For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
There is no point debating with a fool, they will refuse to listen to even the wisest advice. This reminds me of a saying I saw posted at one of my jobs, “If you find yourself in an argument with a fool, make sure that you aren’t the fool.”
Do not attempt to cheat the fatherless by changing the long established rules. They may not have a father to protect their interests, but the One who defends them will not be fooled by your deception and has the ability to make you pay the price for it.
God will fulfill His purposes for us, even if we are surrounded by enemies. When faced with overwhelming opposition, or any opposition whatsoever, let us call out to God for His aid. He will defeat those who are attempting to thwart His purposes for our lives. He will cause those who have set traps for us to fall into their own traps. If we place our confidence in God, rather than in our own ability, He will cause the actions of our enemies to assist us in accomplishing His purposes. I will exalt God with all that I am. I will remember that my successes are not a result of my strength. I succeed in what is truly important only when I rely on God and allow His power to accomplish the goal.
Reading both the NLT and the NIV makes this passage more clear to me. Paul warns those who had been sinning when he had been there on his second visit to amend their ways. They are demanding that he prove to them that Christ speaks through him. Paul promises that if they are still sinning in the same manner when he visits a third time he will give them the proof they are asking for. As I read this today, I was reminded of the story of Ananias and Sapphira. We are to examine ourselves to see whether our faith is genuine. If our faith is genuine, Christ will be within/among us. Paul hopes that the believers in Corinth will do the right thing before he arrives, even if that means he will be unable to offer the proof he promised them. We should hope that people will follow the Lord without the need for the demonstration of His power.
Isaiah prophecies the downfall of Babylon, but he does not just prophecy their downfall. He also prophecies that God’s judgement will fall on lesser nations who are just as wicked. However, God will provide for those who serve Him. Those rulers and people who thought they were gods who could rise up to heaven and accomplish whatever they wished will be brought low. They will be shown to be no stronger than even the weakest of people. However, those who would have done the same evil if they had the chance will suffer the same fate. When God brings His judgement it will be only on the strong and powerful, but on all of those who desired to oppress others, even those who lacked the means to do so.