Wednesday, October 8, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 12

Jesus turns the world’s idea of power upside down. He shows that real greatness isn’t about control or status, it’s about serving others. Our story is part of God’s greater story. Consider for a moment how we show up, not by flexing authority, but by choosing humility, listening well, and putting others first.

Matthew 20:25-27 NIV
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave…”

Consider this in the workplace when an employee makes a mistake on a project. An employer possessing great conduct doesn’t humiliate them. They take the employee aside, calmly explain the issue, and focus on solutions, not blame. The employee then owns up to the mistake instead of hiding it or blaming someone else. They apologize, learn from it, and avoid repeating it. Both sides show integrity, respect, kindness, and responsibility - the boss by correcting without cruelty, and the employee by being accountable.

Now imagine this through the lens of early Christians, the ones who were said to have “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

Just as the boss and employee owned their roles honestly, the apostles lived transparently for Christ. They didn’t hide their faith, even when it cost them prison or persecution. And instead of lording their message over others, they came with humility and love - washing feet, serving the poor, and welcoming outsiders.

You and I can live out the same practical ways the apostles served on our own:

• Passion for Jesus: Like an employee who owns their mistake with courage, Jesus’ disciples owned their mission boldly. Everything they did was driven by a desire to make Christ known.
• Posture of Service: Even the leaders among them, like the apostles Paul and Peter, saw themselves as servants, not bosses. They corrected, encouraged, and guided others the way a wise employer would - uplifting rather than crushing.
• Prioritizing God’s Mission: Just like the boss and employee worked together to find a sollution, early Christians put God’s mission above personal comfort, reputation, and gain.

By having a passion for Christ, a posture of service, and always prioritizing his mission, we have the power to turn the world upside down too!

Questions:
Where can you show up with a passion for Jesus, a posture of service, and prioritize his mission this week?

What does having “great conduct” look like for you?

Next Steps:
Read through Acts 17 and consider how to apply this to your life in everyday situations. Reflect on Paul’s boldness in sharing the gospel, and journal or write out ways you can practically share your faith with others.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the apostles and their stories! Thank you for helping us turn the world upside down in your name! May we all live with integrity, humility, love, and on mission for you. Let our conduct be rooted in Christ, transforming hearts and modern cultures along the way. We need you, we love you, and we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Acts 17:6 (NKJV)
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”

This post was written by Julie Estep, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.