My part: spiritual reality, outloud in the physical world
2Kings 20-22 / 2Corinthians 7-9
OT
20:5-6 Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of my people. Tell him, “This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and three days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will do this to defend my honor and for the sake of my servant David.”
22:18-20 But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: You were sorry and humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I said against this city and its people, that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. So I have indeed heard you, says the LORD. I will not send the promised disaster against this city until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this place.” So they took her message back to the king.
NT
7:1 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God.
:10 For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death.
8:1-5 Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia. Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them.
:7-8 Since you excel in so many ways–you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us–now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. I am not saying you must do it, even though the other churches are eager to do it. This is one way to prove your love is real.
9:6-8 Remember this–a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
:15 Thank God for his Son–a gift too wonderful for words!
OT Flash Points
To Hezekiah, through Isaiah, God gives 15 years and moves time back 10 steps on the sundial
Josiah discovers the Book and humbles himself
NT Flash Points
Godly sorrow with repentance brings fresh life
Finish the job you started
Give as promised, generously
Thanks & Giving are inseparable
Perspective
Sanctified = set apart for God’s pleasure, covenant love
Abandon = dead to isolated selective affinities
We can’t consecrate things that don’t belong to us
His gifts are given to us to be given through us
If I truly love Him, I consecrate my right to myself &
Go out of myself to Jesus now