Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians
- Deaconess Ruth Ahiabor
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
02 October 2025
Devotion by Deaconess Ruth Ahiabor
Theme: Kingdom of God – 2 Corinthians 10
Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel
Introduction
Brethren, being Called, Chosen and Set Apart by our Heavenly Father, to partake of His superior Kingdom is a beautiful privilege and advantage (Matt 22:14, 1 Pet 2:9) and one we should not take for granted.
And we learnt last night that this kingdom to which we belong is a spiritual system, where Jesus is our king and the principles and promises of the Word of God are our ruling governance.
Jesus said it so clearly in John 17:16:
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
Therefore, this knowledge—that we who once upon a time did not qualify, are now:
Chosen from among many, and
Set apart out of the kingdom of darkness and into the superior kingdom of light—
…should compel us by any means possible (Anagkazo) to fully embrace and walk in the realities of our Kingdom identity.
Today’s Passage
It highlights four vital aspects of life in God’s Kingdom:
Defending our faith
God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the Called!
The Spiritual War and the Kingdom defence system
The Reality and limits of Kingdom Authority
1. Defending our Faith
From Genesis through to Revelation, from the faith giants Abraham, Moses etc, it seems that God never chose perfect men to fulfil His purposes on earth.
“But God chose the foolish things... to shame the wise…” — 1 Cor 1:27
In v 1-2 & v10, Paul's apostolic authority is under fire.
Some in Corinth accused him of being weak in person and only bold in his letters.
Ironically, this was the very church he had poured his life into.
The accusations:
Probably coming from outsiders (false teachers, self-titled apostles).
They pointed to Paul’s continual suffering, weak speaking ability, and lack of signs/wonders.
They claimed this was proof he was not much of a spiritual leader.
Why Paul defends himself:
If people lose faith in Paul, they may also lose faith in his message.
Ultimately, they would be turning not just from Paul but also from Christ, whom Paul represents.
Paul’s response:
He repeatedly defends both himself and the Gospel (his travel plans, methods, letters…).
In doing so, he models Christ (Matthew 11:29).
Jesus could be bold and strong, but also gentle, patient, and humble.
For us today:
Despite efforts to be gentle, there are times we must defend ourselves and the Gospel.
This may be due to ill-intentioned accusations or direct attacks on Christian beliefs.
Reflection:
How do you defend your Christian beliefs without being defensive?
How do you do it while honoring Jesus?
How do you do it while honoring those who accuse you?
2. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the Called!
Paul may have been small in stature, weak in presence, not a captivating speaker.
People considered his preaching style weak.
He admitted this weakness:
“My speech and preaching were not with persuasive words… but in demonstration of the Spirit and power.” — 1 Cor 2:4
Examples:
Moses and Paul both claimed to be poor speakers.
Yet, both wrote large portions of Scripture.
Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament—powerful, compelling, expository letters.
What they had in common:
Total submission to the power of God.
Paul’s reality:
Maybe less comfortable preaching in person.
Maybe not a strong public speaker.
Maybe an awkward personality.
Maybe hindered by his “thorn in the flesh” (1 Cor 12:7-10).
Application:
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
If we submit them to God, He magnifies them for His glory.
Reflection:
What is your weakness?
Don’t let it disqualify you.
Offer it to God—He will magnify it.
3. The Spiritual War and the Kingdom Defence System (v 3-6)
Paul refocuses the Corinthian church on the main issue: our ongoing war against the kingdom of darkness.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Pet 5:8
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” — John 10:10
Reality check:
The devil’s strategies haven’t changed.
We see chaos, wars, terrorism, addictions, and personal struggles—all rooted in spiritual warfare.
Christian life = a battleground, not a playground.
“We do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” — 2 Cor 10:3b–4
The Weapons of Warfare
The Word of God
The battlefield is primarily the mind.
Strongholds: fear, lust, shame, pride, lies.
Root of battle: thoughts → words → actions.
Solution: Take every thought captive (v.5, Luke 9:23).
Rebuke lies with Scripture.
Power is not in eloquence but in truthfully speaking God’s Word.
Reflection:
Do you struggle to keep thoughts captive?
Write them down, confront them with God’s Word.
Trust God’s power, not yourself.
The Weapon of Prayer
Channel of divine power and strategy (Eph 6:18).
Pray for the world, family, friends, Spirit-led needs.
Intercede and stand in the gap.
Pray for strongholds to break.
4. The Reality and Limits of Kingdom Authority (v 12-18)
True authority is God-given—to build up, encourage, and love.
Paul’s opponents compared themselves, boasted, and sought worldly approval.
They even took credit for Paul’s work.
Paul’s reminder:
He boasts only in God, not in himself.
True approval comes from the Lord, not self-commendation.
“The one who boasts is to boast in the Lord.” — Jer 9:23-24
Reflections:
Are you tempted to compare your calling to others?
Are you seeking approval from men or from God?
Don’t judge by appearance (1 Sam 2:3).
Don’t confuse style with substance.
Don’t compare yourself with other Christians.
Truth:
Comparison is corrosive: it leads to pride or despair.
Everything we achieve in the Kingdom is by grace (Eph 2:8).
Our boast must always be in the Lord.
Result:
The “message of Christ” (v.14, MSG) changes cultures, nations, and the world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,Thank You for calling and qualifying me, even in my weakness.Thank You for giving me all I need to live victoriously in Your Kingdom of Light.
Help me remain alert in this ongoing battle, to take every thought captive, and to use the weapons You've given me.Keep me from comparison and pride.Let me boast only in You.May I walk daily in the authority You've given—not for my glory, but for Your Kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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