Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians

17. September 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Set Apart – 2 Corinthians 6:1–18

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Introduction

Hello Church, I’m so excited to bring again the devotional plan for this week. I actually started writing this devotion from a forest—a place with such amazing serenity—as I waited on the Lord and tried as much as possible to hear His voice. I believe this devotion is inspired by the Spirit of the Lord, and I trust it will bless you richly.

Please open your physical Bibles and read 2 Corinthians 6:1–18 first. It’s important you read the Word yourself, because God can give you other revelations beyond what I share here.

After reading, I encourage you to share just one thing that touched you—maybe three or four sentences—on our platform. You don’t have to write a whole sermon. And forgive me for bringing this devotion a little late, but please forward it to others who will also be blessed.

We are still on our theme Set Apart, and today Paul’s words challenge us in a very practical way for Fortified City Church, Love City Church, and PIWC Bern.

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Exposition

1. Don’t Take God’s Grace in Vain (2 Corinthians 6:1–5)

Paul begins by urging the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain. As a pastor, I reflect on how Paul, as an apostle, knew how easy it was for people to take God’s amazing gift for granted.

Even for us at Fortified City Church, Love City Church, and PIWC Bern, God has blessed us with so many opportunities—teachings, prayers, services, and devotions—that are meant to build us spiritually. Yet, not everyone takes them seriously. Some ignore the devotion, some neglect prayer, while others treasure these opportunities. Paul’s words remind us today: don’t waste the grace you’ve been given.

Paul also explains the burden of ministry: that leaders must live carefully so that the work of God is not blamed. He details the trials, persecutions, sleepless nights, labors, and sacrifices that he and others endured so the gospel could advance. As a pastor, I understand the weight of ministry—that leaders, prayer warriors, and servants of the church also make sacrifices so that many will not miss the day of the Lord.

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2. The Cost of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 6:4–10)

Paul says:

“In much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings… as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

This means that sometimes ministers appear poor so that others may become rich in Christ. Sometimes they are dishonored so that others may receive honor. This is the price of the calling.

And this is not just Paul’s testimony—it’s also true today. Leaders, intercessors, and those serving in Fortified City Church, Love City Church, and PIWC Bern often endure hidden struggles to keep the gospel advancing. Yet in all this, Paul says, we rejoice. Why? Because the reward is eternal.

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3. Set Apart from the World (2 Corinthians 6:11–18)

Here Paul moves deeper into our theme for the month: Set Apart. He warns:

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

God is intentional about who we walk with. Those who don’t believe in Him believe in something else—themselves, money, fame, even idols. Without Jesus, human reasoning is darkened. That’s why God calls us to be separate, to live as His holy temple, to be His chosen people, His royal priesthood.

Let me illustrate with a story. On 10th September at Utah University, Charlie Kirk was tragically murdered. His shooter, from sources I understood, came from a good home—raised with strong family bonds, camping times, and a disciplined upbringing. He was smart, had excellent academic grades, and even a scholarship to study in the U.S. But what he lacked was faith in Jesus Christ.

Without Christ, everything is possible—even committing murder. Despite being raised well and being blessed in many ways, the shooter allowed darkness to influence him, ultimately taking a life without remorse. This shows that it is not enough to have good parents, great education, or even opportunities; it is your faith in Jesus Christ that qualifies your future and secures your eternal destiny.

Even today, the power of darkness works through those who have no faith. That is why God says to be separate, to walk in holiness, and to be a light in a dark world. Your upbringing, education, or blessings are not enough—faith in Christ is what secures your life, your future, and your eternal destiny.

Like the forest I’m sitting in while writing this devotion—its design could never have been by accident—it was created with intention. In the same way, you were created with intention. God calls you to be holy, to stand different, to shine as light in a dark world.

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Application

Being set apart means:

• In your marriage, live differently from the world.

• In your workplace or school, let people see that you are different.

• Don’t be drunk or immoral like the world, but live in purity.

• Honor your parents, even when the culture does not.

• Value the grace and opportunities God has given you, because others might have done far more with them if they had the same chance.

• Remember: faith in Jesus Christ is what qualifies your future, not your upbringing or achievements.

One day we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. How painful it would be if God says, you took My grace in vain.

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Reflection Questions

1. In what ways might I be taking God’s grace for granted in my daily life?

2. Am I living differently enough that others can clearly see I am set apart for Christ?

3. What is one step I can take this week to separate from darkness and walk in holiness?

4. How can I grow in faith so that my blessings and opportunities lead me closer to God?

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Prayer

Father, thank You for calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Forgive me for times I have taken Your grace for granted. Help me to live set apart—pure, holy, and faithful in every area of my life. Strengthen me to endure trials, to value the opportunities You’ve given me, and to shine as light in this dark world. May my life be a testimony that Your grace was not in vain. May my faith in You secure my future and eternal destiny. In Jesus’ name, Amen.