NOVEMBER 2 013

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians: Growing Pains in the Body of Christ Volume One 20TH Anniversary Edition

Volume Two 25TH Anniversary Edition THE BEST OF

VOLUME ONE • 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION VOLUME TWO • 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Enjoy The Best of Today in the Word in two volumes. Each book contains 12 issues of our readers’ favorite monthly devotionals. Deepen your knowledge of God’s Word as you delve into Old and New Testament, character, and topical studies. These Today in the Word favorites will encourage and challenge you on your spiritual journey.

Learning from Bible Characters Premier Issue—Published February 1988 h Daniel Day 1 When Apollos came to Ephesus and Read: Acts 18 Daniel:spoke boldly Commitment about Jesus in the local syn- or Compromise? They invited him to their home and agogue, two of his hearers were Priscilla explained to him the way of God more and her husband, Aquila.Published They had comeJune 2005 adequately. Acts 18:26 to Ephesus with the apostle Paul to help him establish the church there (18:19; see TODAY IN THE WORD 1 Cor. 16:19). h Do well-educated Christians intimidate you? Do you ever feel like there’s little This godly couple noticed the gap in Request yours today! you have to offer these “more intellectual”Day Apollos’s 1 understanding, and invited himdoes make sense that Daniel was trained brothers and sisters? Well, take heartRead: over Daniel for 1:1–2;dinner Jeremiahand an informal 25:1–14 theologyto use a Babylonian numbering style. and meet Apollos, a teacher who was notDuring lesson Jehoiakim’s (18:26). reign, Nebuchadnez- Daniel didn’t blindly accept everything above becoming a learner! zar king of Babylon invaded the land. Did the learned professor balk at beingabout the Babylonian culture, most nota- 2 Kings 24:1 bly their pagan religion. He was caught Use the reply card in Apollos was a man who had the creden- taught theology by a pair of tentmak- tials to teach at the great universities TODAYof ers? IN ApparentlyTHE WORD not! He learned his les-in a peculiar situation, as the prophecy his day. He was educated in Alexandria—aNew Year’ssons eagerly—and Eve, 1999, saw well. the EquippedY2K wor- withof Jeremiah describes. After the destruc- city in Egypt that housed one of theriers thestocking truth, up Apollos on bottled went waterto Achaia and as tionan of the northern kingdom of Israel ancient world’s greatest libraries and pro-cannedeven goods; more theskilled turn-of-the-millen- and vigorous teacher,by the Assyrians, Daniel’s native nation this issue or online at duced some of its nest scholars. nium powerfullyenthusiasts defending planning extravagantthe truth of Godof Judah had been unwilling to listen celebrationsand becoming to usher a inleader the yearin the 2000; church toat the Word of the Lord—and judg- Apollos was a good student—and asand a theCorinth. history purists insisting there ment for their sins was sure. Daniel result he became “a learned man” whowas no reason to get excited. These was taken to Babylon after the first of TODAY ALONG THE WAY www.todayintheword.com. as a Jew also had a “thorough knowledgemathematically precise folks argued that three major attacks on Jerusalem by of the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). Thoughthe thirdAll of millennium us are teachers. wouldn’t Some ofbegin your “stu-Nebuchadnezzar’s forces. He had been his knowledge was apparently limiteduntil to dents”the 2000 mayth beyear looking had acrossended theand break- forcibly taken to live in exile. what John the Baptist had taught, Apollos2001 fasthad or begun. dinner Intable other at you! words, the put his teaching skills to work for theyear 2000 could be the turn of the mil- For Daniel, the hope of returning to his Are you also a good student? Does yourhomeland wasn’t good. Jeremiah foretold Lord. lenniumday onlyinclude if theretimes hadof Bible been reading, a year study, zero. that the Babylonian exile would last for But in those early transitional days of and prayer? If not, here’s an idea to helpseventy years (Jer. 25:11). God allowed the church, Apollos suffered from Aan look you at getthe startedaccounts without in Daniel getting 1 and discour- Nebuchadnezzar to take the people of incomplete knowledge about the personJeremiah aged. 25 presents a similar conun- Israel, the articles of the temple (Dan. of Jesus, even though the truth he taughtdrum. Why Did not Nebuchadnezzar make the commitment lay siege right now1:2), and something even more surpris- was accurate as far as it went (18:25). to Jerusalemto spend atin leastthe fteenfourth minutesyear of everying: the role of God’s servant (Jer. 25:9). Jehoiakim’sday with reign this (Jer. new 25:1) devotional or the third guide. It’sAPPLY THE WORD (Dan. 1:1)? Some scholars believe that The authenticity of Daniel is disputed by the Babylonians didn’t begin number- people who refuse to accept the possibil- ing a king’s reign until the year after ity of the supernatural elements of the he took the throne. The ascension year book: miraculous rescue, inspired wis- would essentially be that king’s “year dom, and predictive prophecy. Although zero,” while Hebrew writers would have we may say with our mouths that we referred to it as year number one. Other accept those truths, believers are some- reasonable explanations exist, but it

Thank you for your ministry partnership! www.todayintheword.com • 1-800-DL MOODY (1-800-356-6639) TODAY WITH PAUL NYQUIST President of Moody Bible Institute “Well Done”

As Christians, what Cor. 5:10), your thoughts (Luke 12:3), your should be our ambition words (Matt. 12:36), and your motives in life? In 2 Corinthi- (Heb. 4:13). Everything will be uncovered ans 5, Paul says our and laid bare before the Lord. ambition is to live a life that is pleasing to the Four th, this judgment shows the value of our Lord. But how will we lives to Christ. The Greek word translated know if we succeed? “bad” in 2 Corinthians 5:10 means Paul tells us that we will worthless. The Lord will evaluate our life to know at the judgment seat: “For we must all determine its worth—or worthlessness—for appear before the judgment seat of Christ, Christ. Of course, God does not give this so that each of us may receive what is due evaluation for His sake. He already knows us for the things done while in the body, everything about our lives. He does this for whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). our sake because our hearts are deceitful, and we can wrongly assume that our lives The judgment seat Paul refers to here is have been pleasing to Him. not to be confused with the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20. That Lastly, on this judgment day the Lord will judgment will be for unbelievers and will reward us based upon the way we lived determine their eternal destiny. The judgment our lives on earth. How will He reward seat will be for believers, and though it will us? The Bible mentions crowns that will be not determine our eternal destiny, it will bestowed and authority in the kingdom determine our eternal reward. that will be given, but the greatest reward will be hearing the Lord’s words of What will this judgment be like? In approval: “ Well done, good and faithful 2 Corinthians 5 : 10, Paul gives us five servant.” Not everyone, however, will hear descriptors. First, he says this judgment words of commendation. Some will suffer is mandatory. We must all appe ar. No regret and shame over a life that was one will be able to escape or avoid wasted (1 John 2:28). this judgment. Second, this judgment is individual. Yo u alone will stand before the One day we will be held accountable judgment seat. for building a life here on earth that was pleasing to the Lord. How do you want Third, this judgment exposes everything. this day to go for you? The wise are those The Greek word translated “a p p e ar ” here who constantly keep this day in front of means to expose. That which is done in them, because preparing for it requires secret will be revealed. Everything in your seeking the Holy Spirit’s enabling power life—the godly and the ungodly—will to do the right thing in the right way with be disclosed at the judgment seat. On the right motive each and every day of that d a y, God will judge your deeds (2 our lives here on earth.

1-800-356-6639 THEOLOGY MATTERS by John Koessler Reconciliation and Sacrifice

What is the gospel? In 2 Corinthians changed. Paul’s assertion in 2 Corinthians 5:19, the apostle Paul calls it a “message 5:19 reveals that God’s remedy for of reconciliation.” This simple description dealing with this problem was Christ says much about our relationship with Himself. Jesus did far more than provide God and the nature of the work of Christ. a good example of what righteousness Reconciliation presupposes alienation. looks like in human behavior. His death The gospel message is addressed to and resurrection are the means by which those who are God’s enemies as a result the impediment of sin is removed. God of sin (Rom. 5:10). Sinfulness is more took the initiative, “reconciling the world to than choosing to engage in acts that are himself in Christ, not counting p e o p l e’s sins displeasing to God. Sin affects our very against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). nature. It leaves us unwilling and unable to submit to God’s law (Rom. 8:7). Even God did not lower His standard of when we agree that God’s law is h o l y, righteousness and sweep our sins under righteous, and good, the presence of sin the rug. Instead, He punished His Son robs us of the capacity to act according in our place. This was the reason Jesus to this knowledge. died on the cross. The law of God made the sacrificial death of Christ a divine Sin creates a twofold problem for us. necessity, occasioned by our sin. Jesus’ Internally it gives us a disposition that death and resurrection is the only remedy is not naturally inclined to seek God that can fully and finally remove both the in the way He wants to be found. This power and the guilt of sin. is a universal condition, even among those who are religiously inclined: “A s Colossians 1:21–23 describes Christ’s it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, power to reconcile us to God: “Once not even one; there is no one who you were alienated from God and understands; there is no one who seeks were enemies in your minds because God’ ” (Rom. 3:10–11). Sin also leaves us of your evil behavior. But now he has guilty before God both for the things we reconciled you by Christ’s physical body have done and the things we have left through death to present you holy in undone. his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, If we are to be reconciled to God, our sin established and firm, and do not move must be forgiven and our nature must be from the hope held out in the gospel.”

For Further Study

To learn more about how Christ’s death reconciles us to God, read The Cross: The Vindication of God by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Banner of Truth).

www.todayintheword.com FROM THE EDITORS by Elena Mafter Encounters with Jesus: The story of Philip Hirschy

In the August issue of Today in the Word, few inches and a few seconds were the we asked you to send us stories of your difference between life and death. A few encounters with Jesus. Thank you for your inches and a few seconds away—that’s response! It was a joy to read your let- also how close he felt Christ has been to ters and emails, to marvel with you at the him. In his letter to Today in the Word, Lord’s presence in your life and His tender Hirschy writes: care of yo u, and in the process, to get to know some of you better—an experience I’ d like to recount a miracle that had its we wanted to share with all our readers. beginning over [63] years ago in Honnef, We decided to start a series “Encounters Germany. A few days after our unit with J e sus,” dedicated to your accounts of crossed the Remagen Bridge, an artillery God at work in your life. barrage zeroed in on our motor po ol, and an 88-mm airburst laced me with This month, w e ’d like you to meet Philip shrapnel. The shrapnel missed my heart Hirschy, a retired high school physics by ¼ of an inch. Rushed to a field hos- teacher who started his career as an pital, I was operated on by a competent educator in 194 8. Now in his late 80s, he Army surgeon, then flown from Bonn to is a veteran Today in the Word reader, a a hospital in England, and after a month friend and supporter of our devotional of recuperation—to Crile General Army since the day it started, and a faithful stu- Hospital in Parma, Ohio. In September dent of God’s Word . 194 5, I was given an honorable medical discharge and began classes at Geneva The Bible says in Psalm 145:18, “The Lord College. is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” How near has been After 35 years of teaching physics in the the Lord to Phil Hirschy? In 2004, speak- local high school and 21 years of retire- ing before his former students in Evans ment, I was diagnosed with a blocked C i t y, PA, at the 50th reunion of the class carotid a r t e r y. A pre-surgery X-ray of ’54, he answered this question. He told revealed a piece of shrapnel just below his middle-aged former students that i t ’s my left lung. The doctor immediately a miracle he is standing before them, an canceled the MRI as too dangerous: the 80-year-old man in good health. “But for magnetic field could cause the metal in the providence of a loving God, I would my lung to rip through and possibly kill have been dead years ago—twice in me. At this point I remembered a field Germany during World War II, and on at trip with my physics students years ago least three other occasions after the war.” when we visited the nuclear lab operated He added that on all these occasions, a jointly by the University of Pittsburgh and

Continued on page 38

1-800-356-6639 Volume 26 Issue 11

executive eDitOR Paul B. currie

Managing eDitOR Heather Moffitt

assOciate eDitOR 2 Corinthians: Growing Pains in the Body of Christ elena Mafter cOntRiButing eDitORs John Koessler the genre of autobiography has endured since antiquity, Kim Pickett giving us some of the most memorable books of world WRiteR literature. Many personal biographies help us under- Bryan stewart stand the times through the lens of the author’s life. The 1-800-DL MO ODY Confessions of St. Augustine unveil the life of christians (356-6639) www.moodyministries.net in fourth-century north africa, while those of Rousseau portray life of eighteenth-century France. elie Wiesel’s Night depicts the horror of the Holocaust through the writer’s ordeal at a nazi concentration camp.

PResiDent J. Paul nyquist Paul’s letter to the church in corinth, 2 corinthians, PROvOst though not a biography, offers the most personal and Junias venugopal the most autobiographical glimpse into the apostle’s executive vice PResiDent life. When we read his credentials as the minister of the anD cHieF OPeRatin g gospel, as well as his accounts of the trials and tribula- OFFiceR steven Mogck tions of his life, we also learn about his time, about the

seniOR vice PResiDent successes and the struggles of the church . . . and about greg R. thornton ourselves. cHieF FinanciaL OFFiceR Ken Heulitt this month in Today in the Word, we will look at what vice PResiDents Paul has to say to the church in corinth: forgiveness, the elizabeth Brown Larry Davidhizar reconciling love of christ, generosity, joy and sorrow, the Lloyd R. Dodson glory and the light of the gospel. We will also look at Jim elliott Bruce everhart the body of christ t o d a y. Paul’s life, his passion for the christine gorz John a. Jelinek church, and his love for christ will help us better under- collin g. Lambert stand what it means to be a christian in the twenty-first Frank W. Leber Jr. thomas a. shaw c e n t ur y. James spencer tRustee cHaiRMan thank you for studying with us and for supporting Today Jerry B. Jenkins in the Word and M o o d y ’s ministries! tRustees christopher Denison t. Randall Fairfax thomas s. Fortson Manuel gutierrez J. Paul nyquist Moody Bible Institute is the sole publisher of Today in the Word, copyright Bervin c. Peterson © 2013 by Moody Bible Institute. All rights reserved. Please direct all Today David schipper in the Word inquiries to Donor Resource Management, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Julianna slattery Chicago, IL 60610. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Paul von tobel Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Mark Wagn er Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken from Richard e. Warren the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, Richard Yo o k 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Printed in the U.S.A. Today in the Word is published monthly. tRustee eMeRitus Printed on 30% recycled paper. Paul Johnson

www.todayintheword.com Read: 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 Friday, November 1

Comfort in Suffering

Letter writing in the ancient world was suffering for Christ), but so too is comfort. a common way for people to keep in For Christians, the two go hand in hand. touch. The apostle Paul was no exception; Paul also reminds us that comfort often he regularly wrote to his church comes through the body of Christ: plants to answer questions, exhort his “Praise be to . . . the God of all comfort, congregations, and encourage young who comforts us in all our troubles, Christians. so that we can comfort those in any trouble” ( v v. 3–4). Paul’s While 2 Corinthians does understanding of the body all of these things, Paul We know that just of Christ is profound: also had to combat some as you share in our we share in each other’s who were undermining sufferings, so also sufferings, and can his authority and accusing you share in our offer God’s comfort to one him of lying about comfort. another. In Christ, we are returning to Corinth (see truly connected. 1 Cor. 16:5). Paul’s letter 2 Corinthians 1:7 addressed those concerns, What is the comfort we first by proclaiming the legitimacy of his offer to others? Simply put, it is the apostleship (v. 1), and then by explaining faithful reliance upon “the God of all that his delay in coming was partly due comfort” (v. 3). Christian comfort is not a to his sufferings in Asia. While bolstering matter of stoic self-endurance, but a deep his legitimacy as an apostle willing to trust in the God who “raises the dead” (v. suffer for Christ, Paul’s opening words also 9), who in Christ has delivered us from provide us with important truths about ultimate de ath, and upon whom “we Christian suffering. have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us” (v. 10). In short, our hope in Suffering, Paul tells us, is part of our Christ is the deepest comfort we have and Christian experience (especially when can give to others.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

Today is All Saints’ Day, when traditionally We invite you to pray for the Christians recognize the “great cloud of witnesses” Engineering Operations in Christ who surround us (Heb. 12:1). Take department. Al Campa, Thomas comfort in the example of the many faithful Drost, and Jaime Ixcaragua believers who have preceded you. Also pray for maintain Moody’s infrastructure in excellent condition. They will be suffering Christians, asking God to fill them with grateful for your prayer support the true comfort of Christ. t o d a y.

6 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4 Saturday, November 2

The Trustworthy Character of God

One old adage says: “Sticks and stones That emphasis on God’s character may break my b ones, but names will never emerges again in later verses. Although hurt me.” According to this sentiment, no Paul’s plans did change, the message of amount of taunting and insult can really the gospel of Christ, the very promises cause us harm. of God, did not. There is no ambiguity in Christ (“yes” and “no”), but a resounding The truth is, attacks on our character “Yes!” If the Corinthians were to trust do harm us, and Paul’s Paul, they should do so accusers deeply wounded because of the steadfast him by spreading lies For no matter how faithfulness of God Himself. about his motives and What makes Paul (or sincerity. Paul continued many promises any Christian) stand firm, his epistle by defending his God has made, but God Himself, who character and explaining they are “ Ye s” anointed us, sealed us, and his change of plans. in Christ. deposited His Spirit within us Our character should 2 Corinthians 1:20 ? First, he asserted his be a reflection of God’s upright conduct. He could character. be trusted, he said, because his sincerity applied both to his actions Thus, Paul’s decision to write a letter toward the Corinthians and to his letter rather than make a second painful writing. But notice where Paul grounded visit, was made out of love for the his self-defense: not in himself, but in Corinthians, not out of insincerity. This is God. His “holiness and sincerity” were the mark of a true minister of Christ— “from God,” and his actions relied not one whose conduct is driven not by on worldly wisdom, but “o n God’s grace” personal interest, but by a strong love for (1:12). God, not Paul, was the foundation the body of Christ. of Paul’s trustworthiness.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

Paul described a high standard for spiritual As we continue to pray for leaders of the church—to ground all conduct in Engineering Operations, please the grace of God and be motivated by love for add Gerald Malozienc, John the body of Christ. Without God’s grace, no Fraats, and Joshua Wo o ds to church would ever know spiritual growth. As your your prayer list. Their work may be behind the scenes, but i t ’s pastor prepares for Sunday worship tomorrow, important for all departments pray for him that his character and ministry would and ministries on our Chicago reflect the character of God. campus.

Today in the Word • 7 Read: 2 Corinthians 2:5–11 Sunday, November 3

The Call to Forgive

Many people think personal insults de- Second, Paul’s concern was not about serve unrelenting retaliation. Whatever demanding unrelenting punishment but harm is done to you should be returned ultimately about restoration of the sin- with equal or greater offense. In today’s ner. Discipline was necessary, and Paul’s passage, the apostle Paul describes a dif- earlier letter seemed to call for this (v. ferent way to react to insults. 9), but now Paul urged them to “forgive and comfort” and to “reaffirm your love The specific details are un- for him” (vv. 7–8). Notice known, but someone in the Paul’s communal, rather Corinthian community had You ought to forgive than personal, concern. grieved the Apostle and Even Paul’s own granting of the whole congregation. and comfort him, so forgiveness was “for your Paul had written his tear- that he will not be sake” (v. 10). ful letter to address the is- overwhelmed by sue, and disciplinary action excessive sorrow. It may not always be an was taken by the commu- easy course, but a faith- 2 Corinthians 2:7 nity. But things did not end ful Christian response to there. Paul’s current advice sin and personal offense to the Corinthians outlines includes both discipline the appropriate Christian response to sin and forgiveness, with the ultimate goal and personal offense. being the restoration of the sinner and the healing of the entire community. Focus First, Paul’s concern was not person- on personal offense alone loses sight of al offense against him but rather the the importance of the community; and an damage done within the community over-emphasis on punishment leaves the (v. 5). The strife within the body of Christ community broken and the sinner without affords opportunity for Satan to gain reconciliation. a foothold.

Apply the Word Pray with Us

Consider who in your church community has hurt Dr. Junias Venugopal, provost and you. Decide today to write or speak to that dean of education, oversees person, not for personal retaliation, but to offer Moody’s education branch on forgiveness and love in order to bring restoration. all Moody’s campuses: in It is not an easy task; ask God for the strength to Chicago,IL, in Plymouth, MI, and Spokane, WA. Please uphold do so. Dr. Venugopal and his team in your prayers today.

8 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 2:12–17 Monday, November 4

The Aroma of Christ

Odor is a powerful thing. The faintest Greek translation of the Old Testament to aroma can evoke powerful memories of describe the offerings presented to God. a loved one or of a pleasant experience A life transformed by the gospel is nothing from long ago. Other times a stench can short of a pleasing aroma to Him. repel us, stomachs lurching in disgust. God is not the only one who “smells” a In t o d a y’ s reading, the apostle Paul lik- life that preaches Christ; the entire world ened the preaching of breathes in our gospel life. the gospel to the power Not everyone feels the of scent! God’s plans for But thanks be same way about this smell. proclaiming the gospel are to God . . . who To those who are perish- not always ours. He opens uses us to spread ing, we are the stench of doors in one place and the aroma of the death. To those who are moves us along to another being saved, we are the knowledge of him at His will. But in all circum- fragrance of life. There is stances, Paul gave thanks everywhere. no neutrality toward the that God chooses to use 2 Corinthians 2:14 gospel of Christ. Our task us “to spread the aroma of is to be faithful in pro- the knowledge of him ev- claiming it. erywhere” ( v. 14 ). Paul’s final words call us back to the chal- Four times Paul described the message lenge. “Who is equal to such a task?” Not of Christ as an “aroma.” Notice that most those who preach for their own benefit, importantly, Scripture says that we are but only those who are grounded in Christ an aroma “to God” ( v. 15 ). Our lives are and His call. It is God’s work, not ours. We likened to a sweet-smelling sacrifice (see are simply the royal censer in the King’s Rom. 12:1). In fact, Paul is using a Greek hands. word here that was found throughout the

Apply the Word Pray with Us

We are reminded that our lives are to be a We value the expertise and pleasing aroma to God and a faithful proclama- passion for teaching of our tion of Christ to the world. Is there something you Undergraduate faculty! For the can do today that will spread the fragrance of next three days, join us in prayer for the faculty in our Theology God’s grace? Call someone who is lonely. department. To d a y, please pray Encourage them and ask God for an opportunity for John Clark, David Finkbeiner, to share the gospel. and Marcus Johnson.

Today in the Word • 9 Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1–11 Tuesday, November 5

The Surpassing Glory of the Gospel

In the PBS program, Antiques Roadshow, between the ministry of the old covenant, expert appraisers analyze the authentic- enacted with Israel, and the ministry of the ity and value of antique pieces brought promised new covenant under Christ. The by local residents. Often, the value of a old ministry under Moses “was engraved piece is substantially higher if the owner in letters on stone” (v. 7; see Ex. 34:29). has some sort of documentation about its Although glorious in its own right, the law origins or history. In the marketplace, writ- brought death and condemnation and ten documentation bolsters had a fading quality. The authenticity. new covenant, however, is For what was not written on an inanimate Paul challenged such think- glorious has object but comes through ing when it comes to the no glory now the Spirit. And unlike the Christian life. The Corinthi- in comparison old covenant which kills, the ans should need no letters new covenant brings life with the surpassing of recommendation from and righteousness. This new Paul, or vice versa. Their gl o r y. covenant under Christ will own Spirit-filled lives were 2 Corinthians 3:10 last, and its glory far sur- nothing short of a “let- passes the glory of the old. ter from Christ” (v. 3). The Christian life is not engraved on stone or Paul did not reject the old covenant as written with ink; it is life of the Spirit, writ- evil, only as lacking compared with the ten on the heart. new. The Christian life is not about writ- ten codes and legalism that only produce Paul had in mind Jeremiah 31:31–34, condemnation. Rat h e r, the righteous- which speaks of God’s promise of a new ness of the Christian life comes from the covenant written on the people’s hearts. Spirit of the new covenant written on our This leads Paul into a fuller comparison hearts.

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The Christian life should be like a living letter Please include in your prayers proclaiming the surpassing glory of the new the Theology professors Bryan covenant in Christ. Think of three people you will Litfin, Michael McDuffee, Sanjay meet today and consider how your words or Merchant, and Bryan O’Neal. deeds might express Christ’s glory. Ask the Holy And they ask you to pray for our students as they hear the Spirit to prepare you to convey the righteousness powerful messages of Spiritual and life that comes only in the gift of the new Enrichment Week that starts covenant. t o d a y.

10 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 3:12–18 Wednesday, November 6

The Unveiling Power of the Gospel

In some marriage ceremonies, a bride’s though it was). Instead, the problem was face will be hidden behind a veil un- the hardness of the p e o p l e’s hearts to til the moment when the veil is removed receive the true glory contained in it. So and the bride is revealed to her new when the law was read, they were blind- husband. The removal of the veil ed to the reality of Christ’s fulfilling and symbolizes a fuller beholding and surpassing glory brought with the new understanding. covenant. As Paul says, “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil The image of the veil played covers their hearts” (v. 15). an important role in Paul’s But whenever continued discussion of the anyone turns to What is the solution to this old and new covenants. veiling? Scripture is clear: Having affirmed the bold- the Lord, the veil is “Whenever anyone turns ness of the new covenant taken a w a y. to the Lord, the veil is taken gos pel, Paul next contrast- 2 Corinthians 3:16 away” (v. 16). Only turning ed that gospel boldness to Christ, through the pow- with the old covenant under er of the Spirit, will remove Moses, who veiled his face after receiving the veil and free us from the old l a w. Just the Ten Commandments on Sinai (see Ex. as Moses removed the veil when he met 34:29–35). That literal veil now works as with the Lord (Ex. 34: 34), so too when we a metaphor for a lack of understanding turn to the Lord He removes the veil from among the people when the old covenant our hear ts. Now unveiled, we behold the is re ad. full glory of the Lord (in Christ), reflect His glory to the world, and are being trans- The problem, however, was not Moses formed into His likeness by the Spirit. or the glory of the old covenant (fading

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Paul’s message about the power of the gospel is As we conclude our prayers for primarily about a Spirit-transformed life. If we are the Theology faculty, would you Christ’s unveiled bride, beholding His unfading remember Gregg Quiggle, David g l o r y, how will that change us? List some areas of Rim, Richard Weber, and Kevin your life that still need to be conformed to Christ’s Zuber during your time with the Lord today? Pray that their likeness, and ask the Spirit to continue His work in teaching would always bring y o u, powerfully transforming you into the image glory to God. of our Lord.

Today in the Word • 11 Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 Thursday, November 7

The Piercing Light of the Gospel

Browse through a bookstore or turn on plain, trusting in the Spirit’s work; we the television and you may see “preach- do not need to manipulate or distort ers” who distort the gospel with messages the message in order to win converts. of self-help, prosperity, or endless good Straightforward truthfulness about health. For many of these hucksters, their God’s Word is powerful in its own right. message is more about themselves than about Christ. Moreover, Paul’s message was not about himself. His goal was to As seen already in our make plain: “Jesus Christ study, Paul himself was is Lord” (v. 5). And impor- accused of being a For what we preach tantly, it was grounded in self-promoting phony is not ourselves, but personal experience. He by some in Corinth, and Jesus Christ spoke of the God who in chapter 4 Paul re- “made his light shine in as Lord. turned to a defense of our hearts to give us the his own ministry. Here 2 Corinthians 4:5 light of the knowledge we learn some impor- of God’s glory displayed tant principles about in the face of Christ” gospel ministry. First, ( v. 6). Perhaps Paul had Paul explained the manner of minis - in mind his own conversion when “a try: he did not use “secret and shame - light from heaven flashed around him” ful” methods of deception and dis- (Acts 9:3), and he met the risen Christ. tortion ( v. 2); instead, he preached Only when Paul had experienced the the gospel plainly. True, some did not piercing light of the gospel in his own receive that message, but that was heart could he then take that message because the “g o d of this age” had to the world. As one commentator puts it: blinded them to the truth (v. 4). Gospel “We can only preach to others the Christ proclamation should make God’s Word we have met for ourselves.”

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To be true to the gospel message that “Jesus As you come to the Lord in Christ is Lord,” we must first know the transforming prayer today, ask Him to bless salvation of Christ in our lives. If you have not the ministry of Troy Fichter and made that personal commitment that Jesus is your Josie Scott, the staff of our Lord and Savior, make today that day. If you have, athletic facility, the Solheim Center. They work hard serving pray for God’s help to take that message of our students and facilitating the saving love to the world. sports outreach to the community.

12 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 Friday, November 8

Treasure in Clay Pots

In biblical times, clay jars were commonly only highlights the power of God within used for mundane things like water, grains, us. The suffering we know is a witness or even trash. If such a pot broke, it was both to the death of Christ in us, and to no great loss. Valuable treasures like gold, the life of Jesus “revealed in our mor- jewelry, or ointments, however, would be tal body” (v. 11). What we suffer, Christ placed in expensive containers. suffers with us because He is in us. The humility of being clay pots also highlights It is humbling to see that the “all-surpassing power” Scripture calls us “jars of of God within us ( v. 7). clay” ( v. 7). But that is what But we have this we are. In our present state, treasure in jars of Finally, our clay-pot lives Christian life and minis- clay to show that also point to a promise try does not take away this all-surpassing of hope for the future. our brokenness. Like Paul, What gives us confidence power is from God we experience perplex- to proclaim Christ despite i t y, persecution, and pain. and not from us. our continued broken- We know death and sor- 2 Corinthians 4:7 ness? It is the reality that row. Outwardly, our mortal “the one who raised the bodies are “wasting away” Lord Jesus from the dead (v. 16). will also raise us with Jesus” (v. 14). Out- wardly, our lives may know troubles, yet The difference between life with Christ “inwardly we are being renewed day by and life without Christ is not the absence day” (v. 16). In Christ, there awaits for us of such fragility; rather, unlike clay pots an “eternal glory that far outweighs them in most first-century homes, we have all” (v. 17). That is where our eyes should “treasure” inside. Our own weakness be fixed.

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In the song, “ Yo ur Hands,” singer-songwriter Dr. Paul Nyquist, M o o d y ’s J. J. Heller captures the brokenness, pain, and president, invites you to lift up in weariness of “unanswered prayers and trouble I prayer the students of Moody as wish wasn’t there.” Ye t recognizing Christ’s they conclude Spiritual promise to “o n e day set all things right,” the refrain Enrichment We ek. Let us praise God for blessing our students echoes the hope of t o d a y ’s reading: “When my with this opportunity to deepen heart is breaking, I never leave Yo ur hands.” their walk with Jesus.

Today in the Word • 13 Read: 2 Corinthians 5:1–10 Saturday, November 9

Longing for Home

Longing is something we all know about. of being. Notice that the desire is not to A deployed soldier longs to be reunit- be “unclothed” (that is, without a body), ed with family. A homesick child longs but to be “clothed” with a renewed body. for her parents. An ailing patient longs The New Living Translation captures Paul’s for healing. And deep within us all, we point well: “we groan and sigh, but it’s not long for the full satisfaction of God’s that we want to die and get rid of these presence. bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so Scripture speaks of this that these dying bodies will longing by comparing our Meanwhile we be swallowed up by life.” earthly, mortal existence groan, longing to with the promised heav- be clothed instead This longing is what we enly one to come. Continu- with our heavenly have been made for. God ing his earlier discussion dwelling. created us for Himself—to of our mortal bodies as know Him, love Him, and jars of clay, Paul explained 2 Corinthians 5:2 be in His presence. In our that we are presently in an present state, we do not “earthly tent” subject to destruction. But fully experience that purpose, but He we naturally desire something more. With has given us His Spirit as a down pay- sighing and groaning, we long for our ment. For now we live by faith, but soon “eternal house in heaven” (v. 1). we will behold Him and be with Him fully. Until then, Scripture calls us to live out The contrast here, however, is not our heavenly promise even here in our between physical and nonphysical bod- present state, remembering what awaits ies but between an earthly, corruptible us. That longing within us is there for a existence and a new, incorruptible state reason!

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What longings or dissatisfactions do you have in The staff of Radio Moody asks life? In one sense, every yearning we know is a you to pray for their service of shadow of the deeper desire to be renewed and reaching the Spanish-speaking in the presence of God. List some of your community. Remember in prayer personal longings and then place them before Elsa Mazon, Gerson Garcia, and Mercida Garcia-Rojas and ask God in prayer, asking Him to turn those earthly God to impart His wisdom on aches into a fuller longing for our eternal home their hearts as they spread His with Him. Word.

14 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11–15 Sunday, November 10

The Compelling Love of Christ

In a.d. 452, Attila the Hun advanced on (v. 14, esv). Interpreters don’t all agree about Rome. As the people quailed and the what this means. One option is to see this emperor hesitated, one man stepped for- as our love for Christ which motivates us. ward: an unarmed pastor named Leo met Because we love Him, we serve Him. the barbarian Attila. Risking his own life, Leo took forward the peace of Christ and Another option, which seems better sup- negotiated Rome’s safety. ported by the remaining context, is the idea that Christ’s love for us What would compel a is so powerful that we are man to such sacrificial risk- For Christ’s motivated to take that love taking? Perhaps Leo un- love compels us, to the world. Notice that derstood today’s Scripture because we are twice Paul emphasizes that about the motivating pur- convinced that one “Christ died for all.” It was pose of gospel ministry. The died for all. Christ’s sacrificial action goal in proclaiming the gos- that becomes the motiva- pel is not to commend our- 2 Corinthians 5:14 tor here. selves to the world. In fact, the world might find us “out of our mind” (v. Grounded in that knowledge, Paul 13). But as Paul says, our focus should be not explains that “those who live should no on what is seen but “what is in the heart” (v. longer live for themselves but for him who 12). Gospel ministry does not make sense died for them and was raised again” (v. to the wisdom of the world; something 15). What would motivate anyone to risk hidden deep within us must be the reputation, safety, even life, to take the driving force. message of Christ to the world? Only someone captured by the compelling love So what is that hidden driving force? of Christ. Paul is clear: “Christ’s love compels us”

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Around the world today, countless Christians are Please pray for senior vice compelled by Christ’s love to take the message president of Media, Greg of Christ’s salvation to their neighbors. Many Thornton, and all the work that suffer severely for it. Would you commit each he and his staff are doing to use day this week to pray for those who suffer for modern media in the most efficient and creative ways for Christ? Also pray for those who hear the gospel, God’s kingdom. God empowers that they would respond to the compelling love their efforts, and your prayer of Christ in faith. support is vital!

Today in the Word • 15 Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16–6:2 Monday, November 11

A Ministry of Reconciliation

Today the word reconciliation can be Notice how this reconciliation came used about anything from contradictory about. We did not initiate it or accomplish testimony to bank statements. The Latin it. God reconciled us to Himself, not the word means “to reunite” and carries a re- other way around! And it was through lational tone. Whether between nations, Christ that we are reunited to God, not people groups, family members, or for- through our own efforts. As Paul himself mer partners, at its most basic meaning summarizes, “All this is from God” (5:18). the language of reconcili- We certainly enjoy the ation involves personal re- benefits of this reconcilia- lationships. God was tion, but it was God who reconciling the made it happen. Used five different times world to Himself . . . by Paul, the idea of and has committed Finally, what starts as a reconciliation is central personal restoration ul- to us the message to today’s re ading. Re- timately leads to an out- union between God and of reconciliation. ward ministry in the world. humanity is fundamental 2 Corinthians 5:19 Because we are now rec- to the gospel. The prob- onciled to God in Christ, lem was our sin, which had He has given us the min- broken that relationship with God. Yet istry and message of reconciliation. We now through Christ, there is reconciliation are “Christ’s ambassadors” (5:20), and between God and humanity. Our sins are now God uses us to appeal to the world: no longer counted against us because Be reconciled to God! Because we know he “who had no sin [became] sin for us” the personal, reconciling love of God, we (5:21). Instead of enmity with God, there can turn to the world and say, “now is is now restoration and new creation: “the the time of God’s favor, now is the day of old has gone, the new has come” (5:17). salvation” (6:2).

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Reconciliation applies not just to our relationship Moody Radio’s Programming with God but to each other as well. Paul urges us department pours their time and to view each other as new creations in Christ. talent into making our radio With which family member, friend, or sibling in ministry the most effective, inspiring, and useful for our Christ’s body do you need to be reconciled? listeners. Will you lift up to the Seek reconciliation in your personal relationships, Lord the work of Daniel remembering the effort that God has made to be Anderson, Maureen Ber, Mark reconciled to you. Breta, and Daniel Craig?

16 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 6:3–13 Tuesday, November 12

The Suffering and Joy of Ministry

In many urban environments, having work, sleepless nights, and hunger” ( v. “street cred” means you have earned a 5). These are the kinds of sacrifices Paul level of respect based on your experi- made for the sake of the gospel. ence of surviving difficult circumstances. Because you have endured hardships, Second, Paul encouraged them to exam- you have genuine credibility among your ine his life. What did they see? Virtue and peers. truthful speech. Paul demonstrated purity, knowledge, patience, kind- In t o d a y ’s reading, Paul ness, and love. His speech outlined for the Corin- We have spoken was truthful and his life thians his own ministry freely to yo u, displayed righteousness. In “street cred.” He wanted Corinthians, and other words, Paul’s life dis- no stumbling block to im- opened wide our played the fruit of the Spirit pede either the gospel or hearts to yo u. (Gal. 5:22–23). An impor- their growth, and Paul’s tant mark of true ministers long list of experience 2 Corinthians 6:11 of the gospel is their life. shows us what true min- istry looks like: enduring through thick Finally, Paul explained the paradox of and thin. First, Paul knew sacrifice in the his ministry. From an outward perspec- face of physical opposition and depri- tive, Paul was dishonored, slandered, vation. He lists the external hardships he and seen as dying, sorrowful, and knew—beatings, imprisonments, even impoverished. But according to Paul, the riots. We also know that Paul did not reality is something else. He was known rely on the Corinthians for support (1 by God, truly alive, joyful, and rich. Cor. 9:12–15), but used his tent-making Because of this inner hidden reality, Paul’s skills to make a living. This was likely in ministry was marked by openness of heart mind when Paul speaks here of “hard and genuine warmth for the Corinthians.

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How often do we take for granted the sacrifices We once again ask for your and hardships our church leaders endure for the prayers for the staff of Moody sake of the gospel and our spiritual growth? Radio Programming. Please Today offer encouragement and gratitude by praise the Lord for Jon Gauger, sending them a thoughtful note, calling them on Anita Lustrea, Lori Neff, and Melinda Schmidt and for the the phone, or stopping by their office. They have scope, both geographically and given much. What will you give in return? spiritually, that their ministry reaches.

Today in the Word • 17 Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 Wednesday, November 13

A Call to Purity

Some things just do not belong together. Paul grounded these contrasts in the You do not wear a wedding dress to the promises and declarations of God in dirt races. You do not put a wolf in a sheep Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament, pen. And most people do not want pickles God had called His people to Himself. He with ice cream or soda with milk. promised to be with them, to walk among them, and to be their Father. In turn, they What is true in our ordinary lives, Paul would be His people, His sons and daugh- says is even truer when it ters (see Lev. 26:12–13; Isa. comes to the spiritual life: Since we have 52:11). We belong, not to “do not be yoked together these promises, the world, but to God. with unbelievers” (6:14). The language of “yoked” dear friends, let us Those promises of God is stronger than mere as- purify ourselves lead to new life. Just as sociation; Paul’s use of from everything God relieved Israel from expressions like “have in that contaminates the “yoke” of Egyptian common,” “fellowship,” and body and spirit. bondage and joined them “harmony” convey a deep to Himself, so now the body 2 Corinthians 7:1 connection. And using a of Christ should have fel- string of contrasting oppo- lowship with His purity. The sites, he explained why Christians should call is not to separate from living in the not share in deep fellowship with unbe- world, but to withdraw from the ways of lievers. There is no shared life between the surrounding culture and to commit righteousness and wickedness, between ourselves “body and spirit” to the ways of light and dark, between Christ and Belial, Christ. The call to holiness is a response to or between the temple of God and idols. the saving work of God.

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How well do you live out today’s call to purity? In conclusion of our prayers for Is your mind influenced more by Hollywood or Moody Radio Programming, Scripture? Are your desires shaped more by please include Mike Kellogg, advertisements or worship? To what lifestyle Nathan McMillan, Dennis Nugent, changes (big or small) might God be calling and Yahir Vergara. May the programs they create and you that you would grow into fuller fellowship produce continue to inspire, with Him? comfort, teach, and encourage our listeners.

18 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 7:2–12 Thursday, November 14

Joy in Godly Sorrow

Every parent knows the need for discipline pastor more joy than hearing about a in a child’s life. When a son or daughter congregation’s godly repentance over sin. has strayed, no parent wants to see their Paul referred again to the “tearful letter” child continue in habits of destruction and he had sent earlier (see 2 Cor. 2:4). That disobedience. Discipline is applied, some- letter clearly caused sorrow, and Paul re- times painfully so. The purpose is not the gretted it at first. But then he was made pain itself, but to instill sorrow over sin and happy. Their sorrow had led to repen- to cultivate a heart that de- tance as God intended. sires godly obedience. Godly sorrow “Worldly sorrow,” Paul Paul knew something of brings repentance says, “brings death” ( v. this parental challenge. that leads to 10). The world is sorry for Like a parent toward his salvation . . . but getting caught or for the Corinthian children, Paul personal consequences worldly sorrow loved them with an open sin brings, but there is no hear t, and would even brings deat h. spiritual change. Godly “live or die with you” 2 Corinthians 7:10 sorrow, on the other hand, ( v. 3). He had a genuine “brings repentance that concern for them and took leads to salvation.” Tr ue great pride in them. He valued their affec- repentance over sin sees the wrong that tion for him as well. But what in the Corinthian has been done, knows true sorrow over congregation brought Paul joy? It the offense it brings to God, confesses was the report from Titus about their that sin, and also desires to amend o n e’s sorrow! Why? life. Notice the Corinthian “readiness to see justice done” (v. 11). Sorrow over sin Besides seeing a congregation thrive may be painful but it ultimately leads in spiritual growth, nothing brings a to life.

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Facing our sin is no fun, but it is absolutely The work of Dr. Thomas Shaw, essential to spiritual growth. Ask the Holy Spirit vice president of Student and to shape your conscience as He wills. In sorrow- Enrollment Services, covers a ful repentance, confess your sin to God with a wide range of services to our desire to amend your life. Thankfully, God has students. Yo ur prayers will be an encouragement and a blessing promised to forgive our sins when we confess, for him and his staff in all the joys and fill us with the strength we need to live for and challenges of their work Him (1 John 1:9). responsibilities.

Today in the Word • 19 Question and Answer By Mike Kellogg, Moody Radio Host

What is meant by the seek him, but that such a man has become passage, “Seek the incapable of seeking for God. But if a man Lord while he may be or woman truly seeks God, He will be found; … Let them turn found and He will pour out His mercy. to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them” (Isa. 55:6–7)? My pastor believes that when we die These verses are a warning to we’ll have different those who, for whatever reason, bodies, and we will not put off a desire to find out the recognize each other in heaven. real meaning of life in order to pursue a passion for fulfillment in the lust of Frankly, I find it hard to believe the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride that when we die, we will of life. It is a battle all of us face when we know less than what we know decide which things are most important to us. now. I think, except for some momentary lapses, where we are trying to Within all of us is what the philosopher remember and recite several names at once Pascal called a God-shaped vacuum, and in formal introductions, for the most part I we look for something that will fill that can certainly remember the names of family, emptiness. We sense that hollowness and friends, and acquaintances. And I think when we try to fill it at first with things and then I get to heaven not only will I remember their perhaps with significance, power, or fame. names and they’ll remember mine, but we’ll Some discover almost immediately that recognize each other too. We’ll remember the things they can hold in their hand are the rich conversations and circumstances of not nearly as satisfying as the immaterial, our lives. spiritual things that they can’t hold. King David said of his child who died Some are distracted in their quest by the shortly after birth, “I will go to him [referring immediacy of the world and the friendships to seeing the child after death], but he will surrounding them. They stop their pursuit not return to me [in this life]” (2 Sam. 12:23). of God and begin to reach out and grasp In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus pleasure. God is no longer a priority. They we find another evidence of recognition have lost touch with God. Sadly, this can be in the next life as well. The rich man was in a part of life even for those who serve in torment in Hades, but he recognized that our churches. Once you have allowed your the beggar Lazarus was enjoying peace life to be overwhelmed by the interests of and comfort at the side of Abraham (Luke this world, it is hard to reestablish a thirst 16: 19–23). This story that our Savior told and priority for godly things. It is difficult indicates that our memories will be intact for an old man to turn back to God after in heaven. There’s no reason to believe that living a careless life or an easily distracted friendships begun on earth will not continue spiritual life. It is not that God is unwilling to to grow when we are in glory. Continued on next page

20 • Moody Bible Institute All of us face a battle when we decide which things are most important to us.

Continued from previous page In the Transfiguration When Jesus ascended of Jesus, the disciples to be with the Father— Peter, James, and what we call the John are with Christ Ascension—was it in a when suddenly on the mountain true bodily form? they saw Elijah and Moses. My question is, how did they The resurrection and the recognize Elijah and Moses when ascension of Jesus Christ they lived and died years before had to be in bodily form they were born? as both the evidence and demonstration of Jesus’ victory over the Certainly one of the greatest power of death. Scriptural evidence is of the miracles in the Gospels found throughout the Word. The facts of was the Transfiguration. Christ’s the Ascension are described in Acts 1:1–11. clothes became dazzling white, It was a bodily ascension visible to all. whiter than the most brilliant of whites. And there suddenly appeared before the There is no question that Christ arose disciples the Old Testament saints Elijah and from the dead with the same body that Moses who were talking with Jesus. Peter— was impaled on the cross when He bore never at a loss for words—interrupted our sins on Calvary. His resurrected body the scene: “ ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be was different in some ways than His here. Let us put up three shelters—one for body prior to death: He was capable y o u, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He of walking through walls and suddenly did not know what to s a y, they were all so appearing in a place (see Luke 24 and frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and John 20). He also had the capacity enveloped them, and a voice came from the for eating fish that He prepared for cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to His disciples on the be ach, so He was him!’” (Mark 9:5–7). N o, Peter this is not a certainly not a ghost or other immaterial time for talking; i t ’s a time for listening! apparition. His body was recognizable to His disciples, and He even invited Thomas The fact that the disciples could recognize to touch His scars to prove that it was these mighty Old Testament prophets was really Him. part of the miracle intended to unveil the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. The One day we too will be changed into a Father was pronouncing that Jesus was the new and glorified body by the power Son, and the prophets—two of the most of the resurrection. “When Christ, who is respected figures in Jewish history—were your life, is revealed, then you also will be also bearing witness that this was the revealed with him in glory” (Col. 3:4). This Christ, the Messiah, the Savior and Lord. will happen by the work of Jesus, who will “transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil. 3:21; see also 1 Corinthians 15).

Today in the Word • 21 Read: 2 Corinthians 7:13–16 Friday, November 15

The Infectious Quality of Encouragement

As the youth group finished their painting Titus’s affection for the Corinthians job, the home owners were encouraged had grown because of the obedi- by such service of love. In turn, the youth ence he had seen in them. They had found encouragement from the wisdom received Titus “with fear and trembling” (v. and godly witness of the owners. And as 15), which suggests they accepted Paul’s the local church heard the reports from authority and were prepared to submit to that week’s service projects, pastor and it. And we know from yesterday’s passage congregation alike had that they had indeed re- their spirits lifted. sponded favorably to Paul’s We were . . . earlier admonitions. Titus Encouragement can be delighted to see had returned from his visit, infectious. As we read yes- how happy Titus but his memory of the Co- terday, Paul found joy in was, because his rinthian Christians contin- seeing the Corinthians turn ued to be a source of en- spirit has been from their sin. Today we couragement to him. see that encouragement refreshed by you. had spread to Titus as well. 2 Corinthians 7:13 Think about the infectious Having been sent by Paul character of encourage- to visit the Corinthians, pos- ment. The encouragement sibly as a follow up to that earlier “tearful Paul had known had spread now to Titus. letter,” Titus found joy in this congrega- With Titus returning to Paul, and report- tion. Apparently, Paul had spoken to ing his own joy in the Corinthians, Paul’s Titus of the Corinthian church, and delight had redoubled, causing him to Titus’s visit had proven Paul’s assessment exclaim: “I am glad I can have complete true. As Paul reported, “his spirit has been confidence in you” (v. 16). refreshed by all of you” (v. 13).

Apply the Word Pray with Us

One way to encourage pastors is to be a source Would you join us in prayer for of encouragement to one another. What act of the Admissions department on service can you perform, what broken relation- Moody’s Chicago campus? We ship can you reconcile, what words of love can thank the Lord for the service of you speak, to spread the joy of Christian encour- Charles Dresser, Janessa Davis, Jacqueline Haywood, and Amy agement throughout the body of Christ? Slennett as they review hundreds of applications every year.

22 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1–9 Saturday, November 16

The Grace of Giving

A local church was supporting a mis- Deep theological meaning underlies sionary in China, and their summer youth the act of giving. The Macedonians had program helped raise funds. To spur on urged Paul “for the privilege of sharing their giving, a challenge was set up: boys [koinonia] in this service to the Lord’s versus girls. Each night the tally was an- peopl e” ( v. 4). Koinonia is the Greek word nounced, sending the children back home that conveys the rich fellowship that ex- eager to find ways to earn more money ists in Christ between one congregation for their giving the next and another. Giving to the night. needs of another congre- Though he was rich, gation is a tangible ex- Sometimes friendly com- yet for your sake pression of love for the fel- petition is the motivation he became p o o r, lowship that already exists we need to dig a little so that you through in Christ. Paul did not deeper into our pockets. command them to give; his poverty might We do not know the spe- rather, he encouraged cific details but there become rich. them to “excel in this grace was clearly a need in 2 Corinthians 8:9 of giving” ( v. 7). Jerusalem, and Paul had appealed for help earlier That brings us to the ulti- to the Corinthians (see 1 Cor. 16:1–4). Paul mate reason for giving: the prior grace of was now reminding them of their desire God. Knowing that Christ became poor to give, but also using the generosity of for us “s o that you through his poverty the Macedonian churches as a way to might become rich” ( v. 9), our lives in turn motivate the Corinthians a little further. Of should spill out in abundant generosity course, friendly competition was not the toward others. Generosity to others is an only reason Paul encouraged the Corin- act of thanksgiving and gratitude to God’s thians to give. grace in our lives.

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How has God’s grace affected your habits of Again, we focus our prayers on giving, not just money but time, energy, and the Admissions department. Ask resources? As you prepare for worship tomorrow for God’s guidance for the (and have an opportunity for giving), ask God to ministry of Christopher Toland, remind you of His grace in your life, and think of Hannah Tung, Ricardo Brown, and David Humphrey as they ways you can respond with abundant generosity take care of the needs of Moody wherever He reveals the need. students on the Chicago campus.

Today in the Word • 23 Read: 2 Corinthians 8:10–15 Sunday, November 17

The Fellowship of Giving

“If you cannot finish the job, you should cause they cannot give as much as others. not have started it in the first place.” “A job No matter, says Scripture; the point is not worth doing is worth doing well.” “Well be- the amount but the willingness in giving. “If gun is only half done.” Aphorisms like these the willingness is there, the gift is accept- point to the wisdom of completing a job able according to what one has, not ac- well. There’s no reward for leaving a task cording to what one does not have” (v. 12). undone or finishing it without excellence. Second, the goal of giv- Paul expressed similar senti- ing is not to make some ments in today’s reading. The Our desire is not go without while others Corinthians had expressed that others might be find relief but “that there a desire to give to the church relieved while you might be equality” (v. 13). in Jerusalem and had even are hard pressed, Paul’s quotation of Exodus made a start, but Paul was 16:18 is a reminder that but that there might encouraging them to finish this was God’s command what they had started. Ea- be equality. to ancient Israel about gerness to begin must be 2 Corinthians 8:13 collecting manna. Each matched by its completion, person had enough for and that includes the disci- their needs, and they were pline of Christian giving. instructed not to hoard it. Paul’s point yes- terday about koinonia, the fellowship of But Paul did not just encourage their Christ’s body (2 Cor. 8:4), emerges again giving; he also reminded them about here. There is one body, in full partner- important principles of giving. First, the ship; therefore, let the plenty of some key was to give “according to your means” supply what is needed for others. That is (v. 11). Perhaps some people hesitate be- true koinonia.

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A gospel song says, “I need you / You need me / Today, Handel’s Messiah is We’re all a part of God’s family.” There are no performed at Moody. It gives the lone ranger Christians in the body of Christ. Today in the Word community an Many of us have been blessed with resources opportunity to pray for our that allow us to bless others. If your church has a students—those performing, working behind the scenes, and Deacon’s Fund or Mercy Fund to help people in in the audience. May they grow need, pray about making a contribution to in the grace and knowledge of demonstrate koinonia. God’s Son!

24 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16–24 Monday, November 18

The Body of Christ at Work

In t o d a y’ s world, connecting with volunteered to travel to their city to others is relatively e a s y. We shop and gather the final collection. Paul sent two donate online, sending money thousands others with him. The first is described of miles a w a y. Cell phones connect us as one “who is praised by all the churches with friends. Video technology allows us for his service to the gospel” (v. 18). The to see each other instantaneously. And second “has often proved to us in many airplanes transport us halfway around ways that he is zealous” ( v. 22). Their the world in less than names were not given; a d a y. what marked them was Now you are the their love for the church Our passage today re- and their eagerness to body of Christ, and minds us that it was much serve. different in Paul’s d a y. Com- each one of you is munication and travel were a part of it. The Corinthians them- slow and sometimes dan- 1 Corinthians 12:27 selves also played an gerous, and it took many important part: their funds hands working together added the final piece to to send letters, make visits, or transport this “liberal gift” (v. 20) so cherished by goods. The same was true when it came Paul. Acting with integrity and honesty, to churches supporting each other; it re- the entire body of Christ worked gener- quired the body of Christ working togeth- ously and selflessly to offer support to er in concert. That is the picture we are hurting congregations in Jerusalem. But given by Paul. do not miss the ultimate purpose: it was not just to bring relief, but “to honor the First there was Titus, Paul’s “p ar t ne r and Lord himself” (v. 19). When the faithful co-worker” in the gospel (v. 23). Full of body of Christ is at work, the honor to love for the Corinthians, Titus eagerly Christ is achieved.

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In Paul’s earlier letter to Corinth, he reminded Dr. John Jelinek, VP and dean of them (and us) that “you are the body of Christ, Moody Theological Seminary, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). requests your prayers for the Whether big, small, or even anonymous, your students of MTS and the lives that place in the body of Christ is essential and each student touches with their ministries. We pray their training valuable. Think of ways you might become more at MTS would enhance their work involved in serving the church; then take action for Christ! this week.

Today in the Word • 25 Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1–5 Tuesday, November 19

A Generous Work Completed

In about six weeks, countless Americans desire. But Paul recognized that desire will make New Year’s resolutions—to sometimes needs more to turn it into keep in touch with friends, to eat better, action. In sending a delegation to Corinth to lose weight. The number of gym mem- ahead of himself, Paul was not cor- berships will soar in January as people recting wrong behavior but providing resolve to make this year a healthier one. opportunity to bring their original de- Unfortunately, by February very few will sire to full completion. Out of pastoral have continued either the care, he sent a group in gym membership or the advance so that his boast- exercising. Then it will be ing “should not prove ready as a hollow” (v. 3). Sometimes eager desire generous gift, alone is not enough; we not as one But there was another rea- need discipline to fin ish. grudgingly given. son for Paul’s actions, and it Nevertheless, enthusiasm had to do with our attitude for the right thing is a 2 Corinthians 9:5 in giving. Paul knew hu- good place to start, and man nature; if their desire the Corinthian Christians had begun with had in fact fallen short of full completion, a strong enthusiasm for giving. Paul com- his arrival would prompt not only embar- mended them for their promised “gener- rassment but quite possibly resentful giving. ous gift” (v. 5), and had boasted about On the other hand, Paul’s emissaries could them to other churches. In fact, their en- ensure that the Corinthian collection “will thusiasm was so great that it inspired the be ready as a generous gift, not as one churches in Macedonia to give as well. grudgingly given” (v. 5). Generosity in giv- ing is an important mark of the body of Paul admits that there was no need Christ, but God wants our giving to be gen- for him to write to Corinth about their uinely generous, not grudgingly offered.

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Perhaps this passage has sparked a desire in you Commit to prayer the staff of to give generously in service to the church. Moody’s Academic Records Today’s passage encourages us to see that desire department: Katherine Bragg, come to completion. Follow God’s leading to Auctavia Cegers, Margaret make a pledge to give generously, whether of Creech, and Bethanne Tremper. May God grant them peace, the your time or financial resources or other acts of spirit of teamwork, and attention service. to detail in their day-to-day service.

26 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 Wednesday, November 20

The Spiritual Blessing of Giving

Every farmer knows that in order to grow harvest might we expect for generous sow- food, you must first buy seed and then be ing? Perhaps surprisingly, Paul highlighted willing to disperse that seed generously the spiritual harvest of generous giving: into the ground. Without the willingness to “God is able to make all grace abound part with the seed, there can be no har- to you” ( v. 8, esv). This grace—in all things, vesting of life-giving crops. It is a simple at all times—flows to you so that “you will principle: you reap what you s o w. abound in every good work” ( v. 8).

Paul applied this agri- Paul even drew on Psalm cultural metaphor to the 112 to underscore his practice of giving: to give Whoever sows point. For those in the is to s ow . As in farming, generously will also psalm who fear God generous sowing results in reap generously. and give generously— generous reaping. Notice, “their righteousness though, that the generos- 2 Corinthians 9:6 will endure forever” ( v. ity of sowing is marked by 9; Ps. 112:9). Scripture quality, not quantity. Paul encourages us that did not specify an amount to be given. the all-supplying God will “enlarge Instead, we are told to give as we want— the harvest of your righteousness” cheerfully. The state of the heart matters, ( v. 10 ). There is a spiritual blessing in and cheerful giving in response to God’s giving generously. We do not give to be grace means more than obligatory giv- justified before God or to expect some ing, no matter how large. material gain. But through the disci- pline of giving, God does supply us with If sowing is a metaphor for giving, then grace to abound in godly living, which what does it mean to reap? What kind of in turn brings thanksgiving to God.

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The spiritual discipline of consistent, cheerful, and Keeping the Academic Records generous giving is a challenge in our materialistic department in our prayers, culture. God promises spiritual blessing if we will please add these employees to trust Him and sow generously. Find a friend or your list: Melanie Monteclaro, mentor who will hold you accountable to this George Mosher, and Tyrome Turner. As they work with students spiritual discipline; then begin putting it into on a daily basis, may they always practice, trusting God to “make all grace abound be examples of Christlike attitude. to you” ( v. 8).

Today in the Word • 27 Read: 2 Corinthians 9:12–15 Thursday, November 21

The Inspiration and Results of Giving

Malawi is the third-poorest country in sion into God’s people, the Corinthians’ the world, and the churches there are in generosity would prove their genuineness great need. Recently, a group of Ameri- and would result in God being glorified. can congregations gave generously to support the work of training pastors and In both of these results, Christian giving finds meeting the physical needs of the Ma- its ultimate purpose, which is not our glory lawian people. Upon receiving that gift, but God’s. But there is an important result one Malawian pastor vis- for us as well, for Christian ited the United States and giving further unites the movingly sang “Amazing body of Christ. Paul saw Grace” in the native lan- Thanks be to that the recipient churches guage of Chichewa, offer- God for his would respond to the Co- ing his praise to God. indescribable gift!. rinthian gift by praying for them and growing in affec- Just as the American gift 2 Corinthians 9:15 tion toward them. Sharing prompted a response from and generosity in the body the Malawian churches, so of Christ enriches the fel- too Paul anticipated similar results from lowship of Christ’s church. the Corinthian gifts. First, Christian giving results in thanksgiving to God. Because In the end, as Paul makes clear from real needs are met, the recipients respond the final verse of today’s reading, true with an overflow of thanks to God. By giv- Christian giving is nothing less than a ing generously to the Jerusalem churches, tangible expression of thanksgiving for the Corinthians provided a living dem- God’s initial gift to us in Christ. As one onstration of their confession of faith. commentator puts it, this is “the divine Although some in Jerusalem may have gift that inspires all gif ts.” Thanks be doubted the authenticity of Gentile inclu- to God!

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God’s initial gift to us should prompt our Would you pray for Steven response of praise and thanksgiving to God. The Mogck, chief operating officer at Christmas season and gift-giving will soon be Moody? Amidst all the here. As you are making shopping lists and challenges of today’s busy work thinking about gifts for others, consider how you environment, we ask God to grant him and his team the ability can give God the gift of praise throughout the to seek Christ consistently and rest of this year. follow God’s leading in all decisions.

28 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 10:1–11 Friday, November 22

Obedient to Christ

A cartoon strip shows two boys meeting ( v. 1). Like a good shepherd, Paul knew that on the sidewalk. One b o y, holding a men- while force may sometimes be necessary acing dog by the leash, says, “D on’t w o r r y, (and he reminded them that he would be his bark is worse than his bite.” The other bold if required), most often gentle guid- b oy , looking worried, replies, “I think I’ll ance was much more effective. take his bark nonetheless.” Perhaps most important, Paul offered a Apparently, some in the pastoral correction to their Corinthian church were thinking. They were us- making similar claims We take captive ing the “standards of this about Paul—that his bark world” ( v. 2) and “judg- every thought to was worse than his bite. ing by appearances” ( v. Paul even referred to them make it obedient to 7). But Paul reminded in our passage: they at- Christ. them that our weapons in tacked his authenticity, 2 Corinthians 10:5 the Christian life are not saying Paul was “bold” in like the world’s. Our goal letter but “timid” and “unim- is not to gain person- pressive” in person ( v v. 1, 10 ). Some may al power or to appear wise to the have been claiming that Paul used ma- world. Instead, our weapons “have nipulative scare tactics in his letters (v. 9), divine power” ( v. 4) to address mat- or even that Paul did not “belong to Christ ters of the mind and will. Paul urged the as much” as they did ( v. 7). Corinthians (and us) to demolish argu- ments and pretense set against God, and Paul met these serious accusations with to “take captive every thought to make it pastoral sensitivity. Instead of lashing out obedient to Christ” ( v. 5). This is the final or using violence, he appealed to them goal of pastoral ministry: a congregation “by the humility and gentleness of Christ” submitted to Christ.

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Scripture calls us to reorient our minds and wills Judy Tollberg, Josh Reigel, and in submission to Christ. Tr y spending a full day Erik Peterson play a key role in without the world’s bombarding messages from the content development at television and the Internet, and instead use that Moody Publishers. Would you time to allow yourself to be shaped by reading a pray for them thanking God for their ministry of spreading the selection of psalms. Yo u can also play Christian Word in print and through digital music throughout the day to help focus your spirit media? on the things of God.

Today in the Word • 29 Read: 2 Corinthians 10:12–18 Saturday, November 23

Boasting in the Lord

Clement was a late-first-century pastor for someone else’s work. Paul confined his in Rome. Best known for his letter writ- boasting to “the field God has assigned ten to the Christians in Corinth, Clement us” (v. 13). He reminded his own congrega- appealed directly to Paul’s earlier letters tion about God’s work through him, but to their church. Clement knew the impor- did not commend himself to those he had tance of Paul’s authority and his pastoral never met. His letter to the Corinthians teaching. grew out of their relationship; it was not an example of Paul’s self- Paul also had to remind promotion. Likewise, while the Corinthians of his pas- he desired to spread the toral importance, but the Let the one who gospel to regions beyond way that he did this raises boasts boast in Corinth, Paul did not take the question: is there a the Lord. credit for the gospel work place for Christian boast- in “another man’s territory” 2 Corinthians 10:17 ing? Today’s passage (v. 16). teaches that there is both foolish and godly boast- Instead, the proper sphere ing. Knowing the “proper limits” is the of boasting is found in the Lord. Look key (v. 13). Foolish boasting is simply self- at the fuller context of Paul’s quota- commendation (v. 12). If our standard for tion from Jeremiah. There, God warns what is good and holy is what we see in that a wise man boasts about o n e’s the mirror, we will always think we are relationship with God—not because of wonderfully wise and godly. We miss op- our accomplishments, but because of portunities for growth. the kindness and righteousness of God (Jer. 9:24). This is the only wise boasting— The fool also boasts about things outside to proclaim that we are known by our lov- his or her experience or tries to take credit ing God.

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What do you take pride in? Possessions, intellec- Chief financial officer Ken Heulitt tual gifts, relational abilities, or artistic expression? appreciates your prayers today List them on a piece of paper, and then submit for the continued provision for them back to God in prayer, recognizing that Moody’s ministries and good anything you have is a gift from Him. Ask the Lord stewardship of Moody’s resources. Thank the Lord today to give you pleasure in your relationship with for blessing this ministry over the Jesus, and use whatever gifts you have to His years. glory and honor.

30 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 11:1–6 Sunday, November 24

“Foolish” Wisdom Against False Teachers

The “Fool” is a recurring character in relationship with the Lord. He has prom- Shakespeare’s plays. Often seen initially ised them as a pure bride to Christ, but as silly and naïve, in the end the jester was now concerned that they may be is the one who provides subtle wisdom led astray from their “sincere and pure and insight into the problem at hand. As devotion to Christ” (v. 3). Notice what this the jester Touchstone says in As Yo u Like implies. Our commitment to Christ is no It, “The fool doth think he is wise, but the fleeting attachment; it is marital—deep wise man knows himself to and permanent (cf. Eph. be a fool.” 5:32). What Paul saw in I promised you the wavering Corinthian In t o d a y’ s passage, Paul to one husband, commitment caused him asked the Corinthians to to Christ, so that I concern. endure his “foolishness” a might present you little more, but in truth, it Just as Eve was deceived as a pure virgin was pastoral wisdom that by the serpent, so too Paul offered. The Corinthi- to him. the Corinthians were ans had been infiltrated 2 Corinthians 11:2 being led astray. They too by self-proclaimed “super- easily put up with these apostles.” They preached “super-apostles” and ac- a different gospel and disparaged Paul’s cepted false Christs, false spirits, and character and authority. Paul risked ap- false gospels. As we go through life, pearing foolish in order to raise the alarm many things can distract and tempt us for his congregation. away from our Beloved. Scripture re- minds us today that we must be vigilant Paul was deeply concerned for the Cor- to guard our relationship with Christ just inthians, what he called his “divine jeal- as spouses should guard their marriage. ousy” ( v. 2). This was not personal defen- We would be wise to heed these “foolish” siveness; Paul was worried about their words of Paul.

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Perhaps you know a friend or family member Moody Distance Learning offers who is subtly being led astray from their “sincere Moody courses to learners and pure devotion to Christ” (v. 3). It may make across the gl obe, cultures, and you uncomfortable, but will you risk appearing generations. Would you lift up in prayer this fruitful ministry “foolish” by speaking to this person in love? headed by vice president, Dr. Remind your loved ones that they are the bride of James Spencer? Christ, and recall them back to a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord.

Today in the Word • 31 Read: 2 Corinthians 11:7–15 Monday, November 25

Paul’s Selfless Ministry

Giving and receiving was an important el- and so he explained his motives. Above ement of social structures in Paul’s day. The all, Paul wanted to demonstrate his wealthy expressed their power and status love for the Corinthians. By ministering by becoming patrons to those in need. In without pay, he was willing to demean turn, those who received such patronage himself “in order to elevate you” (v. 7). His were obligated to the wealthy patron. To refusal to accept support, even when he refuse an offer of benefaction was not just had real need while in Corinth, was not an impolite; it was a social re- act of pride or malice. He jection of friendship. wanted them to know that Those who preach his gospel ministry was not This cultural value may lie the gospel should for quick financial profit behind our text today. The but a genuine ministry of Corinthians were upset that receive their living self-sacrifice for the sake of Paul did not receive their from the gospel. the gospel. financial support. Clearly, 1 Corinthians 9:14 Paul affirmed the right of a For Paul, his opponents’ Christian pastor to congre- failure to understand this gational support (see 1 Cor. 9:3–12), and indicated their real character. These men he did accept support from other congre- who gladly accepted, even demanded, fi- gations (see Phil. 4:15–16). But here we nancial support, were “false apostles, de- learn that Paul had refused support from ceitful workers, masquerading as apostles the Corinthians. His opponents used this of Christ” (v. 13). Unfortunately, that was refusal to cast doubts upon Paul’s legiti- no surprise. Just as Satan disguises him- macy and even his love for them. self as an angel of light, so too his ser- vants offer a pretense of righteousness Paul certainly would have understood when what they really desire is self-glory the cultural norms in such a situation, and profit.

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The subject of ministerial pay can be touchy, but We now go in prayer to Moody’s Scripture calls us to an important balance: campus in Spokane, WA, and congregations need to support their pastors, but request your prayer support for ministers who seek self-promotion and undue the Student Services department. profit are not following Scripture’s call to selfless Please pray for Daniel Ward, Leah Schneider, and Brian ministry. Your church leaders need your support in Jaworski as they minister and order to preach the gospel with selfless abandon serve the student community in to the glory of Christ. Spokane.

32 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 11:16–33 Tuesday, November 26

Boasting in Suffering

Ancient Greeks and Romans appreciated world’s standards. His opponents boasted oratorical skills. One device often employed of their wisdom, accomplishments, and was the rhetoric of i r o n y, in which the implicit eloquence; Paul highlighted his suffer- meaning of a speech was the exact oppo- ings—imprisonment, floggings, beatings, site of the explicit words. The power of irony shipwrecks, and stonings. He faced death was in its subtlety and cleverness rather and danger from rivers, bandits, Jews, and than in its direct argumentation. Gentiles. He experienced sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, cold, and na- Paul used such rhetorical kedness. Above all, he was irony in our passage to- If I must boast, I concerned about his con- d a y. Wearing the mantle gregations. To the world, will boast of the of the “fool” yet again, he this is a list of embarrass- engaged in an extended things that show my ments; to Paul, it was a ré- boast about himself. Since weakness. sumé of gl o r y. his opponents had promot- 2 Corinthians 11:30 ed themselves in shameless As Paul himself said, “If I and damaging ways, Paul must boast, I will boast of the too offered a little “self-confident boast- things that show my weakness” (v. 30). Why? ing” ( v. 17 ) of his own. What follows, how- Because Paul knew that Christians do not e ve r, is hardly the typical material for weigh their worth by the world’s stan- Greco-Roman boasting, and that is the dards. His suffering demonstrated his irony that Paul uses in this passage. commitment to Christ and was far more precious than any worldly boast. Chris- After mentioning his Jewish pedigree and tians do not need the world’s praise; we his role as servant of Christ, Paul launched appeal directly to “the God and Father of into a list of experiences hardly consid- the Lord Jesus” (v. 31). His approval is all ered triumphant or praiseworthy by the we need.

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Most American Christians know nothing about Jim Elliott, VP of Stewardship, is extreme suffering for the sake of the gospel. grateful for your prayers today Many Christians around the world, however, face for the growing partnership social ostracism, physical abuse, and even death between Moody and our for their commitment to Christ. Pray for the constituents, especially as we look forward to a bold future of suffering church t o d a y, that they would remain serving Christ globally, reaching faithful to our Lord and know the deep approval people across different cultures. of our God.

Today in the Word • 33 Read: 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 Wednesday, November 27

Power in Weakness

On playgrounds across the country, chil- what he saw. And his use of the third per- dren brag about their superior abilities to son (“I know a man” [v. 2]) worked to dis- run faster, swing higher, or jump further tance himself from that event. His heaven- than anyone else. Demonstrations follow ly transportation may be fascinating, but as children try to prove to their peers that for Paul such things pale in comparison to they have superior strength. the true mark of apostleship: weakness.

There was a kind of God had sent a “thorn in childishness about Paul’s [his] flesh” (v. 7) to keep opponents as they boasted My grace is Paul from pride. We know of their wisdom and spiritual no details about it other experiences. Now Paul him- sufficient for you, than its ongoing, abusive self boasted about visions for my power reality. This thorn brought and revelations he had ex- is made perfect so much torment that Paul perienced fourteen years in weakness. pleaded with God three earlier. Caught up into par- times to have it removed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 adise, Paul’s experience was But Christ’s response was so overwhelming that he clear: “My grace is suffi- could not even express what cient for you, for my power he heard. So why did Paul seemingly stoop is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). to the level of his opponents and relate this ecstatic experience? In our weakness, we are dependent on Christ and prideful boasting is removed. In fact, Paul’s point was to show the use- God may grant us mountaintop experi- lessness of such experiences in proving ences, but i t ’s our faithful dependence one’s apostleship. Notice that the details upon His grace in times of weakness that did not matter; he could not even express demonstrates Christ’s glory.

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Do you know someone who is struggling with We are thankful for individuals, physical or psychological suffering? Even as you companies, and businesses that pray for their healing, remind them of Christ’s sponsor Moody Radio programs. words to Paul today. Their weakness can be an We’d like to cover in prayer the occasion to demonstrate the strength and power service of Calvin Robinson in Sponsorship and Underwriting of God. As they deepen their dependence upon who ensures the connection the Lord and His grace, the power of Christ can between Moody Radio and its shine into the world. sponsors.

34 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 12:11–21 Thursday, November 28

Love and Concern for the Church

When settlers first came to America, many is not your possessions but you” ( v. 14 ). were looking for a better life not just for He was their spiritual father, willing to themselves but for their children as well. “spend for you everything I have and By risking dangerous sea journeys and expend myself as well” (v. 15). Rather then enduring the harsh conditions of the than exploiting the Corinthians, Paul new world, countless immigrants sacri- demonstrated his sacrificial love for ficed much—even their own lives—in or- them ( v. 19 ). der to give to their children an opportunity to flourish. Having reminded them of Such is a parent’s love. his genuine parental love, Everything we d o, Paul also demonstrated Paul expressed similar dear friends, is for his parental and pastoral parental feelings for his your strengthening. concern. He was prepar- Corinthian congrega- ing for his third visit and 2 Corinthians 12:19 tion. Having explained his expressed worry that he apostolic l e g i t i m a c y, he might find sins of disunity reminded the Corinthians in the body of Christ (such once again of his choice not to receive fi- as quarreling, factions, and slander) nancial support from them. Just as children and unrepentant sins of impurity among should not have to support their parents certain members (sexual sin and de- but parents work hard to support their bauchery). Like a concerned parent, Paul children, so Paul maintained that he would wanted what was best for the Corinthi- continue not to be a burden to them. ans—their spiritual growth in holiness, not wallowing in sin. Whatever firmness Paul He insisted that all of his actions were had used, it was always with the purpose driven by his love and concern for them. of turning them from sin back to Christ As Paul beautifully put it: “what I want and godly living.

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On this Thanksgiving D a y, we take time to express As we celebrate Thanksgiving our gratitude for the many good gifts God has Day t o d a y, let’s come to the Lord given us as individuals, families, and as a nation. in prayer, thanking Him for His We should also remember the individuals God limitless grace, love, and mercy. has placed in our lives who have tirelessly given We ’d also like to thank Him for y o u, Today in the Word readers, of themselves and have been God’s instruments for your friendship and support. for our spiritual growth.

Today in the Word • 35 Read: 2 Corinthians 13:1–10 Friday, November 29

Final Warnings

How many of us have heard the stern selves, “whether you are in the faith.” warning of a parent: “If I have to come They should consider that “Christ Jesus over there, you’ll be sorry!”? When the is in you” (v. 5), and live out that real - child hears those words, he realizes that ity. The real proof of Christian life is not harsh discipline may be coming if his ac- demonstrations of miraculous power, tions do not change. but rather is found in conforming one’s life to the gospel. Scripture highlights Paul conveyed a similar here the importance of message when he re- a life that is examined in minded the Corinthians of Examine yourselves light of Scripture and the his coming visit, and he of- to see whether you Spirit: do we live in obe- fered a warning as well. If are in the faith . . . dience to the Christ we needed, he would exercise Do you not realize profess? his God-given authority to that Christ Jesus discipline both those in sin Finally, the purpose of dis- and the community that is in you? cipline—if needed—was was tolerating it. They may 2 Corinthians 13:5 for their benefit, not just have thought Paul was as a demonstration of weak, but he reminded authority. It was “to serve them that he lived in the crucified and you” (v. 4). Paul understood his authority risen Christ, who “lives by God’s power” “for building you up, not for tearing you (v. 4). If they wanted proof of Paul’s author- down” (v. 10). The proper use of spiritual ity, he would give it to them in Christ—and authority is not to lord it over others or to that authority might entail stern discipline. create subservient followers. Spiritual au- thority is for building up others in Christ, In light of this possible discipline, Paul and that was what Paul wanted for his urged the Corinthians to examine them- congregation.

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If you are in a position of spiritual authority— Please add to your prayers the whether as a parent, church leader, or Sunday staff of Moody’s Legal school teacher—reflect on how you use that department under the leadership position. Are you encouraging others? Or are of general counsel, Elizabeth you trying to assert your control over the people Brown. As they contribute to all Moody ministries with their around you? Pray that God will use the message expertise in legal matters, we and example of Paul to shape you into a gentle, pray that God would bless their encouraging leader. service.

36 • Moody Bible Institute Read: 2 Corinthians 13:11–14 Saturday, November 30

A Call to the Trinitarian Life

The apostle Andrew is a beloved Bible Notice Paul’s final admonitions. He en- character for m an y. When he discov- couraged their spiritual growth, urging ered that Jesus was the Messiah, he them to heed his admonitions and “strive immediately told his brother Peter for full restoration” ( v. 11 ) as the people of (John 1:40–42). Later tradition claims God who truly live for God. He encour- that Andrew took the gospel as far aged them to express their unity by be- as Russia and into Thrace, where he ing “o f one mind” and living “in peace” founded the church in with each other ( v. 11 ) . They Constantinople. Known for May the grace should “greet one another his zeal to preach the gos- of the Lord Jesus with a holy kiss” ( v. 12 ), and pel, he was martyred upon affirm “the God of love and an X-shaped cross. Christ, and the love peace” in them and among of God, and the them. Like Andrew, the apostle fellowship of the Paul also continued to Holy Spirit be with Most important, Paul’s proclaim the gospel in you all. closing benediction the face of objections. serves to remind us of 2 Corinthians 13:14 Even with all the accusa- the importance of the tions against Paul and the Trinitarian life. We need undermining of his authority, how does the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,” the he end his epistle? With a generous “love of God,” and “the fellowship of the appeal to rejoice, he addressed them Holy Spirit” ( v. 14 ). To be the church that as “brothers and sisters” ( v. 11 ) . There affirms one another, grows in holiness, is no hint of resentment or withhold- and lives in peace, we must find our life ing of affection. Instead, Paul joyfully and strength in the triune God. Only in affirmed their place with him in the body Him can we be the people of God He of Christ. calls us to be.

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As this m o n t h’s study showed us, the church is far As we come to the end of our from perfect, but today we are called back to the study of the book of 2 source of Christian life: the triune God. As you Corinthians this month, let’s thank reflect on the study this month, spend time in the Father for His church, the prayer asking the Lord to help you grow in the body of Christ. Let us strive for the unity of faith through the Holy grace, love, and fellowship of Fat h e r, Son and Spirit in our congregations. Holy Spirit.

Today in the Word • 37 From the editors Continued from page 4

Carnegie Mellon University. During this over his long and eventful life, a life of visit, we walked through the powerful service and study of God’s Word: magnetic field of the 100-ton magnet of • Take every day of your life as a gift the Cyclotron. In operation, this magnet from God and use it wisely. was energized by nearly half the electric • Never quit learning! It will help you load of the city of Butler, PA. stay young. • Don’t fear being too old to do the If the magnetic field of the MRI could things you always wanted to do. have caused my de at h, why wasn’t I killed • Always endeavor to maintain a by the thousand times more powerful positive attitude and actively cultivate Cyclotron field? Was it luck that I survived your sense of humor. As you age the shrapnel on the battlefield, escap- and your short-term memory fails ing death by less than one inch, or that and your body begins to exhibit the I was not killed many years later by the wear and tear of living, your attitude powerful magnet on the field trip? I d on’t and a sense of humor will be a great think it was luck. I consider both incidents asset to your quality of life. miracles, when God was watching over me. He is good! As a good student of the Bible, he gives two of his favorite Bible verses to support Always a teacher, Phil Hirschy challenged his challenges: “Think about all you can his former students of the class of ’54. He praise God for and be glad about” (Phil. would like to share with the Today in the 4:8 TLB). “A cheerful heart does good like Word readers some of the things he told medicine, but a broken spirit makes one his students—what the Lord showed him sick” (Prov. 17:22 TLB).

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www.todayintheword.com MOODY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY YOUR PASSPORT TO WHAT’S NEXT

HEATHER | Cochabamba, Bolivia M.A. in Intercultural and Urban Studies, 2012 Teaching cross-cultural awareness and training social entrepreneurs in Bolivia

Where will you lead? No matter where God is calling you, MTS is your passport to biblical expertise and leadership training that will catapult your ministry skills to the next level. Grow spiritually in a strong peer community with professors as mentors. Pursue the newly redesigned Master of Arts in Intercultural and Urban Studies or choose from one of eight other master’s degree programs.

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THE LAND AND THE BOOK

Join Dr. Paul Nyquist, president of Moody Bible Institute, on a spectacular journey through ancient and modern Israel. Explore historical biblical sites in a rare encounter with the Holy Land. Visit the places where Jesus and His disciples walked and talked, and witness the accounts of the Bible come alive.

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