Today I’ll be sharing some of my notes regarding 2 Corinthians. I’ll also be discussing a verse from Ephesians that also caught my eye. 

Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? What is my purpose in life? 

The odds are you’ve thought about one of these questions in your life. It’s counter to the nature of our existence to not wonder why we’re here and what we’re supposed to do with our lives. There have been books written about these questions, and lots of money has been thrown into the wind trying to answer them. Some believe they’ve found their purpose and live life with gusto, while others are still searching. I think this verse from Ephesians answers all three of those questions.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Why are we here?

We are God’s handiwork. We were created by God. God wanted us to be here.

What is the purpose of life?

To follow Jesus and do good works.

What is my purpose in life?

To have faith in God and do what he has created you to do. 

Without God, we’ll never be able to do what we were meant to do in our lives. 

The Third Heaven

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.

2 Corinthians 12:2 (NIV)

In this verse, Paul talks about a man in Christ who was taken to the third heaven. What is the third heaven?

The first heaven is earth and its atmosphere, the second is outer space, and the third is where God lives. If you’re thinking about seven heavens, then that’s not in Christianity. 

I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV)

This could get a little confusing if you don’t know who the man is that Paul is talking about since it might appear as if he’s talking about someone else. He’s not. He’s talking about himself. I do posit, however, that this verse reveals that Paul recognizes he’s no longer the man that went up to that third heaven.

Weakness

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)

It’s difficult for us to delight in weakness, insults, hardships, and the like that Paul delights in here because pride hates all of these things. When it comes to something like weakness, we are taught that it’s bad. In fact, the very essence of nature tells us that only the strong survive. Yet, I find within this verse an essential truth about Christ that has been a stumbling block for many since he first revealed his ministry to the world. 

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

John 10:17 (NIV)

Only in complete submission to God can we be successful in the life he created for us. 

I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you today and hope that you find time to rejoice in this day the Lord has made. Thanks for stopping by.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away. 

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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