We’ve all done it—made a plan, then had to change it. It’s so frustrating! Paul knew this all too well, as he explains here—but he also knew of a plan that never gets changed…
The best-laid plans
Read 2 Corinthians 1:15
• Paul has had to change his plans. What might he be accused of doing (v 15-17)?
Paul’s travel plans got complicated at times, and we don’t have time to trace all his journeys here! What we do know is that in 1 Corinthians 16:5, he planned to come to Corinth after Macedonia. But this hasn’t worked out.
The faithful Lord
Read 2 Corinthians 1:18
• Why should the Corinthians have confidence in Paul’s words (v 18-19)?
Paul talks in verse 20 about how all God’s promises find their yes in Christ. That is, they all come true in Christ.
• Pause and re-read verse 20. Why is this truth seriously amazing and exciting?
• Scribble down all the promises you can think of that God has made which have come true in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In verses 21 and 22, Paul tells us four things that God has done for us.
• What does it mean that God has:
• established us in Christ?
• anointed us?
• sealed us?
• given us the Spirit as a guarantee?
We saw in our first study that we are saints, “set apart as pure ones”. These verses are a description of what it means to have been set apart. They should help us to remember all Jesus has done for us, and will do for us. We can have complete confidence in Him, because however often we have to change our plans, God’s plans to save His people through Christ are unchangeable. No unforseen circumstances will ever amend or frustrate God’s salvation timetable. Brilliant!
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PRAY THRU
Give thanks to God for the way in which He has set us apart in Christ, and given us His Holy Spirit so that we might live for Him. Give thanks that you know the One who is the focus and fulfilment of all of God’s promises.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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