2 CORINTHIANS: ''DO NOT COMPARE, GLORY IN THE LORD''

 

Paul reminds us that the Christian life is a battle. But it is not a battle with human weapons. It is a spiritual battle, and our strength comes from God. Paul also teaches us about humility, gentleness, and the danger of comparing ourselves with others.

Scripture

3For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Paul was criticized by some people in Corinth. They said he looked weak in person and only sounded strong in his letters. But Paul explained that his authority came from Christ, not from human strength. As believers we must know that Christian life is a spiritual war. We do not fight with anger, pride, or force. We fight with prayer, faith, and the Word of God.

The gospel has power to break down strongholds—walls of pride, unbelief, and false ideas. It brings every thought under the obedience of Christ. Paul also shows the gentleness of Christ. Even when correcting people, he does it with love. And he reminds us that we should not compare ourselves with others, because the only approval that matters is God’s.

How to live as Christians today:

· Fight with God’s weapons: When fear, temptation, or doubt come, we fight with prayer and Scripture. For example, if you feel afraid, pray and remember God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

· Stay humble: Do not boast about yourself. If you succeed, thank God. If you fail, lean on His strength.

· Gentle correction: When someone criticizes you, answer with kindness. Show the spirit of Christ, who was gentle even when He was attacked.

· Glory in the Lord: All good things come from Him. Let your praise and joy be in God, not in yourself.

But Paul warns us:

· Stop comparing: Many Christians feel sad because they compare themselves with others. But God looks at the heart. He values faithfulness, not outward success.

12Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. (2 Corinthians 10:12)

 The warning is clear: comparison makes us unwise.

When we compare ourselves to others, two dangerous things happen:

• If we think we are better, pride grows in our heart.
• If we think we are worse, discouragement and jealousy take over.

Both pride and discouragement are traps of the enemy. They are strongholds that keep us from living in the freedom of Christ.

Why Comparison is Dangerous

• It makes us forget that God has given each of us a unique calling.
• It blinds us to the gifts and talents God has placed in us.
• It shifts our eyes away from Jesus and onto people.
• It steals joy, peace, and contentment.

What God Wants Instead

God does not measure us against other people. He measures us by faithfulness. He looks at the heart. He cares about obedience, not competition.

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17) This means our joy and confidence should come from Christ alone.

Do not compare yourself. Comparison is a thief. It steals joy, peace, and focus. Instead, look to Jesus. Be faithful in your calling. Glory in the Lord. That is wisdom, that is freedom, and that is victory.

Being a Christian is not about looking strong on the outside. It is about trusting God’s power inside. The world fights with pride, anger, and competition. But we fight with prayer, truth, and love. When we feel weak, God is strong. When we feel small, God sees our faithfulness. So let us walk humbly, fight spiritually, and give all glory to the Lord.

 

Reflection

• When I feel afraid, do I pray and trust God’s Word?
• In what areas of my life am I tempted to compare myself with others?
• Do I look at others too much instead of looking at Jesus?
• How can I respond with gentleness when someone criticizes me?
• Do I give thanks to God for my success, or do I boast in myself?

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me strength. Forgive me when I compare myself with others. Help me to trust Your Word and pray when I feel weak. Keep me humble and faithful in the work You gave me. Teach me to be gentle when people criticize me. Let my joy and praise be only in You. Amen.

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PAS MAY - JCRC CAMBODIA

2 CORINTHIANS 8: THE GRACE OF GENEROUS GIVING

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Chapter 8 is about the grace of God, giving and generosity. Paul is talking to the believers at Corinth about the collection or offering for the church in Jerusalem. This is not just a simple lesson about money. Paul has deeper point; true generosity is a fruit of the grace of God that is in the heart of the believer. Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their commitment to help. He mentioned how generous the Macedonian churches amidst of the hardships and poverty because they have joy and devotion to the Lord. The Macedonian were not generous because they have money. It started when they give their heart to Jesus. Change of heart starts from surrendering to God. We can give generously when we know that everything we have comes from the Lord. He is the source of what we have, therefore we are not the owner of whatever we have right now.
Jesus’ grace is our salvation.

GRACE CHANGES WHAT WE BELIEVE.
GRACE CHANGES HOW WE LIVE.
GRACE CHANGES HOW WE GIVE.

In verse 5 it says the Macedonian gave themselves first to God, then they exceeded in the expectations of Paul. Before God wants our resources, He wants our hearts. Before you give something, give yourself to God. JESUS gave Himself. Jesus gave His life. He demonstrated sacrificial love.
When giving becomes difficult, remember: We are not trying to pay Jesus back. We are responding with gratitude to grace we could never repay.

 
Generosity is not determined by how much you have, but by what God is doing in your heart. Generosity is revealed through a willing heart. God sees the heart behind the gift. Generosity requires willingness and not pressure. Generosity is according to what God has given you. True generosity moves from intention to action. It turns willingness to action.

Jesus is the source of our grace.
Jesus is the greatest example of giving.
Jesus is the best example of generosity.

Generosity begins with the grace of God, then we give ourselves to God, our heart changes and filled with gratitude, then generosity is produced that we become willing to give, then people’s needs are met so God is glorified.

May we always be a reflection of god’s love and grace by being generous in sharing the gospel, by being generous in giving of our time, talent, energy, money and gifts god has entrusted us.


Let us pray.
Thank you Lord for the revelation.
Thank you for the conviction.
Make me grateful for your grace. May your grace change my heart. Let me fully surrender my heart to you. May I be willing to give so that others needs be met. Give me a generous heart Lord. May in my giving and everyday living you will be glorified. Amen.

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Elder Mayen - JCRC Cambodia

2 CORINTHIANS 9: THE HEART OF GENEROUS GIVING

 

When we talk about giving, it is easy to think that the subject is only about money. But in 2 Corinthians 9, Paul is dealing with something much deeper—the condition of our hearts toward God. The Corinthians had promised to help believers who were in need. Paul wanted them to fulfill their commitment, but he did not want their giving to come from pressure, guilt, or obligation. God does not simply want something from our hands. He wants our hearts.

 

SCRIPTURE

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

 

OBSERVATION

When we serve God, we give. Giving has already become a natural part of our Christian life and ministry. We give our tithes and offerings, we serve others, we share the Gospel, we teach and disciple people, and we give our time, effort, talents, and resources for the work of God.

In other words, giving is not limited to money. Every time we serve, sacrifice, help, encourage, teach, or make ourselves available to others, we are giving something that God has entrusted to us.

But there is an important question we need to ask:

“What is the heart and motivation behind our giving?”

It is possible to give with our hands while our hearts are not truly in it. We can serve because we feel obligated. We can give because we are pressured. We can minister because we want recognition. We can even do good things while secretly expecting something in return.

That is why 2 Corinthians 9:7 brings our attention not only to what we give, but also to how we give:

4 Attitudes of a Giver

 

1. GIVE INTENTIONALLY

2. GIVE WILLINGLY

3. GIVE WITHOUT PRESSURE

4. GIVE CHEERFULLY

 

APPLICATION

2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches us 4 important attitudes:

 

1. GIVE INTENTIONALLY

“Decided in your heart” - Plan it. Pray about it.

Ibig sabihin, bago tayo magbigay, hindi lang basta kung ano ang maisipan natin at that moment. We intentionally think about it, pray about it, and decide in our hearts what we want to give to God.

 

2. GIVE WILLINGLY

“Not reluctantly” - Give without resentment.

Ibig sabihin, when we give or serve, hindi tayo nagbibigay na napipilitan, nagrereklamo, o nanghihinayang pagkatapos. Our giving should come from a willing heart.

 

3. GIVE WITHOUT PRESSURE

“Not under compulsion” - Give from grace, not guilt.

Huwag magbigay dahil napipilitan o pine-pressure, magbigay tayo dahil naunawaan natin ang grace ng Diyos, hindi dahil guilty tayo.”

 

Our attitude should be:

“I give because I have experienced God's grace. God has been generous to me, so I also want to be generous to others.”

 

 4. GIVE CHEERFULLY

“God loves a cheerful giver.”- Give with gratitude and joy.

“Magbigay nang may pasasalamat at kagalakan, dahil ang giving ay response natin sa goodness at grace ng Diyos.”

God is interested not only in the gift, but also in the heart of the giver.

So before asking:

“What am I giving to God?”

we should also ask:

“Why am I giving it?”
“What is happening in my heart when I give:

-           tithes and offering

-          Disciple others

-          Teach others (bible study or instruments)

-          Cook food the church/ cleaning

-          Serve/loving other people

-          Share the gospel

-          Doing our assigned ministry

-          And many more in and outside of the church.

Giving begins in the heart before it reaches the hand.

True Christian giving flows from a heart that has experienced God's grace. We give because God first gave to us. We serve because Christ first served us. We love because He first loved us.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and for everything You have given us. Give us the heart of a giver—a heart that gives intentionally, willingly, freely, and cheerfully. Remove guilt, pressure, resentment, and selfishness from our hearts, and fill us with gratitude, generosity, and joy. May everything we give and everything we do bless others and bring glory to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Pas Paula - JCRC Cambodia

 

 

2 Corinthians 7: OPEN TO GOD'S CORRECTION

 

“Kapag Ang Diyos ang Kumokorek sa Atin”

 2 Corinthians 7:10
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”
Habang binabasa ko ang 2 Corinthians 7, na-remind ako na hindi lahat ng sakit na nararamdaman natin ay bad thing. May mga pagkakataon na may sakit dahil may inaayos ang Lord sa puso natin.
Minsan kasi gusto natin blessings, comfort, encouragement—pero kapag correction na, parang ayaw natin. 😅
Pero naisip ko, how can God change us kung ayaw nating magpabago?
Parang bata na may sugat. Kapag lilinisin ng nanay, minsan umiiyak kasi mahapdi. Pero hindi naman siya sinasaktan ng nanay. Nililinis siya para gumaling.
Ganun din minsan ang ginagawa ng Lord sa atin.
Masakit ang conviction, pero hindi ibig sabihin na galit ang Diyos.
Minsan masakit dahil mahal tayo ng Diyos.

🅢 SCRIPTURE
Sabi ni Paul sa 2 Corinthians 7:1, since we have God’s promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Napakaganda nito.
Hindi niya sinabing, “Since God loves you, okay lang kahit ano ang gawin mo.”

Instead, because God loves us and has given us His promises, ang response natin should be:

“Lord, gusto kong mamuhay na pleasing sa Iyo.”

Then Paul talked about the sorrow of the Corinthians.

They were corrected, and yes, it caused them pain.
But that pain led them to repentance.

🅞 OBSERVATION
May difference ang guilty feeling at godly sorrow.
Minsan guilty tayo kasi nahuli tayo.

Pero ang godly sorrow, nasasaktan tayo because we know we have hurt the heart of God.

And that kind of sorrow doesn’t make us hide from God.
It makes us run back to Him.

Parang GPS.
Kapag sinabi ng GPS:
“Wrong direction.”
Hindi naman sapat na sabihin natin, “Okay, thank you.”

Kailangan nating bumalik sa tamang direction.
Ganun ang repentance.

Hindi lang:

“Sorry, Lord.”

Kundi:

“Lord, tulungan Mo akong magbago.”

🅐 APPLICATION
Mga kapatid, maybe there are things na matagal nang kinokorek ng Lord sa atin.

Maybe it’s our attitude.

Maybe unforgiveness.

Maybe pride.

Maybe something hidden that nobody knows.

Maybe the way we talk to people.

Maybe something that we keep justifying.

And sometimes, instead of saying “Lord, change me,” we say:

“Lord, change them.”

Pero baka ang gusto pala ng Lord ay ako muna.

That’s why we need to learn to welcome correction.

Kapag may ipinapakita ang Lord sa atin, huwag nating i-defend agad ang sarili natin.

Maybe we can simply say:
“Lord, if this is something You want to remove from me, then remove it.”

Kahit masakit.

Kahit nakakahiya.

Kahit kailangan nating umamin.

Because I’d rather experience the pain of God’s correction than the comfort of staying in something that is not pleasing to Him.
lang.

Kailangan minsan kuskusin.
And habang kinukuskos, mas lalo nating nakikita yung dumi.
Pero hindi naman ibig sabihin na mas marumi na siya dahil nilabhan.

The cleaning process simply reveals what needs to be removed.

Sometimes that’s what happens when we come closer to God.

The closer we get to His holiness, the more He reveals things in our hearts

❤️ HEART CHECK
Mga kapatid, tanungin natin ang sarili natin:
When God corrects me, do I humble myself or defend myself?
Kapag may sinasabi ang Lord sa puso ko, nakikinig ba ako or nag-e-excuse ako?
And most importantly:
Am I really changing, or am I just repeatedly saying sorry?
Because repentance is more than tears.
Repentance changes direction.

🅟 PRAYER
Lord, thank You because You love us enough to correct us.
Forgive us for the times na kapag may tinatamaan sa puso namin, nagiging defensive kami instead of being humble.
Lord, search our hearts.
Kung may kailangan Mong alisin, alisin Mo.
Kung may kailangan Mong baguhin, baguhin Mo.
Kung may kailangan kaming bitawan, tulungan Mo kaming bitawan.
Give us a heart that is quick to repent and quick to obey.
And Lord, kapag masakit ang process, remind us that You are not trying to destroy us.
You are cleaning us. You are restoring us. You are making us more like Jesus.

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PASTORA SHERLY - JCRC RIYADH

2 CORINTHIANS 5: Made New, Sent Out

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-20 Made New, Sent Out

Verse 17
A Fresh Start Through Christ
Before we received Jesus, we were dead spiritually. But when we have Jesus , when we accepted Him, the old self has gone, and new has come. When we received Jesus,nananahan na rin yung Holy Spirit sa atin, yung mga old ways natin ay napalitan ng bagong tayo. If we truly received Jesus, merun din transformation kasi yung old self natin ay naipako na yun sa cross.

It also means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
We do not wait for the new season to change.
As a new creation:
-We have a new identity in Christ.
-We have a new way of living.
-We have a new relationship with God.


Verses 18- 19
Bringing us back to God

During the fall of man, nagkaroon ng gap between man and God.

We broke the relationship nung nagkasala tayo, and something had to be done to restore yung nasirang relationship. And God loved us so much that He made a way for reconciliation.

God brought us back to himself through Christ. And God also has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. God wants His children to reconcile with Him.

God wanted to rescue His people so they would not receive the judgment or wrath that they deserve.

God does not want His relationship with us to be severed.(ayaw ng Panginoon na maputol yung relationship natin sa kanya) God does not want this relationship to be broken. Jesus died on the cross to save us and to be reconciled with the Father.
We also must desire to be reconciled with God.
Reconciliation isn’t merely being forgiven; it begins a restored relationship with God. Pray, learn Scripture, obey Him, love others, and continue returning to Him when you stumble.
Let us be a reconciler: Christians should help bring people toward forgiveness, peace and healing.


Verse 20
Representing Christ

We are ambassadors of Christ, we are Christ’s representative to bring the message, to share the message that God offers forgiveness and a restored relationship through Jesus.

It means that living out Christ's teachings, love, and character, making His presence known through our actions, not just words. Being representative ni Christ ay dapat nagrereflect din sa atin yung mga Characteristics ni Jesus.
We represent Christ as His ambassadors through our character, through our words, how we treat others, through our work and responsibilities, through our response to difficult situations.


PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your amazing grace and for making us new creations in Christ.
Lord, help us live as people changed by Christ.
Remove the old attitudes, habits, bitterness, pride, unforgiveness, and anything that does not reflect You. Renew our hearts and minds each day.

Father, thank You for bringing us close to You through Christ. Give us love and compassion for those who are far from You.
Help us to represent You well wherever we go—at home, at work, in our communities.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.

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ELDER SHIELA - JCRC RIYADH

2 Corinthians 5: NEW IDENTITY

 

2 Corinthians 5

Ang pangunahing mensahe ay nakatuon sa walang hanggang pag-asa sa langit, pagiging bagong nilalang kay Kristo, at ang ministeryo ng pakikipagkasundo (ministry of reconciliation)

1.buhay na salita

2.personal na pahayag

📌 Ang Pangunahing Mensahe

Kahit na humaharap tayo sa paghihirap at pagtanda ng ating pisikal na katawan, mayroon tayong tiyak na tahanan sa langit. Dahil dito, hindi tayo nabubuhay para sa sarili kundi para kay Kristo. Binago na Niya ang ating pagkatao upang tayo naman ang maging tulay para ipakilala ang pag-ibig at kapatawaran ng Diyos.

ang 2 Corinto 5:17

Ang sinuman ay nakay Kristo, siya'y isa nang bagong nilalang. Wala na ang dating pagkatao; siya'y bago na."

🍎 Ang Rhema

Ang salita ng Diyos na nangungusap nang direkta sa ating puso at kasalukuyang sitwasyon bilang manampalataya ky kristo.

Para sa ating buhay ngayon: Burado na ang ating nakaraan: Anuman ang ating mga pagkakamali, kasalanan, o kabiguan noon, hindi ka na tinitingnan ng Diyos base sa iyong nakaraan. Kay Kristo, binigyan tayo ng "fresh start" o panibagong simula.May Bago na tayong Pagkakakilanlan (Identity): Hindi na kailangang patunayan ang ating sarili sa mundo. Tayo ay tinanggap, minahal, at ginawang matuwid sa paningin ng Diyos dahil sa ginawa ni Hesus sa krus

(2 Corinto 5:20)
Kaya nga, mga sugo kami ni kristo. At sa pamamagitan namin. Nakikiusap ang dios sa inyo manumbalik kayo sa kanya.

Tayo ay may Misyon: Tinawag tayo bilang isang Ambassador o Kinatawan ni Kristo. Ang buhay natin ngayon ay may mas malalim na layunin—ang ipakita ang pagmamahal at kapayapaan ng Diyos sa iyong pamilya, kaibigan, at katrabaho.

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Elder: kuya dong
JCRC RIYADH

II Corinthians 4 : DO NOT LOSE HEART

 

II Corinthians 4 :16-18

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
 
Do not lose heart - it means do not give up, do not stop. Keep going, keep building, grow in faith. I guess it’s easier to say than done. Minsan nakaka-overwhelm yung gawain sa Church. Andami activities, studies, mga tasks sa ministry and so on. Minsan nakaka-burn out. Pero sabi ni Paul, diretso ka lang, pwede ka pahinga saglit pero tuloy ka lang.
 
Sabi pa ni Paul, “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day”. Totoo po ito mga kapatid, we may be exhausted sa pagse-serve sa Church, but He will sustain and renew our strength each day. May araw halos ayaw mo na bumangon dahil sa puyat at antok, pero once you drag yourself to serve the Lord, He will energize you. Para bang… may utos si Boss (God), sige lang, di pwede magreklamo at tatamad-tamad. Baka idelay nya sahod (blessings, grace, mercy).
 
Light momentary affliction - Ipagpag ang pagod, ang puyat, ang gutom. Wag ka magpakabusy sa outside world, sa trabaho, o sa sinisinta. Magpagal ka sa gawain sa Church. Sa Church ka maging masipag. Find joy in fellowshipping with your co-believers. At wag tutulog-tulog during service, makinig at cast out ang antok. Yung konting sacifices natin is far greater compared to what Jesus did for us. Yung affliction, lilipas din yan, matatapos din. Momentarily lang sya, hindi sya permanent. Sabi nga, “this too shall pass”.
 
Seen vs. Unseen – ito yung showmanship. Kapag may nanonood or nakakakita, ginagalingan, ginaganahan. Biglang dumadampot ng walis para maglinis sa Church. Masipag! Pero kapag morning devotion, laging tulog, laging pagod, laging naka-mute. Kapag may City Ministry, pass muna ako Pastora, may lakad kasi, next week na lang. Kapag may kailangang sunduin for transpo, si Kuya Joel laging inaantok, laging tinatamad. Pastora, medyo malayo po kasi at off-the-way po sya. Masyadong ma-traffic. Andami excuses!
 
Sumakatuwid mga kapatid, maging sincere po tayo sa mga gawain at intentions natin. Wag pakitang gilas lang. God sees us, hears us and knows us. Wala tayong pwedeng itago sa Kanya. The things we do in secret will be revealed in the open.
 
There are times, we do things in secret, but it causes us to sin. There are also things we do in secret, thus, glorifies Him. Like when we pray or help a brother or a sister, we don’t need to broadcast it. Kapag may tinulungan ka, wag manghingi ng kapalit. Be discreet, not loud, be genuine, not prideful.
 
Let’s focus on the unseen, the invisible. Something that will last forever, something that will impact your life or the life of others. The unseen would be our devotion, our worship, our service to Him. The unseen is our complete trust and obedience. The unseen is the love of God, His grace and mercy upon us. The unseen is Jesus Christ. We may not see Him but He is always present all the time. He is the One who sees us.
 
So, mga kapatid, do not lose heart, stay strong and remain faithful. Although at times, our outer self is wasting away, He will regain, renew, and sustain us. Our affliction is only temporary; this shall too pass. Let’s fixed our eyes on the unseen God, because He truly knows us, He sees us. For He is the One who created us and He is the One who will provide for us. Amen! All glory belongs only to Jesus!

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ELDER JOEL - JCRC RIYADH