Category: Devotions

When the gospel is preached, there can be two responses. One may repent and receive Christ and be saved, one may reject Christ and perished in eternal damnation. The two thieves that were hung beside our Lord when He was on the cross provided for us this contrast.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

The blessing of the gospel to the believer is an eternal one. From the day of conversion, eternal life with God comes to us through Jesus Christ.

Thank God for the life that Christ impart in the hearts of God’s people. This effervescing life causes to live triumphantly for God’s honour and glory. Indeed, the knowledge that comes from God imparts life. It imparts great value to the lives it influences.

When the Apostle Paul was in the city of Troas, God opened the door for the gospel work. He, however, did not stay in Troas to advance the gospel there because Titus who was supposed to meet him there did not turn up! Titus was on the errand for the Apostle Paul.

Satan, the adversary of the brethren, may find ground to accuse the believers in Corinth. He attacks Christ’s church. The believers are counselled by the Apostle Paul to know how the devil attacks. There is a need for unity.

If God has not forgiven us, we are still in our sins. If God has not forgiven us, we are awaiting the fearful wrath and judgment of God. But because God has forgiven us through the unmerited favour of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we no longer are at enmity with God but was reconciled to the Father in a blessed familial relationship enjoying peace and joy in our hearts.

William MacDonald observed well, “Paul’s concern in this matter was not simply personal vindication or primarily that an erring brother be brought in line but that the Corinthian congregation could demonstrate the strength of their commitment to Paul (cf. 7:2). Their love and devotion to him would be affirmed by their being obedient to his directives (cf. John 15:14).”

The repentant is to be received with love. The prodigal son came to himself and came back to the father. The father confirms his love towards him by conferring the best clothing the household could offer, the best meal and a ring to restore his position in the family.

William MacDonald said well, “Paul had reason to believe that their pendulum might swing too far (cf. 7:11). They were no longer dispassionate spectators of the wrongdoer, and might become impassioned prosecutors. In that case he would be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow (lit., “grief”).”

Hendricksen said, “For this particular person, the punishment inflicted on him by most of you is enough.” The church had to deal with a sinner who had committed an offense that affected the entire congregation and hampered its work. We assume that the church applied the rules for discipline that Jesus prescribed (Matt. 18:15–17).”¹