Study Desk

And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God said:

So then, dear friends, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,

I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us.

For consider how much diligence this very thing—this grieving as God wills—has produced in you: what a desire to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what deep longing, what zeal, what justice! In every way you showed yourselves to be pure in this matter.

So even though I wrote to you, it was not because of the one who did wrong, or because of the one who was wronged, but in order that your devotion to us might be made plain to you in the sight of God.

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia:

Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus.

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone.

And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments

and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

We, however, will not boast beyond measure but according to the measure of the area of ministry that God has assigned to us, which reaches even to you.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do!