Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 43

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

This psalm is the sixth and last of the collection of hymns referred to as the Hallel Psalms, meaning prayer and/or song of praise, which were used every year to collectively celebrate the Passover. The repetitious use of the phrase, “His steadfast love endures forever,” is proclaimed by three distinct voices: that of Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord. This three-prong repetition emphasizes the character of God and the universality of salvation as being praised by the nation state of Israel (insiders-Jews), the spiritual priesthood of Israel, and all peoples throughout the nations of the world (outsiders-Gentiles). After such praise, the psalm then describes what these various people groups have in common. Each of the three have called out to the Lord in distress, found refuge in Him, received salvation from Him, and ultimately sing praises to Him. This chain of events clearly represent the stages of experience in salvation; referencing the destitution of all mankind in sin, seeking the Lord out of such need, experiencing the providence and sovereignty of God as brought from death to life, naturally concluding with praise given to the rejected stone that became the cornerstone (Jesus Christ).

(Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; John 5:24; Acts 4:11; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4-8)

The righteous and the wicked seem to both suffer and prosper equally, regardless of their actions. The Preacher points out the unfortunate reality that good things happen to bad people, and adversely bad things happen to good people. Because the just and the unjust will both suffer the fate of death, all of life seems vain or pointless. Therefore, the writer stresses the importance of enjoying what you can in life while it exists. The unpredictable outcomes of life seem to propagate at random, unfairly distributed amongst all people unconditionally without rational rhyme or reason. The fastest does not always win the race, the wise are not always rewarded, the strong do not always overcome in battle. Although the bulk of this text looks like it endorses an antinomian life, one that disregards the law of God and allows the individual to live however they desire, the Preacher still emphasizes the dangers of sin and the benefits of wisdom. The intentional structure of these passages focus on the negative, allowing the Preacher to relate to his audience, who undoubtedly has perceived the imbalances of life. Those who have the wisdom of God and have received faith in God, are assured with a substantial hope in the promises of God. God’s people know that He has a sovereign plan which can be trusted, regardless of the outcomes or how things may appear on the surface.

(Psalm 37:5, 112:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3, 41:10, 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Hebrews 11:1, 13:8; James 1:2-4)

There is both a defense made to authenticate the ministry of the apostle, as well as an appeal to the Corinthians, urgently calling them to forsake their worldly perspective and to see with their spiritual eyes. Several false teachers had crept in among the congregation, enticing some to forsake the true gospel Paul had delivered to them, which then led to attacks on the apostle and his ministry efforts. The gospel is a polarizing tool. It will simultaneously offend the unrighteous and encourage the righteous. Those living apart from God, or in opposition to God, are confronted in their sinful choices and become quickly agitated by the truth, unwilling to surrender their control. However, the righteous, those who have been redeemed through faith, welcome such truth and correction for they know that it carries them closer to God and is part of the process of being conformed to the likeness of Christ. This explains the paradoxical view-points in this chapter: that of the worldly and the godly. While it may appear to the world that the apostles are poor, in actuality they possess limitless imperishable riches in Christ. Although they are beaten and imprisoned, the gospel that lives within them provides eternal life and ultimate freedom. Therefore, Paul calls the Corinthians to “widen their hearts,” that is to view life as an adopted child of God, not through the limitations of fallen man. The apostle also warns the congregation about being in certain relationships with those who hold opposing views. Such relations can cause the righteous to yield up their beliefs, negatively impacting their walk with Christ and compromising their faith. The quotation of Old Testament scripture reminds the church that God has always called his people to stand apart from the world, so that their light may draw others to Him.

(Leviticus 26:11-12; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 37:27; Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11; Ephesians 5:7-11; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9)

Paul seeks to motivate the Corinthians into perpetual action. Over the past few chapters, the apostle has impressed upon the church the fact that they were uniquely chosen by God, prepared for the great purpose of sharing and living out the gospel before the world, as well as being recipients of the kingdom as adopted children of God. Therefore the church should cling to these promises, putting their faith and their knowledge of God into momentous movement. Paul commends them by making mention of their spiritual growth which was evidenced by their reaction to his correction. Throughout a series of correspondences and visits, the church and the church-planters had experienced some tough and sorrowful exchanges. However, in the end, their repentant hearts had given Paul much confidence and joy. Although it was painful to have such unpleasant confrontation, it proved beneficial for the congregation’s sanctification. Apparently there were only a few who had to be driven out from them, while the majority of the church members took the apostle’s rebuke to heart, implementing the necessary changes to maintain their fellowship.

(Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 10:17, 15:32, 19:20; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; Hebrews 12:11; 2 Peter 1:3-8; Revelation 3:19)

As the Corinthians grew in their faith and knowledge of the Lord, a clear sign of their expanding obedience to God would be witnessed through their generosity towards others. What one does with their money is a reflection of the heart’s desire and spiritual maturity. Paul uses the church in Macedonia as an example. Even during extreme drought and poverty, the Christians there were inspired by the Holy Spirit to be joyously diligent in their sacrificial giving. Giving out of abundance might display some charity, while giving abundantly out of desperation is a true model of Christ. This type of worship, giving from a cheerful heart, cannot be commanded. A generous heart does not need to be told, but acts of its own volition. The church in Corinth had shown progress in their discipline and eagerness to give and the apostle hoped that they would continue to mature in this capacity. Paul earnestly prayed that the Corinthians would see their finances as being a blessing from God, that can then be used as worship and an opportunity for the gospel.

(1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 96:8; Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:21; Luke 21:1-4; Acts 2:45-47; Philippians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:18-19)

Posting Soon...

Posting Soon...