A Loving Introduction • 2 Cor 1:1-2
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Review & Overview
Review & Overview
1. Previous Study’s Review
1. Previous Study’s Review
Last time together we finished up the Book of 1 Cor. so today we begin the Book of 2 Cor. as we continue our study through the entire N.T.,
book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse… which is important for 2 reasons:
So we get the Whole Counsel of God: I am so thankful to sit under Pastor Clark for so many years...
because he sets that example of teaching from Gen. to Rev... which helps us find the balance in Biblical truths…
Because if we don’t teach through the whole Bible our understanding of certain topics become skewed and lopsided
So we teach through the whole Bible, so like Paul in Acts 20:27 we can say, I never shunned to declare to you...
27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
So we Don’t Teach Topically: There is nothing wrong with looking a little deeper into a topic as we come across it in scripture… but not to just teach on topics in general…
Because it’s easy for the pastor to come up with topics that he thinks are important or that will get done what he wants to get done...
he thinks he needs money, I’ll do a 6 week series on the Importance of Tithing...
Or, I really want to draw people to church... I’ll do a 12 week series on Bible Prophecy...
2. 2 Corinthians Overview
2. 2 Corinthians Overview
Before we get into our text there are a few things we want to look at by way of background & or introduction to the Book: 6 things in all…
1. Who wrote the book - Paul… look at vs.1a, chp.10:1, I Paul myself... there is little doubt Paul wrote it…
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
2. What is the key theme - What is this book all about? Corinth was very large city about 500,000 people; it’s located on thin strip of land in Greece, Achaia, 4 miles wide…
It had 2 sea ports: Cenchreae on the Aegean Sea, East… & Lechaeum on the Ionian Sea, West…
with Corinth in the middle… it was about 250 miles around the cape, very dangerous…
so they used to unload the ships and transport the cargo & the ships across land from one port to the next… about 4 miles…
Now, with so much commerce & foreign travelers the city became very immoral… very carnal…
Rising 2,000’ above the city was Acrocorinth & the temple of Aphrodite Greek goddess of love, 1,000 temple prostitutes…
So the Church became very corrupt & very immoral… there was Divisions… Incest… Divorce… Disorder… Confusion about the Gifts of the Spirit… Worship… the Resurrection…
So in Acts 19: on his 3rd Missionary journey Paul wrote 1 Cor. to expose these Problems & give Solutions to these Problems… from Ephesus...
Apparently while still in Ephesus after sending the 1st letter, Paul heard of more problems so he left Ephesus to go to Corinth a second time...
According to chp.2:1 it’s called the visit of Sorrow...
1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
Then after returning to Ephesus Paul wrote the Severe letter, chp.2:4, 7:5-16,which we don’t have...
4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
Then Paul left Ephesus after a riot and people trying to kill him... and while in Macedonia Paul saw Titus who brought him good news & bad news from Corinth, regarding the letter called 1 Corinthians...
God news is that they received Paul’s letter and repented of their actions... the church was doing well...
Bad news is that some were questioning Paul’s Authority & Apostolic Ministry...
So what is the theme or the purpose for this letter? Paul writes 2 Cor. as a very personal & passionate letter...
Congratulating them for their repentance... Confirming his apostolic authority... & Confronting false teachers...
Key Verse: chp.5:20 read.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
3. Where was this book written - While on his 3rd missionary journey according to 2 Cor.2:13 Paul was in Macedonia...
According to 2 Cor.11:9 & Phil.4:15 Paul could be in Philippi or Thessalonica... we don’t know...
4. When was this book written - Many believe it was written about 56-57 AD… about one year after 1 Cor.
5. Why is this book so important - It gives us important Biographical information about Paul.
Information we don’t get in other letters... because it is a very personal & passionate letter where Paul is pouring out his heart...
It also gives us important Theological information about God as we’ll see in the months to come...
6. How is this book divided: 3 sections.
1. Paul’s Explanation of His Ministry chp.1: – 7
Paul Explains His Change of Plans in Ministry Ch. 1:12-2:12
Paul Explains The Philosophy for Ministry Ch. 2:14 - 6:10
Paul Explains His Exhortation from His Ministry Ch. 6:11 - 7:16
2. Paul’s Collection for the Saints Ch. 8-9
1. Power for Giving, chp.8
2. Principles about Giving
3. Promises in Giving... chp.9
3. Paul’s Motive Ch. 10-13 - Paul’s 1st letter was hard hitting bringing to light many problems in the church
So many were critical of Paul and questioned his Motive for writing that 1st letter...
So here Paul answers his critics by listing several ways his Motive was pure and his heart was right...
3. Current Study’s Overview
3. Current Study’s Overview
Now as we begin the 1st division of the book in chp.1-7 in dealing with Paul’s Explanation of his Ministry he first gives an introduction.
Paul here in chp.1: Paul gives his introduction to the letter.
In talking about Paul’s Introduction involves 3 things:
1. Paul’s Introduction Involves Two People: Paul & Timothy Vs. 1a
1. Paul’s Introduction Involves Two People: Paul & Timothy Vs. 1a
Paul: his name used to be Saul... until Acts 13:…
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
He also imprisoned them & stood by while they were put to death, Acts 8:1-3… he was a really bad guy…
1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
But in Acts 9: on the road to Damascus when Saul was going to arrest Christians he himself was arrested to be a Christian… God has a sense of humor…
APPLICATION: Talk about how God changed his life He can change ours too.
Whatever we are struggling with God can overcome it.
Another thing is that Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God: apostolos, 81, messenger, sent out one.
turn Acts 1:21-26… because some say that Paul is the 12th Apostle who should have replaced Judas…
21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
and that the disciples in Acts 1: made a mistake… read… Acts 2:14 confirms it…
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
So clearly Paul is not the 12th apostle… he is simply an apostle and in a general sense so are we…
APPLICATION: Because all of us are called to be apostles, messengers… sent out ones… & Paul’s calling like our calling is by the Will of God…
It’s God’s will that all of us be those who bring the message of the Gospel to the lost…
to proclaim the glory of salvation through Jesus Christ…
Timothy: Timotheos, teemay: honor... Theo: God... one who honors God…
in 2 Tim.1:5 his mother Eunice & grandmother Lois were Jewish believers… in Acts.16:1 his father was a Greek and not a believer…
In Acts 14: Paul on his 1st missionary journey came to Lystra where he no doubt met Timothy and Timothy got saved…
In Acts 16: Paul on his 2nd journey he came back through Lystra and took Timothy with him…
Timothy traveled with Paul and was even in prison with Paul… Heb.13:23.
Timothy was also sent by Paul to different churches to help out… 1 Cor.4:17, 16:10-11. Phil.2:19-23. 1 Thes.3:1-3. 1 Tim.1:3, Ephesus…
APPLICATION: You know, there is value of humbly learning from a Godly mentor in our Christian journey.
This invites us to look towards those who embody the principles of our faith.
It is essential that we continually ask ourselves, "Who is our spiritual mentor?
Who in our life is instilling Godly wisdom, teaching us through their lives how to navigate the trials and tribulations of life while keeping our gaze upon God?"
As we walk the path of faith, it is these individuals who enrich our journey, sharing their practical and biblical wisdom, helping us face daily challenges.
So, we need to embrace the humility to accept their guidance and learn from their experiences, and in doing so, continue to grow and mature in our faith.
ILLUSTRATION: On those who poured into me...
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
2. God’s Introduction Involves All the Saints Vs. 1b
2. God’s Introduction Involves All the Saints Vs. 1b
Saints: hagi-os, holy… this is no doubt speaking of our position in Christ...
So Jesus sees us as Holy… Set apart… our position in Christ is absolutely perfect.
Practically we are sinners. But positionally we’re holy… Turn w/ me to...
50 Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, 51 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; 53 you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess. 54 And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone’s inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. 56 Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.’ ”
17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”
APPLICATION: & if Paul calls the Corinthian’s saints as messed up as they were…
There is hope for all of us... amen?
3. Paul’s Introduction Involves Grace & Peace Vs. 2
3. Paul’s Introduction Involves Grace & Peace Vs. 2
Here we have the twins of the NT...
Grace: charis, 156, unmerited favor, getting what we don’t deserve…
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
But not only do we need God’s grace for our eternal life but we also need it for our everyday life.
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Peace: ira-nay, 92, quietness, rest..
But closely, the source of Grace & Peace… from God… we can’t earn it or work for it…
It’s something that only God can provide… it’s something that only Jesus Christ can give...
ILLUSTRATION: I invite you all to imagine for a moment a terrible, awe-inspiring storm. Picture the sounds of crashing thunder, the sharp flashes of lightning, the wind tearing through the trees, and the relentless onslaught of rain.
The world seems to be in chaos, uncontrollable, filled with danger and uncertainty. And yet, in the midst of all this tumult and violence, there exists a place of calm: the eye of the storm.
In the eye of the storm, the wind drops, the sky clears, and an eerie tranquility exists.
In this place, despite being surrounded by the most destructive forces, one can find peace.
It's a paradox, a contradiction, yet it's a natural phenomenon that we see in our world.
APPLICATION: This, my friends, is a beautiful illustration of God's peace in our lives.
Life's storms can be powerful and threatening: we encounter health issues, financial troubles, family strife, loss, injustice, and so many other challenges.
These trials can feel like overwhelming tempests, tossing us about with their relentless winds and crashing waves. Amidst these turbulent times, it can seem impossible to find peace.
Yet, God promises us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Like the eye of the storm, God's peace exists in the very midst of life's trials.
It is a calm, a quiet assurance, an anchoring truth, that in spite of the chaos whirling around us, we are held secure.
APPLICATION: Also, understand, God's peace is not a promise of an easy or storm-free life. Nor is it a call to avoid or deny the realities of our trials.
No, God's peace is much deeper, much more profound. It is a peace that exists in the very heart of the storm.
It's a peace that stems from knowing, deep within our souls, that God is sovereign, that He is good, and that He is with us in every moment of the storm.
ILLUSTRATION: Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41).
His disciples were terrified, fearing for their lives, yet Jesus slept.
When He woke up, He simply said, "Peace, be still!" and the storm ceased.
Notice that, Jesus was not removed from the storm, He was in the midst of it, yet He had perfect peace because He knew His Father was in control.
APPLICATION: We, too, can have this peace, my friends. As we navigate the storms of life, we can find rest in the "eye" - in God's unchanging character and His promises to us.
When we surrender our fears, our uncertainties, our doubts to Him, we can experience the incredible peace that comes from trusting in His sovereignty, even amidst the storm.
So, in the midst of whatever storm you're facing today, I encourage you to seek the eye of the storm - God's perfect, unchanging peace.
Remember, you're never alone in your trials. The same God who calmed the Sea of Galilee is with you now, offering you peace amidst the storm.
And also, don’t miss the order: Grace then Peace understand peace is the result of Grace…
Once we receive the Grace of God… then we’ll have the Peace from God…
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV)
14 For He Himself is our peace...
ENDING....