Week 17
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Welcome to Week 17 of the Cover to Cover Challenge!
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”. All the words of the Bible are breathed out by God and are for our benefit. Every time we read it, it speaks. Think on that this week as you read. Keep praying for understanding, and for the Lord to be glorified! |
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Sunday • Psalms 54-56
Psalm 54, like Psalm 52, pertains to David’s escape from Saul. We read this passage a couple of weeks ago (1 Samuel 23). In verses 1-2, David asks God to protect and rescue him from those who have come against him. In the passage, verse 3 would refer to the Ziphites who told Saul where David was. The term “stranger” refers to those who do not have a covenant with God. In verses 4-5, David expresses trust in the Lord because David knows God is faithful to His Word. The last two verses focus on David being thankful to the Lord for delivering him.
Psalm 55 is a prayer of lament. David once again finds himself being threatened by enemies, and they are causing him to suffer (v1-3). In verses 4-8, David expresses that he wants to escape his present situation and the great pain it is causing him. David turns to the Lord in verses 9-15 and cries out for justice, when all he can see is injustice. David learns it is a close friend who is betraying him (v12-14). The situation drives David to pray and have his prayer answered (v16-19). While the Lord is faithful, David knows his enemies are not (v20-21). In verses 22-23, David assures those who trust in the Lord that God will protect them and judge the wicked.
Psalm 56 is another lament written by David regarding suffering because of his enemies. In verses 1-2, David says that he is under constant affliction from his enemies. In spite of his suffering David trusts in the Lord, because he knows the Lord will deliver him (v3-4). His enemies twist his words and scheme against him, but David knows that the Lord has heard his prayer (v5-9). David knows that trusting in the Lord means that he does not have to fear any mortal man (v10-11). David thanks the Lord for delivering him, because He is faithful to His promises (v12-13).
Psalm 54, like Psalm 52, pertains to David’s escape from Saul. We read this passage a couple of weeks ago (1 Samuel 23). In verses 1-2, David asks God to protect and rescue him from those who have come against him. In the passage, verse 3 would refer to the Ziphites who told Saul where David was. The term “stranger” refers to those who do not have a covenant with God. In verses 4-5, David expresses trust in the Lord because David knows God is faithful to His Word. The last two verses focus on David being thankful to the Lord for delivering him.
Psalm 55 is a prayer of lament. David once again finds himself being threatened by enemies, and they are causing him to suffer (v1-3). In verses 4-8, David expresses that he wants to escape his present situation and the great pain it is causing him. David turns to the Lord in verses 9-15 and cries out for justice, when all he can see is injustice. David learns it is a close friend who is betraying him (v12-14). The situation drives David to pray and have his prayer answered (v16-19). While the Lord is faithful, David knows his enemies are not (v20-21). In verses 22-23, David assures those who trust in the Lord that God will protect them and judge the wicked.
Psalm 56 is another lament written by David regarding suffering because of his enemies. In verses 1-2, David says that he is under constant affliction from his enemies. In spite of his suffering David trusts in the Lord, because he knows the Lord will deliver him (v3-4). His enemies twist his words and scheme against him, but David knows that the Lord has heard his prayer (v5-9). David knows that trusting in the Lord means that he does not have to fear any mortal man (v10-11). David thanks the Lord for delivering him, because He is faithful to His promises (v12-13).
Monday • Exodus 19-22
It has been 3 months since the Lord had delivered them from the bondage in Egypt. The Lord, speaking through Moses gives instructions to the children of Israel in chapter 19. In verses 1-8 we read how the Lord has brought His people out of Egypt, and sustained them on the eagles’ wings. This symbolizes His compassion, protection, and strength over them. If they obey the covenant He has made with them they would become His special people (distinct), a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (mediators of grace). In verses 9-25 the Israelites are told that God will descend upon Mount Sinai. They are to prepare themselves by washing their clothes, staying away from the mountain, and abstaining from sexual relations. These outward acts would show the inner desire of each person to meet with God. Those who did not obey would be punished by death.
Exodus 20:1-17 contains the Ten Commandments. The purpose of the law is to show the sinfulness of man and to show the need of a mediator. Moses would be the mediator for the children of Israel (v18-21), then the priests. All of this pointed to the coming of Jesus who would be the Mediator for all mankind. In verses 22-26 God warns Moses not to make an idol of God to worship, and not to use tools to make an altar. This was probably said so they would not make an idol out of it.
Exodus 21:1-11 is the laws pertaining to servants. They are to be set free, becoming citizens again unless the servant wants to stay with his master. In that case, the relationship became permanent. Verses 12-17 contain a list of offenses that require the death penalty, while making a distinction between accidental and premeditated offenses. In verses 18-32 five examples of bodily injuries are given, along with instructions on how to punish the offender and recompense the owner. Verses 33-36 discuss laws pertaining to property damage that results from being negligent, which is continued into chapter 22.
Exodus 22:1-4 discusses theft of property. Each of these laws, going all the way to verse 15 make proper restitution to the owner. Each of these laws contain principles we can still use today. The laws listed in verses 16-27 cover different people groups in society. As throughout the Old Testament, God shows that special care must be taken of the poor, widows, and orphans. Verses 28-31 pertain to man’s relationship with God. God reminds them once more that they are to be “holy men”, separated for His use.
It has been 3 months since the Lord had delivered them from the bondage in Egypt. The Lord, speaking through Moses gives instructions to the children of Israel in chapter 19. In verses 1-8 we read how the Lord has brought His people out of Egypt, and sustained them on the eagles’ wings. This symbolizes His compassion, protection, and strength over them. If they obey the covenant He has made with them they would become His special people (distinct), a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (mediators of grace). In verses 9-25 the Israelites are told that God will descend upon Mount Sinai. They are to prepare themselves by washing their clothes, staying away from the mountain, and abstaining from sexual relations. These outward acts would show the inner desire of each person to meet with God. Those who did not obey would be punished by death.
Exodus 20:1-17 contains the Ten Commandments. The purpose of the law is to show the sinfulness of man and to show the need of a mediator. Moses would be the mediator for the children of Israel (v18-21), then the priests. All of this pointed to the coming of Jesus who would be the Mediator for all mankind. In verses 22-26 God warns Moses not to make an idol of God to worship, and not to use tools to make an altar. This was probably said so they would not make an idol out of it.
Exodus 21:1-11 is the laws pertaining to servants. They are to be set free, becoming citizens again unless the servant wants to stay with his master. In that case, the relationship became permanent. Verses 12-17 contain a list of offenses that require the death penalty, while making a distinction between accidental and premeditated offenses. In verses 18-32 five examples of bodily injuries are given, along with instructions on how to punish the offender and recompense the owner. Verses 33-36 discuss laws pertaining to property damage that results from being negligent, which is continued into chapter 22.
Exodus 22:1-4 discusses theft of property. Each of these laws, going all the way to verse 15 make proper restitution to the owner. Each of these laws contain principles we can still use today. The laws listed in verses 16-27 cover different people groups in society. As throughout the Old Testament, God shows that special care must be taken of the poor, widows, and orphans. Verses 28-31 pertain to man’s relationship with God. God reminds them once more that they are to be “holy men”, separated for His use.
Tuesday • 2 Samuel 1-5
2 Samuel will discuss the rise of David to kingship of Israel. 2 Samuel begins the way 1 Samuel ends- with the death of Saul. In verses 1-16, the story of the death of Saul is recounted by an Amalekite who claims to have finished killing Saul upon his request. If the Amalekite was the son of an alien, he would have known not to touch the Lord’s anointed king. This is something even David did not do, even though he had every opportunity to. In the “Song of the Bow” David laments over the death of Saul and Jonathan.
In 2 Samuel 2:1-7, David seeks the Lord’s help on what to do next. The Lord wants him to move to Hebron with his two wives and his army of men. It is here David is anointed king of Judah, and he blesses the people of Jabesh Gilead for their loyalty to Saul. Saul’s commander Abner makes Ishbosheth (“Man of shame”), Saul’s son king of Israel while David reigns over Judah. After a brief contest between Abner’s men and Joab’s men (v12-17, v18-32) Asahel (Joab’s brother) dies at the hands of Abner. But, it is David’s army that is about to gain the upper hand.
2 Samuel 3:1 portrays the outcome of the war which will take place over the next two chapters. In verses 2-5 David’s family grows and Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah will all be prominent figures in the 2 Samuel. After the accusation by Ishbosheth, Abner, who has a strong hand over the kingdom, vows to help make David king over all of Israel (v6-11). Messengers of Abner and David meet to arrange a meeting between David and Abner (v12-16). David asks for his wife Michal, given to him by Saul, to return to him. David does this to strengthen his claim to the throne. Meanwhile, Abner convinces the Benjamites that it is time to make David ruler over all of Israel, and comes to an agreement with David to do so (v17-21). David sends Abner away in peace, angering Joab (v22-30). Joab sends for Abner to return where he kills him, avenging his brother’s death. David proclaims innocence of his kingdom, and that the guilt of killing Abner will fall on Joab and his household. David and all of Israel weep over the death of Abner (v31-39).
In 2 Samuel 4:1-7 Ishbosheth is killed by two of his own men, and we are introduced to Mephibosheth-who is Jonathan’s son. Mephibosheth is disqualified from ruling Israel because of his youth and his lameness. The two men bring Ishbosheth’s head to David, and claim to have done this in the name of the Lord in vengeance for David (v8-12). David, swearing an oath, holds them accountable for taking Ishbosheth’s life. They too will die just as the Amalekite who brought David news of the death of Saul and Jonathan.
In 2 Samuel 5:1-5, David is anointed king over all of Israel. The elders of Israel give 3 reasons why they have come to David to make him king-David’s kinship, David’s a warrior, and David’s choosing by the Lord. In verses 6-12, David defeats the Jebusites in battle and makes Jerusalem, or the “city of David” his new home. David acknowledges it is the Lord who gave him victories in battle and fought for him (v10). More children are born to David in Jerusalem as we see the first mention of Solomon’s name. In verses 17-25 the Philistines attack David twice, to no avail as it is the Lord who fights on behalf of David and His people. Notice in verses 19 and 23 that David asks the Lord what he should do.
2 Samuel will discuss the rise of David to kingship of Israel. 2 Samuel begins the way 1 Samuel ends- with the death of Saul. In verses 1-16, the story of the death of Saul is recounted by an Amalekite who claims to have finished killing Saul upon his request. If the Amalekite was the son of an alien, he would have known not to touch the Lord’s anointed king. This is something even David did not do, even though he had every opportunity to. In the “Song of the Bow” David laments over the death of Saul and Jonathan.
In 2 Samuel 2:1-7, David seeks the Lord’s help on what to do next. The Lord wants him to move to Hebron with his two wives and his army of men. It is here David is anointed king of Judah, and he blesses the people of Jabesh Gilead for their loyalty to Saul. Saul’s commander Abner makes Ishbosheth (“Man of shame”), Saul’s son king of Israel while David reigns over Judah. After a brief contest between Abner’s men and Joab’s men (v12-17, v18-32) Asahel (Joab’s brother) dies at the hands of Abner. But, it is David’s army that is about to gain the upper hand.
2 Samuel 3:1 portrays the outcome of the war which will take place over the next two chapters. In verses 2-5 David’s family grows and Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah will all be prominent figures in the 2 Samuel. After the accusation by Ishbosheth, Abner, who has a strong hand over the kingdom, vows to help make David king over all of Israel (v6-11). Messengers of Abner and David meet to arrange a meeting between David and Abner (v12-16). David asks for his wife Michal, given to him by Saul, to return to him. David does this to strengthen his claim to the throne. Meanwhile, Abner convinces the Benjamites that it is time to make David ruler over all of Israel, and comes to an agreement with David to do so (v17-21). David sends Abner away in peace, angering Joab (v22-30). Joab sends for Abner to return where he kills him, avenging his brother’s death. David proclaims innocence of his kingdom, and that the guilt of killing Abner will fall on Joab and his household. David and all of Israel weep over the death of Abner (v31-39).
In 2 Samuel 4:1-7 Ishbosheth is killed by two of his own men, and we are introduced to Mephibosheth-who is Jonathan’s son. Mephibosheth is disqualified from ruling Israel because of his youth and his lameness. The two men bring Ishbosheth’s head to David, and claim to have done this in the name of the Lord in vengeance for David (v8-12). David, swearing an oath, holds them accountable for taking Ishbosheth’s life. They too will die just as the Amalekite who brought David news of the death of Saul and Jonathan.
In 2 Samuel 5:1-5, David is anointed king over all of Israel. The elders of Israel give 3 reasons why they have come to David to make him king-David’s kinship, David’s a warrior, and David’s choosing by the Lord. In verses 6-12, David defeats the Jebusites in battle and makes Jerusalem, or the “city of David” his new home. David acknowledges it is the Lord who gave him victories in battle and fought for him (v10). More children are born to David in Jerusalem as we see the first mention of Solomon’s name. In verses 17-25 the Philistines attack David twice, to no avail as it is the Lord who fights on behalf of David and His people. Notice in verses 19 and 23 that David asks the Lord what he should do.
Wednesday • Mark 15-16
Jesus appeared before the Sanhedrin at the end of Mark 14, and now he appears before Pilate in Mark 15:1-5. While they charged him with blasphemy before the Sanhedrin, before Pilate they will accuse him of being a threat to Caesar’s throne. Pilate would try to take advantage of the custom of releasing a prisoner before Passover to Jesus’ favor, but the people choose Barabbas instead (v6-15). This passage shows that Jesus died as a substitute for man. In verses 16-20, the soldiers mock Jesus after they have scourged Him. The Romans hated the Jews, so you can imagine the pain they inflicted upon him. Alexander helps Jesus carry the cross to be crucified, and He is nailed to the cross (v21-26). The scene at the cross in verses 27-32 shows that those who should have understood who He was were mocking Him, along with the two who were crucified along with Him. Because of our sin being laid upon Him, Jesus is forsaken by God and dies upon the cross of Calvary (v33-37). From events surrounding His death, a Roman centurion claims that Jesus is the Son of God (v38-41). Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus so He can be properly buried in a tomb (v42-47).
Mark 16:1-8 records the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the central doctrine that we, as believers, must trust in. Mary Magdalene sees the risen Jesus, but the disciples did not believe her when she told them (v9-11). The two disciples that He appears to in verses 12-13 could be the disciples who are on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Jesus appears to the eleven disciples, and rebukes them for their unbelief in verse 14. In verses 15-18 Jesus gives them the Great Commission to preach the gospel everywhere they go, and signs that will accompany the preaching of the gospel. Verses 19-20 record Jesus’ ascension and the disciples’ obedience to the commission of the Lord.
Jesus appeared before the Sanhedrin at the end of Mark 14, and now he appears before Pilate in Mark 15:1-5. While they charged him with blasphemy before the Sanhedrin, before Pilate they will accuse him of being a threat to Caesar’s throne. Pilate would try to take advantage of the custom of releasing a prisoner before Passover to Jesus’ favor, but the people choose Barabbas instead (v6-15). This passage shows that Jesus died as a substitute for man. In verses 16-20, the soldiers mock Jesus after they have scourged Him. The Romans hated the Jews, so you can imagine the pain they inflicted upon him. Alexander helps Jesus carry the cross to be crucified, and He is nailed to the cross (v21-26). The scene at the cross in verses 27-32 shows that those who should have understood who He was were mocking Him, along with the two who were crucified along with Him. Because of our sin being laid upon Him, Jesus is forsaken by God and dies upon the cross of Calvary (v33-37). From events surrounding His death, a Roman centurion claims that Jesus is the Son of God (v38-41). Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus so He can be properly buried in a tomb (v42-47).
Mark 16:1-8 records the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the central doctrine that we, as believers, must trust in. Mary Magdalene sees the risen Jesus, but the disciples did not believe her when she told them (v9-11). The two disciples that He appears to in verses 12-13 could be the disciples who are on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Jesus appears to the eleven disciples, and rebukes them for their unbelief in verse 14. In verses 15-18 Jesus gives them the Great Commission to preach the gospel everywhere they go, and signs that will accompany the preaching of the gospel. Verses 19-20 record Jesus’ ascension and the disciples’ obedience to the commission of the Lord.
Thursday • Job 33-34
In Job 33:1-7 Elihu speaks to Job by name, something his earlier counselors never did, and encourages Job to listen to his words. Elihu conveys much of the same response as Job’s friends, but does not accuse Job of being wicked. In verses 8-22, Elihu believes that God’s purposes cannot be understood by humanity. Elihu believed God does communicate with man, and that He does this through dreams and illness. In verses 23-30, Elihu appeals to God’s mercy and grace. Elihu, in verses 31-33, encourages Job once again to listen and offers to teach him wisdom.
In Job 34, Elihu continues his speech by calling upon all to hear his words and how good they were. Elihu does seem to be angry at Job for justifying himself and not God (v5-9). Beginning with verse 10, Elihu claims that God only does what is right and can do no wrong. God is not accountable to Job (v13-15), nor is any human God’s judge (v16-20). Job did complain that God was delaying his justification, but Elihu believes that God does not have to and can remain silent (v21-30). Elihu believed that Job was being tested because Job’s behavior was wicked and because of the many words he had spoken against God (v31-37).
In Job 33:1-7 Elihu speaks to Job by name, something his earlier counselors never did, and encourages Job to listen to his words. Elihu conveys much of the same response as Job’s friends, but does not accuse Job of being wicked. In verses 8-22, Elihu believes that God’s purposes cannot be understood by humanity. Elihu believed God does communicate with man, and that He does this through dreams and illness. In verses 23-30, Elihu appeals to God’s mercy and grace. Elihu, in verses 31-33, encourages Job once again to listen and offers to teach him wisdom.
In Job 34, Elihu continues his speech by calling upon all to hear his words and how good they were. Elihu does seem to be angry at Job for justifying himself and not God (v5-9). Beginning with verse 10, Elihu claims that God only does what is right and can do no wrong. God is not accountable to Job (v13-15), nor is any human God’s judge (v16-20). Job did complain that God was delaying his justification, but Elihu believes that God does not have to and can remain silent (v21-30). Elihu believed that Job was being tested because Job’s behavior was wicked and because of the many words he had spoken against God (v31-37).
Friday • Isaiah 49-53
Isaiah 49:1-7 contains the second Servant Song which portrays Jesus’ ministry and that here extends to the nations. Jesus’ ministry is for Israel and they will despise Him, but He will be honored by God. The song of Simeon in Luke 2:32 refers to verse 6 and verse 7. It speaks plainly that He will be rejected by the nation. As the people of Israel return from exile in verses 8-12, the Lord will take care of them abundantly. Verses 13-21 deal with the discouragement of the people when they return from exile, as the Lord assures them He has not forgotten them. In verses 22-23 other nations will see how special Israel is. Verses 24-26 may refer to the Lord’s previous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, where God made Himself known to them and the Egyptians. God will do the same when they return from exile.
Isaiah 50 contains the third Servant Song (v4-90. The illustrations of divorce and debt give details about how Israel pictured their relationship with the Lord during the exile (v1-3). They believe the Lord is done with them, so He sent them away. It is their unbelief that sent them away to exile. While the Israelites did not respond to God’s Word through His prophets, the coming Servant will (v4-9). God’s Servant will wait, and hear God when He speaks. The Servant will even offer His body for the cause of God. In verses 10-11 is a call to repent. It contains the illustration of coming out of darkness to walk in the light given by the Lord’s Servant.
God calls upon all who fear Him to wait for their deliverance from exile in verses 1-3. Just as God made a covenant with Abraham and was faithful to it, His faithfulness also applies to those in exile. In verses 4-8 it is God who works on behalf of His people with justice, righteousness, and salvation which endures forever. God’s power had been made known in the past, especially in delivering them from Egypt, and should give the people confidence that God will act on behalf of His people again (v9-11). God rebukes the people for their lack of faith, but He is going to make Himself known to them (v12-16). Through the exile God has judged His people (v17-20), but it will also be God who comforts them as they experience His mercy while their enemies drink the cup of His wrath (v21-23).
Isaiah 52:1-2 concerns Jerusalem as it becomes, once again, the glorious city of God. In verses 3-6 Babylon will be added to Egypt and Assyria as nations that oppressed Israel as God delivered His people from their hand. Verses 7-10 show that it is God who will bless His people and deliver them from exile. God promises that He will protect His people as they leave Babylon, as the call to depart goes out (v11-12).
Isaiah 52:13- 53:12 contains the fourth Servant Song, and is probably the most familiar one to everyone. In verses 52:13-15, we see the Suffering Servant who will cause many to be speechless by His ministry. He will also be the Sorrowful Servant in 53:1-3, who will be rejected and experience much grief. In verses 4-6, He will be the Smitten Servant punished for the sins of the people. He will also be the Silent Servant who will not open His mouth, although He is innocent of any sin (v7-9). In verses 10-12, He is the Submissive Servant who submits Himself to the Father’s plan to redeem mankind.
Isaiah 49:1-7 contains the second Servant Song which portrays Jesus’ ministry and that here extends to the nations. Jesus’ ministry is for Israel and they will despise Him, but He will be honored by God. The song of Simeon in Luke 2:32 refers to verse 6 and verse 7. It speaks plainly that He will be rejected by the nation. As the people of Israel return from exile in verses 8-12, the Lord will take care of them abundantly. Verses 13-21 deal with the discouragement of the people when they return from exile, as the Lord assures them He has not forgotten them. In verses 22-23 other nations will see how special Israel is. Verses 24-26 may refer to the Lord’s previous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, where God made Himself known to them and the Egyptians. God will do the same when they return from exile.
Isaiah 50 contains the third Servant Song (v4-90. The illustrations of divorce and debt give details about how Israel pictured their relationship with the Lord during the exile (v1-3). They believe the Lord is done with them, so He sent them away. It is their unbelief that sent them away to exile. While the Israelites did not respond to God’s Word through His prophets, the coming Servant will (v4-9). God’s Servant will wait, and hear God when He speaks. The Servant will even offer His body for the cause of God. In verses 10-11 is a call to repent. It contains the illustration of coming out of darkness to walk in the light given by the Lord’s Servant.
God calls upon all who fear Him to wait for their deliverance from exile in verses 1-3. Just as God made a covenant with Abraham and was faithful to it, His faithfulness also applies to those in exile. In verses 4-8 it is God who works on behalf of His people with justice, righteousness, and salvation which endures forever. God’s power had been made known in the past, especially in delivering them from Egypt, and should give the people confidence that God will act on behalf of His people again (v9-11). God rebukes the people for their lack of faith, but He is going to make Himself known to them (v12-16). Through the exile God has judged His people (v17-20), but it will also be God who comforts them as they experience His mercy while their enemies drink the cup of His wrath (v21-23).
Isaiah 52:1-2 concerns Jerusalem as it becomes, once again, the glorious city of God. In verses 3-6 Babylon will be added to Egypt and Assyria as nations that oppressed Israel as God delivered His people from their hand. Verses 7-10 show that it is God who will bless His people and deliver them from exile. God promises that He will protect His people as they leave Babylon, as the call to depart goes out (v11-12).
Isaiah 52:13- 53:12 contains the fourth Servant Song, and is probably the most familiar one to everyone. In verses 52:13-15, we see the Suffering Servant who will cause many to be speechless by His ministry. He will also be the Sorrowful Servant in 53:1-3, who will be rejected and experience much grief. In verses 4-6, He will be the Smitten Servant punished for the sins of the people. He will also be the Silent Servant who will not open His mouth, although He is innocent of any sin (v7-9). In verses 10-12, He is the Submissive Servant who submits Himself to the Father’s plan to redeem mankind.
Saturday • 2 Corinthians 4-5
In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Paul continues to defend his ministry against those who have opposed him. Paul preached the gospel to all men, and if any did not understand him it was Satan, who has blinded the minds of those who do not believe. Paul did not promote himself, but the gospel, and became a servant of those in Corinth. In verses 7-15, Paul discusses the trials and rewards of serving the Lord. His ministry was one of suffering but it was beneficial to others as he boldly preached the gospel, bringing people into the kingdom. In verses 16-18, Paul once more discusses the suffering he has endured through his ministry, as many in Corinth may be experiencing suffering as well. Paul does not want them to lose heart or focus on things of this world, but to focus on eternity.
As Paul comforted the Corinthians in the face of persecution and hostility in the previous chapter, there must also be an acknowledgement that this could also mean death (5:1-10). Paul assures them that at death they will receive a new body because the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of this taking place. Faith in Christ also assures the believer that at death they will be with the Lord. In view of these truths, Paul says that we should live our lives to be pleasing to God because we all will appear before Him to give an account of our lives. Upon the subject of judgment, Paul examines his own motives for service in verses 11-15. The motive of ministry for any person should be that the love of Christ which compels us to serve and be a witness to others. This is Paul’s subject in verses 16-21. Those who have been reconciled are a new creation in Christ, and have also been given the ministry of reconciliation to preach to others. We are ambassadors of Christ who became sin for us, that we could partake of His righteousness.
In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Paul continues to defend his ministry against those who have opposed him. Paul preached the gospel to all men, and if any did not understand him it was Satan, who has blinded the minds of those who do not believe. Paul did not promote himself, but the gospel, and became a servant of those in Corinth. In verses 7-15, Paul discusses the trials and rewards of serving the Lord. His ministry was one of suffering but it was beneficial to others as he boldly preached the gospel, bringing people into the kingdom. In verses 16-18, Paul once more discusses the suffering he has endured through his ministry, as many in Corinth may be experiencing suffering as well. Paul does not want them to lose heart or focus on things of this world, but to focus on eternity.
As Paul comforted the Corinthians in the face of persecution and hostility in the previous chapter, there must also be an acknowledgement that this could also mean death (5:1-10). Paul assures them that at death they will receive a new body because the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of this taking place. Faith in Christ also assures the believer that at death they will be with the Lord. In view of these truths, Paul says that we should live our lives to be pleasing to God because we all will appear before Him to give an account of our lives. Upon the subject of judgment, Paul examines his own motives for service in verses 11-15. The motive of ministry for any person should be that the love of Christ which compels us to serve and be a witness to others. This is Paul’s subject in verses 16-21. Those who have been reconciled are a new creation in Christ, and have also been given the ministry of reconciliation to preach to others. We are ambassadors of Christ who became sin for us, that we could partake of His righteousness.
Bibliography
Alden, Robert. Job NAC. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993.
Barker, Kenneth L. Expositor’s Bible Commentary OT/NT. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Bergen, Robert D. NAC: 2 Samuel. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996.
Bible Study Press. The NET Bible First Edition Notes. Biblical Studies Press, 2006.
Brooks, James A. NAC: Mark. Nashville: Broadman& Holman Publishers, 1991.
Garland, David E. Baker Exegetical Commentary: 1 Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
Kruse, Colin G. 2 Corinthians. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1987.
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Mare, W. Harold. NT Background Commentary: Words, Phrases, and Situations.Rosshire: Mentor, 2004.
Smith, Gary V. NAC: Isaiah 1-39/40-66. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2007.
Stuart, Douglas K. NAC: Exodus. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Worshipful. Colorado Springs: Cook Communications Ministries, 2004.
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Cover to Cover Challenge logo and printed materials are property of Nazareth Baptist Church and Pastor Jason Bell. Please do not copy without written permission.
Barker, Kenneth L. Expositor’s Bible Commentary OT/NT. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Bergen, Robert D. NAC: 2 Samuel. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996.
Bible Study Press. The NET Bible First Edition Notes. Biblical Studies Press, 2006.
Brooks, James A. NAC: Mark. Nashville: Broadman& Holman Publishers, 1991.
Garland, David E. Baker Exegetical Commentary: 1 Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
Kruse, Colin G. 2 Corinthians. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1987.
MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Word Publishers, 1997.
Mare, W. Harold. NT Background Commentary: Words, Phrases, and Situations.Rosshire: Mentor, 2004.
Smith, Gary V. NAC: Isaiah 1-39/40-66. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2007.
Stuart, Douglas K. NAC: Exodus. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Worshipful. Colorado Springs: Cook Communications Ministries, 2004.
Willmington, H.L. The Outline Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999.
Cover to Cover Challenge logo and printed materials are property of Nazareth Baptist Church and Pastor Jason Bell. Please do not copy without written permission.