Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians

09. September 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Set Apart – 2 Corinthians 1:12-24

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12–24 (NLT)

Introduction

As a district walking under the theme “Set Apart”, we are reminded that being called by God is not just about miracles, gifts, or titles. It is also about how we live and represent Christ daily. In this second portion of 2 Corinthians 1, Paul emphasizes sincerity, holiness, faithfulness, and the certainty of God’s promises. Being set apart means our lives, words, and actions must align with God’s truth.

Vers 12: Set Apart in Conduct

“We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom” (2 Corinthians 1:12, NLT).

Reflection:

To be set apart is to walk in holiness and sincerity. Paul declared that his ministry was not based on cleverness or manipulation but on God’s grace. Likewise, as believers, our dealings at work, in family, and in ministry should reflect a clear conscience before God. Integrity is one of the true marks of being set apart.

This also shows us that being set apart for God—or being holy—is not dependent on our human capabilities, but on God’s grace through the Holy Spirit. On our own we fail, but by His Spirit we are strengthened. As Paul reminds us elsewhere, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Holiness is possible, not because of our strength, but because of Christ in us.

Verses 13–14: Living Transparently

“Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand” (2 Corinthians 1:13, NLT).

Reflection:

Transparency is the fruit of a sanctified life. Paul reassures the Corinthians that there is no hidden agenda in his ministry—what he wrote is what he meant. When we are set apart, we are called to live openly, truthfully, and without pretense. Others must be able to look at our lives and see Christ without confusion.

Verses 15–18: God’s Yes vs. Man’s Yes and No

“You may be asking why I changed my plan… You may be thinking I say ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’ at the same time. But as surely as God is faithful, my word to you does not waver between ‘Yes’ and ‘No’” (2 Corinthians 1:17–18, NLT).

Reflection:

Paul had planned to visit Corinth but was delayed. His opponents accused him of being unreliable. He defends himself by pointing them to God’s faithfulness—His promises are not unstable like man’s.

Being set apart requires us to be faithful and dependable. During the youth camp, I spent a great deal of time teaching about faithfulness. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit and one of the clearest signs that someone truly walks with God. While human circumstances may change, our lives should reflect the consistency of God, who never changes.

Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No” be no (Matthew 5:37). When we are faithful in our words, commitments, and actions, we reveal the nature of God to others.

Verses 19–20: Christ Is God’s “Yes”

“For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between ‘Yes’ and ‘No.’… For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ ascends to God for his glory” (2 Corinthians 1:19–20, NLT).

Reflection:

This is one of the most powerful truths of Scripture—all God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ! When God calls us, He sets us apart and backs us with His unfailing promises. Our role is to respond with faith—our “Amen”—which brings Him glory.

Whatever your trial today, remember: in Christ, God has already said Yes to your salvation, your victory, your deliverance, and your eternal hope.

Verses 21–22: Sealed and Anointed

“It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us” (2 Corinthians 1:21–22, NLT).

Reflection:

To be set apart is to be anointed, sealed, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God’s mark of ownership over our lives. He strengthens us to stand firm, reminds us of God’s promises, and empowers us to walk holy in a corrupt world.

Verses 23–24: Set Apart to Strengthen Others

“I call on God as my witness that I was not being deceitful when I told you that I didn’t return to Corinth. I didn’t want to grieve you any more. We are not saying this to lord it over you… We work together with you so that you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm” (2 Corinthians 1:23–24, NLT).

Reflection:

Paul reminds them that spiritual authority is not about domination but about building up others. Being set apart means using our calling, positions, and influence to bring joy, strengthen faith, and help others stand firm.

Application:

Being set apart in Christ means:

1. Living with holiness and sincerity (v.12).

2. Depending on God’s grace, not our strength (v.12).

3. Being transparent and trustworthy (vv.13–14).

4. Reflecting the faithfulness of God (vv.15–18).

5. Believing and proclaiming God’s Yes in Christ (vv.19–20).

6. Walking in the anointing and seal of the Spirit (vv.21–22).

7. Using authority to strengthen and not control (vv.23–24).

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of my life is God calling me to greater integrity and sincerity?

2. Do my words and actions reflect the faithfulness of God or human inconsistency?

3. Am I using my influence to strengthen others or to control them?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for setting us apart in Christ. Help us to walk in sincerity, integrity, and holiness. May our “Yes” reflect Your faithfulness, and may our lives reveal the promises fulfilled in Christ. Fill us with the Holy Spirit daily, and empower us to strengthen and encourage others in the faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be blessed,

Reverend Joseph Antwi

Fortified City Church | Basel City Church