25 Sep October 11th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

 OUR COMPETENCE COMES FROM GOD      

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Thomas Cranmer, John Milton, William Evans, Ronald Man, and Tom Meyer are all said to have memorized the entire Bible and had instant recall of the Holy Scriptures from Genesis through Revelation.  Many Lutherans, because of their Junior Confirmation program, have a lot of the Bible committed to memory.  The truth is, however, as monumental a feat it is to memorize the entire Bible, without the Holy Spirit working faith in the reader and hearer of God’s word, the 727,993 words (NIV) are merely words.

St. Paul is revered and honored as an outstanding author, missionary, preacher, and teacher of God’s word.  He traveled throughout the world as it was known in his day, proclaiming the gospel.  Christian congregations were started wherever he went.  If he was living today, he would be recognized as Time magazines religious leader of the year.  Mega stadiums would fill to hear him preach.

St. Paul took no credit for all that was accomplished through his world- wide ministry.  Instead, he gave all glory and credit to God as you can read in today’s devotional verse, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

Martin Luther explains in his explanation to the Third Article of the Apostle’s creed, “. . . I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him, but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. . . In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. . . “ (Luther’s Small Catechism, p. 17)

Like St. Paul, your spiritual competence (successful mastery) of God’s word is not your own work or a result of your great intellectual abilities.  The faith you have in Jesus is God’s gift worked in your heart by His Spirit through the means of grace. (His Word and the Sacraments.)

Prayer:  Lord, keep me steadfast in Your word.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;

Curb those who by deceit or sword

Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son

And bring to naught all He has done.

Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow’r make known,

For You are Lord of lords alone;

Defend Your holy Church that we

May sing Your praise eternally.

O Comforter of priceless worth,

Send peace and unity on earth;

Support us in our final strife

And lead us out of death to life.

(LSB 655)