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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 72

"We regard no one according to the flesh."

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16

DEFINING LIFE AND MINISTRY

Over the years, Paul defined his life and ministry more and more. His doctrines and his manner of life were brought across to his disciples as worthy of emulation.

“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one
according to the flesh. Even though we have
known Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know Him thus no longer.”
2 Corinthians 5:16

1. “We have known Christ according to the flesh”

a) This was how Paul first understood Jesus.
b) He was commonly called “Jesus of Nazareth”.
c) This knowledge of Jesus caused Paul to be enraged at His followers.
d) Thus, Paul became
i) A blasphemer
ii) A persecutor
iii) An insolent man (1 Timothy 1:13)

2. “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh”

a) The human way of assessing a person was discarded.
b) He refused to adopt a worldly way of assessment.
i) By his education
ii) By his wealth
iii) By his social status

3. “Yet now we know Him thus no longer”

a) Paul had a wonderful encounter with Jesus.
b) What did Jesus mean to Paul now?
i) He was the Christ, the Anointed One of God.
ii) He was Saviour.
iii) He was Lord.
iv) He was his bond-slave.
v) He lived for the Lord.
vi) He would lay down his life for his Master.
vii) He rejected the world and chose to live and die for his Lord.

Paul was faithful to the Lord to the end of his life. He lived most triumphantly!