TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 2 Corinthians 11:2
Read: 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
Listen: 2 Corinthians 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
In ancient Jewish custom, a couple ready to be married would gather for a betrothal ceremony to exchange vows before their families. Then they would separate for at least a year before the wedding ceremony. During this time, the husband would build an addition to his parents’ home for them to live in. In 2 Corinthians, Paul seems to say the church is to be like the young woman committed to her husband, remaining faithful to him until the wedding ceremony. So, what would it look like for the bride of Christ to be unfaithful? According to 2 Corinthians 11:4, it means abandoning the Jesus of the Bible and pursuing a different Jesus.
Today, the challenge to pursue a different Jesus is just as strong as it was for the early church. There are many different opinions about Jesus floating around. Often, these views represent a sort of false Jesus that is really just Jesus + American cultural values. And it can be tempting for us to begin listening to this false version of Jesus.
If we are to be like the faithful, devoted bride awaiting her wedding day, we must be faithful to Jesus and hold to the truth of who he is. Who Jesus is and what he actually taught is critical for us. To get an accurate picture of Jesus, we need to focus not on what people are saying about him but on what the Bible says about him. Pastor Aaron Buer challenged us to read and study the gospels (the outline of Jesus’s life in the first four New Testament Bible books). Then we go straight to the source and devote ourselves to knowing and understanding the true Jesus.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider how you could devote yourself to Jesus by studying what the Bible says about him. You can start by reading a chapter from a gospel daily or another reading plan. Start today to study and understand the Jesus of the Bible.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PROVERBS 3:5–6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
