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SEPTEMBER 11
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to
preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened
13
to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit,
because I did not find Titus my brother; but 2:17 not,as so many.Or,“not as the majority.”This
taking my leave of them, I departed for specifically refers to the false teachers in Corinth
Macedonia. and to the many other teachers and philosophers
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us of that day who operated by human wisdom (1
in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses Cor. 1:19,20). peddling. From a Greek verb that
the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. means “to corrupt,”this word came to refer to cor-
15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ rupt hucksters or con men who by their cleverness
and deception were able to sell as genuine an
among those who are being saved and among inferior product that was only a cheap imitation.
16
those who are perishing. To the one we are The false teachers in the church were coming with
the aroma of death leading to death, and to clever, deceptive rhetoric to offer a degraded,
the other the aroma of life leading to life. And adulterated message that mixed paganism and
17
who is sufficient for these things? For we are Jewish tradition. They were dishonest men seek-
not, as so many, peddling the word of God; ing personal profit and prestige at the expense of
but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak gospel truth and people’s souls.
in the sight of God in Christ.

DAY 10:What was Paul’s rationale for forgiveness?
Second Corinthians 2:5–11 is one of the best texts in all of Scripture on the godly motivation
for forgiveness. Paul said,“If anyone has caused grief” (v. 5). The Greek construction of this clause
assumes the condition to be true—Paul is acknowledging the reality of the offense and its ongo-
ing effect,not on him,but on the church.With this deflection of any personal vengeance,he sought
to soften the charge against the penitent offender and allow the church to deal with the man and
those who were with him objectively, apart from Paul’s personal anguish or offense.
“This punishment…inflicted by the majority” (v. 6). This indicates that the church in Corinth
had followed the biblical process in disciplining the sinning man (Matt. 18:15–20; 2 Thess. 3:6,14).
The Greek word for “punishment,” used frequently in secular writings but only here in the New
Testament, denoted an official legal penalty or commercial sanction that was enacted against an
individual or group (city, nation). “Is sufficient.” The process of discipline and punishment was
enough. Now it was time to show mercy because the man had repented (Matt. 18:18,23–35; Gal.
6:1,2; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13; Heb. 12:11).
“You ought rather to forgive and comfort him” (v. 7). It was time to grant forgiveness so the
man’s joy would be restored (Ps. 51:12,14; Is. 42:2,3). Paul knew there was—and is—no place in the
church for man-made limits on God’s grace,mercy,and forgiveness toward repentant sinners.Such
restrictions could only rob the fellowship of the joy of unity (Matt. 18:34,35; Mark 11:25,26).
“Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.”

The noise of a multitude in the
4
mountains,
September 11 Like that of many people!
A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of
nations gathered together!
Isaiah 13:1–14:32
The LORD of hosts musters
The burden against Babylon which Isaiah The army for battle.
13 the son of Amoz saw. 5 They come from a far country,
From the end of heaven—
2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, The LORD and His weapons
Raise your voice to them; of indignation,
Wave your hand, that they may enter To destroy the whole land.
the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; 6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand!
I have also called My mighty ones for It will come as destruction from the
My anger— Almighty.
Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” 7 Therefore all hands will be limp,

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