Scripture Union Daily Guide 14th October 2020 Message
TOPIC: COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Opening Prayer: Plant my steps in the sure promises of your word today, dear Lord.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:5-17
Reflection:
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 14th October 2020 Message
Paul seems to be teaching here that as brethren in the faith, we have a collective responsibility towards one another and towards the gospel message. He speaks of the sinner whom the church had to discipline. A Yoruba adage says, ‘When you cane a child with the right hand, you embrace him with the left’.
How does Paul practice that in vv.6–8? The purpose of discipline is not to destroy but to help the offender learn from his wrong, repent and so be reinstated to fellowship. How does this apply to the church today? The unfortunate extremes are often the case.
There is either no discipline at all or when we dare to discipline, the individual quickly leaves to start a new ministry. Paul now compares the experience of the gospel proclamation to a Roman triumphal procession.
The General would march with both his victorious soldiers and the war captives with a burning incense pot between them. To the victors, the aroma was sweet. But to the captives it was a smell of slavery and possible death.
Similarly, the gospel proclamation brings eternal life to believers but eternal condemnation to the sinner who refuses to repent. What can we learn from Paul’s action in vv.12–13? Note also the distinctive of a godly minister in v.17.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application:
• So What? Meditate on Romans 1:16
Prayer:
• Pray for boldness to always declare the gospel message faithfully.
• Pray for wisdom upon leaders of the country to lead aright, with the fear of the Lord.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 34:10
Read The Bible In One Year: 1 Sam. 7-9; Eph. 5:1-16
READ: Streams in the Desert Devotional 14th October 2020 – Desperate Situations
Scripture Union Daily Guide 14th October 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.