Day 328

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2 Corinthians Introduction

Paul's problems with the believers in Corinth did not end with his first letter to that troubled congregation. The ministry and character of Paul himself were under attack, his motives impugned, and his authority challenged. Paul sends Titus, who returns with heartening news of repentance. Paul then writes this warm autobiographical letter reminding the church of his commitment, his conduct, and his credentials. His walk has been consistent with his talk—truly a model for Christians in any generation!

Scripture

November 23—2 Corinthians 1-5: The Gospel: Its Minister and Ministry

Observation

Progress often carries with it problems, and apparently even the apostle Paul was not immune! He begins his second letter to the church at Corinth by defending his character and conduct, his integrity and intentions during the time he ministered at Corinth. As to his character, he is blameless. Paul's ambition has only been to share the path of comfort and forgiveness that he himself has experienced. He is merely a fragile vessel of clay, ministering God's glory, grace and reconciliation in the power that only God can give, and constrained by the love of Christ. He is Christ's ambassador to Corinth, modeling for the believers the role they are to play in spreading the gospel message to the ends of the earth.

Application

Write out a brief definition of the word "ambassador." (If you get stumped, consult a good dictionary.) Would you want to be an ambassador for your country? Why or why not?

Ambassadors never have a day off! Regardless of where they go or what they do, twenty-four hours a day they are representing their country. Everything they do and say reflects back upon the nation they are representing: how they dress, how they eat, how they spend their leisure time. In order to serve their country, they have forfeited certain freedoms and assumed certain responsibilities.

Every true believer is an ambassador for Christ (5:20), a walking, talking, twenty-four-hour-a-day representative of the King of Kings. Whether or not you open your mouth, you are communicating volumes about your Savior—by your actions and attitudes. Write out a one-paragraph job description explaining some of your responsibilities and privileges as an ambassador for Christ. Are you ready to apply?

Prayer

Father God, we are not restricted by time, place or ability to do great things for you. The only condition that restricts your power making you unable to act is a lack of faith. You are not limited in action nor restrained by the conditions that limit people. You are never limited. The only thing restricting us in our walk and talk as ambassadors for Christ is our lack of prayer. Make us praying warriors so that our ambassadorship will be successful and pleasing to you. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

Praying Warriors





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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