Boast In The Lord
- Cornerstone Church
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
This week finishes the second letter to the Corinthians. In chapters 7-9, Paul will talk about the Corinthians' giving, and finish taking up a collection that they had promised to do. Paul reminds them that his ministry at Corinth was funded by the Macedonians, who were a more impoverished church. However, the Macedonians gave with joy so that the Gospel might spread. Paul will end the letter in chapters 10-13, addressing the “Super Apostles” and their “qualifications.” These “Super Apostles” looked the part; however, they preached a false gospel. Paul turns the argument for their superiority on its head by going along with the idea that he should boast. Paul comes to the conclusion that he has put more “skin in the game” than anyone, and this should give him “street cred” by their logic. However, God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble despite some amazing experiences. God explains a very important reason that applies to us today. It all points to boasting in the Lord alone, and that is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Week 39
Bible Reading Plan
Daily Prayer Plan
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the books of 2 Corinthians and Romans, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
R.E.A.D. - Repeated words. Examine & mark. Ask what I learn about God? Do.
STUDY IT.
Read 2 Corinthians 11:7-10. Who funded Paul’s mission to Corinth and the surrounding region (Achaia)? Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. What were the circumstances around and the root of the Macedonians' generosity?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-5. The “Super Apostles” boasted about visions and spiritual experiences. What do we learn about Paul and his attitude toward spiritual experiences? Read 2 Corinthians 10:17-18. How does Paul view success even in ministry?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Why did God allow the thorn in the flesh, and what was Paul’s response to this hardship?
Read Romans 1:18-25. How are those against God described?
Read Romans 1:26-31. What behaviors come out of a person who is filled with unrighteousness? Read Galatians 5:16-26. What is the fruit of being filled with the Spirit of God?
SHARE IT.
Read Romans 1:28-31. What is at the foundation of your sin? Is there a “pet” sin you go back to fulfill you?
Read Romans 1:21-23, 25. What is at the foundation of your fleshly/sinful wisdom and thinking behind your acting out sin? How is returning to a “pet” sin a rejection of God?
Read Galatians 5:16-26. What fruit is most evident in your life, and which do you struggle with? Have you seen fruit grow over time? Read John 15:1-2. Times of difficult pruning by the Father are normal in the Christian life.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:10 and 1 Samuel 16:7. How were the Corinthians being tricked? What are the outward markers of success that tempt you or are praised in American culture?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 & Psalm 112:9. What does Jesus’ sacrifice have to do with your money and a motivation to be a cheerful giver?
FINAL THOUGHT
All throughout Israel’s history, they have been setting up monuments. These monuments are supposed to be reminders of God’s faithfulness to them. Past grace builds our faith towards future sustaining grace. God will provide all that we need. He has, and God will. Time and again, the Israelites in the wilderness failed to learn to trust God, and this kept them out of the promised land. God would put them in a life-threatening situation, Israel would turn on God, and God would miraculously provide. They never turned the corner into trusting during the moment it did not make sense. The Christian has more ability to trust than even they did. Christ died so that we could be reconciled. In our moment of weakness, we are assured that God loves us and is pruning us for our good and His glory. So we are able to boast in the Lord, and all the more in our weakness. This is uncomfortable at times, however learning to trust a good God is a fruit only born out of the fertile soil of the wilderness. (For further reading; The Land Between by Jeff Manion)
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