Posts by Josh Moody

1 Samuel 11-13, Psalm 99, Mark 11:1-11, 2 Corinthians 4 2 Corinthians 4: This—one of the great chapters in the Bible, and in the Book of 2 Corinthians—is Paul’s description of why it is that Christians do not lose heart or become discouraged. He starts with that as his theme (v.1) and ends with it too (v.16). How…

1 Samuel 9-10, Psalm 98, Mark 10:35-52, 2 Corinthians 3 2 Corinthians 3: As Paul continues to attempt to solve the conflict that he has with the Corinthian church—a conflict around various important spiritual and moral, as well as personal, matters about which the Corinthians needed to be corrected—we can see important spiritual insights into a thriving relationship…

1 Samuel 6-8, Psalm 97, Mark 10:17-34, 2 Corinthians 2 2 Corinthians 2: More insights here into the gospel-centered relationship that exists in a church, even, as in Corinth, in a church that has some significant tensions being addressed by Paul. First, note the genuine and spiritually profound emotion that tied Paul to the Corinthians. These are people…

1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 96, Mark 10:1-16, 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 2 Corinthians 1:12-24: Paul changed his plans to visit Corinth, and part of the criticism he was receiving from the Corinthian church was related to this apparent double-mindedness—but which, as he explains, was really for their own benefit. In addressing this issue, Paul brings forward some gospel principles…

1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 95, Mark 9:33-50, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 2 Corinthians 1:1-11: What is the right way to look at our afflictions—difficulties, sufferings, trials? Paul here gives us three key principles that he models in his own life and ministry. First, “all our affliction.” It is easy to begin to think that there are only “certain kinds…

Ruth 4, Psalm 94, Mark 9:14-32, 1 Corinthians 16 1 Corinthians 16: In this closing chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul gives six pieces of practical spiritual counsel. First, Giving. In terms of our giving to the church, it is wise for us to prepare to give and to do so in a weekly manner on the first day of…

Ruth 2-3, Psalm 93, Mark 9:1-13, 1 Corinthians 15:29-58 1 Corinthians 15:29-58: Paul continues to show that the resurrection is an essential part of the Christian faith—and has deep implications for how we live today as well as our hope for life after death. He makes four points: 1) the lifestyle of the apostles is inexplicable without the…

Ruth 1, Psalm 92, Mark 8:31-38, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 1 Corinthians 15:1-28: In this passage, Paul first reminds the Corinthians of the essentials of his gospel. And then he emphasizes that the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is an essential part of that gospel. First, the gospel that he preached, he reminds them, is…

Judges 20-21, Psalm 91, Mark 8:22-30, 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 1 Corinthians 14:26-40: Paul is continuing to give instructions to the Corinthians regarding their worship. It is important to bear in mind the wider context to this teaching. That is, the Corinthian church was in considerable disorder—including flagrant gross sin, rebellion against apostolic authority, human jealousy and divisiveness that…

Judges 19, Psalm 90, Mark 8:14-21, 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 1 Corinthians 14:1-25: There is much in these verses that has been controversial for some from time-to-time, but its inner meaning and basic thrust are not so controversial once they are understood clearly, and can be edifying and indeed motivating to all. Paul’s basic point is that, having had…