Thursday | Triumph in Christ | August 27

August 27: Thursday — Triumph in Christ

Bible Focus

• 2 Corinthians 2:12–17
• 2 Corinthians 7:5–9

Summary

• After writing the severe letter, Paul left Ephesus and went to Troas to continue sharing the gospel.
• Although God opened opportunities for him to preach in Troas, Paul was deeply troubled because Titus had not arrived with news from Corinth.
• Paul cared deeply about the Corinthians and wanted to know how they had responded to his letter.
• He therefore left Troas and went to Macedonia, where he continued his ministry while waiting for news from Titus.
• When Titus finally arrived with the good news that the Corinthians had responded positively, Paul’s anxiety turned into great joy.
• Paul saw their changed response as a victory God had brought through Christ, because the painful message had produced the change he hoped for.
• His joy overflowed into praise as he described believers who live for Christ as spreading the fragrance of Christ wherever they go.
• Paul also showed that a true servant of Christ does not use God’s Word for personal gain, but shares it with sincerity and genuine love for Christ.

Question

• What can I learn from Paul’s response when God turned a painful situation into a victory?

Answer

• I can trust Christ even when I do not yet see the result, continue doing what is right, and remember that the final victory belongs to God.

Reflection

• When I serve Christ, am I motivated by genuine love for Him, or by what I hope to gain from serving?

Takeaway

• When we sincerely serve Christ, He can turn difficult situations into opportunities for His victory and use our lives to share His love with others.