Day 267 – 2 Corinthians: Introduction
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors: God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT
Slithering through the centuries, the serpent whispers his smooth-tongued promises, beguiling, deceiving, and tempting – urging us to reject God. The enemy’s emissaries have been many. False prophets contradicting God’s ancient spokesmen, pious-sounding leaders hurling blasphemous accusations, and heretical teachers infiltrating churches. And the deception continues. Our world is filled with cults, “-isms,” and ideologies, all claiming to be the way to God.
Paul constantly struggled with those who would mislead God’s people as he poured his life into spreading the Good News to the uttermost parts of the world. Often, young believers were easy prey for false teachers, who were a constant threat to the truth of the gospel and the early church, which is why most of Paul’s writings contain warnings and corrections to the church.
The church in Corinth was young and weak. Surrounded by idolatry and immorality, they struggled with their faith and lifestyle. Second Corinthians must have been a difficult letter for Paul to write because he had to list his credentials. He was reluctant to do so as a humble servant of Christ but knew it was necessary.
As you work through this intensely personal letter, listen to Paul’s words of love and exhortation, and be committed to the truth of God’s Word and prepared to reject false teaching.
Prayer: Father, thank You that we have the privilege to have the second letter to Corinth for our teaching. We see that there was growth, but the enemy still sows tares among Christ-loving believers. Equip us to identify false teachings and to guide others to the truth of Your Word. Amen.
