Ephesians 2

Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were once apart from God and that only by the sacrifice of Jesus were they brought into the family of God. Through the grace of God, they were adopted into the promise given to Israel because Jesus had torn down the wall of the law and was building a new temple to include everyone who believed in Him.

No one starts off life as a Christian. Before we come to know and accept Christ, we are all apart from God - rebellious. Once we accept Christ into our lives, He grafts us into the body of believers and begins to change us into something new. Only then do we have the promise of eternal life. This is a free gift that cannot be earned by anything we do. God gives it freely because of His grace and love for each of us.

Ephesians 1

Paul began his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them of the inheritance they had received from God. He also mentioned that he was praying for them to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

We all need to be reminded from time to time about what God has done for us. It can be easy to lose sight of God's love and mercy toward us if we are not constantly reminded. We should always seek to know God more deeply. No matter how well we know Him and know His word, there is always more to learn. God has something new to teach you every day if you let Him.

Galatians 6

Paul said that we should bear each other's burdens and correct one another in gentleness. If we do so in the Spirit, then we will reap eternal life as a reward, but if we do so of our own accord, the only reward we get will come from ourselves.

More important than what we do is why we do it. If we want God to honor what we do, we must be sure to do it for Him. He does not reward us for doing the right thing for selfish or self-centered reasons. Do everything for the glory of God.

Galatians 5

Paul wrote that when we we try to earn redemption by following the law, we reject the work done by Christ and are no longer under grace. We are free from the law, but that freedom is tempered with a commandment to love one another. Paul called the evidence of that love in our lives the fruit of the Spirit and listed the qualities as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Just because we are no longer under the law doesn't mean we are not accountable. We are still to lead lives pleasing to God, but out of love and not obligation. We can see this love lived out in our lives and the lives of others when we see the fruit of the Spirit described by Paul.

Galatians 4

Paul wrote about being heirs to God's kingdom. Under the law, we are like children with an inheritance to come, but still under a set of rules. Christ came to offer us the full inheritance so we can fully receive His blessings and be set free from the burden of the law.

The law was meant to prepare the Israelites for the coming inheritance Jesus brought. Just like children have rules to follow that are meant to shape them for adulthood, so also was the law designed to shape God's people for receiving the ultimate gift of salvation. Putting ourselves back under the law makes us slaves rather than heirs to the kingdom of God.

Galatians 3

Paul wrote about how we are saved through faith and not the law. He showed that even Abraham was justified by his faith and not by keeping the law. The law was needed to keep order until God's ultimate plan was revealed in Jesus. Through Him, salvation has been made complete and there is nothing we can add to or take away from His work on the cross.

So many people want to work their way to heaven. They believe if they do enough good deeds or go to church once in a while or at least don't do anything really bad that if there is a God, He'll let them into heaven. God has quite a different view. His standard is perfection; a standard none of us could ever hope to meet. Christ is the only person who has ever or will ever live a perfect life on Earth and only through faith in Him does He extend that covering of perfection over us so that God can see us as holy through His Son. When we reject the truth of salvation through faith alone, we reject the One who set the standard as well.

Galatians 2

Paul recounted going to the elders in the Christian church at Jerusalem to tell them what he had been teaching to the Gentiles. He also told of how he handled a disagreement with Peter, another apostle.

Here are two good examples of how we should proceed in our lives. First, we should share what we are doing with someone whose opinion we trust so that our actions can be confirmed with a second party or we can receive counseling if we are going down a wrong path. Second, we need to learn the correct way to disagree with someone. We need to confront them and try to help them right their course. Most importantly, all of this must be done in love.

Galatians 1

Paul warned the Galatians about people who came teaching false gospels. He said they take the true gospel of Christ and distort it. The true gospel is something that is not of men, but of God and is not preached in order to win the favor of men, but to honor and glorify God.

God's message of salvation is non-negotiable. We cannot add to it or take away from it to suit ourselves or others. The only choice we have is to accept it or reject it. Once we make changes, we have rejected it by default. Anyone who changes the word of God and tries to share it with others is a false teacher and should be exposed as such. Believers need to be wise enough to spot false teachers and avoid them so they will not be led astray.

2 Corinthians 13

Paul concluded his second letter to the Corinthians by encouraging them to test themselves to make sure they are in the faith.

How can anyone know they are saved if they have never stopped to examine their faith to see if it matches up against the Bible? One day we will stand before God to be examined by Him. He will be the final judge of whether our faith stands up to His test. Don't wait until that day - it will be too late! Now is the time to make sure your faith is true.

2 Corinthians 12

Since the Corinthians were doubting Paul's credentials, he felt compelled to bring up visions he had had of heaven as proof of his credentials. He was quick to downplay the visions, instead preferring to focus on his weaknesses. In particular, he was given an affliction which kept him from using the vision as an ego booster.

What a unique way of seeing things! Instead of seeing the trials and afflictions in our lives as nuisances or obstacles, we can see them as God working in our lives. The more blessings we receive, the more trials we endure to keep us humble. We would become like spoiled brats if there was nothing in our lives to remind us of our need for God every day. Rather than asking God to make your life perfect, ask Him to show you where you need him each day. When you clearly see your need for God, your focus turns to Him and away from yourself.

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Paul questioned the credentials of the false apostles the Corinthians had been receiving while at the same time giving his own credentials.

False teachers may seem impressive by outward appearances, but when their lives are examined, they are empty. It is well within our rights to examine the lives of those who claim to speak for Christ so we can see if their lives line up with solid Biblical teaching.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Paul warned of accepting false teachings or even putting up with them. He used the imagery of the church as the bride and Christ as the groom to show how entertaining these false teachings is like being unfaithful to one's betrothed. He reiterated his charge to carry the gospel to stand in stark contrast to the false teachers who looked like the real deal, but were ultimately peddling lies.

Paul notes that the false teachers were posing as followers of Christ just as Satan has posed as an angel of light. The effective lies are the ones that look an awful lot like the truth. An outright lie is easy to spot, but a lie that starts with a kernel of truth and then perverts that truth in a way that is plausible and feeds us what we want to hear is more easily swallowed. Standing for the truth and weeding out the lies is essential in our walk with God. He is the Author of truth and we cannot know Him through lies.

2 Corinthians 10

Paul answered allegations that he was writing harsh letters while away and being rather meek and unimpressive in person. He wrote that he was the same person in the letters and in person. He didn't mean to scare them with his letters, but he would not stop bringing up his credentials. He was working well within the limits of the responsibilities God had given him.

Empty boasting and overinflated egos have no place in the body of Christ. We each have responsibilities from God and we each have someone that God has put in our lives to counsel us. There is no reason for pride in and of ourselves - only pride in what God has done for us and given to us. At the same time, we need to practice humility in listening to those who have been put in authority over us.

2 Corinthians 9

Paul wrote that we receive the same way we give. If we give little, we will get back little and if we give in abundance, we will receive abundantly. We are not to give grudgingly or out of some sense of duty, but rather cheerfully, with joy in our hearts. When we give to others with the right attitude, God will supply our needs.

This doesn't mean we give in order to get back, but it is wonderful to know that God will provide for us when we follow His command to give. We don't need to worry about lacking what we need if we listen to God and obey Him. Giving with a cheerful heart stems from knowing that God takes care of us and helping others is a way of showing gratitude by becoming the instrument He uses to take care of others.

2 Corinthians 8

In writing about giving, Paul revealed that giving to those in need stems from giving ourselves to God. It's not just something we should do, it's something we should want to do.

When we realize that all that we have comes from God, the natural reaction is to share with those in need when we are blessed with an abundance. When we all live by this principle, everyone's needs are met. Today may be your turn to give to someone in need and tomorrow you may be the one in need. Even so, giving in the hopes of getting something back one day should not be our motivation - love should be reason enough.

2 Corinthians 7

Paul addressed some issue the Corinthians had against him. He stated that he hadn't done anyone wrong and even though they were holding a grudge, he felt no ill will in return. Instead he thanked them for the reception he and Titus had experienced the last time each had visited. He apologized for upsetting them, but showed them how their sorrow was turned to good because it produced in them repentance and godly characteristics.

People let us down (knowingly or unknowingly), and when they do we need to be sure we're not overreacting. Get the facts and act rationally. Be honest about your contribution to the problem. If there really was wrongdoing on the other person's part, try to settle the matter without a bitter heart. Think of how you would want to be treated in the same situation and act accordingly. Before you list all the things the person has done wrong, list some positive things about them and see if your attitude doesn't soften a little.

2 Corinthians 6

Paul wrote that the grace of God that we have received should spur us into action rather than receiving His grace in vain. We need to speak out for God and do His will, which we cannot do if we have devoted ourselves to people who do not believe in Him.

We each have a choice to make: we can serve God or we can serve men. We cannot serve both as their wills are mutually exclusive. Any relationships that are keeping you from God need to be severed so that you are free to serve God. This may not mean that you need to completely remove a person from your life, but at the least, the nature of the relationship needs to drastically change so there is no longer a conflict.

2 Corinthians 5

Paul stated that the knowledge that our earthly bodies will be replaced with eternal bodies makes us look forward to and long for the day when we receive our eternal bodies. Until that time, we should still seek to honor God with what we do.

Knowing that we get a perfected body in heaven should lead us to action for God rather than inaction. Sitting around doing nothing, waiting for death and heaven thereafter is not the way to express gratitude for the amazing gift given to us by God. If you really want to show Him you're thankful, go out and do His will. Tell people about His love and the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of all. This is what has been asked of us; this is what we should do.

2 Corinthians 4

Paul highlighted the fact that the gospel message he was preaching was not shrouded in mystery or built on lies. The fact that the glorious message of Jesus could be seen in his life even through affliction and persecution was proof that the message was divine in nature and not man-made. Belief in Jesus fueled his preaching and the troubles he encountered were building him up spiritually.

Our hearts should be so filled with the love of Jesus that it overflows and spills out into our daily lives. Part of that love is speaking up for Him and spreading His message. This may be uncomfortable and possibly lead to ridicule or shunning, but through it all, we should keep on going for Jesus and learn to grow through adversity.

2 Corinthians 3

Paul pointed out that his credentials did not come from men - not from himself and not from any other man. God had given Paul his credentials in the form of the many lives touched in the places where he preached. The new covenant brought by Christ had replaced the old one given to Moses, but some couldn't see past the old laws.

The only source of authority for preaching the word of God is God Himself. When we look at people who claim to be speaking for God, we need to look for the signs in their life that they are acting on behalf of the Lord and not themselves. God's true servant will bear His mark on the things they do.

2 Corinthians 2

Paul counseled the Corinthians that a certain man among them who had done wrong had been punished enough and now needed love and comforting. This was in order that the man not be overpowered by grief and so that Satan could not use this incident against them.

When someone sins against us, it is right that they be punished. However, we need to be sure we don't take it too far. Whenever possible, we need to seek to reconcile the relationship. If we let our thirst for revenge take over, we leave ourselves open to attacks from the devil.

2 Corinthians 1

Paul began his second letter to the church at Corinth by writing about God's comfort through hard times and good times. He explained that even through his own sufferings, comfort was brought to others.

When we suffer, people watch how we respond. When we stay strong and do the right thing in God's eyes, it can serve as an example for when they go through hard times. We must remember that not everything that happens to us is about us. How we respond to the trials that come our way affects more than just ourselves.

1 Corinthians 16

Paul closed his first letter to the Corinthians with instructions for collecting an offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He recounted his plans to come see them and discussed how long he might stay. He also told them who else they might expect to come to them and asked that they be treated well.

Traveling missionaries should always be greeted with open arms. Anyone who brings the message of God should be treated well and given help when needed so that more people can hear the gospel. Our time and money are well spent when given to such great causes.

1 Corinthians 15:33-58

Paul described our resurrected bodies as being different from our earthly bodies. Our resurrected bodies will be glorified, strong, and eternal. We cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven unless we put on these resurrected bodies because our earthly bodies were not made for heaven.

It is a great comfort when our bodies are feeling run down, weak, and tired that we can look forward to the day when we will not grow older, get tired, sick, or hungry. All of the physical problems we have now will be gone when we get to heaven. Praise God that he has designed an eternal body for each of us who believe in and accept His Son.

1 Corinthians 15:1-32

Paul responded to those who said that there is no resurrection of the dead. He said those who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead then cannot believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, and effectively call God a liar. Furthermore, if Jesus did not rise from the dead, we have no salvation - no eternal life - and may as well live for the moment.

This is the cornerstone of Christian theology. Either there is a life we will be raised up to after this one or there is not. Either Jesus died and rose again both as an example of resurrection and for the payment of our sins or He did not. To deny either of these truths is to deny the gospel message. What we believe affects how we act and without believing there is a life after this one, there is no motive for righteous behavior in this life. We must always remember that the Earth is not our home. Our eternal home is with God in heaven and all of our actions should reflect that.

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

Continuing the comparison of tongues versus prophecy, Paul turns to how each is viewed by unbelievers. The unbeliever may be convicted by prophesy that he can understand and turned off by speaking in tongues, thinking the person is crazy. Paul counseled for an orderly worship service where the speaking of tongues was limited and always accompanied by an interpretation.

People think Christians talk strangely enough already. Why compound it with something that would sound completely crazy to someone who doesn't know what's going on? At all times, when we talk about our faith, we should do so in a clear and easy to understand way so that everyone can understand what we say and benefit from it. Our worship services should not be an insiders' club where only members can understand what's going on. If we are to reach out to our community, we must make sure they feel welcome and are able to follow what is being said.

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Paul encouraged the pursuit of spiritual gifts, but only in order to benefit others, not to benefit oneself. Comparing the gift of prophesy to the gift of speaking in tongues, he said that prophesy was more useful because people could plainly understand it and be built up by it where tongues were only useful if there was an interpretation.

Whatever gifts we are given should be used for God. We should desire the gifts God has for us in order to lifts up others rather than lift ourselves up. Once we receive and identify our gift, we then need to determine what God wants us to do with it and then go out and do it.

1 Corinthians 13

Paul turned his attention to love and said that whatever we do is nothing if we don't do it out of love. He listed some attributes of love, like patience and kindness; love does not seek its own agenda or keep a list of wrongs done by others. All the spiritual gifts from the previous chapter will end one day, but love will last forever. It is important to have faith, hope, and love, but love is the most important.

God is love, so it is no surprise that He wants us to love Him and love one another. Love needs to be at the core of everything we do. Without love we cannot please God. When we exhibit the characteristics of love, God shines through us and is glorified.

1 Corinthians 12

Paul wrote that each of us receives a spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit. We all have different gifts that work together within the body of Christ. No gift is unnecessary, so we should not feel like we cannot contribute because we see our own gift as less than someone else's.

Each of us has something unique to contribute. The exact gift is not as important as what we do with it. Our gifts come from God and He must have had a reason for each one He has given to people. To not use our gifts because we don't see them as important is to believe that we know more than the God who gave them to us.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Paul had gotten reports that the Corinthian church was divided. Even during the remembrance of the Lord's Supper, some would gorge themselves, not leaving enough food for others and some would become drunk from the wine. He reminded them that the Lord's Supper was to be taken solemnly after self-examination and preparing one's heart.

The Lord's Supper was not meant to be a party where people go to excesses with food and drink. It is something we do to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. When we make it about anything other than Christ's body and blood, disrespect everything He went through for us. Not just our actions, but our hearts as well need to honor our Savior each time we come to His table to do this in remembrance of Him.