The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Abounding in Faith, Utterance, Knowledge, Diligence and Love 2 Corinthians 8:7

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia were so caring for others, “Insomuch that” he and his companions “desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also”, and in chapter eight and verse seven of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how “Titus” wanted to “finish” in the Corinthian church members “the same grace” which was in the Macedonian churches where we read:

Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.

The verse begins, “Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, ...” Paul began with the word, “therefore” which means “nevertheless and notwithstanding”, “as you abound” which means “just and even as the church members exceed a fixed number of measure which is left over and above a certain number or measure” “in every thing” or “in each, all, the whole and whatsoever”, “in faith” which means “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”, “and utterance” or “speech, word, sayings, decrees and mandates”, “and knowledge” which refers to “the deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this religion such as belongs to the more advanced” “and in all diligence” which means “in each, every and the whole of earnestness, promoting or striving for anything”. Paul desired for the church members in Corinth to grow “exceedingly” in their “faith, sayings, deeper knowledge and diligence”.

The verse continues, “... and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.” Paul added the words, “and in your love” which means “and within the church members' affection, good will, benevolence and unconditional brotherly love” “to us” which means “Paul and his companions”, “see that” or “” “you abound” or “the church members exceed a fixed number of measure which is left over and above a certain number or measure” “in this grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness and unmerited favor” “also” or “even and indeed”. Paul added the need for the church members' “love” and “grace” toward he and his companions.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how he desired for the church members to continue their “growth” in these areas. “Faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, love and grace” are important elements in the Christian faith, and those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, shall not only acquire these traits, but also “abound” in them as well. May all who read these words be inspired by Paul's words and seek to “exceed” in every characteristic he has named.

Next time Paul told the church members these things to, “prove the sincerity of” their “love”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Finished in the Same Grace 2 Corinthians 8:6

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia “did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God”, and in chapter eight and verse six of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how “Titus” wanted to “finish” in the Corinthian church members “the same grace” which was in the Macedonian churches where we read:

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun,

so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

The verse begins, “Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, ...” Paul began with the word, “insomuch” which means “towards, throughout, till and until the point” “that we desired” which means “Paul and his companions called to one's side, summoned for, entreated and beseeched” “Titus” whose name means “nurse” and was “a Gentile Christian and Paul's companion in some of his journeys”, “that as he had begun” which means “made a beginning forth or commence already”. Paul so admired the great job done with the Macedonian churches that he wanted Titus to be involved with the Corinthian church as well.

The verse goes on to say, “... so he would also finish in you the same grace also.” Paul continued with the words, “so he would also” which means “that Titus might even so and indeed” “finish” which means “bring to an end, accomplish, perfect, execute and complete” “the same grace” which refers to “the like and selfsame trait which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, loving-kindness and unmerited favor” “also” or “even and indeed”. Paul wanted the same “grace” which was in the Macedonian churches to be within the Corinthians as well.

When we think through these words of Paul, we note once again his acknowledgment of the “grace” which was in the Macedonian churches. Their “loving-kindness and favor” toward others was so abundant, that Paul desired for “Titus” to “complete” the same “grace” within the church in Corinth. Jesus Christ's churches should inspire one another toward spiritual traits, and when a church is thriving in a spiritual area such as these Macedonian churches, it should motivate them to imitate their behaviors and attitudes. May the Lord Jesus help us to put at bay “competition” between churches, and work toward “finishing in the same grace” as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Next time Paul shares how he and his companions desired for the church members to, “abound in every thing”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Monday, July 1, 2019

Giving Themselves to the Lord and Us 2 Corinthians 8:5

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia were “praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints”, and in chapter eight and verse five of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how the churches in Macedonia “gave themselves to the Lord and to them” where we read:

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord,

and unto us by the will of God.

The verse begins, “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, ...” Paul began with the words, “and this they did” which means “the churches in Macedonia did not do”, “as we hoped” which means “in the same manner as Paul and his companions expected, confided or trusted” “but first” or “however before, at the beginning and chiefly” “gave” which means “granted, supplied, furnished and delivered” “their own selves” or “the Macedonian churches” “to the Lord” which refers to “toward he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah”. According to Paul, the Macedonian churches exceeded Paul's expectations and “gave” themselves to God the Messiah first.

The verse goes on to say, “... and unto us by the will of God.” Paul continued with the words, “and unto us” which means “and toward Paul and his companions” “by the will” which means “through the desire, pleasure, wishes, commands and precepts” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul acknowledged the Macedonian churches ministry to he and His companions by “God's will”.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how the Macedonian churches exceeded Paul and his companions' expectations because they “gave themselves” “to the Lord” and to them. This blessed Paul, and should be an encouragement and challenge to everyone who reads about them. Jesus Christ loves when His church operates in this manner, and perhaps we would all do well to emulate the attitude and purpose of these Macedonian churches who “gave” in a manner that was a blessing to others.

Next time Paul shares how he and his companions desired for, “Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Ministering to the Saints through Gifts 2 Corinthians 8:4

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia “bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves”,and in chapter eight and verse four of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how the churches in Macedonia were involved in, “ministering to the saints” through “gifts” where we read:

Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift,

and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

The verse begins, “Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, ...” Paul began with the words, “praying us” which means “desiring, longing for, asking for and making supplication to Paul and his companions” “with much entreaty” which means “with large and great calling near, summoning, importation, supplication, admonition and encouragement” “that we would receive” or “so Paul and his companions would take with the hand, hold, embrace and get” “the gift” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, loving-kindness and favor”. Paul recalled how the churches in Macedonia desired for Paul and his companions to “receive” the “loving-kindness and favor” they collected for them.

The verse continues, “... and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” Paul added the words, “and take upon us the fellowship” which is all one Greek word “koinōnia” and means “association, community, communion, joint participation and intercourse” “of the ministering” or “of the service and relief” “to the saints” which refers to “the pure, morally blameless or religiously and ceremonially consecrated”. Paul and his companions “took upon themselves” the “association and community” that is associated with “serving” the “saints” of God.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how the church in Macedonia desired for he and his companions to receive not only their “gift” but also their “loving fellowship”. These church members exemplified the way believers in Jesus should be toward one another and particularly toward leaders who govern over them. Jesus Christ desires for His church to care for one another, and when they “minister to the saints through gifts”, they enjoy the “community and association” He desired for them.

Next time Paul shares how the churches in Macedonia, “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Willing of Themselves 2 Corinthians 8:3

Paul the apostle and his companions shared how the churches in Macedonia endured “a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality”,and in chapter eight and verse three of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how the churches in Macedonia, “beyond their power were willing of themselves” where we read:

For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

The verse begins, “For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power ...” Paul began with the words, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “to their power” which means “to the churches' strength and ability”, “I bear record” or “Paul was a witness, affirmed, experienced, gave testimony and report to”, “yes, and” which means “even so and indeed”, “beyond” which refers to “more than and over” “their power” or the church members in Macedonia's “strength and ability”. Paul was a personal witness to the “ability” and “super ability” of the churches in Macedonia in this area of giving.

The verse goes on to say, “... they were willing of themselves;” Paul added the words, “they were willing” which means “the church members in Macedonia were voluntarily, of free choice and of their own accord” “of themselves” which pertains to the “churches in Macedonia”. Paul shared how the churches in Macedonia went beyond their own ability and strength to “willingly” give to others.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he was blessed by the giving efforts of the churches in Macedonia. Even though they had little themselves, they were willing to share with others beyond their own ability. God desires for His church to function in this manner. Blessing others blesses Jesus, and when we attempt to give beyond our own ability, not only are others benefitted by our gifts, but God is blessed as well.

Next time Paul shares how the churches in Macedonia, “with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Affliction, Joy, Poverty and Liberality 2 Corinthians 8:2

Paul the apostle and his companions wanted the church members in Corinth “to know the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia”,and in chapter eight and verse two of Second Corinthians, Paul shared with the church members about the, “affliction, joy, poverty and liberality” of the churches in Macedonia where we read:

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy

and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

The verse begins, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy ...” Paul began with the words, “How that” which means “since and because” “in a great trial” which means “in many and large amount of proofs, trusts and tests” “of affliction” or “pressings, tribulations, distresses and straits” “the abundance” which means “the superfluous, surplus and pre-eminence” “of their joy” which refers to “the church members in Macedonia's gladness and calm delight”. Paul recalled the “many tests and tribulations” as well as the “superfluous gladness” which the churches in Macedonia shared.

The verse goes on to say, “...and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” Paul added the words, “and their deep” which means “the church members in Macedonia's extreme, profundity and mysterious” “poverty” or “begging and indigence” “abounded” which means “to overflow, be in affluence, pre-eminent and exceeded” “unto the riches” or “toward the wealth, fullness, abundance and plenitude” “of their liberality” which means “singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty, not self-seeking and openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity”. Paul noted, though the churches in Macedonia were “extremely poor”, they were “generous and giving” to others who had need.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we might be amazed by these church members in Macedonia. Though they were physically poor, they were spiritually rich. They endured “afflictions”, and yet had “joy”. They were “poor”, and yet, they were “rich”. These people “gave” when they did not have to give, and that type of giving blesses God Almighty and His Son Jesus. Perhaps we may learn from the churches in Macedonia, and ask the Lord to provide a “joyful, giving heart” even in the midst of “afflictions” and “poverty”.

Next time Paul shares how the churches in Macedonia were, “beyond their power...willing of themselves”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

The Grace of God in Macedonia 2 Corinthians 8:1

Paul the apostle, “rejoiced” and had “confidence in you in all things” in which the church members in were involved, and in chapter eight and verse one of Second Corinthians, Paul shared with the church members about, “the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia” toward them where we read:

Moreover, brethren, we want you to know the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

The verse begins, “Moreover, brethren, we want you to know ...” Paul began with the words, “moreover” which means “even now, also and nevertheless”, “brethren” which refers to “fellow believers who are united to another by the bond of affection in Christ”, “we want you” or “Paul and his companions desired for the church members” “to know” which means “to recognize and to gain or knowledge of”. Paul and his companions wanted the church members to be “aware of” that which he is about to write.

The verse goes on to say, “the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;” Paul added the words, “the grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, goodwill, loving-kindness, loveliness and unmerited favor” “of God” or “the Godhead bodily which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “bestowed” which refers to “given, granted, supplied, furnished and delivered” “on the churches” or “to the assemblies of Christians gathered for worship in religious meetings” “of Macedonia” whose name means “extended land” and was “a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria and on the North by Dardania and Moesia”. Paul and his companions desired for the Corinthian believers to “know” how “God” “granted and supplied” His “grace” upon the churches which were located in “Macedonia”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we may find it interesting that he desired for the church members of Corinth to know about the church in Macedonia. Jesus Christ's church is placed around the world, and His abundant “grace” is “supplied” to all of them. Jesus desires that each part of the “body of Christ” or the church be concerned about the others, and as Paul mentions “Macedonia”, perhaps we shall be inspired to think of His church not only down the street or in our town, but also throughout the entire earth.

Next time Paul shares with the church members how, “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of the church in Macedonia's “joy and their deep poverty abounded”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,