Jan 14-18
Jan 18 Gal 2 for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Paul was determined not to let Peter or himself go back to the old ways of counting on laws like circumcision for rightstanding before God. He wanted to live by faith in the son of God who gave himself freely not dead works. It is easy to get smug around others and ourselves when we have done something for God, however if we always keep in mind His sacrifice for us, our offerings can only be for gratitude and never boasting.
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Jan 17. Gal 1:23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Paul had an awesome testimony of encountering Jesus and turning from an enemy of God to a friend of Christ. His story caused people to wonder and give God glory. In the same way our life and words can either point people to giving us glory for what we have done or God glory for what He has done. That is the mystery of grace...when God shows up we can take no credit and neither can anyone else. This is how our lives bring glory to God for it moves us and others to glorify Him.
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Jan 16. John 4 “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
The people of Samaria believed in Christ after they experienced him themselves. Our testimonies may lead others to the well, but they must taste of the water to believe. It is vital to have personal encounters and conversation with Christ not just get our information from second hand sources. Talk to him like a friend today and listen to his response.
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Jan 15. 2 Cor 12: 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish.
Paul spoke openly of his genuine concern for the church, his willingness to go without and spend himself, his desire to protect the flock from false shepherds, and his concern for the members. He was worried he would come back and find the church caught in jealousy and contention or harboring unrepentant sin that would make their relationship uncomfortable. In the same way Christ who spent himself for us looks over his flock. Let us have hearts that eagerly welcome Him where He feels welcome at any moment.
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Jan 14. 2 Cor 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Paul wanted to warn his people about the so-called super apostles that had different gospels and spirits. He had a divine jealousy for Gods people wanting their hearts to stay pure towards Christ in all simplicity and humility. He presented his own life as an example for them. He had much to boast about spiritually but refused to do so with the knowledge of Christs sacrfice. Let us find our boast only in Christ -- not other Christs or those who would want to share His glory.
Paul was determined not to let Peter or himself go back to the old ways of counting on laws like circumcision for rightstanding before God. He wanted to live by faith in the son of God who gave himself freely not dead works. It is easy to get smug around others and ourselves when we have done something for God, however if we always keep in mind His sacrifice for us, our offerings can only be for gratitude and never boasting.
*
Jan 17. Gal 1:23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Paul had an awesome testimony of encountering Jesus and turning from an enemy of God to a friend of Christ. His story caused people to wonder and give God glory. In the same way our life and words can either point people to giving us glory for what we have done or God glory for what He has done. That is the mystery of grace...when God shows up we can take no credit and neither can anyone else. This is how our lives bring glory to God for it moves us and others to glorify Him.
*
Jan 16. John 4 “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
The people of Samaria believed in Christ after they experienced him themselves. Our testimonies may lead others to the well, but they must taste of the water to believe. It is vital to have personal encounters and conversation with Christ not just get our information from second hand sources. Talk to him like a friend today and listen to his response.
*
Jan 15. 2 Cor 12: 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish.
Paul spoke openly of his genuine concern for the church, his willingness to go without and spend himself, his desire to protect the flock from false shepherds, and his concern for the members. He was worried he would come back and find the church caught in jealousy and contention or harboring unrepentant sin that would make their relationship uncomfortable. In the same way Christ who spent himself for us looks over his flock. Let us have hearts that eagerly welcome Him where He feels welcome at any moment.
*
Jan 14. 2 Cor 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Paul wanted to warn his people about the so-called super apostles that had different gospels and spirits. He had a divine jealousy for Gods people wanting their hearts to stay pure towards Christ in all simplicity and humility. He presented his own life as an example for them. He had much to boast about spiritually but refused to do so with the knowledge of Christs sacrfice. Let us find our boast only in Christ -- not other Christs or those who would want to share His glory.
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