• The Explore the Bible lesson for June 17 focuses on 2 Samuel 5:9-12; 6:12-19.

Last week’s lesson ended with the understanding that much blood would be shed en route to David’s kingship. While we may question the necessity of the “justice” and “innocence” of the previous two chapters, we do notice the unifying gesture of 5:1-5. All Israel came to make David their king.

We see David’s continued call as a shepherd in verse 2: “And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’” David had to set out to prove himself as both protector and warrior of God’s people.

If you were asked to step into such a role, what would your first action be? For David, it was to settle what God asked of Israel when they first began conquering Canaan, but what they never could do: Defeat their enemies and claim Jerusalem (Robert B. Chisholm Jr. 1 & 2 Samuel, 207).

Recognized (2 Samuel 5:9-12)

Read 2 Samuel 5:6-8 before arriving at the focal passage and notice the irony. The Jebusites evidently had enough pride stored up to taunt David as just another Israelite who would not penetrate their walls. But they also did not consider their water entries as a possible weakness.

Such a seemingly improbable task was the perfect first action for David. His conquering of Jerusalem not only made it become the “City of David,” but also showcased God’s favor for his reign. This signified how “he became more and more powerful” (5:10a).

What are some other improbable victory stories that remind you of David’s conquering of Jerusalem? While a victory may not always reveal divine involvement, we can see here that it was an affirmation. God established and recognized David, his anointed one. How has God given affirmation in your life to recognize you were doing his will?

Honored (2 Samuel 6:12-16)

Again, it would be wise to peruse the verses between the previous passage and this one. David’s continued victory hit a hiccup as the Israelites first tried to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. But learning from their mistake, they attempted this move properly.

Notice the excitement and sacrifices of the people. Why was this move of the ark of the covenant worth celebrating? In short, it was because it symbolized God’s presence and action. Essentially, God was moving into Jerusalem with his people. Why would anyone withhold celebrating that?

Referring back to the “restored relationship” of Michal and David, we see she was the only one not celebrating. David danced, but she despised him. What should we take from this conflicting response? One thing we should remember is that when we honor God, celebrating is always— and should always be—our first response.

Celebrated (2 Samuel 6:17-19)

One word we should focus on in this section is “blessing.” Too often, we belittle or ignore the significance of what it means to bless someone. For David in this role, we see the significance of a shepherd blessing his sheep.

David “blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty” and then proceeded to bless them with a parting gift of food. Do not miss this point: The people went to their homes more blessed than when they left their homes earlier that day. What difference could a blessing make?

In church worship orders, especially the more formal and traditional, we often see the final element before dismissal labeled as “benediction,” which is meant to be a parting blessing. This should be a significant part of a congregation’s celebration before leaving the church house to speak the gospel to the world. How else could we include blessings in the home, at work, and at church?

Conclusion

The sad reality of this story is that while the people all left blessed, Michal and David interacted in such a way that Michal received the curse of barrenness (6:23). While David was able to shepherd the people, he seemed unable to shepherd his own house, which through his story proved to be true all too often.

When it comes to celebrating what God does, perhaps we should always keep in mind that the celebration of God’s work in our homes is as important—or more important—than celebrating God’s work in the church setting. Ask your group to consider how they should focus more on following and celebrating God at home as a family unit.

All that God does should be celebrated by his people, whether his believers are found alone, in a small group, or in a congregational setting. Rend Collective, a modern and unique worship band, released an album called “The Art of Celebration.” When listening to the tunes and lyrics, one gets a feel of how celebration should define the believer’s life. What will it take for believers to celebrate God actively?

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

• The Explore the Bible lesson for June 10 focuses on 2 Samuel 3:8-21.

Being anointed, as we saw in chapter 2, is no insignificant act. Yet, when it comes to the rivalries we produce on earth, being anointed may only be seen as a threat, and not always respected as a divine action. Leading to our text today, we see a jealous rivalry that continues to grow worse.

Robert Chisholm labels the section of 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5 as “The Road to the Throne is Covered with Blood” (Robert B. Chisholm Jr. 1 & 2 Samuel, 200). Rightfully so, because murder and struggle litter the Scripture in this section, as David’s throne becomes more and more established over Saul’s remaining blood.

What tends to create such bitter and messy rivalry? Honestly, jealousy would be one potential answer. Our text shows more jealousy on Saul’s side, yet there must have been some also on David’s side. How do we see jealousy and rivalry collide in our lives, today?

A New Ally (2 Samuel 3:8-11)

To understand the changing of loyalty in Abner, notice verses 6-7, which sets the stage. Like his father Saul who was constantly unsure of himself and suspecting of others, Ish-Bosheth questioned Abner over his father’s concubine. He literally challenged the loyalty of one of Saul’s most loyal officers.

In the heat of this situation, we see Abner crack with anger, admitting that David had a right to the throne. This is a tense scene that shows Saul’s camp even less secure. Abner made a legitimate oath in verses 9-10 that was no mere threat; it was a promise on his own life to establish David’s reign.

Have you every seen a change in loyalty like this, in real life or in movies? It is interesting to see how David had nothing to do with this change. Ish-Bosheth’s accusation caused his camp to begin imploding. His reply—nothing but fear, which was, in this case, the right emotion to experience.

A Restored Relationship (2 Samuel 3:12-16)

We get to a very salty piece of the story. For Abner to prove his newfound loyalty to David, it required a test. Michal, Saul’s daughter, originally was David’s rightful wife, but she had been taken from David many chapters back in the story. This was a difficult request for David to make, yet it would prove Abner’s loyalty should he come through.

If I may be so bold, I would not be quick to label this section, “A Restored Relationship,” as that was not the focus, nor the reality. However, this was a “making things right” situation, restoring to David his rightful wife. One could see this as one more empowering opportunity for David’s throne.

Today, we view this transaction negatively. Michal later would loathe David for how he danced, and here we see Paltiel mourn Michal’s return to David. This may not seem just to our 21^st century eyes. But looking through their eyes, we see rightful justice and restoring to the new king what had been stolen from him.

A Consolidated Kingdom (2 Samuel 3:17-21)

In the short span of the text, we see the great amount of good Abner completed on behalf of David. He spoke with the elders, pushed for a compact, and also spoke to the Benjamites in person. This latter piece was significant as Saul was a Benjamite, and their loyalty would remove any remaining energy for Saul’s house.

In verse 20, we see David returning favor to Abner and his men, but instead of basking in this, Abner wanted to keep doing the work to establish David’s kingdom, thus living up to his oath in verses 9-10. Truly, Abner is proving himself admirable!

Being sent away “in peace” by David is no small choice of words. These two men, who once were divided and in rival camps against one another, now are close enough to offer wholeness and peace to one another. If there is any restored relationship in the story, this is it. How have you seen rivals become restored friends? How does Abner’s change give you hope for this story?

Conclusion

Our text for next week skips us over the continued bloodshed that marked David’s ultimate reign. To prepare yourself for next week, consider picking up the story where we left it and continue through the end of chapter 4. You will see the tumultuous scenarios that were necessary and those that were not.

Even though we can celebrate what God does to make his will a reality, we also shrink back at the acts of injustice humans do in the name of justice. But mark this: God’s justice will take place based on his will.

Which parts of the story show you God’s just work? Which parts of the story make you wish for God’s justice to show up against those who do wrong? As we continue to see David’s rise to power, let us be patient for how God will work.

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

In All Things

By Melissa B. Kruger (Multnomah)

In All Things is a nine-week devotional Bible Study focused on the Apostle Paul’s words in his letter to the Philippian Christians. The devotional examines the early church, the imprisonment of Paul and his companions, and the abundant joy found in each of their hearts. When Paul was at his most vulnerable, beaten and defeated, his peace and contentment were unshakeable. However, in many of our day-to-day lives, we struggle to find similar joy and security. This devotional provides insight and perspective on what it means to be a joyful modern-day Christian in a fallen world full of searching and dissatisfaction.

Melissa B. Kruger, who works as an editor, writer and mother in Charlotte, N.C., shares many personal stories and pieces of wisdom throughout the book. Her deeply heartfelt messages accompany the reader through nine weeks of learning, growing and ultimately rejoicing in the all-consuming love of Jesus.

In the end, this devotional was beautifully written and deeply eye opening. I highly recommend it.

Emily Rowan
The Colony

• The Explore the Bible lesson for June 3 focuses on 2 Samuel 1:22-27; 2:1-7.

Picking up at this point in the struggle between King Saul and David may not offer smooth entry for our new study. But one thing is clear: Saul, the first king of Israel, was dead along with his sons, and David was en route to becoming the next king of God’s people.

If you look at the first 16 verses of 2 Samuel chapter 1, you do not see a gloating David. He did not celebrate the death of his king and his best friend, Jonathan. Yet, their deaths moved David closer to his destiny of becoming king. How do we become OK with a tragedy that moves another’s destiny forward?

David would be called upon to lead, yet he always respected the “Lord’s anointed,” which had been Saul. So we see a unique respect for both God and Saul as we move toward David’s artistic lament. Even though Saul did not deserve honor, David gave him honor. Think about how David’s approach in our story today could change our view of giving honor to others.

Commemoration (2 Samuel 1:22-27)

This lament, when we look at verses 17-18, was supposed to be sung and remembered by the people. You even could call this song a continual eulogy for Saul and Jonathan. Notice the language of both honor and respect, as well as love. One must remember David had been Saul’s son-in-law and Jonathan’s brother-in-law.

One thing comes to mind: We tend to over-memorialize those who have died, even if they did not live good lives. Is this what David is doing? While Saul did many terrible things, he also served many good purposes. When it came to Jonathan, David was remembering his closest friend whose “love” was “more wonderful than that of women.” This spoke to the depth of their commitment to true friendship.

While a lament is a sad song, this particular song is meant to remember the lives of the deceased. Today, we call these “celebrations of life.” What is the biggest challenge to celebrating a life while mourning a death? While it is a difficulty, it is nonetheless important, giving value to the life that God gives us.

Coronation (2 Samuel 2:1-4a)

“In the course of time” leads us to believe David took the necessary time for mourning before moving forward. In his faithfulness up to this point, David inquired of God before taking his first step. In response, rather than taking the throne, “they anointed David king over the house of Judah.”

It seems that the people do the anointing rather than a priest or prophet, and it also seems God led David to Hebron for this purpose. This speaks to a very organic process of kingship. Have you ever experienced a God-led direction like this? If so, please share it with your group.

It is clear all of this hinges on seeking God and following him. This applies to all people, whether in a royal office or not. What does divine guidance mean to you? How has following God’s plan made things easy or difficult for you?

Commendation (2 Samuel 2:4b-7)

If you look back to 1 Samuel 31:8-13, you can see how Saul’s body was dishonored by the Philistines and then honored by those of Jabesh-Gilead. It is fascinating that David not only knew, but also offered gratitude to those who honored the deceased king. Here again we see David’s God-given leadership and willingness to look outside of his own plan.

As a nurturing leader, he offered them a blessing of “kindness and faithfulness,” as well as his own favor in response to their allegiance. Verses 6-7 show David as both understanding and encouraging them forward. What can you learn from David’s approach and tactics here?

Since this week’s story centers on David’s leadership, it is helpful to point out the significance of commending others for their service. Here, we see a prime example. How would our families change if we commended our children more? How would our churches change? How would our workplaces change? We must not miss such simple and meaningful opportunities as these.

Conclusion

David first was a shepherd when he was introduced in 1 Samuel. Consider looking at what a “shepherd leader” looks like by reading his 23^rd Psalm, where David called God our shepherd. He used phrases like “he makes me…guides me…anoints me.” A shepherd’s view can teach us a lot about David’s leadership.

Jesus also picked up this shepherd view. In John 10:11, he called himself the “good shepherd.” What else could a shepherd teach us about God? What leadership lessons do we need to learn from the shepherd? Ultimately, Jesus would be the shepherd who willingly laid down his life for his sheep.

This is the kind of leader we want to follow. As the old refrain reminds us: “He leadeth me, he leadeth me, by his own hand he leadeth me; his faithful foll’wer I would be, for by his hand he leadeth me” (Joseph H. Gilmore, “He Leadeth Me”).

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

• The Explore the Bible lesson for May 27 focuses on 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10; 13:2-8.

“Being strong” or “being weak” tends to be an either/or scenario. You may be strong enough to lift a suitcase, but you may be too weak to carry it for a half-mile trek through the airport. Consider this: Is it possible to be both strong and weak?

The Apostle Paul said he would “boast of the things that show (his) weakness” (2 Corinthians 11:30). By proving he was weak, he would point to God’s strength that had brought him thus far. He was not saying he only experienced weakness. Rather, through his weakness, he experienced God’s strength.

Ask members of your Bible study group to discuss a time when they felt weak and how God showed his strength to them. For us to believe in this paradox of a both/and approach to strength and weakness, it helps to have some real stories we can believe.

Paul’s Weakness (2 Cor. 12:7b-10)

No one is completely sure what the “thorn in the flesh” specifically was for Paul. Even though we may all come up with great ideas, the point of this passage is not to discover or unearth what it was, but to understand how it kept his pride in check.

A thorn can be a hurtful nuisance. When it sticks in the skin, it is painful and difficult to remove, and it constantly nags the person with discomfort. Perhaps this is to remind us how weak we are. A little thorn can cause us greater problems than an earth-shattering plague. Why would God use something so little to be such a big problem?

Paul brings this up to explain why he boasts in being weak. God’s ever-sufficient grace was deemed enough by God, and Paul proves to his audience it has been enough. Ask your group: How does boasting about being weak point others to God? It is simple: God can use your life and voice to draw others to his strength.

Christ’s Strength (2 Cor. 13:2-4)

If you scan the verses between 12:10 and 13:1, you see the continued concern of the apostle for the believers at Corinth. He desperately wanted them to experience personal weakness intersecting with God’s strength. As readers today, we desperately need to experience this also, while removing personal pride.

Ask your group: How is Paul comparing himself to Jesus Christ? Much of this letter has been a defense of Paul’s apostleship, emphasizing he is proving himself for their own sake, as well as his own (Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, 245). In this case, Paul shows his closeness to Christ to prove his similar love for their congregation.

Notice the same weak and strong paradox at work in these verses. Paul and Jesus both were visible examples, but it seems Corinth will be reprimanded for thinking of themselves as stronger than they were. What do you make of Paul’s warning along with Paul and Jesus’s example?

Our Choice (2 Cor. 13:5-8)

Two words come up in the NIV translation that can make us shudder—examine and test. Be encouraged that Paul is not calling for an exam for salvation, nor is he hoping that they fail. Rather, he calls them to self-examine as he has been self-examining himself to be sure he is aligning with true faith.

Self-examination is a significant discipline that calls us to look inward and see if we are being faithful. When is the last time you critically self-examined your walk with God? How did you handle the results? Did you prove true faith? If not, did you change?

For us to know God’s strength, we have to learn to appreciate how our weakness points us to God. Because this is true, Paul says, “We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). So, we have the choice: Will we live this out, or not? Will we prove that faith is alive in us, or not?

This points us back to the psalmist’s words: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). Are you ready to pray this way?

Conclusion

Please allow me a personal word. This week’s text spoke to me about how I pray each day. Convicted that I only tend to thank God for each joy I experience, I have begun equally thanking God for the challenges I endure each day. For each good thing that I give thanks to God, I also thank him for a challenge. This has changed my view and reminded me how God’s strength is at work in my weakness.

Consider these lyrics of gratitude: “Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his Son. And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ Let the poor say, ‘I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us’” (Don Moen).

As we close this study in Corinthians, perhaps we could each form a daily discipline that will help us learn from the struggling relationship between Paul and the Corinthian congregation. This is not to say we are better than they, but to say we will learn from our brothers’ and sisters’ mistakes, as well as from their long-suffering relationship with the apostle.

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

Sustainable Children’s Ministry: From Last-Minute Scrambling to Long-Term Solutions

By Mark DeVries and Annette Safstrom (IVP Books)

A wise Bible teacher often said, “The church is always one generation away from extinction.” His now-retired children’s minister wife made sure that didn’t happen as “her boys and girls” developed a strong faith foundation. Yet despite incredibly high stakes, today’s children’s ministries often suffer from Sunday chaos, burnout, volunteer deficiency and over-focus on splash, flash and dash. In Sustainable Children’s Ministry, 30-year veteran Annette Safstrom teams with Ministry Architects founder Mark DeVries to provide a practical, step-by-step guide to developing a “fruitful and lasting ministry” that includes both preschool and children.

Content systematically guides the minister “from chaos to clarity” through “delegation dance” to “the inside secret of sustainable children’s ministry.” Stories, examples, lists, tips, systems and strategies populate the pages. A section addresses “swimming in the deep waters of church politics” and another “moving beyond a do-it-yourself ministry.” An extensive appendix provides plans, samples, resources, checklists, calendars and more.

Although written for the preschool/children’s minister, DeVries and Safstrom’s principles apply to work, teaching and parenting. Churches should put Sustainable Children’s Ministry in the hands of every senior staff member, children’s committee member or volunteer, and anyone who believes a foundational, fruitful and lasting children’s ministry is essential to the future of the faith.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Waco

Right on Track: Run, Race, Believe

By Sanya Richards-Ross (Zondervan)

Every four years, the Summer Olympics take center stage. For athletes, including those in track and field, the events represent four years of personal sacrifice and training. In Right on Track, Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross shares successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses, beliefs and faith.

The story begins with a little girl in Jamaica whom God gave a body made for running. Sanya won her first race at age 7 and excelled in school. Her mom and dad wanted their daughters to earn college scholarships. So, the family moved to Florida. Shari and Sanya weren’t happy, but their Aunt Maureen and cousins helped the transition. In her aunt’s Baptist church, Sanya made the decision that changed her life.

Sanya continued to win races and be a straight-A student. On a track scholarship at the University of Texas, she won a national championship in the 400 meters and met her future husband, football star Adrian Ross. Olympic gold followed in the 4×400 relays in 2004 in Athens and 2008 in Beijing. The 2012 games in London gave her gold both individually and in the relay.

Richards-Ross takes the reader each step through her life, offers honest insights and practical advice based on her faith and closes every chapter with a Right on Track Challenge. A quick read, Right on Track makes a great gift, especially for high school and college students, whether athletes or not, looking forward to the future.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Waco

• The Explore the Bible lesson for May 20 focuses on 2 Corinthians 9:1-15.

One of the most beautiful things about reconciliation and renewal—explored in the previous lesson—is the aftereffects of such change. A broken friendship that is restored brings a fresh hope to people. Depression that gives way renewed living gives a person fresh eyes to see living for God.

Of all the aftereffects of being changed by God, generosity is probably the most noticeable and significant. As God has been generous to us, we want to emulate his generosity. Ask your group: How well has generosity defined your walk with God?

When we look at the early believers in Acts, we see a community defined by generosity: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32).

This example in the early church was meant to be emulated by communities of faith throughout the world. Now, the Apostle Paul is ready to encourage the Corinthian believers to follow the examples of generosity before them. We should do the same today.

Confidence Expressed (2 Corinthians 9:1-5)

This is one of the most positive messages from the apostle to this church. The Corinthian Christians’ words and “eagerness to help” have inspired other communities to emulate. This is wonderful, but Paul is careful to help the Corinthians follow through on their promise to be generous in action.

We are told that Cicero—a wealthy orator and Roman politician—once used this same tactic to avoid incomplete confidence. He sent a letter to a benefactor to urge his words to become action so his hope would not be disappointed (Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, p. 211).

What is the biggest fear we have when we are promised something? Disappointment may be an answer. In response to this concern, we see Paul’s proactive work to avoid shame for both himself and the congregation.

Look closely at the motive found in verse 5: “Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.” How does this motive impact giving from the church? Ask your group specifically: How do you avoid giving grudgingly?

Benefits Found (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

If there is a word to consider for looking at the benefits of giving, it is the word “investment.” How do we normally think of what an investment is? The gardening language of sowing and reaping is a reminder that you will “reap what you sow.” Put that in context, and we see we need to sow generously to reap generously.

Is our motive only to gain from what we give? Jesus told a parable of sowing seeds (Luke 8), and the seeds were God’s words. With this in mind, our motive to share is to spread God’s words, in particular the good news, so they will benefit others. This means our motivation is not for ourselves, but for God’s purposes.

What is our motivation? Give to God and give to others so God will do what he does best. What is our attitude? To be “cheerful” as we give. What is our mindset? We need to see that every gift we give is an investment in God’s kingdom. Ask your group: How should this change what we give and how we give?

Adoration Gained (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)

We all have the opportunity to participate in God’s glory. Even though we are to be generous givers, since God supplied what we give, he also reaps the glory of what we give. This is only natural, and this is what helps us continue kingdom-minded work.

Here is the beautiful part: God welcomes us in his work, and he invites us to share in what is his. How does this make you feel? Why does this sound better than obligation or hollow promises? This is a work and plan much bigger and greater than ours.

Paul also told the church at Philippi, after thanking God for their partnership in sharing the gospel, that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). What God starts in us, he shares with us, and it is much bigger than us.

Conclusion

Before getting to our text today, Paul gave this advice to Corinth: “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it” (8:11). God makes us able to give, and he wants us to complete what he calls us to give. Ask your group: How have you been obedient or disobedient in this?

Richard Dawkins, an outspoken atheist, once said, “Let us try to teach generosity and altruism because we are born selfish.” While he does not believe in God as we do, his words point to the necessity of generosity and our naturally selfish state.

Remember, to be a generous giver in response to your new life in Christ, it requires fighting against your natural state. Selfishness has no room in God’s kingdom, and we serve the most selfless Savior. Let his generosity lead us to be generous followers and givers.

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

• The Explore the Bible lesson for May 13 focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 6:1-2.

This lesson’s focus on reconciliation offers the conversation we have been hoping for as we have been journeying through Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. If reconciliation means to restore a broken relationship, then we as readers are all the more ready to see such healing in these words.

In general, we tend to hope for reconciliation. In movies, stories and books, we hope for things to be made right so that a “happily ever after” will close out the narrative. When this does not happen, we either are left frustrated or hoping for a sequel to follow in the near future.

Ask your group: How have you experienced broken relationships? How have you experienced reconciliation? It is important for us to know that both brokenness and healing are not only possible, but even more they are proven. Transformation because of Jesus may be the ultimate example for us on this subject.

Reborn (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

To witness reconciliation, we have to look through a new lens according to verse 16. To look through worldly or “flesh” eyes causes us to see only from our broken viewpoint. On the other hand, seeing from God’s point of view allows us to see the potential for newness.

With the salvation of God being possible because of Jesus, each person must be seen as a potential “rescue” and never as a hopeless case. Do we ever look at people as unable to be rescued? Paul’s words challenge us to embrace the potential for newness in human lives.

To be new, there must be a “rebirth” or a “spiritual birth,” when the person receives God’s gift of salvation. This is just the beginning, but we see how quickly a new life is separated from an old past. The point of reconciliation is that being reborn causes us to be brought back into relationship with God.

Reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

Do not move too quickly past the statement, “All this is from God.” The death of oldness and the birth of newness are made possible by God alone. No one else can accomplish this. Let that sink in as you consider how the only one who could reconcile broken humans to God was God himself.

Once we are believers, we take on the identity and the desires of God. Since his desire is to reconcile himself to humanity, this should also be our greatest desire. This is why we are given the “ministry of reconciliation.” What does this look like in real life?

The role of ambassador also should stand out positively as our part in God’s reconciliation to humankind. “Christ’s agents bring the good news of peace offered by the divine benefactor” (Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, 186). Perhaps our greatest takeaway should be that God has an important role for each of us in this.

Ready (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

There is an urgency for the old to become new, for the lost to become found and for the broken to become reconciled. Paul’s vocation as a missionary oozed of urgency for reconciling the lost to God through the good news. His actions were of urgency as were his words, and we should carry on this same sense of “now.” Why the sense of urgency? It matches the desperate need of humanity.

Part of Paul’s message here is that there is no room for slack ambassadors. We have a responsibility to the same gospel that healed our brokenness. This means we cannot coast. How does “coasting” or “slacking” get a bad reputation, yet many still coast or slack?

“Now is the time” and “now is the day” points to us being ready to share and to be involved in actively sharing the gospel with others. People need to hear that their brokenness has an antidote, and they are waiting to hear it from you and me. We simply cannot wait for or bank on a tomorrow that we cannot control.

Conclusion

Allow time to share personal stories of being reconciled to God. By sharing these stories, we remind ourselves of our need, so that we will be reminded to share with others who still need salvation.

2 Corinthians 7:8-13 gives us a glimpse into the reconciliation that was taking place between Paul and the Corinthians in this letter. His urgent desire to speak the message of reconciliation to these brothers and sisters undergirded his words and teachings.

As people who have been changed, we should hunger for life change in others. When we experience “new life”, we should want others to also experience it. This is the fuel that moves us forward with urgency to give the life-changing message.

In the words of a hymn: “Give the winds a mighty voice, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; let the nations now rejoice. Jesus saves, Jesus saves; shout salvation full and free, highest hills and deepest caves, this our song of victory, Jesus saves, Jesus saves” (Kirkpatrick & Owens).

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

• The Explore the Bible lesson for May 6 focuses on 2 Corinthians 4:5-18.

The gospel is more than an inspiring message of hope. It is the greatest confidence for the one who believes and follows Christ. Such good news speaks as profoundly to the lost as it does to the found, and it carries us forward in genuine hope.

Coming from the realization of the Apostle Paul’s trials and testing, such confidence and hope is vital. Begin by asking your group: What does confidence and hope do for us? How do we feel about the days ahead when we have little confidence or hope?

As we gather to experience the apostle’s words, we need to encourage each other that confidence and hope are only as helpful as what we place our confidence and hope in. When it comes to the good news of Jesus Christ, there is nothing more powerful to stake our lives upon.

Proclaim (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

Personal agendas never should dominate the lips of believers. When it comes to the workplace or any other cultural environment, we see personal desires lead people to do what they do. It is too tempting to bring these same desires to the congregational setting, and that is where we must be careful.

Paul is clear that “we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.” To proclaim any agenda other than the Great Commission is to stand in the way of Jesus’ own command. This means we risk disobedience when we proclaim ourselves before Jesus.

How do we guard against putting our words and plans before Jesus’ words and plans? God is the author of wisdom and revealed wisdom to humanity, in part through Jesus’s own words. The greatest revelation to us was through the Son of God, and so we should be sure to uphold his wisdom by proclaiming his words alone.

Live (2 Corinthians 4:7-15)

This section is filled with some of Paul’s most finely crafted statements, speaking to the eternal nature of the gospel and the vulnerable reality of those who receive the gospel. We are imperfect people who carry the perfect truth. Because of this, we have hope.

Be sure to read these verses slowly and pick a few statements to meditate on. For example, verse 10 brings us to think on what it means to carry both death and life in us. It also points to how Jesus is the constant for how we experience—and do not experience—death and life. The “body” also correlates with the “jars of clay” from verse 7. Meditating and expounding on these statements brings us to total amazement.

Paul was known for celebrating his weakness, and in these verses, “Paul illustrates God’s hidden glory and power in his weakness” in order to show God’s powerful work through weakness (Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, 174). Consider: How is it possible to be weak and still have confidence?

Focus (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Verse 16 brings us back to the first verse of this chapter: “We do not lose heart.” This reminds us of Jesus’ words in John 16:33b: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

With our eyes on Jesus and our hands holding his promise, we see that courage is something we can grasp and see at work. This means we see beyond our humanity and weakness, focusing on God’s eternality and strength. Is the gospel really the ingredient for such focus? Paul’s response points to a clear “yes”.

If you think back to the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz, you see a creature lacking courage because all he sees is his own fear. Are we guilty of doing the same thing—being blinded by ourselves? We must acknowledge it often is easier to focus on ourselves instead of God, but that does not mean it is better.

Back to the conversation on trials, Paul emphasizes trials are momentary but glory is eternal. The point is not that we should endure to receive glory; rather, we should endure knowing it is worth it because of God. Receiving glory is nothing compared to receiving Christ as your lifetime companion.

Conclusion

The best way to complete this lesson is to read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. This is the culmination of the confidence and hope that started this conversation. Perhaps we could ask each other: What daily reminders do you need to keep your eyes on hope and off yourself?

Hope and confidence have a way of spurring us forward, and the gospel is the only true hope we have to face uncertainty with confidence. By putting Jesus’s words and call ahead of our own, we can go forward, needing nothing else.

A popular hymn by Bill and Gloria Gaither seems to encapsulate our theme today: “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives.”

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

• The Explore the Bible lesson for April 29 focuses on 2 Corinthians 1:3-14.

As we turn to Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian Christians, we must remember there still appeared to be a strained relationship between the apostle and this church. Consider one of the closing statements from the first letter: “If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16:22).

Why is Paul so determined to prove to the Corinthians that they are lacking? Perhaps you could ask your group: What is it like to be around a person who just doesn’t “get it”? It is frustrating to be sure. When it comes to Paul, we can read his frustration.

As we begin, we should prepare for this interesting paradox of comfort during times of trouble. Paul was well acquainted with trouble and near-death experiences. Even so, he would say, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4a) in all circumstances.

Comforted (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Following a brief greeting, Paul begins this doxology to God for comfort during troubles. Craig Keener points out that this doxology or blessing is directly replacing a “thanksgiving for his audience” (Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, 157).

Paul seems to be “cutting to the chase” to begin his teaching to the church—the body shares God’s comfort with others. Why would Paul go directly to these words? What is he trying to prove to Corinth?

Notice the word “overflow” in verse 5. Jesus’ sufferings “flow over” into the lives of the believer just as Jesus’ comfort will “overflow.” In both suffering and comfort, we draw closer to Christ. As Christ gave of himself, so also should we give of ourselves.

Verses 6-7 tell us Paul and his team are experiencing distressed situations as he writes this letter. Ask your group: What kind of tone do you sense in Paul’s words here? Are the Corinthians really sharing in their sufferings and comfort?

Tested (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

Perhaps this part of the letter may be viewed as a missionary report. The apostle wants the church to know about all that he and his team have endured. These words are more of a survival notice, letting them know that surviving the ultimate trials proves their reliance on God.

When we survive something difficult, how do we usually celebrate? Here, Paul did more than high-five the others. He told about how they learned to rely on God all the more, and he described the impact on others who witnessed their trials.

When we endure severe testing—illness or persecution—coming away without defeat should immediately cause us to respond with gratitude and hope. This is true celebration! Like Paul, we should be vocally grateful to God and others and continue to hope in God’s comfort. When we hope in God, we receive the ultimate comfort.

Accepted (2 Corinthians 1:12-14)

The remainder of chapter 1 shows Paul responding to his change of travel plans. Try as he did, he would not be making his visit to Corinth. This response seemed to bring criticism and disappointment: “Paul had not only rejected their benefaction; he had even more offensively robbed them of the privilege of showing an apostle hospitality” (Craig S. Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, 159).

This should show the reader a struggling relationship being worked through, which is good news. Paul certainly had been offended by the church, just as the church had been offended by Paul. Now, he turns to explaining himself. This is a positive reminder to us that integrity always is worth proving.

Conclusion

While the wonderful news of God’s comfort during trials is the main theme, we also need to look at mutuality. The comfort of God is available to all who endure trials for his sake. All believers are mutually called and will be mutually cared for by God. This means we should work together hand-in-hand as we labor together.

This lesson points a good deal to the negativity of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians. This cannot be overlooked, but it also should not be dwelled upon. A great deal of teaching will follow from a committed apostle to a congregation that was worth commitment.

Laboring for God always is worthwhile. Remaining committed to God and one another also is worth laboring through challenging relationships. Consider closing with 2 Corinthians 2:1-4 to see the depth of Paul’s love for the Corinthian church. How would our churches be changed if we held to this same commitment and love?

Heath A. Kirkwood is lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Lorena.

The Dream Of You

Jo Saxton (WaterBrook)

Author Jo Saxton, a Nigerian immigrant, tells a powerful story of the struggles she faced with identity misconceptions. She leads readers to the truth—by accepting Christ’s invitation, a person finds true identity and one’s voice.

Page after page, Saxton expresses the importance of understanding your true identity. She does an excellent job drawing readers into her life as she presents intriguing personal stories. Interweaving biblical stories throughout the pages, readers are pointed to the biblical truth—our identity lies in Christ.

Saxton tells her story of the oppressive yoke of trying to be Wonder Woman and talks about how her past experiences named her. Her encouraging words and helpful tips remind readers: God sees you as you really are; he sees your story and hears your voice; and you can discover the song in your heart. Her words sum up the book’s theme: “When we trade our identity for a perfectionistic alternative, even when it’s for a survival, it comes at a heavy cost. We lose our true selves, and we lose our voices.”

The Dream Of You is a timeless piece of art, but it particularly is needed now as young people today struggle with their identity. The story needs to be told over and over: Through Christ, we are redeemed and can reclaim our true voice. We have a new identity in Christ.

Bobbie Bomar Brown
San Tan Valley, Ariz.