Daily Readings (Page 292)

The \”angel of the Lord\” was standing at Zechariah’s right side and when he realized it, fear came upon him.  It was a typical reaction to the presence of angelic or divine beings.  Should you \”fear\” the presence of The Lord in your life?

Zechariah and Elizabeth were said to be \”blameless and righteous\” yet had no child.  Their \”shame\” was a result of God’s sovereign plan rather than their hearts’ condition.  How may this help us to reflect on God’s plan for our own lives?

What did Paul say about himself? (v17) What did he mean by “the marks of Jesus”? (2 Co 4:10, 11:23)  Do you carry the marks of Jesus wherever you are?

What is the ‘rule’ Paul laid down for all churches? (v16) What are the blessings that come to those who follow it? Practically, how can we keep our ministry focused on becoming and living as new creations?

What is the only thing that counts? How can we become a “new creation”? (2:16; 3:2) What does it mean to live as a new creation? (4:6; 5:1,6,13,16,22-23; 6:8,14)

What does it mean for Paul to boast only in the cross of Christ? (2:20; 3:13) What does it mean to “be crucified to the world”? How does Paul’s testimony serve as a model for all of us?

What were the motives of those insisting on circumcision (vv12-13)? Why did Paul’s preaching of the cross bring about persecution? (5:11)

In verse 11, why did Paul mention writing in ‘large letters’?  Is it because of defective eyesight or poor handwriting, or because he wished to call particular attention to this closing paragraph by placarding it in big letters?

Verse 10: To whom are we instructed to do good?  Why should we do good to a certain group of people?  (Mt 12:46-50).

Verses 7-8 speak of sowing and reaping. What do these words mean in practical terms?  “Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit, Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.”  Do you think this quote is valid?