The Vineyard- June 28, 2015

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

-          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?

-          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?

-          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.