Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 44

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

This psalm is one of fifteen (120-134) poems, referred to as Psalms of Ascent, and were sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they travelled to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles); ascending up the sloped terrain towards the temple mount. The ascent was not only a literal and physical climb, but it also pictured the spiritual faith journey of God’s people. The climb pictures God’s work in salvation as those of faith rely on the protection and providence of the Lord through the perilous voyage. The Creator of heaven and earth is most certainly able to control the slippery rocks of Jerusalem, keeping the feet of his sojourners safely on solid ground. God’s people, as they scaled the treacherous paths and cliffs, would fix their attention high upon the house of the Lord. Their goal was set on reaching Zion, the stronghold and fortress of God, His dwelling place. Christians can cling to the same promises by keeping their eyes upon Jesus, by looking full in his wonderful face, so that the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.

(1 Samuel 2:9; 2 Chronicles 20:12; Proverbs 3:23; Isaiah 53:5, 54:17; Jeremiah 3:23; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-39, 10:13; Philippians 4:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 5:18, Revelation 7:16)

The Preacher paints wisdom and foolishness in stark contrast, particularly pointing out the dangerous influence and sabotaging nature of folly. An individual can practice a lifetime of wisdom and honor, yet only one act of folly can bring everything to ruins. This is the calamitous nature of sin. Not only can sin effect the individuals life, it can also influence and infect those around them. For the Preacher, this is often recognized in leadership. Those in positions of authority and power often make foolish choices, possibly spoiling a lifetime of honest work and negatively influencing a wide number of those under their jurisdiction. Sin, due to its abundance and influence in the world, has created an inverted reality where foolish people are promoted to leadership roles and those with wisdom are overlooked and ignored. Although sin often appears to rule this world, the need for discipline, prudence and righteous wisdom is all the more important and necessary.

(Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; Proverbs 13:6, 14:12; Isaiah 59:2; John 1:5, 10:10; Romans 8:13; 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 6:7-8; Ephesians 4:18; James 1:15)

Paul’s humility and self-abasement is a model example to any Christian, which the apostle intentionally uses in juxtaposition to the prideful nature of the false teachers. The apostle begins this section of the letter with a humble gesture, requesting the Corinthians to appease his emotions as he explains the depths of his love and concern for them. In one sense Paul feels that his “jealousy” is a bit ridiculous because the believers in Achaia are really the Lord’s and not his, yet because the apostle was used to initiate their faith and walk with Christ, he has a profound connection and responsibility for them. Paul is being brutally honest and real with the Corinthians, so that they may take heed concerning the dangers of being led astray by these deceitful workers (v.13). The term “super-apostles” seems to be a bit tongue-and-cheek, sarcastically exposing the real identity of those who were creating strife and division among the congregation. By creating confusion and disunity among the believers, Satan’s servants (vv.14-15) are actually introducing a different gospel, attempting to seduce the Corinthians into abandoning the true faith. Paul wisely draws a great distinction between the two opposing parties. While the false teachers glorify themselves, pushing their own agenda, Paul seeks to glorify the Lord, only boasting in his weaknesses as he fulfils the will of God. All of the apostle’s sufferings for the sake of the gospel may appear to be foolish to the spiritually blind, but they in fact highlight the power and provision of God.
 
(Proverbs 3:34, 22:4; Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:14; John 3:30; Romans 5:3-5, 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 12:10; James 1:2-4; 3:16, 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:5-6)

In the previous chapter, Paul differentiated himself from the false teachers that plagued the Corinthian church by comparing his humility and obedience to their pride and ulterior motives. Paul persists in emphasizing this disparity by sharing his unique experience and authority as set apart by God. Although Paul seems to be speaking of another man, most scholars agree that this is the apostle’s humility forming his delivery, speaking in the third-person. Paul was converted personally by the resurrected Jesus, was taught gospel doctrine by Jesus, was commissioned by Jesus, and is now sharing one of the most unique experiences mentioned throughout all of scripture. Paul is in a very niche group of men who have been allowed to witness the realities of heaven and the glory of God in this life. This encounter elevates and testifies to Paul’s validation and position as a verified minister and mouthpiece of the Lord. Even though Paul has been endowed and trusted with such great authority, he is still a man in the flesh, replete with faults and infirmities. After meekly flashing his apostolic credentials, Paul bluntly questions their reasoning and grounds for suspicion. The apostle stuck to the gospel, exercised great patience with their spiritual immaturity and never took advantage of them financially. So where was the deceit?, Paul asks. Because the Corinthian believers were weak, unwilling to defend Paul before the false teachers, he fears that they will also fail to stand up for the true gospel.

(Matthew 7:15-20; Acts 9:15-16, 22:14-15; Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 1:1, 11-12; Ephesians 4:14, 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Paul’s bold imperatives to the Corinthians carry all the way to the end of this epistle. In fact, most bible translations label this last section Final Warnings. The fact that many of the believers in Corinth are falling prey to false teachers is no laughing matter. If division and doubt is so easily sown amongst them, there is reason to doubt their faith. The apostle lovingly but firmly calls them to test their faith, to examine the fruits of their faith. Real signs of conversion by the gospel are adhering to and standing in sound doctrine, having and displaying sacrificial love for others, seeking unity with fellow believers, striving for and achieving spiritual growth. Each of these proofs of salvation seem to be in question, therefore it was of the utmost importance that the Corinthians take a close, hard look at themselves. While the apostle’s tone may seem harsh, discipline and correction is a part of true love. The theologian, Warren Wiersbe, is quoted, “Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy. Paul could not afford to spare the truth of which the Corinthians so desperately needed to hear, and did so out of a genuine love and concern. Rebuke and conviction may be uncomfortable, but it far surpasses the outcome of remaining on a destructive path.

(Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 3:11-12, 12:1, 27:6; Romans 16 16:17-18; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:15; Philippians 2:12; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Revelation 3:19)

This epistle, widely believed to be the first one written by the apostle Paul, draws a line in the sand, adamantly condemning those who taint the gospel and warning those who would entertain such blasphemy. In this particular case Paul specifically opposes legalism. A group known as Judaizers were attempting to seduce the believers in the region of Galatia into abandoning the freedom they had found in the grace of God through Jesus. These legalistic Jews were teaching that salvation through Christ was not enough, emphasizing that strict adherence to the Law was necessary to achieve spiritual redemption. Their ideals clearly elevated human ability while minimalizing the sufficiency and proficiency of the cross. By highlighting the sovereignty of God, Paul strategically defends the true nature of salvation. The theme of God’s sovereign work runs through the entire chapter. Right from the beginning, within the opening greeting, the apostle intentionally reinforces that it was God who established him as an apostle (not a man), God who raised Jesus from the dead, God who dispenses grace and peace, all that was accomplished by Christ for the purpose of salvation fulfilled the exact will of God, and therefore all glory and credit is due to God alone. Paul uses his own testimony as a former zealot of Judaism in order to expose the inability and fallibility of man in light of the divine intervention of God which takes place in salvation. It is indeed God who saves, hence it is impossible for man to add to or maintain it. The severity of this blasphemy can be measured by Paul’s reactionary judgement upon them with the use of the word anathema (translated accursed). Reserved for only those who stand in total opposition to God, this literally means “May God damn them to hell,” or “May God curse them unto total destruction.” Not only is this condemnation shockingly abrasive, but Paul repeats it, making sure that he is absolutely clear concerning the gravity of this error. To spread such false information not only causes others to stumble far from God, but it pollutes the nature of God and robs Him of his glory.

(Psalm 115:1; John 1:12-13; Acts 14:11-15, 4:12; Romans 1:21-23, 11:36; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 2:8-9, 3:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5)

Before introducing the doctrinal essence of the gospel, which refutes the accursed agenda of the Judaizers, the apostle Paul continues to validate his credentials as a foundational leader of Christ’s church. By mentioning his travels to Jerusalem, meeting with those who “seemed” influential, and his rebuking of Peter, the apostle confirms his apostolic status. Not only was Paul set apart and commissioned by Jesus himself, but the apostle was clearly recognized by the leaders of both Judaism, as well as the first century church leadership. By using several variations of the Greek word dokeó (to suppose, or to seem) within the narrative of his Jerusalem meeting, Paul compounds the notion that whatever authority any leader may “seem” to have, Christ has sole authority and sovereignty over the church. This point continues to oppose the idea that man plays any part in his salvation, reducing the ceremonial law of Judaism obsolete in terms of effectiveness for salvation. Paul’s rebuking of Cephas (Peter) proves that he possesses divine direction and wisdom from God as he corrects the leader of Jesus’s innermost twelve for being hypocritically legalistic. Then Paul drops the theological hammer: justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Paul reasons that it is clearly impossible to uphold the law perfectly. To infract the law, even minutely, is to be labeled a law breaker. Therefore, to be justified before God, to be declared innocent in the presence of a righteous God, is only available through faith in his Son. A transgressor is not the man who turns from the law and finds freedom in Christ, but rather the man that turns from Christ and goes back to himself and the law. In the end, Paul shares the Christian experience of conversion; being changed by Christ, sharing in his death and led into a newness of life that is empowered by Christ.

(Matthew 28:18; Romans 3:23-24, 28, 4:5; Galatians 3:11; Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:8-9, 5:23; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:13-14, 18; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 4:14-15, 9:11-15, 10:1-10; 1 Peter 3:22)