Passage
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
God Always Keeps His Promises
Date: Feb. 22, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 1:20
First, Paul's boast (1:12-17). Selfish boasting, criticism and division were serious problems in the Corinthian church. (1 Cor 3:21, 4:7, 5:6) But Paul boasted about integrity, godly sincerity and God's grace. Paul did not show off his great knowledge in his writing. Rather he wrote and related to the Corinthian church with the hope that both they and he would boast only about Jesus. Paul hoped to visit them twice for mutual encouragement.
Second, always "Yes" in Christ (1:18-2:4). Paul was accused of being fickle for changing his plans and not visiting Corinth. But Paul had faithfully and consistently preached Jesus among them. He reminded them that no matter how many promises God has made, God is faithful. God will keep all of his promises in Christ. God gave them his Holy Spirit as a deposit of what will come. Paul decided not to visit in order to spare them additional pain and grief. This decision was out of love, not fickleness.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all of your sure promises. Help me to boast about you. Bless my relationships to overflow with integrity, sincerity and your grace.
One Word: God's promises are "Yes" in Christ
