Keeping promises - Tumau i folafolaga

Scripture Focus: 2 Korinito 1:16-20

and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent forward by you on my journey to Judea. When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the “Yes, yes” and the “No, no?” But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not “Yes and no.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not “Yes and no,” but in him is “Yes.” For however many are the promises of God, in him is the “Yes.” Therefore also through him is the “Amen”, to the glory of God through us.
- 2 Corinthians 1:16-20 (WEB)

Study:

Paul is defending his consistency to the Corinthians. They may have questioned his changes in travel plans, perceiving them as indecisiveness. He assures them that his plans are not motivated by whim (“fickleness,” or acting according to the flesh) but are purposeful. The core of his argument rests on the faithfulness of God and the unwavering “Yes” found in Jesus Christ. Every promise of God finds its fulfillment—its “Yes”—in Christ. This “Yes” is then affirmed by our “Amen,” our agreement and acknowledgment of God's truth through faith. Paul emphasizes that their understanding and acceptance of the gospel were not characterized by uncertainty, rather a firm and confident “Yes.”

Application:

How often do we make commitments – resolutions, promises to others, promises to God – and then fail to follow through? Paul's words encourage us to examine the foundation of our promises. Are they rooted in fleeting desires or in the steadfast character of God? When we build our lives on God’s promises, which are “Yes” in Christ, we can trust in their fulfillment. Our “Amen” becomes a powerful declaration of faith and reliance on God’s faithfulness. This passage reminds us that a life pleasing to God isn't marked by fluctuating commitments, but by a consistent “Yes” to His unchanging truth.

Reflection Questions:

• What promises have you made recently?
• Are these promises aligned with God’s will and character?
• How can you strengthen your “Amen” – your affirmation of God’s promises – in your daily life?
• Are there areas where you are tempted to be inconsistent in your commitments?
• How does understanding the ‘Yes’ of God in Christ give you confidence in keeping your word?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your unwavering faithfulness and the ‘Yes’ we find in Jesus Christ. Help us to be people of our word, grounded in your promises. Strengthen our resolve to honor our commitments, knowing that you empower us to fulfill all that you have called us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: 2 Corinthians, promises, faithfulness, consistency, God's promises, resolutions, commitment, gospel, Jesus Christ, faith, Amen, Samoa, Tumau i folafolaga, Folafolaga lelei