Week 3 - Paul's Defense

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: Paul’s Defense

Opening Scripture:

[Opening Story or Questions…]

2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV

12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Hope for Understanding

2 Corinthians 1:12–14 “12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 13 For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and understand and I hope you will fully understand— 14 just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.”

1. The need for a clear conscience (v. 12a)

2. Crucial importance of godly conduct (v. 12b)

3. Transparency in communication (v. 13)

4. An eye to approval in the day of the Lord (v. 14)

Sincere Actions and Faithfulness

2 Corinthians 1:15–22 “15 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 16 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

1. The importance of “setting the record straight”

(vv. 15–17)

2. Ministering in a way that is consistent with the message proclaimed

(vv. 18–20)

3. It is God who enables authentic ministry

(vv. 21–22)

God established them (ongoing action)

God anointed them, sealed them, and gave them the guarantee by the Holy Spirit (past action)

Concern for Those We Disciple

2 Corinthians 1:23–24 “23 But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.”

1. Concern for those we serve

(v. 23)

We are all called to minister…who are you called to serve?…do you have concern for them?

2. The aim of discipleship: to work with people for their joy

(v. 24)

Along with joy is STANDING firm.

[Illustration…]

Conclusion/Reflection:

Talk It Over

In the middle of his explanation about his changes of plans, what aspects of God in Christ does Paul emphasize are always certain, ways that the gospel says “yes” (1:18–22)?

Why is coming back to the bedrock of our faith in these ways important in the uncertainties of life?

Paul’s words in this first chapter of 2 Corinthians depict the deep suffering he has been experiencing in his ministry and how the gospel message itself gives him hope to continue. What aspects of this chapter speak to you and give you hope as you think about your own areas of suffering?