The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, August 2, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Tuesday August 2, 2022
TOPIC: FELLOW WORKERS OF JOY
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1: 8-24
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; 11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Tuesday, August 2, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Apostle Paul in today's passage reminded the church at Corinth of his experience together with his fellow missionaries in the province of Asia. They gave up air hope but with the prayers of the church and the help of God, they were delivered from trouble, especially that which came to them in Asia (vv. 8-11). He wanted them to understand his teaching to avoid any doubt about his ministry. In verse 24, Paul wrote to encourage the church to be each other's helper of joy; he said he did not come to control but to be a helper of joy. The church prayed for him and he also prayed for the church. He described his involvement as ministerial servant rather than dominating force.
Christians also need to do the same in times like this by acting as mediators rather than dictators. Believers are to follow in Paul's footstep in advancing the gospel, and inspire and encourage those in darkness to seek the light, so they can rejoice for all eternity too. There is need to help each other; we need to be "helpers of joy" to others by praying for them. (1 Tim. 2:1). Be a "helper of someone's joy", by giving to someone in need, by encouraging and by comforting.
Prayer: Father, help me to bring joy and happiness to other people so that they will be blessed through me. ;