The Vineyard
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me
and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do
nothing. – John 15:5
II Corinthians 2:14-3:6
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Life
vs. Death
o
The
gospel is received differently by those who are being saved, and those who are
perishing. To those being saved, it
smells like life, but to those perishing, it has the stench of death. How does the gospel smell to you?
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What
Commends Us
o
Paul’s
opponents came with human letters of recommendation, but Paul is able to point
to the Corinthians themselves as his letter.
His work speaks for itself. What
are we able to point to in our lives, to show others that we are Christian?
o
Do
we value the tangible, that written with ink, or the spiritual, that written
with the Spirit?
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Sufficiency
Comes from Christ
o
Perhaps
you have avoided speaking for Christ, because you don’t feel capable,
knowledgeable, etc. Paul says that it
isn’t our own talent or knowledge, but God who makes us sufficient. Do you rely on yourself, or on God to be
sufficient?
Pray that
the gospel will be a sweet smell not only to ourselves, but to those around
us.
Pray that
the Spirit will write Christ’s letter on our hearts.
Pray that
God will make us sufficient ministers of the gospel to those around us.
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