TOPIC: THE HOLY SPIRIT, GOD’S GUARANTEE
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, may the entrance of your word bring light and life to all I will do today.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Reflection:
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
MESSAGE: Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th October 2020
The church at Corinth was in the center of Greek cultural influence which denies bodily resurrection.
Many believers therefore had difficulty believing in it. Paul, arguing for bodily resurrection, comments on the differences between our earthly body (temporary tent) and our future resurrection body. We groan in our present bodies but in the midst of our present pains and suffering, there is a future hope (v.1).
In the face of death, we can live with confidence, and through the experience of suffering, we can anticipate future glory (vv.3–4). Identify in v.5 the role of the Holy Spirit. Does this encourage you? A guarantee is a firm promise made by a person that will be responsible for seeing that something is done.
The Holy Spirit is our guarantee, the seal that certainly God’s design for us in Christ will come true. Read vv.6–9 again and take note of the ways we are supposed to live in the light of this assurance. Why? See v.10. The Christian life is a faith journey from start to finish (v.7).
We must therefore be careful not to be so comfortable in this world we forget that we will one day give account of our stewardship before the Almighty God. We must recall periodically that the “worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” can choke God’s word out of our lives (Matthew 13:22, NIV).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application:
• So what? Ponder on the challenge of v.9.
Deviation: We deviate when we walk way from the right path. We often face enticement from the Christian doctrines or beliefs that are generally accepted by this true Church of God. When we allow ourselves to be carried away by the latest ideas, new teachings, signs and wonders, we turn away from the established Christian doctrines.
We can resist such temptations by developing a close relationship with God and giving attention to the study of the word of God daily.
Prayer:
• Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• Pray that the lesson of the cross which is sacrificial giving of self, will help you to offer sacrificial service.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 5:20
Read The Bible In One Year: 1 Sam. 17-18; 2 Peter 2
Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th 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.