1 Thessalonians 4 - Nathanael

Paul gives instructions for holy and godly living (as he often does) and then encourages them with the hope of the resurrection of the dead and living with Christ! 

It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 

1 Thessalonians 4:3‭, ‬5

Here are some of the holy living commands. He also talks about loving one another more and more - godly living. 

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:16‭-‬18 NIV

An end- time description of what will happen when Christ returns. The dead in Christ will rise and those in Christ still living will join Christ in the clouds and both will live with him forever. 

http://bible.com/111/1th.4.3-18.NIV

1 Thessalonians 3 - Nathanael

Paul as a spiritual father is missing his children and longs to see them. He is encouraged that they are still following Jesus though they are facing persecutions. He prays this prayer of blessing on them: 

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 3:12‭-‬13 NIV

http://bible.com/111/1th.3.12-13.NIV

1 Thessalonians 1 - Nathanael

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  

1 Thessalonians 1:3

We often get pulled between the two sides of grace and works and need to understand from passages like this the balance between them. 

Here we see work produced by faith.  This is fully consistent with Paul's other statements about faith and work and demonstrates that works spring from faith (but not the other way around). As James says, "faith without works is dead."

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 1:3‭, ‬6 NIV

They were suffering severely but still found joy from the Holy Spirit as the received the good news. 

http://bible.com/111/1th.1.3-6.NIV

Colossians 2 - Nathanael

Paul continues in his letter to the Colossians writing to warn them not to be led astray by false teachings. He begins by clarifying some things about who Jesus is (fully God) and then warns them about types of false teaching to avoid. 

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 

Colossians 2:2‭

Paul's goal is to encourage and teach about who Jesus is. 

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 

Colossians 2:8

False teachings here depend on human traditions (some from Jewish law, others from ascetic and other traditions) and spiritual forces that are not from Jesus. These can be detected by whether or not they agree with who Jesus is and what he came to do. That is why Paul writes about who Jesus is (fully God) and what he came to do (save us from our sins).

 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Colossians 2:21‭-‬23 NIV

Sometimes ascetic teachings appear wise, especially to those who are disciplined in following Christ. Discipline can be good, but putting on a bunch of rules doesn't ultimately change our heart. We must fully surrender to Christ and he is the one who changes us.

http://bible.com/111/col.2.2-23.NIV

Colossians 1 - Nathanael

This letter is different from some others in that Paul is writing to believers who he didn't personally bring to Christ and whom he hasn't met (similar to the letter top the Romans).  Paul begins this letter with encouragements and teaching about Jesus. 

There is a long connecting encouragement starting in verse 9 and going to verse 12.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. 

  - he starts by saying he had been praying for them constantly

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,  

  - he asks God to fill them with the knowledge of his will.  This is the crux of his request and it has many effects in their lives 

  1) so they live worthy lives

  2) they bear fruit and grow in knowledge of God

  3) strengthened with God's power

  4) great endurance and patience

  5) give joyful thanks to the Father

so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

Colossians 1:9‭-‬12

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27 NIV

The previously hidden mystery: Christ living inside gentiles who accept him by faith

http://bible.com/111/col.1.9-27.NIV

Philippians 4 - Nathanael

Paul addresses a number of topics here - many dealing with what I'd cal emotional health: peace nor worry, renewed mind,  and contentment

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 4:6‭-‬8‭

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 

Philippians 4:12

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

http://bible.com/111/php.4.6-19.NIV

Philippians 3 - Nathanael

In this letter to the Philippians we see this tension that Paul writes about in other letters as well, namely the tension between righteousness built on faith versus works. At the heart of it we must understand that faith is built firmly on the work that God has done and not us. We cannot save ourselves or change ourselves or do right ourselves. But God in his mercy comes and rescues us when we put our hope and trust in him alone. He then forgives us and rescues us from the penalty of our sins - death - and he changes us to be able to want and to do righteously. But it is not done there!  From there we must make choices and take action based on what God had done. God enables both of them and we then live in accordance with him, working out or salvation with fear and trembling. 

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, 

Philippians 3:8

Nothing that we have or came from (accomplishments or heritage) are with anything in Christ. I  fact Paul counts it all as garbage in light of Jesus. 

not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 

Philippians 3:9

This verse in combination with the one below paint the picture of the tension between faith and works. 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 3:14

This verse in isolation is about works. But in context it is about living in the freedom granted to us by Christ. 

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.  

Philippians 3:16

Don't go backwards. Keep doing what Christ had worked in us. 

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:‬20‭-‬21 NIV

Amen! That is an exciting reminder! 

http://bible.com/111/php.3.8-21.NIV

Philippians 1 - Nathanael

The tone of Philippians is quite different from Ephesians - lighter, shorter sentences,  less on doctrine and more on encouragement and more on personal experiences. 

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 1:6

A very important verse! A certainty and promise that God will continue working on and in us - a hope for better things to come. 

for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  

Philippians 1:19

Paul is in prison and can feel the encouragement of those who are praying for him. 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

Philippians 1:21

When wee have such a realization and attitude, then nothing that happens to us matters. When we don't fear death, all else is small by comparison and we can serve Christ with a renewed vision. 

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 

Philippians 1:25

Paul puts the welfare of others before himself - real love. 

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

Philippians 1:‬29 NIV

An important fact to remember when we face troubles, trials and persecution. 

http://bible.com/111/php.1.6-29.NIV

Ephesians 6 - Nathanael

Paul continues in this chapter with specific and practical instructions to children, parents, slaves and masters. He then shifts to the spiritual world and the need for continual prayer. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Ephesians 6:12

There us a real battle that wages around us that we often don't recognize. We need to be aware, prepared and active I  prayer. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

The key to succeeding in life in all dimensions, physical, spiritual and emotional, is prayer. Not generic wishes thrown out to an unknown entity, but a conversation with the God who loves us, has created us, died for us, has the power to change anything and is with us. Coming to him regularly and being dependant on him and acknowledging him in all our ways is key. 

http://bible.com/111/eph.6.12-18.NIV

Ephesians 5 - Nathanael

Im this chapter Paul gives instructions for godly living and for marriage.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 

Ephesians 5:3

In Paul's instructions it is not just about the external but also the internal, not about some line not to cross but rather to stay far away from  (e.g. not even a hint is sexual immortality).

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  

Ephesians 5:5

It is important to know that these instructions are not simply "good ideas" but rather they affect our very lives. 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 

Ephesians 5:8-9

This goodness is first a fruit if the Spirit but it also requires decisions and actions on our part: we make choices and God makes changes in our hearts and lives. 

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

Ephesians 5:15-16

We also need not just to avoid evil but to look for opportunities to be a light and shine God's goodness to those around us. 

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 

Ephesians 5:18

We should not get drunk but God has better things for us: being filled with his Spirit 

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Ephesians 5:22‭, ‬25 NIV

Instructions to married couples: wives submit to husbands, husbands love and lay your life down for your wife. 

http://bible.com/111/eph.5.3-25.NIV

Ephesians 4 - Nathanael

There is so much here in the letter to the Ephesians that is important and speaks to me! I have to restrain myself from selecting the entire chapter for discussion.  😃

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

Ephesians 4:2‭

An important reminder in a world where we are told we must assert ourselves and push and shove to get what we want. We are called to be humble and gentle. Quite counter - cultural. 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  

Ephesians 4:11-13

The apostles through teachers aren't called to do the ministry but to equip God's people to do the ministry! 

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  

Ephesians 4:16

We are formed by Christ and held together by him and we grow as each does their work. 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  

Ephesians 4:2‭2-24

We are called to turn from our old life - to take it off and put on the new.  As in Romans 12 there is a passive verb in being made new - it is God who makes the change. We make choices and he makes changes. God makes us like him: righteous and holy!  Thank you God!

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 

Ephesians 4:2‭5

An example of putting off in our speech. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Another example in our speech- stop tearing down and build up! 

http://bible.com/111/eph.4.2-29.NIV

Ephesians 2 - Nathanael

Paul lays out some fundamental truths of the good news about Jesus Christ inn this chapter.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 

Ephesians 2:3‭-‬5

We all were enemies of God, wicked and deserving punishment and God's wrath. But because God is merciful and loving he rescued us from this judgement with a free gift based on the death and sacrifice of Jesus. 

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Ephesians 2:10

Good made each of us with a plan and purpose. 

 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

Ephesians 2:‬14 NIV

Jesus is the source of peace and brings peace between those who once were at war with each other. 

http://bible.com/111/eph.2.3-14.NIV

Ephesians 1 - Nathanael

Wow! Ephesians is a powerful and weighty letter! The opening chapter sets a strong and far reaching tone. 

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.  

Ephesians 1:13‭-‬14

The simple act of believing or trusting in Jesus has wide ranging and significant results. We are included in Christ and given a seal, a guarantee of future blessing and a symbol of current belonging - the very Spirit of God to live in us! Praise God for his love and goodness! 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

Ephesians 1:17‭-‬19 NIV

Though they are already in Christ, they, like us, still need to know God better. Our eyes need to be opened and enlightened in the same way! 

Lord please do this work in me and in your people! 

http://bible.com/111/eph.1.13-19.NIV

Galatians 3 - Nathanael

Paul continues his argument against salvation by works of the law. 

We sometimes struggle with this in the area of feeling not accepted by God. For instance, we may feel guilty because we sinned in some way - perhaps gossiping or giving into anger - and then Satan chimes and puts thoughts and feelings of condemnation into our mind and heart. We think that God doesn't love us and he is angry with us. We think that our repentance is not enough, that we muddy be perfect in our actions or there is no hope for us. The problem is that wet cannot be perfect, that we cannot obey God's law completely and that is not how we came to forgiveness anyhow. We came to Jesus by trusting I  him to forgive us, not by living perfect lives. 

So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:24

The law is temporary and watches over us until we come to Jesus. The law doesn't disappear, but rather it isn't whay we base our salvation on. 

 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26‭-‬28 NIV

It is great news that we become children of God! It is the great equalizer in life. I know of nothing else that brings such freedom and equality. People often look and hope and work for freedom Ann's equality, but they pass over the only true source. 

http://bible.com/111/gal.3.24-28.NIV

Galatians 4 and 5 - Jason

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? Galatians 4:8-9.

I know that while I was growing up my parents taught me about God, but I did not begin a personal relationship with God where I understood the way that he wanted me to live until I was 20 years old. Since that time I have been working and praying and coming out from the things in the world that are sinful, and I continually battle in my spirit to surrender to God and stay free from these worldly ways of thinking and acting. It is a spiritual battle, and Paul is urging the followers of Christ not to go back.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.

Paul describes a list of attitudes and ways of thinking and acting that God is calling is to do. There is no law against thinking or acting in these ways, and I should filter all of my thoughts and actions through this one to make sure that I am not falling away from what God is leading me to do. I want to serve you Lord, and become more and more like Jesus.

Galatians 2 - Nathanael

Paul is building a strong argument against the need to follow the law to be saved. Some people must have gone to the Galatian church and convinced them rusty to be true believers they must keep all of the ceremonial law such as circumcision. 

This topic still holds confusion for believers in Christ today, less about circumcision but more about many old testament laws. 

know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.  

Galatians 2:16

It is clear that we are saved by faith in Christ alone. This is the "solo fide" (only faith) stance of Martin Luther and other reformers. 

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Galatians 2:21 NIV

We cannot gain righteousness before God by obeying the law - end of story. 

http://bible.com/111/gal.2.16-21.NIV

2 Corinthians 13 - Nathanael

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 

2 Corinthians 13:5‭

A call for us all to actively examine how we are living, trusting, thinking and loving. 

We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 

2 Corinthians 13:9

A reaction of a true and loving parent. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV

An interesting object that goes with each of the members of the trinity. The one that is most unexpected is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Fellowship l often associate more with other believers but since true fellowship begins with our relationship to God, this does make sense. After all the Holy Spirit does live inside us and thus we can have immediate access to him and habe fellowship with him. 

http://bible.com/111/2co.13.5-14.NIV

2 Corinthians 12 - Nathanael

was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 

2 Corinthians 12:4

God likely showed such things to Paul to enable him to endure the difficulties he would face. 

or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 

2 Corinthians 12:7-8

The thirty I  his flesh seems to be more related to the persecutions he faced based on the context. It is interesting that he asked God to remove them three times. That means God said no and he still asked again. 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9

God's power is demonstrated when things are done that we cannot accomplish in our weakness. 

I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. 

2 Corinthians 12:12

 signs, wonders and miracles are true sigma of am apostle. 

Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

2 Corinthians 12:‬14 NIV

Parents are to be spent for and save up for their children. 

http://bible.com/111/2co.12.4-14.NIV

2 Corinthians 11 - Nathanael

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 

2 Corinthians 11:2‭

There is a proper jealousy - a jealousy that looks to protect those who belong to you. For instance, when a parent desires strongly to keep their children from a drug dealer. There can be a proper jealousy for the children that creates an anger towards the one who would do them harm. 

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.  

2 Corinthians 11:4

Not every Jesus that is preached is the true Jesus. There are false Jesus's and false gospels. 

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 

2 Corinthians 11:13-14

Not everyone who claims to be a worker of Jesus truly is. We can tell by the fruit and the message. 

Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

2 Corinthians 11:29 NIV

A leader can at times feel the sins of those who they lead. This is sometimes referred to as bearing the burdens of another. 

http://bible.com/111/2co.11.2-29.NIV

2 Corinthians 10 - Nathanael

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 

2 Corinthians 10:4‭

God had given us supernatural weapons. They are not weapons to fight against people because Jesus loves them and died for them. No these are weapons that fight against spiritual forces that stand against God and the knowledge of him. 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

2 Corinthians 10:5

The spiritual forces also create arguments and pretenses that war in our minds and fight against the knowledge of Christ. So the weapons can be used in debate, discussion and prayer and these ultimately effect the mind. The mind is a battleground. The mind not submitted to Christ is hostile to him. Our natural minds fight against Jesus at many times and in various ways. We make the choice to take our thoughts and make them captive to Christ and to obey him. We choose to do that and submit to God and then God works in us to bring the change. 

And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.  

2 Corinthians 10:6

We see problems in others and want to correct them. But our weakness is in seeing our own faults. God is going to work on us first. He will work in our hearts, minds and lives to bring us top the point of submitting to him. Once we have submitted to Christ and obey him then he will work through us to speak to others. 

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:18 NIV

 We often see the good intentions in our hearts while ignoring what our actual actions are and look down on others for their actions. 

From that perspective we often commend ourselves and think more highly of ourselves than we ought. 

What we need to do is submit ourselves to Christ, obey him and look for his commendation. 

We often think that this is just a situation between us and God but the truth is that God puts people into our lives to work through this. There are church leaders who he wants us to submit to, as well as parents, bosses and governmental leaders. 

http://bible.com/111/2co.10.4-18.NIV

2 Corinthians 9 - Nathanael

There is a lot here about the importance and benefits of giving and generosity. 

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 

2 Corinthians 9:2

Though inn the previous chapter Paul told them about the Macedonians, here her says that he told the Macedonians about them. 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 

2 Corinthians 9:6

When we are generous in giving, we receive more in return. 

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

Giving should not be forced but a willing choice. We should also be cheerful, happy to give. God loves this. If we are reluctant or forced that isn't whay God is looking for. It is better not to give in that situation. It reflects a lack of recognition that God has provided everything and a lack of gratefulness. 

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 

2 Corinthians 9:10

God will give to us when we give willingly asks cheerfully. 

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  

2 Corinthians 9:11

Our giving brings praise to God if we are giving in a right way. 

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 

2 Corinthians 9:12

It also supplies other's needs. 

And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

2 Corinthians 9:14 NIV

Finally it also benefits us as others are praying for us. 

http://bible.com/111/2co.9.2-14.NIV

2 Corinthians 10 and 11 - Jason

"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Cor. 10:17-18.

I want to continue to boast in the Lord more because of what He has done for me. He has given me a whole new life, and taken away much of my fears and shame about my past failures and wrongdoing. He has helped me to have work and income to get out of debt and provide for my family. He has given me opportunity to be educated and have a job where I can work with young people and be a positive influence on others. I'm so grateful for the opportunities that God has given to me!

Such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

I want to be careful to test the things that I see and hear from other people to know if they are from God. I also want to test the things I hear to see if they are from God. I'm sure that I am capable of being deceived, so I want to test and approve what comes from God and reject what comes from Satan, because he may be pretending to be God or be from God.

2 Corinthians 8 - Nathanael

This chapter is centered on giving: giving to God's people who are in need. 

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 

2 Corinthians 8:1

It is interesting that Paul tells about the acts of another church to encourage and spur them into righteous action. 

Often we think that it should not be known about giving - not let our left hand know whay our right hand is doing. But when Jesus said that in Matt 6, his point had to do with motivation in giving. He was saying that we should not give in order to be seen. In Mark 12:41 Jesus internationally was watching what people were giving and focuses on the giving of a widow. 

So clearly the act of seeing and knowing about giving is not a problem. We just need to give for the right reason. 

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 

2 Corinthians 8:8

God and Paul don't command giving but they do request and encourage it. As Paul says, it tests and demonstrates the sincerity of our love. Clearly giving cam be done with a wrong motive. On the other hand if we are not willing to give it demonstrates our lack of love since we ate not willing to put the interests of others above our own. 

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.  

2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus is the example of love demonstrated by sacrificial giving. 

For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.  

2 Corinthians 8:12

The amount we give is not the issue. If we have much then we can give much, if little then little. 

Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.

2 Corinthians 8:24 NIV

Again we clearly see that it is not wrong to see what is being given. 

http://bible.com/111/2co.8.1-24.NIV