My Dear Bible Study Family & Friends,
My intention was to get through 2 Corinthians 4 & 5, but there was so much doctrine to unpack in the first few verses of chapter 4, that we were only able to get through V.1-5!
1. We were able to see that, having received mercy, we all have a ministry to fulfill while we are in this life. Let us not faint in our stewardship! V.1-2
Galatians 6:9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2. We have a message to share with this world that is shrouded in the darkness of unbelief. V.3-6
We are confronted with the truth that Satan hides the truth of the gospel from those whose minds are blinded from the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. Contrary to what postmillennialism (Christ will return after the indefinite period called the millennium) and amillennialism (there is no fixed time of a 1,000 year reign of Christ) may teach, Satan is not bound, but, is the god of this world, the roaring lion seeking to devour all who seek to live their lives in their own strength. Satan tempted Christ with the prospect of ruling the entire world, if he would kneel and worship him.
Luke 4:5-7
Ephesians 2:1-3: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-12: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1 Peter 5:8-9: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Dear friends, we were all the children of wrath, walking in lockstep with the devil, ruled by our desire for passion – the lust of the flesh, our desire for possessions – the lust of the eyes, and our desire for power – the pride of life. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ! We must share this glorious truth with all who are still dead in their trespasses and sins. Be sober, be vigilant in your ministry, and share the message of Christ. The scriptures above paint a grim picture for all who refuse the love of the truth, that they might be saved! Please read a chapter of 2 Corinthians each day this week, starting in chapter 4, and hi-light a verse that speaks to you.