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: Thursday, December 07, 2023
Chapters: II CORINTHIANS 9-13
Message: When Satan Buffets Us
Hello My Friend,
Next July will be my twenty year anniversary since officially receiving Christ as my Saviour and in September it will be eighteen years since my public profession of my faith and in dedicating my life to Him. Has it been an easy journey? Not all the time, I have messed up quite a bit over the years. My favorite passage to remind me of why Jesus never lets go of me, [John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.]
As soon as I dedicated my life to Him I became a sponge for wanting to know God’s Word, followed several commentaries as I read it to help me understand it better. It did not take long before the Holy Spirit started discerning me and I learned that some of those commentaries were not too helpful. In fact, they were very harmful to Christians especially newborn Christians who were just starting out and the only knowledge they had of the Bible was how they got saved, [2 Corinthians 11:13-15 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.]
That is when I began my ministry as a way for not only potential and newborn Christians, but wayward and rejected as well to learn from the Bible what being a true Christian is. Well, guess what happens when you start making an impact in peoples lives for Christ? The devil gets wind of it and starts all sorts of trouble in regards to your own faith. This is what Paul was dealing with in his second letter to the Corinthians. As we come to the end of the reading of 2 Corinthians, Paul, is on the defense, but he is also on the offense as he starts pointing out things that they had just been reproved about not even a year ago.
[2 Corinthians 9:1-5 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. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.]
[it is superfluous for me to write to you:] [Superfluous; More than sufficient; unnecessary; useless; as a composition abounding with useless words.] In other words, if they have not truly improved in the year since the last letter he wrote them, then it would be useless to say anymore. There is a reason why the Bible tells us, [Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.] Scorners, are those who make a mockery of sin and the judgments of God against sinners. There are people who will learn and grow in their faith, and there are people who stunt their growth by their refusal to change their ways. It does no good to try and reason with them if we keep on them about it, they may actually get worse, [Proverbs 9:7-8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.]
[Lest haply if they of Macedonia…find you unprepared,] This is why God gave us His Word, so that we are prepared for what is to come. 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. Just like when the flood came, [Luke 17:26-27 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.]
[as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.] Now, some of our giving is in regards to tithes and offerings, sometimes we might need to go without in order to receive the greater blessings that God has waiting for us. Whatever we give though it needs to be heartfelt as God is the one who is really watching.
[2 Corinthians 9:7-11 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: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.]
[he that ministereth seed…both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed] Those who are bountiful in their giving whether it be in the giving of Gospel, tithes and offerings, or time or services to 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. Remember, the widow woman who had just enough grain to make one last meal for her and her son when Elijah asked her to make him something to eat first?
[1 Kings 17:13-16 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. 15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. 16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.]
Do you see how it was after the woman trusted God that He followed through with His promise? You see, there are times when God is going to put us through a famine because we have lost our zeal for giving with all our heart. Satan’s biggest lie when this happens is to get us to doubt our faith. Certainly, if we are saved then we are going to keep that bubbly disposition no matter what we face. Certainly, if we are saved then we are going to just take the pain and suck it up. Certainly, if we were a Christian, then we are going to look like a Christian. That is what Satan attempts to talk us into believing anyway. Look the part you wonder? How exactly does one look the part of a Christian? 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.
[2 Corinthians 10:1-6 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 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.]
[in presence am base…but being absent am bold] As bold as he was in his letters he was not so much face to face and there was a reason for that. Writing to them gave him time to think about what he was going to say as opposed to him being face to face with them. I learned the hard way of what happens when speaking out to someone boldly in their face as opposed to in a letter as our emotions can get the best of us. Did you know that Satan feeds off our emotions? All we need to do to ruin our testimony is say something when emotions are flared, [James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.]
[we do not war after the flesh:] We are in the middle of a war between God and Satan, and let me tell you, Satan, has pulled many on his side because very few are willing to glorify God through their infirmities, if anything, they blame God. But, every now and then, the Spirit of God moves upon the heart of the one that searches for recovery through a higher power and finds Jesus in their search.
[2 Corinthians 10:7-8,12,14,17-18 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. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 12 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. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 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.]
[For we dare not make ourselves of the number,] Even though we do not need to be concerned about what others think about us, we should be doing no different behind the scenes than in public. Remember, the life we live is not about saving our soul, rather leading others to Christ. You see, physical appearances are not what shows Christ in us, and sadly, neither do actions to many. What I mean by that is, just because someone says they believe in Christ that does not mean they are saved or are believing in our Christ. Satan, uses many false Christ’s to make one think they are believing in the true Christ, but what it all comes down to is the Gospel. Paul, explains how easy it is for someone to lose sight of the simplicity of the Gospel.
[2 Corinthians 11:3-4,12 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. 12 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.]
[that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion;] Did you ever notice that those who are quick to question your faith have more to prove of theirs? Those who pressure us about our faith need to take a good look in the mirror. Jesus, said this in regards to ones who look at ones appearance to judge their faith, [John 7:17-18,24 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.]
You know, we who are faithful may not be all bubbly all the time, but we know that nothing can move us from our faith in Christ because we know that He never lets go of us. We do not live the way we do to please others or because we think we are a better Christian, we do it for Christ. Paul, proceeds to explain that if it does appear that he seems more admirable, it was not himself, it was Christ who worked through Him. And if they were offended by him, they they are the ones with the problem and he was not about to change his ways.
[2 Corinthians 11:18-21,29-31 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.]
[I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.] I have been known to come off kind of strong when teaching, both kids and adults, but I cannot and will not sugar coat things, I will tell the truth of what is in God’s Word. That does not mean that we do not trip a time or two, but it does mean that we are repentant when we do. 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 12:6-10 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 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.]
[the messenger of Satan to buffet me,] I have to say that my church has a great love for one another, we are a family that supports and encourages each other like I have never seen in any other church. That is not to say that we do not disagree from time to time, but no one tries to outdo the other, or puts each other down. That is except for one family who is trying everything they can to discourage the pastor from continuing his ministry. It is definitely heartbreaking to see how one rotten potato is trying to spoil the whole sack. However, the pains, the sorrows, the distresses, the criticisms, the false accusations, all these things are what weaken us, so that we might become strong through Christ’s 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.]
[that the power of Christ may rest upon me.] Faithful Christians, go through some of the greatest hardships, but we glory in those hardships as Christ gets us through them. This is not addressed to the unsaved, the unfaithful Christian, the bragger, or the one who thinks they have no need for improvement. 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.]
[the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.] Is that not the truth? The more love we seem to give the less we receive. Nevertheless, think about the things you went through and what God has gotten you through when you thought you were all alone. 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, [Romans 8:27-28 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.]
[when I come, I shall not find you such as I would,] Let me tell you, if they feel the need to falsely accuse you, and gossip about you, then they are the ones hiding something. 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 13:3-8,11 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? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.]
[but we shall live with him by the power of God] We are not perfect, none of us are, but every saved, born again Christian rests on the power of God who is within themselves and there is nothing that we cannot overcome. Those who are of the world desire the same things we do, they just do what naturally comes to them. But as Christians, we have the Spirit of God in us, He directs us away from those things as we draw closer to Christ. We can find strength through our weaknesses, but we must look to Jesus, He is the armor we need to strengthen us and help us endure them, [Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.]
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 know that nothing I can ever do or say can change the fact that I am saved only by believing in and receiving Your Son as my Saviour, but I want to live my life in a way that not only glorifies You, but brings others to Your Son as well. Through my weakness, You have made me strong, but I know how weak my flesh is without You. Lord, give me Your power, strength, wisdom, and knowledge to be a witness of Your amazing grace, and let the life You have given me since I found out the truth in Your Word, be a testimony that, I am what I am in person and behind the scenes because Your Son lives in me. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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