2 Corinthians 3
July 11, 2022
“Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (v1-3)
Paul does not need collegial accolades or endorsements for his ministry. The Corinthian believers, themselves, are the authentication of his ministry, the evidence of Christ’s power to save and the Spirit’s power to transform. Why would Paul need credentials or letters of recommendation, when the Corinthians are living testimonies to God’s work through his ministry?
Father, I praise You for the way You save (through Christ) and transform (through the Spirit). And I thank You for the privilege it’s been, over the years, to watch You do this saving and transforming work in so many lives. Guard my heart from slipping into desiring worldly accolades or endorsements for my ministry. Help me to stay focused on preaching the gospel and shepherding Your people in a way that leads to life transformation and living testimonies.
— 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?
