King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Saturday, December 07, 2024
Chapters: II Corinthians Chapters 9-13
Message: Live A Bountiful Life
Hello My Friend,
As I was reading the chapters for today, something that Jesus said came to mind, [Matthew 7:17-21 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.]
What exactly is the will of God that brings salvation and a good fruit bountiful life to those who believe in Him? Accepting Christ as your Saviour of course. The world and religion has gotten quite good at deceiving Christians into believing that they are one of them or at the least respect them as one. We are in fact told by Jesus Himself that false prophets will even deceive the elect, [Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.]
Why is all this important? I mean, people are going to live their lives as they please and believe it or not, there are unsaved pastors, deacons, and members of churches leading many to Christ today? Satan, is very good at making himself look as though he is one of the good guys, but he too is headed straight for hell and will do anything to bring as many souls as he can with him so we need to be aware of them.
[2 Corinthians 11:12-15 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.]
Think about it, they may be preaching Christ, but it is not the Christ that true believers know. Preaching how much Jesus loves and died for them does nothing if they do not understand that they are sinners headed for hell. It is one thing to say that we have received Christ as our Saviour, it is another to actually be saved. The Corinthians were boasting in their letter of how they turned things around, but the proof would be in their actions. As we come to the end of the reading of 2 Corinthians, Paul, stresses the importance of knowing that true believers act upon their faith.
[2 Corinthians 9:1-4 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.]
[it is superfluous for me to write to you:] [Superfluous; More than is wanted; Rendered unnecessary; More than sufficient; Useless.] In other words, it was useless to write them and tell them to take care of one another as he had heard enough about that from him. [lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf;] If they said that they had turned things around in the church, living through Christ, and being there for each other then they ought to be able to go there at any times and see it. This is how we as Christians ought to be since Jesus is the one who boasts to our Father of how we received Him as our Saviour, [John 17:8-9 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.]
It is interesting that Jesus still prays for us today, He is constantly standing there next to our Father, making intercession for us, vouching for us, and keeping Him informed of all that we have done through Him. This is where we all ought to be thanking God every day, but also showing Him how thankful we are by giving Him our all. Paul, goes on to stress the importance of all save, born again Christians being bountiful in their sowing.
[2 Corinthians 9:6-8,11 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.]
[Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,] Many people like to use this passage in regards to giving tithes and offerings to their home church, but it is more than that. I say that because not everyone has a home church, and if that is the case then they ought to be doing whatever they can to bring the lost to Christ. The greatest gift that we can give anyone is the Gospel and the greatest impact that we can have in sharing that gift is in our living the Gospel. If we are not living the Gospel then we too will be unprepared and not know what hit us when Jesus does return, [Matthew 24:42-43 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.]
Those who are bountiful in their giving whether it be in the giving of Gospel, tithes and offerings, or time, not only feeds the one receiving it, but the one giving it as well. Have you ever been pressed in your heart to just go up to someone to check in on their welfare? Have you ever been pressed in your heart to buy a meal for someone? Have you ever been pressed in your heart to risk your own financial security in order to care for a loved one? These are all things that God takes notice of. God, will not leave us hanging, He will take care of our every need and then some because it is not man that we are fighting it is Satan.
[2 Corinthians 10:3-7 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.]
[weapons of our warfare are…mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;] Strong holds are things that stunt our growth as Christians, sometimes to the point that we start to whither in our faith and this is where the truth comes out as to whether or not we truly are Christians. [If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think] In other words, examine yourself, those who fully trust in Christ as their Saviour have no one to prove their salvation to, but Christ. On the other hand, if there are any doubts the time is now to get right with not only our own conscience, but God, [1 Corinthians 11:28-29 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.]
While honestly there really is nothing that can prove our salvation to anyone other than God, there are evidences in our walk that we do belong to Christ. Those who are true in their faith are by far perfect and it they are anything like me, trip and fall more times that they can count, but it is not how may times they fall that counts, it is getting back up with Christ that does. Paul’s own testimony was being questioned so naturally if they were going to question his account then he was going to question theirs. However, Paul, goes onto to stress the importance of not comparing ourselves with others.
[2 Corinthians 10:12-13,17-18 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.]
[such as we are in word by letters…such will we be also in deed when we are present.] In other words, stop comparing your walk with Christ with others, and those who boast about all they are doing for Christ need to be practicing what they preach. Paul, was a ruddy, homely looking man and this caused a lot of people to doubt his faith and warns them and us not to judge someone on what they look like. Physical appearances are not what shows Christ in us, it is our actions that do. Paul, explains how easy it is for someone to lose sight of the simplicity of the Gospel.
[2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.]
[For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy:] Paul, is referring to their zeal for God, their newfound faith was an encouragement to Paul, but if they were going to judge him based on his appearance then theirs would be questioned as well, [John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.]
[I have espoused you to one husband,] Christ, stands in relation to the Church as a husband does his bride to be, those whom have received Him are seen as His bride. This is not about being male or female, this is about all souls who receive Him being written into the Lamb’s Book of Life, [Revelation 21:9,27 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.]
The life we live is not about saving our soul, rather leading others to Christ. Anytime a church, pastor, evangelist, teacher, or anyone who ministers the Gospel Christ does so in a way contrary to the Gospel itself is giving false information and in fact, preaching another gospel and Christ all together. Even though we do not need to be concerned about what others think about us, we ought to be concerned about making sure that we are no different out of the public eye, we would only be lying to ourselves if we look like Christians in public, but are not in private. Paul, goes on to point out that the only thing he may be guilty of boasting too much about is preaching the Gospel.
[2 Corinthians 11:7-9 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.]
[I robbed other churches, taking wages of them,] Paul, was not saying that he literally robbed other churches in order to help the Corinthians out, he was saying that the churches that sent him money and other provisions were poor and yet they were rich. So, living a bountiful life was not about what they gave, it was all about their willingness in what they gave. Jesus, said this, [Revelation 3:17-18 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.]
I have been known to come off kind of strong when teaching to both kids and adults, but I cannot and will not sugar coat things, while I am cordial, I will tell the truth of what is in God’s Word. Yes, I suffer sometimes because of sin, because of a wrong decision, because I am around someone’s sin, but I am true, I am transparent, I am repentant, and I am faithful, and used every bit of my ups and downs to be a faithful witness for Christ. Paul, who called himself, the chiefest of sinners, proceeds to tell them of all the suffering he endured for the cause of Christ, and it was not in his own strength, rather his infirmities.
[2 Corinthians 11:17-21,29-31 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.]
[For ye suffer…as though we had been weak.] It is only when we consider our own weaknesses that Christ can use us, in fact, those infirmities that we so greatly desire to be rid of are often what Christ uses to His advantage. Paul, explains how Christ showed him visions and revelations through his infirmities.
[2 Corinthians 12:1-5 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.]
[I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.] People will tell you that God does not speak to you in dreams or revelations as He did before the Holy Spirit got here, but I do not believe that. While we are not given any new prophecies as those are all written in His Word and He does use His Word to talk to us, we can never underestimate the dreams, visions, and epiphanies that we are given that confirm His Word, [Job 33:14-16 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,]
Think about the things you went through and what God has gotten you through in your weakness. As I look back at how God protected me even in my infirmities I cannot help, but be encouraged that He will help me through what I am going through now. And sometimes He will not remove the infirmities.
[2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.]
[given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,] I tell my husband all the time that the devil is the cause of the physical pain we suffer and here is the proof. We need to also be reminded that God will allow the devil to place infirmities in our lives because He knows that we can endure them through Him. And while none of us want to suffer and especially see our loved ones suffer, we can find Christ’s strength through them by the amazing grace that we are given by Him. This is addressed to the saved, born again, faithful Christian who messes up every day, because the flesh truly is weak, and humbly acknowledges they need Christ all day long.
[2 Corinthians 12:13,15,19-21 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.]
[and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not:] People who have been around you for a while ought to know you and if they believe the lies then, they are the ones with the problem. As Paul closes out his letter, he tells them if they examine themselves instead of others, then there will be no issues.
[2 Corinthians 13:1-5 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?]
[we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God] We are not perfect, but every saved, born again Christian rests on the power of God who is within themselves and there is nothing that we cannot overcome. A bountiful life is not one in which we receive every earthly thing we ask God for, it is not in Him removing infirmities or healing every illness and disease Satan inflicts upon us, it is enduring them all through Christ, who is our strength, [Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [2 Corinthians 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.]
Today’s Prayer: God, There are not enough words to explain how thankful I am that You sent Your Son to take my place on the cross that I should be on. When I was drowning in my sin, You sacrificed Your life to save me. I want to live a bountiful life and admit that I have been living a defeated life instead. You have reminded me that through my weaknesses, You have made me strong and that I can do all things through Your Son. Lord, give me Your Holy Spirit power and amazing grace to live a bountiful life. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you, Christina
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