2 Corinthians 2
July 8, 2022
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” (v15-17)
Paul acknowledges that the task God assigned to him: preaching the gospel - is not something he’s “equal to” (v16). Despite his success as a preacher and church planter, Paul knows that only God can give him what he needs to carry out what he’s been called to. In fact, Paul answers his own question about “who is equal to this task?” in the next chapter when he writes: “Not that we are competent in ourselves…but our competence comes from God” (3:5).
Father, I praise You for the competency that You give me in Christ. Even after (perhaps especially after) 25 years of pastoral ministry, I’m very aware of how much I need Your help to preach Your Word and shepherd Your church. But day in and day out, and Sunday after Sunday, You show Yourself to be faithful - working through someone who dropped out of my speech class, because I was afraid of giving a 5-minute speech in front of my peers. I pray that You continue to empower me to do what You have called me to - not in my own strength, but in Yours.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
