2 Corinthians 10

There a shift in tone from the first 9 chapters which seemed to be an encouragement and thankfulness to the Corinthians. Apparently chapters 10-13 seems to target the minority in the congregation that were still influenced by the false teachers. As Paul purged out people in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:19-20), he was ready to do the same to those within the congregation who were infesting the body with a manipulated gospel. Once the congregation would be obedient to Paul (because of his authority), people will more clearly see who was truly repentant for Christ. They still accused him of him of not just being timid in leadership but also as a fraud. They continued to discredit him by their standard of what was valued in Corinth which was his lack of charisma, his presence in the church and eloquent language. Paul's in person impression was apparently considered very meek and mild (which I did not know). As a result Paul is forced to brag as a means to defend his authenticity as an apostle. Unlike Paul, the false teachers had started no churches, suffered no persecution and had no witnesses supporting that they were commission by God (Paul had first hand witnesses from those who travelled and received him from the road to Damascus). 

I believe what's important to point out is that Paul was a missionary to preach and boast in the glory of God. He wouldn't give credit to his own accomplishments neither would he give credit to anyones accomplishments. He only boasted in God and what He approved. How do I know what God approves of and therefore boast of? How do I know if I'm a Christian? The Bible's answer is itself, scripture. The study and application of it (2 Peter 1:21, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 15:4, Deuteronomy 4:2, Psalm 119:11). Comparing myself to what scripture points to Jesus is how I'll know whether my character is approved by God. Instead of comparing myself to other Christians who compare themselves to other Christians who compare themselves to other Christians I must compare myself to King Jesus!

Prayer/response:
- Compare myself to Jesus over any spiritual leader
- Remain consistent in my devotional life, help Josh 
- Help Josh Azar remain consistent in his
- Thank you for bringing pastors and missionaries out of MS-13 to preach the gospel to those in prison and to their former gang members
- God please look after your vision team. Keep them in reliance and labour for you

2 Corinthians 9

Paul writes positively to the Corinthians Church, bragging about them to the Macedonians. He saw this as evidence of their repentant hearts used their offerings/gifts to help motivate the Macedonians to further please God. Upon hearing upon the Macedonians need, the Corinthians promised Paul to provide a large amount of finances. Paul he sends Titus ahead of him to prepare the Corinthians for his visitors (i think he was referring to Macedonians travelling with him to Corinth?). He also doesn't want to to be embarrassed incase they can't raise the money in time. He wished the people of Corinth could give from their own free will rather than obligation. Cheerful giving to other Christians is pleasing to God and He will give back lavishly to the generous, not so they may be materially wealthy but so they may meet the needs of others (Deuteronomy 15:11). 

I pray and hope that God can soften my hard heart, to be a cheerful giver as it's easier for me to donate money to a missional organisation rather than my own Church. But what about the mission here in Sydney??? Hypocrite

Pray/response:
- Pray before I offer my tithes
- Complete enough work for me to attend lg without anxiety
- Help Odwa with this struggles. Keep me accountable to continue praying for him and Jesus house
- Guide the minds of P Matt and Jayne as they lead the vision team. Help them rely and rest in you Lord when tragedy or trials comes

2 Corinthians 8

Paul writes to the Corinthians about the Macedonian Church. He was pleased with the Macedonians, despite their apparent poverty they still had a missional centred attitude and gave financial support. Paul brings this back to the gospel and reminds the readers that though Christ was rich being the son of God, He came and suffered on earth for our sake. Later in the chapter, Paul mentions Titus who had just come back from Corinth after roasting and sorting out the false teachers issues. He commends him and trusts him enough to send him back to the Corinthians so he could gather the finances for the poor in Jerusalem. 

From the chapter, I'm reminded that tithing shouldn't be obligational and that God is the giver of all my blessings. I'm not really as committed as I should be as rent increased this year. Excuses. Have to budget more.

Prayer/response:
- pray before I send tithes that God will soften my heart

Daniel 1: 1-8 sermon by Sam Chan

Israel used to be run by Godly laws. Australia used to be run by Godly laws. Just like when Israel and their "God" was conquered, here in Australia the days of Christendom feels like its we're over

Moses was trained in the wisdom of the pagan Egyptian culture, God used that wisdom. Daniel was trained in the wisdom pagan culture of the Babylonians. God used that wisdom. For Daniel, he learned from the Babylonians but didnt engange in specific cultural activities like their food. 

We are ambassadors of Christ who learn from a secular culture. What advice would I give to the christian who listens to explicit music and movies??? Or even to the Christians who spends excessive money on earthly security

2 Corinthians 7

It's revealed in verses 8-9 that while awaiting for Titus return, Paul feared that his previous letter was too harsh and that he had driven away the congregation he started. He only wrote to them what he did because he loved them knowing he would cause them hurt, he cared more for their eternity than their earthly relationships. In the end however Paul acknowledges genuine repentance from the Corinthians and praises God for it. He said that they should highly anticipate his arrival is if he was a friend because there is no reason for them to be rebuked. I guess I was reminded that ministry could be pretty stressful. Paul built up the Corinthians to be effective Christians because he relied his ministry on God. 

This makes me think, do I live my faith in my ministry or by my own rational? Am I being the overseer Paul calls in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. 

I've had to take responsibility of the very subtle sin of finding more assurance in christian brethren than I do in scripture. As a result, I've had to distance myself from specific people. What if these people give up reaching out and end up leaving me, that would do my head in and break my heart. I feel like a bitch because I wish I recognised this sin sooner and now I feel lonelier than usual. BUT, I believe God is faithful because of all the promises He's fulfilled from the Old Testament to New Testament. He's answered my prayers in ways that have broken me but have built me up toward Him. I'm confident that God will see me through this. Just like Paul I might regret this temporary pruning I've brought upon myself in the heat of the moment, but if my actions are based on prayer and scriptural verification I should have no biblical reason to fear. The outcome is all up to God, and He will be glorified nonetheless. May His will be done.

Prayer/response:
- May the outcome of today glorify you, and may I be content in your glorification
- Safe travels for the Vision team those aboard

2 Corinthians 6

The time for following Jesus is now. Those who have accepted him should turn from their former idols and not be a stumbling block for those who are young in the faith or don't know God. In verses 3-10 Paul gives a roll call on what Christian character is, how we should express Jesus in every aspect of our life from the significant things to the minor. 

The highlight of this chapter was Paul's empathise on holiness. He uses Isaiah 52:11 to back up the reality that as sanctified people we should be seperate. In the context of this Book he was referring to the idiocy of having fellowship with false teachers. We should seperate ourselves from false religion such as legalistic and progressive teaching etc. As far as I know Paul was warning the Church agains't those who encouraged two types of false teaching; legalism and syncretism. This has always been relevant throughout Church history as Gnosticism was quite popular during the first 3 centuries of the early church. Today's most widespread heresies I believe is the prosperity gospel (material rewards) and progressive theology (Jesus loves the sinner, hates the sin. God is love love love etc). The biggest defence again't heresy is the study of theology. John 14:15 "if you love Me, you will keep My commandments". I do also think this has certain relevance to my life rn as I happen to spend most of my time in Cheil with carnal people. I don't think I'm leading them as well as I should be, often finding myself being a stumbling block (hence why I stopped bringing durries to Church since Daniel requests on the hourly). It's frustrating, a retarded dropkick like myself is supposed to represent Christ to carnal people???? I can't fight these battles by myself and should labour with my christian brethren. Of course theology is immeasurably important but I want to also keep myself accountable through other people, mature Christians. I should reach out to them more and stop being insecure.

My bible reading has been slacking a bit, sorry Matt and Jayne...and God. Tafe commitments have been taking priority and my conscience isn't clean as I find myself most likely to rebel when I don't read scripture. However Thursday night I was convicted and decided to recommit myself to pick up scripture before I start academics. God has been very good to me today, as he always is. Today I receive news that my Physics assessment has been extended a week forward. Thank you God, even though I don't deserve this blessing I can now reflect and indulge in scripture without have background stress and distractions. Thank you thank you thank you. 

Prayer/response:
- Reach out for spiritual support from mature Christians
- Help Gloria, let her not feel too burdened by personal missional responsibility and rely on you. Same goes for entire vision team
- Keep myself and other Christians accountable to trust in God and look after Cheil while vision team is overseas 
- May Cape Town be ready to receive you
- Help Kev wang to grow much more in love with you and your people. Thank you for saving him
- Lead Andrews heart and mind to lead well in lifegroup
- Thank you Jesus for the blessings, big and small. Amen

2 Corinthians 5

Paul talks about us Christians are craving to be returned to God. Right now as we are in our mortal bodies we are kept busy the worlds needs and expectations. I battle depression due to my struggle to love Godly things over the power I felt with my fam but I do long for the eternal contentment I'll have in God. How many gonna die before I reach out to them lol damn. What I really hope I prioritise on more is seeking relief in God because I want to be with Him rather than so I don't have to go what is in reality trivial troubles in the scale of eternity. Jesus says in John 14:6 that he is the way the truth and the life and Paul writes that whoever accepts Christ becomes a new being. I should be throwing away the old things and forget about the past and thus be his ambassador on earth. 

Prayer/response:
- love God.
- aspire to be like Jesus. Be above reproach to SCY and chEMistry

2 Corinthians 4

Verse 3 supports election I think.

Paul calls himself and God's children as earthen vessels (greek word means baked clay which refers to clay pots) that contained treasure.
By referring to us as expendable objects, we are reminded that we are not just fragile but that salvation is good works are the result of God.
Our fragility isn't bad but is actually good because it keep us reliant on the creator "power made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinth 12:9. 

While our bodies are decaying our inner self is growing and maturing, so we shouldn't self pity or become hopeless. Regardless of what we
can go through whether it's an estranged family life or financial struggle labour on because God has promised immeasurable glory through
His son. We know that our sufferings are not in vain and can look at it productively for those who are pursuing Jesus.

Prayer/repentance:

- Help me Lord to look past my insecurities and trials. Fixate and stamp eternity on my eyeballs

- Help me to reflect Christ to Kevin. Let the judge be fair

- Keep Cheil accountable to you while the mission team is gone

2 Corinthians 3

Paul addresses the issue of false teachers attempting to influence the Church through their letters of recommendation. Paul however didn't need any sort of outside formal recommendations, the changed lives of the Corinthians was like an open letter that could be observed by everyone proving that Paul and his teachings were legit. Real testimonies are not written by ink but by the Holy Spirit from inner to outward change. This kinda reminds me of what I think I proper pastor should be, he shouldn't be the most clever, not have the highest diplomas, not the most entertaining, but above all else he should be Godly. 

Paul calls the law as glorious as it is "the ministry of death". Its purpose to bring the knowledge of sin but no one can satisfy the demands of the law. While the law is good, glorious and necessary, it is not sufficient for us. So how much more glorious is the gospel of the the new covenant (grace) since it brings righteousness. The law pointed to Jesus and thus this New Covenant is by far superior because the law was never meant to save them but to lead them to Jesus who would. 

Prayer/response:
- prevent myself from becoming a smarter sinner
- prioritise bible reading even tho i'm busy asf
- Help Suzanne, please win her over. Help us as an lg reflect Christ to her
- help me be a good steward in my studies
- Continue glorifying yourself, may you continue to be made known in South Africa. strengthen your team. 

2 Corinthians 2

Paul reminds the Corinthians that he wrote the previous letter to them out of concern because he deeply loved them. This church deeply convicted, changed their habits and fruitful revival came out. They even dealt with an adulterous man in scriptural fashion in the way Paul instructed them, the man now in genuine repentance was accepted back in. There is no doctrine that limits grace to repentant sinners, such restrictions could crush those who want to seek Christ and thus go back to worldly comforts to drown out their misery all over again. 

Near the end of the chapter, Paul reminds the Corinthians that Jesus is valuable above all else. He moved the attention away from the complications of ministry and was grateful for the privilege of labouring for Christ.

2 Corinthians 1

Paul talks about severe suffering and the fruit he believed grew from it. Verse 9-10 I believe indicates that God's sometimes will push us beyond what we can bear so we have no other choice but to rely on Him. There are times we can never fall back to our own security whether it be intelligence, physical or emotional strengths, God wants us to resort to Him. Apparently there is a reference to the Trinity in verse 21-22, no idea how the study notes came to that conclusion, guess I better study it myself.

There is boasting in this this passage, even though there are usually negative connotations to that word. What separates the boasting here is that Paul boasts how God has worked in His life rather than why He's such a great guy. He gives God the glory and not himself. This must've been difficult since it's rarely beneficial to talk big about oneself, however I believe it was good and necessary. I've come to this conclusion because Paul had to authenticate his authority as spiritual leader while many insincere preachers were trying to infiltrate the Church. If I boast, the most healthy way for this to not be a stumbling block is to always make sure it edifies God somehow. 

Prayer/repentance:
- get my crap together, reschedule my bible reading. remember my priorities
- Lord please strengthen vision team and make masi vulnerable to you
- Edify God in my boasting

Hosea 14 + Book Summary

God wants us to acknowledge Him with not just internally but also with our lips. Hosea prays on behalf of Israel that will accept God as the ultimate security rather than depending on foreign pagan alliances. After chastising God says He will heal Israel's backsliding, not "might heal" but that He "will heal" and when they are healed from backsliding they will turn their attention to God and throw away worthless things. God is the same in the Old Testament and He is today. Some people in Cheil are visible evidence to me that God is real and offers grace to all backgrounds and upbringings.

- grow in my reliance and study of scripture
- if accusations are true, please chastise the leaders of cornerstone. let them grow in their priority of scripture over culture

Summary

The biggest problem holding Israel back from a genuine relationship with God was their lack of knowledge. For me, this heightens the importance of theology, just how damn important it is. I've witnessed so much unintentional prosperity gospel and I don't see sanctified living from them, how can God be glorified if biblical fruit is not produced. Sincere worship cannot exist without studying theology. Trust in God cannot exist without studying theology. Loving the Lord with my heart, soul and mind cannot exist without studying theology. Scripture is the only text that comes directly from God (2 Timothy 3:16) and that is sufficient enough for us to know how to follow in His footsteps.

Rather than Hosea being a book about Israel, it seems to explore only one aspect of a bigger picture. Like the style of an arthouse film the book of Hosea is more of a character study but with God as the main character. To me He is an emotionally torn father, He's been severely wronged, justifiably angry and is going to bring severe consequences but at the same time His love overshadows what Israel deserves. "How can I give you up Ephraim?, my heart churns within me, all my compassion is aroused" ch11 v8. 

Hosea 13

v6 "they were filled and their heart was exalted; therefore they forgot Me" we often forget/ignore God in times of prosperity. we times are bed we more likely to turn back to God. God will destroy His people but still help them. Hosea writes a majority of the chapter prophesying judgement but the final verses indicate that after severe discipline God will bring them out of their hopelessness.

Hosea 12

Hosea prophesied during a time of great economic prosperity but spiritual and moral decline. They couldn't feel need to continual repentance when life was going so well for them. And so he criticises Israel for trusting in idols and national security despite all the warnings from God and previous prophets. He calls them useless as if "Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind", in terms of meteorology the east wind was and still is, in all countries dangerous and destructive especially for sailors. God compares Israel to their forefather Jacob the heel-catcher, someone who achieved his wealth by dishonest measures. Israel wrestles with God, refusing to submit to Him but will eventually succumb through chastising and return to God. We are so weak that we can never return to Him without His help.

Pray/response:
- give tithes to church, let this be a reminder where my resources truly come from
- stop wrestling with God's people and succumb

Hosea 11

God loved Israel even before He brought them out of Egypt 500 years prior and helps them out in ways that Israel is unaware of. As a father supports his children "taking them by their arms" so they can walk. Yet just like Israel we have to tendency to stroke our own ego and not give glorify or give credit where due. And so God disciplines them, not because they were sinful but because of their refusal to repent. They would formally call to the most high, vocally proclaiming Him but they didn't exalt him with their lives. He is a God of Justice however he takes no pleasure in chastening Israel as "My sympathy is stirred". 

I think out of all the chapters of Hosea I've read, this has to be the most humanistic portrayal of God so far. God hates sin and sin has to be punished, however because of His love, He's sympathetic. He doesn't enjoy vengeance like we do, however He has to exercise it because it would go against the character of Justice to let guilty people slide. God sends Jesus to us, to me, because the death and resurrection of God's son is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. God longs for reconciliation and He has already won the fight. 

Prayer/response:
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Hosea 10

God blessed Israel with material abundance, yet they spent it on their own idolatrous ambition. For the fallow ground to become fertile it must be broken, since all of us are hard hearted we have to break up the fallow ground of our hearts. I have many idols that apparently are not yet conquered, maybe God will have to intervene because I've been unable to break them. verse 12 "for it is time"  implies that the time to break our pride and inward tendencies, time to seek God is now. God is patient with His children, he may break them for a time but they will love Him

Hosea 9

Those who called Israel to repentance and announced judgement who considered insane. Israel felt no urgency or even a need to reform since they saw their plentiful harvests as blessings from God. Israel pursued idols like Baal and Ashtoreth because they were believed to be fertility Gods, God is the true provider of a good harvest and so will turn their prosperity into barreness. 

Not much to take from this chapter other than God is pronouncing judgement on Israel. Israel mistook their prosperity as blessing which maybe was imitated in a lowkey prosperity gospel attitude??? I should continue chasing God in times of prosperity and depression.

Prayer/response:
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Hosea 8

Hosea seems to be giving Israel crap for not appointing rulers without the direction of God first. They exercised only what was within their own understanding such as national security, economic prosperity etc. Because they were so steeped in sin, God in His authority will send Assyria to break them. Even though Judah was considered less immoral than Israel, God would still punish them as they too weren't turning to God to the standard He wants from them. Israels sin was outright and obvious, but Judah's was more subtle. Judah built fortified cities and trusted in it more than God. 

I see obvious contrasts here to modern Sydney. Israel seems to be our current pill popping sexual deviant culture while Judah is our wholesome church clean cut culture, yet none of these puts us at a right relationship with God. God has given us very good things like family, financial security, a cold beer on a hot summers day etc. Doesn't matter whether large or trivial, if we allow these things to dictate our lives more than God, then we have a problem that we should take to God.

Prayer/repentance:
- Worship the creator, not the creation
- Aspire more for Holy Living

Hosea 7

Despite being warned by earlier Old Testament figures, Israel still runs to other nations for security rather than setting themselves apart for God. The nations guilt is increased according to what it has heard as greater knowledge means greater accountability. In the concluding verses, Israel wail into their beds (turmoil) and yet did not wail to God. They may have prayed here and there, offered sacrifices etc but they did not resort to God or place Him as their top priority. 

There is a reason I've distanced myself from women and so in a very sincere and hopeful way, this chapter was encouraging. The old habit of confiding in women is hard to kill off but I do not want my faith to be circumstantial and neither for my work in the kingdom to be conditional. When I go through trials my backbone must be God, not P Matt or Gloria or anyone else! I'm scared of not aspiring to the spiritual maturity that is lacking among some men in our western churches, I want to be radical in the kingdom. For this to be a reality, I must run to and seek approval solely from God and bury my face in scripture, not human intimacy. 

Prayer/response:
- Run to scripture and prayer when I'm in trouble, not people
- Be more welcoming at Cheil, stop using being burnt out as an excuse or petty entitlements
- Set more time aside in the morning for Bible reading

Hosea 6

Hosea knows God will chastise Israel and so he prays that his country will be moved to genuinely repent to God and trust Him furthermore. Two chapters ago Hosea explains that Israel's core problem was lack of knowledge, just like today many self professed Christians don't seek eternal knowledge. They don't read their bible, they don't attempt to study it, they rely on worldly morals, their theology is best described as "Jesus loves everyone". False doctrine never leads us to God but to the consequences of our own depravity. We get to know God personally when we invest in His word, if we do earnestly seek Him he will reveal Himself to us, and He'll bless with with an intimate relationship that will continue growing. This is indicated more in verse 4-6, when we do good deeds or make sacrifices, we should be doing it with the intention of glorifying God rather than edifying our own ego. The Israelites brought many sacrifices, but weren't very good at being living sacrifices. 

Lord please Help me to have a faith that is alive and active, not complacent and self reliant.

Prayer/response:

- Make sure that what I do in Cheil is edifying to the body and not my ego

- Please break Sean so he'll not be so pussy whiped and finally pursue you. Help us as a Church love him

- Help Chloe grow in faith with to u as she continues to attend Cheil

- Keep myself accountable to prayer

- Please bless Charles and Claire's marriage. Help Charles to keep himself more accountable to scripture and prayer, may Claire follow him as an example

- I'm so lacking in love. Help me Lord. 

Verse 2 contains messianic prophecy.