Scripture Union Daily Guide 11th October 2020 Today Message
TOPIC: DIVINE COMFORT-THE REMEDY FOR EACH TRIAL
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you order my steps today through your word as I meditate on it.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Reflection:
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS
Paul wrote this letter at a difficult time in his relationship with the Church in Corinth. The letter is a mixture of Paul’s insistence on his apostolic authority, his integrity and a plea for sympathy and understanding. The book is full of references to Paul’s personal experiences and frustrations in the ministry.
He outlined these as a response to critics who were challenging his apostolic authority and integrity. In the Chapter 1–7, Paul openly admits his frustrations. Immediately after a sparse greeting, he mentioned hardship so severe that, “we despair of even life” (1:8). He also explains the reason he had responded with severity to the critics, expressing joy that the severity had resulted in repentance and reconciliation (7:7–9).
In chapters 8 and 9, he appeals to the Corinthians for generous offering to help the needy Christians in Judea. In chapters 10–13, Paul defends his apostleship, citing his sufferings and the transforming power of the gospel he preached among them as his evidence.
He warned of his readiness to exercise his apostolic authority to discipline them, if necessary. The letter provides us with valuable lessons on the nature of Christian ministry and relationships which are very relevant to us today just as when it was written.
TODAY’S OUTLINE: Scripture Union Daily Guide 11th October 2020
Paul writes from practical experience of comfort that he and the brethren have received. He does not deny the fact that the Christian life comes with troubles from time to time but affirms that we have a comforter who is sure as long as we trust in him.
What is the purpose of our troubles according to vv.3–4, 6? Sometimes the Lord takes us through challenges so that we would be living testimonies of his grace to others who might undergo similar challenges. Meditate on the results of enduring such troubles (vv.6b; 10).
God will always deliver us from such troubles eventually but even if he does not deliver us, what should be our reaction? Compare vv.9b–10 with Daniel 3:17–18. As we watch people go through challenging situations, we have a part to play in all of this and our passage throws some light on this. See v.11.
Having gone through it by God’s grace with our hope set on him alone, we can say with the song writer: We have an anchor that keeps the soul; Steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the Rock which cannot move; Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love (P.J. Owens, 1882).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application:
• And So: Live in loyalty to the truth and continue to keep in step with the master ─ the Lord Jesus Christ.
Compromise: To compromise is to submit to the pressure to lower ones, high moral standing. There are many things that can weaken a Christian’s moral standards. These include false teachings that incite Christian to embrace or accommodate sinful pleasures.
We can overcome compromise by the willingness to stand alone, if need be, in our commitment to godly ways of living. The Scripture states categorically what things are right and wrong and to disregard the godly standards will bring tragic results to any Christian.
Prayer:
• Pray for Christians you know who are undergoing difficult times and those ministering in countries that are closed to the gospel.
• Thank God for Jesus who by His death on the cross, took away our curse and granted us access into the blessings of Abraham.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 84:11
Read The Bible In One Year: Song of Sol. 6-8; Eph. 2
Thank you for reading Today’s Scripture Union Daily Guide 11th October 2020 – Divine Comfort-The Remedy For Each Trial
Scripture Union Daily Guide 10th October 2020
