Encounter the Truth

Jesus has surprising praise for an unlikely role model: the dishonest manager. But in the surprise of what Jesus has to say, we learn a key lesson about money: its very best use in this world is to invest in people and make friends for eternity.

The Lord has entrusted us with resources and opportunities to use fruitfully while we await his return. Jesus has a stark warning for those who would use those things for personal indulgence rather than fruitful service. We need to keep in mind the reality of his return when we consider how we use that which he has given us. ‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

The Lord has entrusted us with resources and opportunities to use fruitfully while we await his return. Jesus has a stark warning for those who would use those things for personal indulgence rather than fruitful service. We need to keep in mind the reality of his return when we consider how we use that which he has given us. ‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

One of the ways that money grabs hold of our heart is through fear—fear of the future, fear of not having enough. Jesus tells us that the Father cares for us, and we have no need to worry. Instead of fixating on money, we need to train our heart to seek his kingdom first and invest ourselves there.

One of the ways that money grabs hold of our heart is through fear—fear of the future, fear of not having enough. Jesus tells us that the Father cares for us, and we have no need to worry. Instead of fixating on money, we need to train our heart to seek his kingdom first and invest ourselves there.

Money is not a bad thing, but coveting money is terribly dangerous. Jesus warns us against longing for money and placing our confidence in the abundance of money. At the final day, worldly wealth will not help us—only “riches toward God”. We must be on our guard, and learn contentment with what we have.

Money is not a bad thing, but coveting money is terribly dangerous. Jesus warns us against longing for money and placing our confidence in the abundance of money. At the final day, worldly wealth will not help us—only “riches toward God”. We must be on our guard, and learn contentment with what we have.

Paul concludes the Corinthian letters by asking: Is Christ living in you? The evidence of Christ's presence is seen first in resurrection power for service—the Lord strengthens His people to persevere and minister through their weakness—and second in repentance that leads to life transformation, as believers respond to God's Word by turning from sin and growing in holiness.

Paul concludes the Corinthian letters by asking: Is Christ living in you? The evidence of Christ's presence is seen first in resurrection power for service—the Lord strengthens His people to persevere and minister through their weakness—and second in repentance that leads to life transformation, as believers respond to God's Word by turning from sin and growing in holiness.

God often works most powerfully through human weakness rather than worldly strength. Paul contrasts the impressive appearance of the false teachers with his own suffering, hardships, and "thorn in the flesh," explaining that God sometimes allows ongoing weakness to humble His servants, deepen their dependence on Him, and accomplish His purposes.

God often works most powerfully through human weakness rather than worldly strength. Paul contrasts the impressive appearance of the false teachers with his own suffering, hardships, and "thorn in the flesh," explaining that God sometimes allows ongoing weakness to humble His servants, deepen their dependence on Him, and accomplish His purposes.

Spiritual warfare cannot be fought with human strength or worldly influence but only through God's power. Although Christians are weak in themselves, God equips them with spiritual weapons—especially the Word of God, prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and the gospel—to overcome opposition and advance His kingdom.

Spiritual warfare cannot be fought with human strength or worldly influence but only through God's power. Although Christians are weak in themselves, God equips them with spiritual weapons—especially the Word of God, prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and the gospel—to overcome opposition and advance His kingdom.

Paul wants us to know that Christian giving should be voluntary, joyful, and motivated by God's grace rather than guilt or obligation. Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, and that generous giving is a response to the immeasurable gift of Jesus Christ rather than an attempt to earn God's favor or material wealth.

Paul wants us to know that Christian giving should be voluntary, joyful, and motivated by God's grace rather than guilt or obligation. Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, and that generous giving is a response to the immeasurable gift of Jesus Christ rather than an attempt to earn God's favor or material wealth.

In this passage, Paul points to the Macedonian churches, who gave generously despite severe poverty, showing that the ability and desire to give are themselves gifts of God's grace. Above all, Jesus' sacrificial example—becoming poor so that believers might become spiritually rich—is presented as the ultimate motivation for generous giving.

In this passage, Paul points to the Macedonian churches, who gave generously despite severe poverty, showing that the ability and desire to give are themselves gifts of God's grace. Above all, Jesus' sacrificial example—becoming poor so that believers might become spiritually rich—is presented as the ultimate motivation for generous giving.

What does it look like to grieve over sin in a godly way—and how is godly grief distinct from worldly grief? This is a crucial question, because worldly grief leads to death, and godly grief leads to salvation without regret. It’s easy to confuse the two, but they are worlds apart—and Paul means to show us the difference.

What does it look like to grieve over sin in a godly way—and how is godly grief distinct from worldly grief? This is a crucial question, because worldly grief leads to death, and godly grief leads to salvation without regret. It’s easy to confuse the two, but they are worlds apart—and Paul means to show us the difference.

Paul declares that ‘now is the favourable time…now is the day of salvation.’ The message of the gospel is urgent; time is short. And Paul models in his ministry what it looks like to serve with radical urgency given the shortness of the time. Do we share his same urgency? Would we bear the same cost?

Paul declares that ‘now is the favourable time…now is the day of salvation.’ The message of the gospel is urgent; time is short. And Paul models in his ministry what it looks like to serve with radical urgency given the shortness of the time. Do we share his same urgency? Would we bear the same cost?

Authentic ministry proclaims a message focused on Christ—that in him we are re-created, reconciled and made righteous. It’s the gospel that shaped Paul's ministry and his outlook on people. And it should shape our outlook and our ministry too.

Authentic ministry proclaims a message focused on Christ—that in him we are re-created, reconciled and made righteous. It’s the gospel that shaped Paul's ministry and his outlook on people. And it should shape our outlook and our ministry too.

Knowing our weakness and frailty as servants of the gospel, we long for our heavenly home and we learn to walk by faith. With this eternal perspective, we seek to use our time here below to please him, remembering that we will one day stand before him.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Knowing our weakness and frailty as servants of the gospel, we long for our heavenly home and we learn to walk by faith. With this eternal perspective, we seek to use our time here below to please him, remembering that we will one day stand before him.