God-Centered Prayers

Meditations on Colossians

May 31, 2023

God-Centered Prayers

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Colossians 1:13-14

Read: Colossians 1: 9-14

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and he gave them what we know as The Lord’s Prayer. Although Paul never specifically mentions The Lord’s Prayer, it is clear from all his references to prayer in his epistles, that he understood the Lord’s teaching on prayer: it’s all about God, or as the writer of Hebrews put it, prayer is all about “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). When prayer is all about God, when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, our prayers glorify God and seek His guidance in placing our lives in the center of His will. When we shift our prayer focus from God to our own lives, our prayers become self-centered, and we seek God to change what we consider bad circumstances in our lives.

Paul’s prayers in today’s passage model the difference between God-centered prayers and self-centered prayers. Paul prayed fervently for his friends in Colossae, that God would give them complete knowledge of His will and would give them spiritual wisdom and understanding. He prayed that God would strengthen them with all his glorious power so they would have all the endurance and patience they needed. Paul prayed that his friends would be filled with joy, and would always thank the Father, because God had enabled them to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people who live in the light. Paul prayed that his friends would praise God who had rescued them from the kingdom of darkness and transferred them into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased their freedom and forgave their sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)

My Takeaway: Paul’s ambition for his own life, and his prayers for his friends, was to be firmly established in a living and dynamic relationship with God the Father and Christ Jesus His son. I can hear Paul’s words from Philippians 3 ringing in my ears as I read Paul’s prayers for the Colossians: “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I want to know Christ!” (Philippians 3:8, 10).

This is what shaped Paul’s heart and his prayers. Does it shape my prayers?

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Called to Edify

Meditations on Colossians

May 30, 2023

Called to Edify

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Colossians 1:3

Read: Colossians 1:1-8

The ancient city of Colossae was in Turkey, inland from Ephesus. Paul was writing from jail, either in Rome or Ephesus, in about 61 A.D. Colossae was destroyed by an earthquake four years later. The abiding theme of this letter is thankfulness. Paul begins in v.3 by thanking God for the church in Colossae, then in v.12 by thanking the Father for all he has done in the life of the believers. This theme of thanksgiving will be carried forward to 2:7, 3:17, and 4:2.

Every person elected as President of the USA comes to office with dreams and ambitions for our country. Not too long after taking office, they learn they are quite limited in their ability to effect change. Why? Because there are other powers and forces that contend for control: congressional, judicial, economic, international, and the forces of nature.

This is a world the people of Colossae could easily understand. The culture in Colossae at that time was dominated by a belief that the entire world was controlled by powers and forces beyond the control of the ordinary person. Life was spent trying to appease these forces. The new church in Colossae struggled with new believers in Christ bringing their pagan beliefs with them. The church also had to contend with elements of Judaism, astrology, and magic in the church. This mixed bag of doctrines, thoughts and ideas was reducing Jesus to merely an angelic being. Paul responded to this situation by a presentation of both the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus.

My Takeaway: The issues Paul needed to address were quite serious, and his manner is one we can learn to practice in our churches. In this opening passage, Paul edifies the church in Colossae. I counted at least nine specific points of praise Paul had for the members of the church. By affirming their faith in Christ and identifying ways in which Paul knew God was working in their lives, Paul built a foundation for correcting their misunderstandings.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Build Each Other Up

Meditations on Second Corinthians

NOTE: Today I conclude my meditations on Second Corinthians. Tomorrow, I will begin a series on the Apostle Paul’s magnificent letter to the Colossians.

                                                                 May 29, 2023

Build Each Other Up

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

2 Corinthians 13:14

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Some translations combine portions of this passage. All the content is included, but only thirteen verses are numbered. Since I am using the New Living Translation, I am using their count of fourteen verses.

In this letter, Paul had to deal harshly with the Corinthian church. In the end, he chooses to edify the church:

“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All of God’s people here send you their greetings.” (2 Corinthians 13:11-13)

My Takeaway: As I ended a teaching session at church a few weeks ago, I complimented the women who had prepared our supper. One of the women responded, “Thank you. You are so generous with your praise.” This interaction affirmed I was practicing Paul’s guidance to “Encourage each other.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Our journey through Second Corinthians has been very helpful to my spiritual growth. I hope and pray it was helpful to you as well.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Test Yourselves

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 26, 2023

Test Yourselves

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:5-10

The Apostle Paul was certainly willing to exercise his apostolic authority, and to command the Corinthian church to exercise church discipline. But he wanted the congregation to evaluate themselves and repent as necessary to avoid discipline.

How do we examine ourselves to see if our faith is genuine? The prophet Jeremiah called God’s people to honest self-evaluation and repentance: “Let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40). Paul carried this theme over to 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22, “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. The classic admonition for this theme is from David’ psalm, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23–24).

One way to test ourself is to look at the desires of our sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21. As we read this passage, ask the Holy Spirit to help us examine both our attitude and conduct considering “anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21)

My Takeaway: The best way to examine ourselves is to measure our life by the amount of Godly fruit in our lives. Is there love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23)  

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Alive With Him

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 25, 2023

Alive With Him

Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.

2 Corinthians 13:3b-4

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:19- 13:4

One of the issues facing Christianity in 21st Century America is the notion that the Christian faith is something we can add on to our existing life, fitting it in where we can without too much inconvenience. Paul completely dispels that notion in today’s reading.

I am reminded of Paul’s introduction to the sixth chapter of Romans: “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” Paul goes on in Romans 6, as he does here, to strongly affirm that when we accept God’s offer of new life in Christ, we are called to an altogether different lifestyle. We have new, Godly values. We are called to turn away from the ways of the prevailing culture and turn toward God.

In making his point, Paul reveals a characteristic of the New Testament church that has all but vanished in 21^st century churches, at least in the USA. Church discipline was a vital component of the New Testament churches. These churches were opposed by both the government and the customs of the times. If the churches did not work diligently to maintain their Godly values, they would soon be assimilated into the world around them.

My Takeaway: The passage quoted above (13: 3b-4) assures me that as I am alive with Christ, his power will sustain me as I seek the life in Christ as my way of life.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Tenacity

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 24, 2023

Tenacity

I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.

2 Corinthians 12:15

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:11-18

Three points stand out to me in today’s reading.

First, Paul continued to press a theme he had followed throughout this letter: God approved his work as an apostle, as evidenced by signs and wonders and the fruit of his preaching the Good News.

Secondly, I am impressed by Paul’s tenacity. He thinks of the Corinthian Christians as his children, and he will never, ever give up on them. A lesser person would have cut their losses and moved on.

Thirdly, Paul does not return in kind the insults and defamations hurled at him by the false prophets. Paul maintained his integrity as a minister of God and was willing to make himself vulnerable before the Corinthians, and the false prophets.

My Takeaway: Jesus told his disciples, when he sent them out two by two, that there will be times to cut their losses and move on. The message of Paul is to make those times very rare.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

My Grace is Sufficient

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 23, 2023

My Grace is Sufficient

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

There are many different theories on the identity of Paul’s thorn in the flesh - as many theories as there are people offering them. Paul does not identify his thorn in the flesh, at least not directly. That is good, because Paul’s comfort from God is the very same comfort God offers to all His children, regardless of the specific nature of our personal thorn in the flesh.

I believe Paul may have been referring to the false apostles. I base that opinion on Paul identifying Satan as the one tormenting him and his statement in 11:14 that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. For Paul, his deep and abiding relationship with God in Christ Jesus sustained him over and against all his tormentors could do to him. This relationship enabled Paul to joyfully receive the word of God, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

My Takeaway: God knows us, and He knows our circumstances. No matter where we are, no matter what the issue we may be facing, God’s grace is all we need. His power works best in our weakness. I remember how we began Second Corinthians, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles . . .” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Defend The Faith

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 22, 2023

Defend The Faith

I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.

2 Corinthians 11:26b

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:21b-33

Last week, I noted my belief that Paul was fighting for the life of his church. Paul was making his point so strongly because he believed there were false apostles at work in Corinth. Paul noted that even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, so we can expect that his servants will follow suit and try to pass themselves off as servants of righteousness. In today’s passage, Paul reveals the many difficulties he had experienced in furtherance of his calling to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Today’s reading is helpful in learning how you tell the difference between an authentic servant of God and a servant for the enemy of God. A servant of God continually edifies Jesus, and by their life they reveal they are willing to lay it all on the line for the cause of Christ. False prophets are all about themselves, and their comfort. No false prophet would suffer through all the hardships Paul went through. When the going gets tough, the false prophets have business elsewhere. When the going got tough, Paul would forget “what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

My Takeaway: The Holy Spirit has been impressing me with the price paid by our Apostolic Fathers to proclaim the Good News. I am hearing the Holy Spirit asking me to respond to the challenge of Jude, the brother of Jesus: “(I urge) you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.” (Jude 3)

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Cancel Culture

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 19, 2023

Cancel Culture

You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.

2 Corinthians 11:20

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:16-21a

(Remember, at the first of the week, I noted the reading of the last 4 chapters of 2 Corinthians may be a bit tedious, and there will be quite a lot of repetition.)

Today’s brief passage announces Paul’s intention to take on his distractors, on their own terms. Paul didn’t lack confidence, and I suspect he believed he was up to the challenge of the Judaizers. But his challenge was not just the Judaizers. He is seeking to bring the whole church into this debate because he is desperately fighting for the soul of the church.

The lengths to which Paul goes to fight for the church serve as an inspiration for me. In every generation since the resurrection of Jesus, the new community of believers has had her distractors. The prevailing culture does not want to change. And the forces of evil will not surrender until our Blessed Lord comes again in Final Victory. I am writing this on a rainy day as I sit safe and warm in my home. But my safety is an illusion, as surly the thief is close at hand seeking to kill steal and destroy the people of God.

How do I maintain my composure, whether safely in my home, or out in the world?

My Takeaway: Like Paul, I stake everything on my belief in the Gospel of my Risen Lord, Christ Jesus. When I give all my life to the Gospel, the power of the Gospel will see me through.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Apostolic Fathers

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 18, 2023

Apostolic Fathers

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:13-14

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:7-15

The Apostle Paul, and his brothers in the faith, Peter, John, and James, were the first Apostolic Fathers. In the first centuries following the resurrection of Jesus, the Christian church was very diligent in seeking to hold fast to the tradition of the Apostolic Fathers – that is, the church sought to hold fast to The Faith Once Delivered. (Jude 3). In the centuries since, the catholic, that is universal, church of Jesus Christ has drifted off course only to have courageous saints call her to account. Today, in the USA, the Good News of Jesus Christ, that is, The Faith Once Delivered, is just as counter cultural as it was in Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, or Rome.

Today, as the Apostolic Fathers taught 2,000 years ago, we need to not quench the Spirit. but test everything and hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

My Takeaway: “You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:23-25 NRSV)

NOTE: I’ve used the phrase, The Faith Once Delivered, several times. For more information you can look here:

https://nextmethodism.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Faith-Once-Delivered-FINAL-1.pdf

 

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Faith Once Delivered

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 17, 2023

The Faith Once Delivered

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

2 Corinthians 11:3

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:1-6

Paul follows verse 3, above, with this: “You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.”

This was a consistent theme of Paul, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”

Sadly, this verse can be applied to so many in today’s culture. ‘Back in the day’ when I became a Christian, the confession of faith included an affirmation that I accepted the Holy Scriptures to be a sufficient rule for faith and practice. That affirmation has since been dropped in favor of believing in the living word of God, that is, each person determines the applicability of the scripture for the conduct of their life.

My Takeaway: Within this war that is coming for us, (meditation May 16, 2023) there is a constant drumbeat calling us to join the march for cultural relevancy. Over and against this drumbeat, I hear the still, small voice of God (I Kings 19:12) calling me to stand firm in The Faith Once Delivered. (Jude 3)

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Two Sides of The Same Coin

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 16, 2023

Two Sides of The Same Coin

As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 10:17

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Apparently, the Judaizers were tearing down Paul to build themselves up before the church. Paul addressed that issue head on: “But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!” (v.12b)

Paul was very consistent in how he approached detractors. He didn’t try to outdo them by cultural standards of debate. He appealed only to the Word of God. His reference in verse 17, above, comes from Jeremiah 9:24,

“but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.” (NRSV)

The Apostle Paul is demonstrating the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” We experience this prophecy in what I believe are two sides of the same coin. The first side of the coin is the explicit work of the evil one whom Jesus referred to as the thief. The second side of the coin is our own sinful, corrupt nature which the thief joyfully exploits to his purpose of destroying the people of God.

My Takeaway: Satan is waging war against the Kingdom of God, Christian churches, and Christian people. I need to realize, every day, that this war is coming for me. The good news is that Jesus came that I may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) And God has equipped me with all I need to take my stand for Christ. (See Ephesians 6:10ff) He has equipped you too!

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Every Thought

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 15, 2023

Every Thought

We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NRSV)

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:1-11

There is debate among scholars as to whether Paul wrote two letters to the Corinthian church, or possibly three or four letters that were somehow combined into the present form of two. Their order and content suggest some parts could have been separate letters, and some scholars believe the last four chapters in 2 Corinthians could be the ‘severe’ letter Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 7:8. The reading of these chapters may be a bit tedious, and there will be quite a lot of repetition. Nevertheless, I suspect we will gather a spiritual gem or two.

Paul loved his churches. His churches were like his children. In today’s passage, I see a mama bear protecting her cubs. Paul is willing to fight for the life of the church which had come under the influence of Jewish Christians (Judaizers) who were manipulating and taking advantage of the Corinthian Christians.

My Takeaway: In many places in the world, Christian churches are experiencing similar influencers as were the Corinthians. Paul emphasizes how very important it is for each of us to take a stand for the pure Gospel message, even to taking every thought captive to obey Christ.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We Give You Only What You First Gave Us

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 12, 2023

We Give You Only What You First Gave Us

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

One of the first churches I visited in Cuba had a large bulletin board in the hallway. On the board were posted the names of the members of the church, how much they had pledged to the church, and how much they had paid toward their pledge.

Cheryl and I visited an African American church, where after the offering was received, a layperson stood before the congregation and gave a report on how much was received, including reading the names and amount for any person who gave by check or had used an offering envelop.

There are many customs and differing ways churches handle their finances. In recent times, online giving, or giving by automatic bank draft have become increasingly popular. But as for me and my house, we like to place our offering in the plate each week during the worship service. For me, it is a way of expressing my reverence and awe of God.

My Takeaway:  King David’s prayer to God: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” (1 Chronicles 29:14)

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A Vision of What God Can Do

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 11, 2023

A Vision of What God Can Do

But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.

2 Corinthians 9:5b

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Previously, I wrote that our giving to God begins in our heart as we remember God’s gift to us in Christ Jesus. It is also vitally important for us to look to the future and have a vision of how God can use the gift.

As an example, some years ago I shared with my church a need for scholarships to send our youth to summer camp. One of the pledges was for a ½ scholarship, made by a single woman who I knew earned barely enough to get by. I asked her what motivated her to make the pledge, and she responded, “The most important decision in my life was made when I was sixteen and attending church camp. I hope my gift will help someone encounter God like I did.” She willingly and lovingly made a sacrificial gift because she had a vision of what God could do with her gift.

My Takeaway: I want to have a greater awareness of what I hope God will do with the offerings I make. Not just a generic good hope, but a specific hope as the woman I remembered above shared with me.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Transparency

Meditations on Second Corinthians

May 10, 2023

Transparency

We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.

2 Corinthians 8:20-21

Read: 2 Corinthians8:16-24

Paul concludes chapter 8 with seemingly mundane details about those traveling with him. What caught my attention was the lengths Paul went to be fully transparent before the church. This openness has been lost in the prevailing culture of our times, as well as in some churches.

Before I retired, I served on a committee that interviewed and approved candidates for the ordained ministry. Occasionally we would have immigrants from Cuba seeking to serve as pastors in the local church. In Cuba, the only model for government they had was the national dictatorship, and thus the local churches were more like an oligarchy with little, if any, laity input. (Even so, the Methodist Churches I visited in Cuba were full of love and were doing a mighty work for the Kingdom of God.) The Cuban pastors seeking to make the transition to the American culture had a difficult task as the American churches were led cooperatively with clergy and laity.

My Takeaway: Paul’s transparency before the church in Corinth is a reminder to me that I need to be open, and vulnerable, before my church and Christian friends.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.