Day 337, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Corinthians 10–13
Godly Jealousy and Grace Living
Godly jealousy seems like two words that don’t fit together. Most often, jealousy is thought of as a bad thing, and in its most evil form, it can lead to murder. But godly jealousy is good. For instance, if a married couple desires to keep their relationship, they will continually and joyfully be attentive to their mate’s emotional, physical, and material needs. Furthermore, they will not flirt with the opposite sex, whether personally, through secret internet relationships or pornography. This kind of jealousy is commendable. This kind of jealousy is love.
In our last Bible study, we saw that the Apostle Paul was proud of the Corinthian church for her care and hospitality. As a testimony of their love for God, Paul wanted the Corinthians to be grace-givers, that is, to provide for the material needs of the poor, for whom he was taking up a collection.
Grace-Living
In today’s Bible reading, Paul desires the Corinthians to accept him and live out the grace God showed them. This is grace-living. Like grace-giving, grace-living occurs when Christians consider all God has done for them and live like ones changed by his grace. Then they extend this same kind of love and grace to others. It is kind of like paying it forward (paying for the next person’s expenses at the cash register). Have we been changed by God’s grace? He offers us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life. We can be new in our spirit and show God’s love to others (more...).
When Paul visited the Corinthians, he told them about Christ. Many were converted, but now they show signs of slipping in their spirituality. Paul spent considerable time teaching them how to live faithful to God. Because Paul is jealous for their relationship with Christ, he warns them not to fall back into sexual immorality and idolatry, from which they have been saved. The apostle doesn’t want his efforts to be wasted. He also doesn’t want to be ashamed when he next sees them.
Paul wants to be proud of the Corinthian believers, but their recent withdrawal from him has him concerned. He wants them to respect and listen to him. Even though he loathes boasting, the apostle finds it necessary to brag about all that Christ has done through him for their benefit. “But [Paul says], ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord,’ for it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV).
Paul cares deeply for the Corinthian believers. He writes,
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him, But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2-3, NIV).
Pursuing the relationship
Paul spent about three years disciplining the Corinthians (Acts 18) and corresponded with three letters (two of which were lost in subsequent years and never added to our Bibles). Now, he plans a third visit to them. How concerned are we for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we jealous of their relationship with the Lord? If needed, will we seek to be involved in restoring their relationship with him? This is godly jealousy. This is love. Hopefully, the people we love and minister to will see our genuine concern, turn to God, and live to please him. This will bring joy to our Lord and to us.
Discussion
What is grace-living and how can it be shown?
In what ways can we show we are deeply concerned for another person?
Focus Verse: The letter of 2Corinthians ends with what is perhaps the theme of the book, and this will be our verse today.
“Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you,” (2 Corinthians 13:11, NIV).
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response. Dear LORD, although you are our God, you are also our heavenly father. Great is your tender mercy. You care for us more than anyone else, so I pray that we, too, would exercise an abundance of mercy and grace. This is your will and will help us build your kingdom.
Father, provide our needs as you have always done, and in particular, help us live gracious lives. Please forgive our sins and help us to forgive others. I pray we would be zealous in loving our spouse, ministers, and others you have brought into our lives. May we be led away from the temptation to be mean, divisive, or harmful. May you receive all the glory and praise today as we follow your example. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: Another letter the Apostle Paul writes is to the Christians in Rome. This is while he is on his third missionary journey. Confusion exists between Jewish and Gentile Christians on how to be right with God, so Paul addresses it. Our Next Lesson is Righteousness—How is it Achieved?
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