they show our great need for a Savior and God’s great patience and
mercy.
2. Why
do we need the Holy Spirit to live inside us and help us if we are already made
in God’s image? God’s image is certainly still with humanity, but so is the
stain of sin. Only God himself can wash that away and bring newness and life.
Points
of Prayer
1.
Thank God for the great gift of salvation, bought by the blood of his own Son
and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers.
2.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in devoting your life to God’s service and
using your skills, relationships, finances, and more for the Lord.
3. Pray
for the salvation of two lost people you know well and for opportunities and
boldness to share the gospel with them.
Saturday,
June 7
Luke
2:1-21
Commentary
Our
reading today is one of the most famous Bible passages, but there is much to
see in this sweet story. The Israelites are commanded to comply with a Roman
consensus – much to the dismay of the Jews, they were pressed tightly under the
boot of Rome. The Savior had to be born in Bethlehem, the city of David (Micah
5:2), so God used, of all things, Rome’s rule over Israel to bring Mary and
Joseph to Bethlehem just in time for Jesus to be born. God had a reason for
allowing Rome to be in charge and for bringing Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. He
is just as wise and just as sovereign today. Trust that he will keep his
promises and bring about the ultimate good of his people, even out of evil.
Not
only was Jesus born to commoners rather than kings, he was also born in a
manger (a feeding trough) rather than a palace. His first worshipers were not
nobles, but dirty, lowly, disdained shepherds. God does not fulfill his
promises the way we might expect. He does not need our worldly metrics of
importance or success to accomplish his glorious work. In fact, as Paul wrote,
human weakness is where God’s power is seen the best (2 Cor 12:9). While the
emperor Augustus lived in the best palace in the world, with the best servants
and army at his beck and call, he is long gone and has long been suffering in
Hell. Jesus is now reigning at the right hand of God in a much greater palace
with much greater servants and soldiers by his side. Mary and Joseph and these
shepherds are in glory with him. Those who have “their best life now” will have
an eternity of suffering later; those who live for God now, even in sacrifice
and suffering, will have heaven’s riches later.
Application/Discussion
1. When
the shepherds see Jesus for themselves, they cannot help but worship and share
the good news. Mary cannot help but treasure these memories in her heart. Have
you come to know the Lord and his goodness? If so, does your life reflect this
same kind of worship and devotion?
2. Has
anyone taken a special investment in your faith as Paul did for the
Corinthians? Consider sending that person an encouraging note or message this
week.
Points
of Prayer
1. Praise
God for the glory of Christ’s birth and thank him for the gift of his salvation
and his kingdom.
2.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to worship the Lord and share the gospel in
every aspect of your life.
3. Pray
for the Holy Spirit’s help for you and your church members to be bold witnesses
for Christ in your community and for your love to love and welcome all people
to join you in worship.
Sunday,
June 8
Luke
2:22-52
Commentary
This
passage is one of only two places in the whole Bible that details Jesus’
childhood. (Do you know the other place?) We see that Jesus’ parents were
faithful to fulfill the requirements of the law upon his birth. As I. Howard
Marshall summarized, “a. Jewish law required that after the birth of a male
child his mother was regarded as ‘unclean’ for seven days and had to remain at
home for a further thirty-three, after which on the fortieth day a purification
sacrifice had to be offered (Lv. 12:1–8)… Although Luke says their purification, it was only Mary and
not her child who needed to be purified. Luke has run together the purification
of the mother and the ‘redemption’ of her child… b. The law required that a firstborn child
had to be ‘redeemed’. All firstborn creatures were regarded as consecrated to
God. This was expressed by sacrificing the firstborn of animals and by making a
payment of five shekels in lieu of children when they were a month old. (Ex.
13:13; Nu. 18:15–16)… c. Jesus was present because Mary seems also to have made
a special offering of her child to God for his service, just as Hannah had
given Samuel to God at the tabernacle. (1 Sa. 1:11, 21–28).”[2]
As
the Law is fulfilled in this passage, the prophets are too, in a way. Two
elderly prophets had been waiting for the fulfillment of the Messianic promises
and both have the blessing of seeing baby Jesus. Note the Spirit’s evident work
in their hearts: they knew exactly who Jesus was immediately. Now the narrative
fast forwards twelve years to tell us of just how at home Jesus was in the
temple and with God’s Word. The journey to and from Jerusalem would have been
long and involved multiple family members and friends, so Jesus’ parents had
reason to expect he left with the other group. Note that Jesus is fully
respectful and obedient to his parents, though they should have known he would still
be at the temple. Like Samuel, Jesus grows and matures with the Lord’s blessing
(1 Sam 2:26).
Application/Discussion
1. Why
do you think the gospel writers focus so little on Jesus’ childhood? What do
the few details we have about Jesus’ childhood teach us?
2. What
does the mention of Simeon and Anna suggest about the value of both men and
women and of the elderly? As we continue to study Luke’s writing, notice how
much he highlights God’s love for all sorts of people.
Points
of Prayer
1.
Thank God for his value and love for all his creation and especially for us.
2. Pray
for the Holy Spirit to help you grow to be more like Christ as you read, pray,
learn, and serve.
3. Pray
for the Holy Spirit to unify your church into maturity in and service to Christ
through learning and obeying the Word.
[1] Colin G. Kruse, 2 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, 2nd edition, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries vol.8 (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2015), 279–280.
[2] I. Howard
Marshall, “Luke,” in New Bible
Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Downers
Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 984–985.
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