Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 2 Corinthians 11:22-26

This idea of your “Best Life Now” portrayed by the prosperity preachers is not only not Biblical, but its not reality. Let’s take a look at the Apostle Paul’s “Best Life Now”, he was beaten with rods, he was stoned, he was imprisoned, he was shipwrecked, the only reason Paul survived any of this was by the grace of God. We need to remember God is in control, and if God has a calling upon your life, he will allow you to complete it

Why would Paul want to take this life? Remember the Apostle Paul was a Pharisee (Philippians 3) Paul probably had a decent life as a religious leader, however on the Road to Damascus , the Lord put a calling upon Paul’s life (Acts 9) To the world this calling seems “foolish” again because the world can’t understand the things of God. However anyone who has been called by Christ, knows its the greatest blessing to suffer for Christ and His Kingdom

So when we become a Christian, or when we answer the calling by God on our lives. Don’t expect this is going to be an easy walk. Don’t expect all your troubles are going to fade away, in fact your troubles are just beginning. As Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciples, deny yourself, carry your cross and follow Christ” (Matthew 16:24) The first step is deny yourself, don’t expect a prosperous or luxurious life, expect to suffer for our Lord Jesus Christ

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:27-28

Notice Paul’s attitude here, even though he is suffering, hungry, in pain, Paul is continually concerned about the Churches. Paul is not sitting around dwelling on himself “Woe is me” No Paul is busy serving Christ and serving The Church. Paul is concerned about all the Christians that have been put under his care.

Paul has a servants attitude, the same which we all should have. How do we get there? By the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, we can’t expect to fulfill our calling by our own flesh we need the Holy Spirit every moment.

This is not your Best life now, in fact the good news is this is your worst life now. Our best life is coming into Gods eternal Kingdom when we are raised up by our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 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.I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 2 Corinthians 11:16-21

Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, let them deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow Christ” (Matthew 16:24) Humbling ourselves is part of our sanctification with the Holy Spirit. The idea that we are going to exalt ourselves and win arguments with people is carnally minded and not led by the Holy Spirit. We are to humble ourselves to the point where we become fools for Christ

So what does it mean to be a fool for Christ? Let me give you an example, several years ago Ray Comfort released a video stating that the design of a banana demonstrates intelligent design of a creator. Atheists had a field day with this, labeling Ray Comfort as the “Banana Man” While Ray became the butt of all their jokes, God used this to launch his ministry into what it is today. So by Ray looking foolish for Christ, it actually was giving God glory and helping expand the Kingdom.

We can learn from this, don’t be afraid to be a “fool for Christ” , when you talk to an Atheist tell them “In the beginning God created the Heavens and Earth” To the world this seems like nonsense, but by speaking Gods word we are planting a super natural seed of truth. The Atheist knows in their heart that nothing can’t create anything, therefor logically there has to be a Creator, don’t be afraid to be a fool for Christ

The Apostle Paul says “Let no man think of me a fool, but if you do, listen to me as a fool” Paul is saying “Hey I’m telling you the truth, however if your going to reject me as a fool, at least listen to what I have to say, as you would other foolish people” of course that’s a paraphrase, Remember what Paul said “The Message of the cross is foolishness to them that are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

When we talk about spiritual things to a carnal world, the world will reject it as foolishness. However let them think your a fool and still share the gospel with them anyway! We are fools for Christ! Don’t worry about winning arguments , just worry about doing your job as a servant of Christ, to preach the gospel to everyone! Amen!

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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.  2 Corinthians 11:13-15

One of the reasons many people are easily deceived is because they don’t know the BIble, they listen to the “wisdom of this world” The world will tell you Satan looks like a monster, with a pitch fork, with horns. Nothing could be further from the truth, as the Apostle Paul teaches us “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” 

The fact is , if you met Satan face to face, you would probably be mesmerized by his physical beauty, as Angels are beautiful creatures. Remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the wicked people wanted to rape the angels because of their appearance. (Genesis 19) Think about all the women who fell for the fallen angels and mated with them, why? Probably because of their great beauty (Genesis 6)

So going back to this, Satan is extremely deceptive because he appears as an “angel of light” not a demon of darkness. So the world easily falls for his deception, because as humans we love physical beauty, we love things that appear to be light , yet the hidden agenda is darkness.

The Apostle Paul was warning the Church of false apostles who are children of Satan “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” This is why so many people are tricked by false religion and false prophets, because they are very deceptive, they appear to be for the light, many will even use the name of Jesus, however they are children of the darkness and their father is the devil 

Many of these slick talkers on your local cable channel are these false apostles, they tell everyone what they want to hear except for the true gospel. Their motives are all driven by their carnality. They use the name of Jesus with no fear and trick people into believing their false doctrine

How can we be so fooled? That guy can’t be that bad? You are deceived by the Father of lies (John 8:44) Satan knows the best way to deceive you is to pretend to be good, to feed your flesh, to give you exactly what your looking for! And because you don’t know your Bible, you don’t have the Holy Spirit, you follow the wolves that lead you into the pit

Paul says “Its not great thing if his (Satan) ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness” Notice Paul says Satan has his own group of ministers, he groomed a whole army of wolves who sold their souls to deceive the masses , Be alert because Satan is a roaring lion looking to devour! Amen! (1 Peter 5:8)

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 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. 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. 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

If you go around and ask people, do you believe in Jesus? Most people will say Yes, however the real question is “Do you know the real Jesus? Depending on who you ask , you will  get several different answers. The Jehovah Witness will say “Jesus is Michael the ArchAngel”, the Mormon will say “Jesus is Satan’s brother”, the Muslim will say “Jesus is just another prophet”

The reality is if you are wrong about Jesus, it doesn’t matter what you are right about! That’s not an original quote, I heard that from Harold Hunter, but he’s right. Our faith all centers around Jesus Christ. The sign of most false religions is they use the name of Jesus, remove His deity and sprinkle in their own teachings. However the problem is their religions can’t save you! As Jesus said “I am the way, the truth , and the life, nobody comes to the Father , except through Me (John 14:6)

So Paul has more problems in the Church, he has a bunch of false converts preaching a false Jesus to people. As Paul says here “As the serpent deceived Even in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from your simplicity in Christ” These people were deceived by Satan, thinking they can use God to make money or power. Just as Satan told Eve you can become your own god, you will never die, these people fall for the same traps of Satan

However as the Apostle James warned “A teacher will receive greater judgment” (James 3:2) These false teachers are storing up wrath on themselves. They believe they are getting away preaching a false Jesus , however God will not be mocked! And as we know God is sovereign, and will allow these false teachers and use them to lead his sheep to Christ, God is in complete control

This is why it’s important you study your Bible, can you discern if someone is preaching a false Jesus? Can you discern if someone is preaching a false gospel? Can you discern if someone is preaching a false Spirit? As Paul says “Anyone who preaches a different gospel , let them be accursed” (Galatians 1:8) Amen!

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. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 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: 2 Corinthians 10:12-14

One of the dangers about entering into ministry or serving The Lord, is when we have success, our flesh likes to take the credit. Our carnal side likes to puff ourselves up and likes to brag about all the things we have accomplished. I have visited Churches where the Pastor or someone lists off all “their accomplishments” like its a resume. 

But the reality is, we didn’t accomplish anything. Even if we toil or labor for The Lord, we still accomplish anything, God is the one who accomplishes it. We as servants of Christ, should just be thankful to be allowed to partake in this divine calling. If anyone becomes saved, its because of Christ, if the Church grows its because of The Holy Spirit, If anyone is called to serve, its because of our Heavenly Father, we are nothing without God

The Apostle Paul talks about this “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” We see this all the time, One Church will compare themselves to another Church, we are better than them! We do A, B, C, and D, they don’t do this and that. The error in your logic is the standard you measure yourself with. You believe you are great, because you compare yourself to others.

It’s like when you ask people “Are You a Good Person” typically everyone says “Yes” why? Because the standard they measure themselves is not Gods standard. They will say well I never killed anyone, my neighbor does X,Y, and Z, I’m a better person. But Gods standard, The Ten Commandments, says we are all sinners, we have all fallen short of the glory of God, as Jesus said “Nobody is good but God alone” (Mark 10:18)

Going back to patting yourself on the back, how well is your service by Gods standards? Paul goes on to say “But we will not boast of things without measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God distributed to us” Comparing your calling and Churches is pointless, because we all have different callings, we all have different circumstances. One Churches success might look like a fail to you, but its a Victory for Christ

In order to have the right servant perspective , we need to listed to the words of our Lord “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) Amen!

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. 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: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

What does a Christian look like? Many of us have this preconceived notion a Christian should look like A, B, and C. However if we are judging people by their outward appearances , then we are not being edified by the Holy Spirit. All of us have a past, all of us were sinners that became regenerated, because we can use the story of our past for Gods glory

Think about when God chose David to be the King of Israel, when the prophet Samuel asked Jesse to show him his sons, he showed him all of them except David. They made the assumption, God could never use a young shepherd boy, but God said to Samuel “Don’t consider their height or appearance, People look outward appearances but God looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)

It’s easy for us as humans to be judgemental based on looks, but we don’t know what heart the person has. As we know we are all given a New heart (Ezekiel 36) by the Holy Spirit, we need to be careful not to dismiss God’s servants because of our poor judgment, we need to be patient and allow the fruits of the Holy Spirit to be demonstrated over time (Matthew 7, Galatians 5)

This is where the Church comes in, as the Apostle Paul says here “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which The Lord has given us for edification and not for destruction” Paul is revealing his Apostolic authority given to him by Christ, however this authority is for the edification of the Church and not to control people.

As we talked about previously , there is order and an authority structure within a Church, but we are not to abuse this authority for our flesh, We are to use this for the edification of the Church. As new converts come into the body of Christ, they need discipleship, they need to be taught and shown the ways of The Lord. This is part of our purpose and function as the Church, to edify and not abuse

Speaking of appearances, Paul says “By my letters some of you think I’m terrifying”, however his bodily presence is weak”  This is a good example of prejudging someone. Many in the Church felt that Paul was going to be intimidating , however when they met him in person, he was a small weak man. As we know Paul is a mighty warrior for The Lord, however if we just judged him based on appearances we would miss his heart, Amen!

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: 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. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 2 Corinthians 10:1-4

How can the world today be so insane? This is a question many people ask today, some who are not even Christians, many people are asking what is wrong with the world today? The world actually makes sense when you understand it’s under control by Satan (1 John 5:19) Satan is called “the god of this world who has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Now God is sovereign , so God allows this to take place. God is allowing Satan to deceive this world and influence those who reject Christ as Lord

We are all in a spiritual warfare, whether you are saved or not, whether you reject God or not, every single person is involved in the spiritual battle, some people just don’t even realize it! When you are enlightened by the Holy Spirit, then the evil of this world makes sense, however those without the Holy Spirit are left blinded and slaves to sin (John 8, Romans 6)

As the Apostle Paul teaches us here “For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t war against the flesh” Even though you are living in a physical body in the natural realm, you are fighting against the supernatural in the spiritual realm. Many people can’t grasp this concept, many will even reject it all together, but once you understand you are battling against the wickedness of the dark realm of Satan, then the evil of this world makes sense

So how do we battle this evil? The Apostle Paul teaches us “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (physical) , but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”. This is why the world will never solve its own problems, why? Because they are fighting against demonic forces. You are not fighting a natural battle, you are fighting the supernatural evil forces of Satan. And the only way to battle this is through the supernatural power of Jesus Christ, who is Lord over everything natural and supernatural, Amen!

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; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled 2 Corinthians 10:5-6

Why is the world Anti-God, Anti-Christ, Anti-Bible, Anti-Church, because Satan has launched his attack on God through the world. The unsaved people of this world, don’t even understand why they hate God, why they hate the Bible, why they hate Jesus, they are slaves to Satan, they follow his blinded propaganda to pleasure themselves in his sinful traps. 

That’s why the Apostle Paul says “Casting down imaginations, and every high things that exalts itself against the  knowledge of God” Satan will attack anything that would lead you to Christ. Satan attacks the Bible, attacks the Church, attacks Creation, anything he can do to destroy your soul

We need to Armor up Church! (Ephesians 6) We are in a spiritual warfare, the only way to Victory is Jesus Christ our Lord , Amen!

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;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;  2 Corinthians 9:10-12

For the past several devotionals, we have been talking about how we need to be obedient to Christ to be a “Cheerful giver” , meaning not just money, but our time, talent and resources. And we talked about how everything we give to the Church is to invest into Gods eternal Kingdom. Now the things is, everything we are giving to God has already been given to us by God. Therefor everything we own, belongs to God, and by us giving it back to God is just obedience to him

When we understand this concept, we understand that giving to God should not be a big deal. The mentality that,” I earned this therefore I should keep it” is a spiritual immaturity that you don’t understand. Christ is your Lord and God is completely sovereign over all things. The only reason you have that job or business is because of God, the only reason you have that home or car, is because of God. Everything we have has been given by God

Lets see what Paul says here “Now He (God) that ministers the seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown” The seed you are sowing for the Kingdom was given to you by God, the sower of your Harvest is God, everything begins and ends with God. 

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:13-15

Notice what Paul says here “They glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ” How are we giving glory to God? By giving money? No by our subjection to Jesus Christ, our obedience to God by the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ!

What is our response “Thanks be unto God for His (Gods) unspeakable gift” What is the gift God has given us? Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thanks be to God! Amen!

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 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: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

There are alot of things of God that have been abused by wolves since the beginning of time. Even though those things are abused doesn’t mean they are not good or necessary. Let me give you an example, The Holy Spirit has been abused by many since the day of Pentecost, many deceivers claiming to have performed miracles or spoken in a unknown language, but does that mean the Holy Spirit has ceased to work anymore? No, we go from one extreme to the other, we throw out the baby with the bath water.

The Holy Spirit is still alive working today, otherwise none of us would even be saved. Regardless of what anyone says or does regarding the Holy Spirit, doesn’t change who the Holy Spirit is, God within us. This goes with money, over the centuries many have deceived the Church into giving them money and there has been many false “Churches” that has deceived people into giving them money, does that mean we as Born Again Christians shouldn’t be “Cheerful givers”?

The Apostle Paul says “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly” and “He who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully” Now to the skeptic this sounds like a page right out of the prosperity gospel, however you need to understand everything belongs to The Lord. When someone steals from the Church or a Christian, they are actually stealing from God. Those people will need to give an account for their actions on judgment day before Christ. So while its easy for us to get very concerned about this, I would just let the boss handle it, Jesus Christ

When it comes to sowing and reaping for the Kingdom, here is how I approach it. Everything you do in life, whether it is your time or money, what are you investing it into? For example if I have 2 hours available today, I can invest that time into the Kingdom by passing out gospel tracts and telling people about Jesus or volunteering at a local food bank, or you can spend that 2 hours into a worldly pleasure and get no investment back into the Kingdom of God. 

We as Christians need to be Kingdom minded, everything we do should not only be for the glory of God but also thinking how can I build and invest into Gods Kingdom. This is why Paul says “God loves a Cheerful Giver” , God doesn’t need any money, He created the Heavens and The Earth, no God wants us investing our time into serving Christs Kingdom. That’s why God loves a Cheerful giver, because your heart is right with God, you have a new regenerated heart by the Holy Spirit, and everything you do is all for the Kingdom of God, Amen!

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 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 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: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. 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. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

As we notice in the past couple Chapters, Paul spent alot of time dealing with managing money and accountability. In Paul’s instructions here it’s no different, however Paul is teaching the Church, if you are going to talk the talk, then you need to walk the walk. Meaning if we say we are going to do something, then we need to follow up and do it! Otherwise, we just look like liars and hypocrites. The Church promised to send a generous donation to the other Churches, and Paul was making sure they actually followed through

The reality is, money has become even more than a idol for most people, it has become their god. Most people base their entire lives around money, as if it can save your soul from Hell. Is money important? Well of course, we need to support our families and our ourselves, but do most people use this excuse to build the foundation of their lives upon money? I think yes, instead of building their lives upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, our chief cornerstone.

The Apostle Paul here is bragging about the Church and their eagerness for “Cheerful giving”  as Paul says “ I boast of you to them of Macedonian, that Achaia was ready a year ago” Paul is bragging about this Churches willingness and ability to financially support other Churches.  Being a Cheerful giver is not just obedience to Jesus Christ, but it also demonstrates the authenticity of faith to other believers. 

For example, there are many “mega-Churches” we see throughout America, they like to flash their large buildings and assets, however wouldn’t it be more impressive if these mega-Churches gave some of their money to the smaller Churches that are struggling to pay their mortgage? However we don’t see this in today’s Christianity, because instead of us all being the Body of Christ, we are divided , competing against each other like were in business, its a very carnal minded Christianity

Notice what Paul warns the Church “that, as I said, you may be ready; 4lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this”

Actions speak louder than words, its one thing for a Church to brag they are a “Cheerful giver” but its another thing to actually do it. And when the Church brags and fails to follow up, it loses the credibility of the Church. So Paul is preparing the hearts of the Church, Be ready to give because you promised you would!

As Jesus said “Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No” (Matthew 5:37) When the Church promises something, let their word be true because Christ is our Lord!  Be obedient to Christ in all things, including finances, because Jesus Christ is our Lord and Head of the Church, Amen!