July 8

<p>II Corinthians 9-13 We are in the Church Stream reading from the New Living Translation. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | <a href= "https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YPPA8XGTQ2YHU">Donate</a></p> <!--more--> <p>Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis 9 - This is the continuation of the 2-chapter "giving passage" that starts in 8 - that we read last week.  It is the origin of why Christians throughout the world are noted as "the giving people" /or/ "the nice people" It's a banner passage instructing us to give cheerfully, generously, to not be surprised when blessing matches the proportion of our giving.  Paul's teaching is truly a headwater passage that created and thereby changed the nature of charity ever since he wrote this book.</p> <div>10 - Paul's authority is what is presented here.  There had been some rabble/trouble-makers that were spreading around contrary opinions and insisting that Paul should not be listened to.  Gee, have you ever heard of someone doing this in a church, eh?  We sure have.  Anyway, Paul, undeterred, proceeds right along with the impetus of who the enemy is. [The Enemy is not the people around us.] It's a well timed bit of advice to remind us what is to be focused upon.  Note: -Paul uses his authority to build people up. -Those who are denouncing Paul's authority are using their self-appointed platform to cause dissension. This is self-evident proof of who should be listened to and who should be ignored. Paul's reminder of what priorities are and what is worth boasting about is "cut to the heart" stuff that is very relevant today.</div> <div>11 - Paul takes a moment to deal with, explain, and expose the false prophets who are discrediting Paul no matter what he does. Whether Paul refuses an offering or Paul takes up an offering - they accuse him either way. Take a hint, when one cannot be pleased with whatever happens [e.g. Paul's critics], they are likely not a person to be listening to nor modeling life after and certai