2 Corinthians Introduction (Part 1) 6-05-2019 Wednesday

2 Corinthians, An Introduction (Part 1) [6/5/2019, Wednesday] 1. The setting Developed around Paul in 5 locations. • Ephesus • Corinth • Ephesus • Troas • Macedonia 2. The suffering • He is accused of walking according to the flesh. • He is said to be ugly and has contemptible speech. • They said that he didn’t treat them fairly. • They said that he is an imposture not apostle. 3. The structure A. Paul’s explanation of his conduct, 2 Corinthians 1-7 • The introduction, 1:1-11 • An explanation of what he is doing, 1:12-2:13 • Description of conduct, 2:14-7:4—the theme is ministry for the Lord is . . .1) Ecstasy, 2:14-15; 2) Agony, 4:8-12. • Reconciliation, 7:5-16. B. Paul’s exhortation about giving, 2 Corinthians 8-9 • The need, 8:1-15 • The messenger, 8:16-9:5 • The results, 9:6-15 C. Paul’s vindication of his office, 2 Corinthians 10-13 • Apostolic authority, 10:1-11:15 • Apostolic boasting, 11:16-12:13 • Apostolic visit, 12:14-13:14 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, The Introduction (Part 2) [6/9/2019, Sunday AM] Paul’s Explanation of His Conduct, 2 Corinthians 1-7 The salutation—1:1-2 • The author: 1) His commission: a) He represents Jesus Christ; b) His credentials—by the will of God; 2) His companion (Timothy) • The recipients: 1) The church of God (universal sense)—in what sense? a) God called it; b) God maintains it; 3) God completes it; 4) It is His from beginning to end. 2) At Corinth (the local branch) 3) Saints in all Achaia: a) To Corinth directly; b) All of southern Greece indirectly • The greeting, v. 2: 1) Grace—unmerited, undeserved, unsolicited favor of God. 2) Grace is the foundational principle of the church age; 3) Paul begins all his teaching with grace; he wraps up all his teaching with grace; 4) Peace—wraps up all the benefits of redemption The biblical doctrine of divine comfort, 1:3-11 • Emphasis on divine comfort from God, 1:3-7 • Emphasis on the deadly peril that comes from men, 1:8-11 Divine comfort, 1:3-7 • The source, v. 3: 1) God; 2) He is our Father; 3) Under Father, there are two attributes that stand out: a) Mercies; b) All comfort: Total sufficiency “Comfort” • Does not convey the idea of “cozy” • Three elements involved—(paraklesis): 1) Stand by another; 2) To encourage; 3) . . .anyone undergoing severe testing • The idea of God being comfort is . . . : 1) Presence; 2) Support; 3) Pain • Real genuine support—God is comfort to us • Trinity is involved: 1) The Holy Spirit—John 14:16, 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; 2) Jesus Christ—I John 2:1; Hebrews 2:18; 3) Father, I Corinthians 1:3 Principle: God never encourages us as believers for our own sake (1:4). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1, Doctrine of Comfort Sequence (Part 3) [6/9/2019 Sunday PM] • Pressure on us • The Lord responds with comfort • Which in turn qualifies us to comfort another The God of “all” comfort • Inclusive—emphasis on total adequacy • Exclusive—His adequacy excludes the need for others (other means) • “All,” vv. 3-4: 1) Comfort—all; 2) Tribulation, all; 3) Be able—“any” is the same word for “all” • Comfort—present tense—continual unbroken supply • The comfort provided: 1) Does not make it so we can “endure”; 2) It makes it so we rejoice, 6:9-10; 7:4 Divine comfort • The source, v. 3 • The purpose, v. 4—to establish the: 1) Stress; 2) Comfort; 3) Service . . . pattern How does God comfort? • Romans 15:4 • What do you do when you have stress? 1) Deal with it or . . .2) Go to God’s Word Principle: We receive so that we can pass it on; we are blessed in order to bless. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1, The God of All Comfort (Part 4) [6/12/2019, Wednesday] The God of all comfort • The source of comfort, 1:3 • The purpose of comfort, 1:4 • The abundance of comfort, 1:5 • The application of comfort, 1:6-7 Its abundance—1:5 • Always sufficient • Stress is never greater than the available comfort • The sufferings of Christ: 1) Jesus stood for truth and suffered; 2) If the believer stands for truth in a world that has no use for it, he will suffer as well. Its application—vv. 6-7 • Relate v. 4 and v. 6 • The teaching of v. 4 is made personal in v. 6 • The stress that came was “for your comfort” The deadly peril from men—vv. 8-10 • The affliction described—vv. 8-9 • The intervention (delivery)—vv. 10-11 (God and Christians) Observations from 1:3-11 • The end of affliction (stress) is consolation/comfort of ourselves; the end of consolation is the consolation of others • We cannot help other others until we learn how to derive comfort for ourselves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, The God of All Comfort (Part 5) [6/16/2019, Sunday AM] The deadly peril from men, vv. 8-10. • The affliction described, vv. 8-9 • The intervention (delivery), vv. 10-11 (God and Christians) Observations from 1:3-11 • The end of affliction (stress) is consolation/comfort of ourselves; the end of consolation is the consolation of others • We cannot help others until we learn how to derive comfort for ourselves Explanation of conduct, 1:12-2:13 (direction we are heading in study) • Conduct described • Conduct defended Conduct described, 1:12-14 • Outward appearance, 1:12: 1) Sincerity—not self-seeking; free of pretense and hypocrisy; 2) The testimony of his conscience—we are for real. • Inner motive: 1) Godly sincerity—judges and looked at in sunlight; 2) They have been tested, and they are for real. • Doctrinally: 1) Not fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God; 2) The idea is—he rejects human viewpoint and orients to the grace of God. • Honest clarity, vv. 13-14: 1) Assumes his letters are read; 2) Assumes they can be understood. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:13-14, The God of all Comfort (Part 6) [6/16/2019, Sunday PM] Honest clarity, vv. 13-14 • Assumes his letters are read • Assumes they can be understood (and fully) *Principle—plain meaning is true meaning Veracity • Everything God reveals harmonizes with fact • Veracity is at the foundation of the truthfulness of Scripture • John 3:33; I Corinthians 1:9; I Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 6:18 • Veracity is the basis for assurance • Veracity settles the issue of the source of truth--Romans 3:4 • Veracity is inseparably linked to God’s Word--Psalm 138:2 • The only appropriate response to veracity is faith *Do you read your Bible? Why does one not read the Bible? • Intimidation • Overwhelmed • Don’t want to Suggestions • Before you read, take time to create a frame of mind that is appropriate for reading God’s Word—I Thessalonians 2:13 • Don’t worry about all the details in simple reading • Read the Bible with a good blend (and a translation you prefer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:15-22, Paul: Fickle or Faithful? (Part 7) [6/19/2019, Wednesday] Why does one not read the Bible? • Intimidation • Overwhelmed • Don’t want to Suggestions • Before you read, take time to create a frame of mind that is appropriate for reading God’s Word [I Thessalonians 2:13] • Don’t worry about all the details in simple reading • Read the Bible with a good blend (and a translation you prefer) Paul answers the charge against him—1:15-22 • Three itineraries—they accuse him of being fickle (vacillating) • They accuse him of changing for his own self-seeking purposes--“it’s all about you, Paul” • He defends himself two ways . . .1) By interrogation—vv. 17-18—(questions that expect a no answer)—their accusations are: a) Paul is not stable in his planning; b) His change of travel plans are only motivated by self-interests; 2) By elaboration, vv. 19-22: 1) He reasons this way: Since God is faithful and I have been faithful to Him, what seems to be the problem? 2) He moves away from himself to Christ; 3) The faithfulness of God to His promises, v. 20; 4) The faithfulness of God to His Work, vv. 21-22. Observations from 1:15-17 • Rational thought sees no problem with alternate plans. • Doctrinal thought doesn’t have problems with alternate plans either. “Amen” • Oral response of the people to a statement of truth (it is true)—Example, Deuteronomy 27:15. • Jesus used the term frequently—“verily, verily” • The person of Jesus is the embodiment of truth, Revelation 3:14 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:15-22, Paul: Fickle or faithful? (Part 8) [6/23/2019, Sunday AM] Paul defends his plans: 1:17-22 • By interrogation, vv. 17-18 • By elaboration, vv. 19-22: 1) The faithfulness of God to His promises, v. 20; 2) The faithfulness of God to His work, vv. 21-22. The faithfulness of God to His work expressed in 4 participles: • Established: 1) Free and clear title (no third party interests); 2) The ongoing will of God is that we grow in stability, certainty, and assurance. • Anointed: Separation and commission. • Sealed: Indicates ownership, authenticity, and security. • Given: “Earnest”—partial payment to guarantee and obligate the full purchase. These 4 divide into two categories: 1) The faithfulness of God in our present (“establishes” is present tense). 2) The faithfulness of God in our past (the other 3 are aorist tense). Observations of how Paul handled criticism • He did not respond to petty criticism with petty answers. • His glory was in the faithfulness of God--not freedom from criticism. • The opponents were illogical in that they said amen to the trustworthiness of God and at the same time criticized the man that taught them that truth. • The faults you see in others are often you own. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4: The Canceled Visit (Part 9) [6/23/2019, Sunday PM] The Canceled Visit. 1. The canceled visit was in their best interest, therefore, an act of love—1:23. 2. The canceled visit was not a misuse of authority—1:24. 3. The cancelation of the visit will be a cancelation of pain—2:1-2. 4. The canceled visit will provide time for repentance—2:3-4. Painful letter • The purpose--2:3a • The force--v. 3b • The emotion—v. 4: 1) The origin—“out of”; 2) The circumstances—“with.” Principles from study • Carnality will never understand the actions of love. • Love is the willingness and compulsion to do what is best for another no matter what it costs me. • The hardest thing for man to see is the love of God through the events of life. • Submission to the will of God is evidenced by a new capacity to make good decisions. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, The Forgiven Offender (Part 10) [6/26/2019, Wednesday] • The identity: #1) I Corinthians 5 equals 2 Corinthians 2; #2) I Corinthians is the best explanation of 2 Corinthians; #3) Both chapters have two things in common: a) Unified action by the church; b) Directed action by Paul. • The context: 1) 2:5-11 fits in 1:23-2:4 contextually (structure is the same); 2) Pain . . . 1) Feeling; 2) Causing; 3) Avoiding. The character of Paul • His tact—“if any”—v. 5 • His understanding, vv. 6-9: 1) He understood the offender, vv. 6-8; 2) He understood the church, v. 9 • Principles from discipline of the offender: 1) Discipline is to be terminated when its purpose is served; 2) Discipline is measured (not arbitrarily) against the offense; 3) Discipline should be terminated before negative effects are produced: Obedience is proved by action not word. • His example—v. 10: He lives his present as though it were that future day. • His alertness—v. 11 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, The Forgiven Offender (Part 11) [6/30/2019, Sunday AM] • The identity: I Corinthians 5 equals 2 Corinthians 2. • The context: 1) 2:5-11 fits in 1:23-2:4 contextually (structure is the same); 2) Pain . . . a) Feeling; b) Causing; c) Avoiding. • His tact—“if any”—v. 5 • His understanding, vv. 6-9: 1) He understood the offender, vv. 6-8; 2) He understood the church, v. 9 • Principles from discipline of the offender: 1) Discipline is to be terminated when its purpose is served; 2) Discipline is measured (not arbitrarily) against the offense; 3) Discipline should be terminated before negative effects are produced; 4) Obedience is proved by action not word. • His example—v. 10: He lives his present as though it were that future day. • His alertness—v. 11 Satan’s mindset • Metaphors: 1) Snare—imitation (I Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26); 2) Angel of light—deception (2 Corinthians 11:14) • Channels: 1) Religion—John 8:44; 2) Rationalism—2 Corinthians 11:3; 3) Supernatural—2 Thessalonians 2:9 True Service—2 Corinthians 2:12-7:4 • An itinerary • A digression: 1) Between Troas and Macedonia Paul develops the doctrine of true service for the Lord—2:12-7:4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 2:12-7:4, True Service for the Lord (Part 12) [6/30/2019, Sunday AM] • An itinerary • A digression: 1) Between Troas and Macedonia Paul develops the doctrine of true service for the Lord—2:12-7:4 • The outline: 1) Its grandeur—2:14-4:6; 2) Its suffering—4:7-5:10; 3) Its exercise—5:11-6:10: a) In terms of motivation—5:11-15; b) In terms of the message—5:16-6:2; c) In terms of his conduct—6:3-10 • Its openness—6:11-7:4 The Great Privilege of serving the Lord—2:14-17 • The minority servant—vv. 14-16: 1) Triumph; 2) Savor (aroma): God spreads the aroma of Christ to men through His servants • The majority servant, v. 17: 1) They adopted the world’s standards of success (numbers); 2) They adopted the world’s methods for success (gimmicks) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, The Great Privilege of serving the Lord (Part 13) [July 3, 2019, Wednesday] • The minority servant—vv. 14-16: 1) Triumph; 2) Savor (aroma): God spreads the aroma of Christ to men through His servants • The majority servant, v. 17: 1) They adopted the world’s standards of success (numbers); 2) They adopted the world’s methods for success (gimmicks) True servants of the Lord—2:17 • He teaches from pure motives • He teaches in response to divine calling • He teaches with a sense of responsibility The results of true service—3:1-3 • The quality—v. 1—(The quality of a ministry is what authenticates it) • The converts—vv. 2-3 3:1-3 • The metaphor of a letter: 1) The writer; 2) The message; 3) The stationery; 4) The ink. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, The Great Privilege of Serving the Lord (Part 14) [7/7/2019, Sunday AM] • The minority servant—vv. 14-16: Fragrance bearers. • The majority servant—v. 17: 1) They adopted the world’s standards of success (numbers); 2) They adopted the world’s methods for success (gimmicks) True servant of the Lord—2:17 • He teaches from pure motives • He teaches in response to divine calling • He teaches with a sense of responsibility The results of true service—3:1-3 • The quality—v. 1—(The quality of a ministry is what authenticates it) • The converts—vv. 2-3 3:1-3 • The metaphor of a letter—(v. 2) “you are my letter”: 1) The writer—Paul; 2) The message—Jesus Christ; 3) The stationery—the heart; 4) The ink—Holy Spirit. • The incontrovertibility (can’t deny it) of the letter—(v. 2)—“known and read of all men” • The content of the letter—(v. 3) “the letter of Christ” (Christ is the message of the letter) • The instrument of writing the letter—(v. 3) “ministered by us” • The medium of the letter—(v. 3) “not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God” • The nature of the letter (v. 3) “not in tablets of stone but in fleshly tablets of the heart” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, The Qualifications for Service (Part 15) [7/7/2019, Sunday PM] • The reality of our inadequacy • The provision for our inadequacy: a) One of the most neglected things in the church is the adequacy of Scripture Principle: Only a believer who is awake to his own utter weakness can ever know the total sufficiency of God’s grace. Weakness is the vehicle where the power of God comes through-3:5; 4:7; 7:5-6; 12:9. The new covenant of service—3:6-18 • Deals with the difference of living in the Old Testament versus the New Testament. • God has a definite place for both time and eternity—(at this point we are looking at His plan for time): 1) God has “codes” for living in the different ages. • Law—ministry of death • The Spirit—life and enablement ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 Corinthians 2:14-17, True Service for the Lord (Part 16) [7/10/2019, Wednesday] • The privilege of service—2:14-17 • The results of service—3:1-3 • The qualifications (adequacy) of service—3:4-5: 1) Divine enablement; 2) Correct understanding The New Testament of service—3:6-18 (life in the church age) • This deals with the difference of living in the Old Testament and the New Testament • God has a definite place for both time and eternity—(at this point we are looking at His plan for time): God has “codes” for living in the different ages • Law—ministry of death: 1) The law can command; 2) But it cannot enable • The Spirit—life and enablement. The law • The nature of its demands • It always attaches penalty • It is weak ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 3:4-18, The Essence of Life in the New Testament—the age of the Spirit (Part 17) [7/14/2019, Sunday AM] Competence under the New Testament, vv. 4-6 • Adequacy and confidence under the New Testament, vv. 4-6 derived from: 1) Divine enablement, v. 4: a) His confidence rests in v. 3—the Holy Spirit will do what He says He will do; b) That eliminates the need for “gimmicks.” 2) Correct understanding--v. 6—two systems: a) The age we are in—the life in the Spirit; b) We are not to serve the law (letter)—the law/letter kills; c) Serve under the Spirit’s ministry (New Testament); 3) Two results: a) The letter kills; b) The Spirit gives life. • The key idea is “sufficient,” v. 5. Principle: The law can command, but it cannot enable. The Law • The nature of its demands • It always attaches penalty • It involves weakness The glory under the New Testament, vv. 7-11 • The greater glory of the New Testament (versus the Old Testament)—vv. 7-9: Giving a commentary on Exodus 34:29-35: 1) Moses had glory shine on his face, but it faded—why? 2) The glory of the old covenant pointed to an eternal glory that will never fade. • Both the old covenant and new covenant come from God, but they have two different mediators: 1) Moses—old—brought death and faded. 2) Christ—new—brings life and greater glory. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, The Glory Under the New Testament (Part 18) [7/14/2019, Sunday PM] • The greater glory of the New Testament (versus the Old Testament)—vv. 7-9: 1) Giving a commentary on Exodus 34:29-35: a) Moses had glory shine on his face, but it faded—why? b) The glory of the old covenant pointed to an eternal glory that will never fade; 2) Both the old covenant and new covenant come from God, but they have two different mediators: a) Moses—old—brought death and faded; b) Christ—new—brings life and greater glory • The eclipsed glory—vv. 10-11. 1) Old covenant—the glory of God came upon Moses. a) Moses’ glory was external and faded. He covered his face because he wanted their attention to be forward looking (Christ); 2) New—the glory emanates from Christ: a) The practical link—if you want to be transformed, look into the face of Christ—v. 18 (“glass/mirror”—the Word); b) Christ—the mediator of the new—look into His face and see His glory and glow • Moses’ veil—vv. 12-13. 1) He did not want Israel to fix their attention on passing glory; 2) The Old Testament was given in anticipation—forward looking; 3) If one does not respond positively to truth, hardness of heart is the result. Principle: The Old Testament cannot be read where Christ is not—vv. 14-15. The Christian life—vv. 16-18 • Initial conversion—v. 16 • Christian liberty after conversion—v. 17 • Transformation—v. 18: 1) Its nature; 2) Its means; 3) Its direction; 4) Its progression; 5) Its producer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, The Glory Under the New Testament and (Part 19) [7/17/2019, Wednesday] • The greater glory of the New Testament (versus the Old Testament)—vv. 7-9: 1) Both the old covenant and new covenant come from God, but they have two different mediators: a) Moses—old—brought death and faded; b) Christ—new—brings life and greater glory • The eclipsed glory—vv. 10-11. 1) Old covenant—the glory of God came upon Moses. a) Moses’ glory was external and faded. He covered his face because he wanted their attention to be forward looking (Christ); 2) New—the glory emanates from Christ: a) The practical link—if you want to be transformed, look into the face of Christ • Moses’ veil—vv. 12-13. 1) He did not want Israel to fix their attention on passing glory; 2) The Old Testament was given in anticipation—forward looking; 3) If one does not respond positively to truth, hardness of heart is the result. Principle: The Old Testament cannot be read where Christ is not—vv. 14-15. The Christian life—vv. 16-18 • Initial conversion—v. 16 • Christian liberty after conversion—v. 17 • Transformation—v. 18: 1) Its nature; 2) Its means; 3) Its direction; 4) Its progression; 5) Its producer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 2:12-7:4, True Service for the Lord, (Part 20a) [7/28/2019, Sunday AM] Its Grandeur, 2:14-4:6. • The great privilege of serving the Lord, 2:14-17: 1) The minority servant, vv. 14-16; 2) The majority servant, v. 17 (the true servant) • The results of true service, 3:1-3: 1) The quality, v. 1; 2) The converts, vv. 2-3. • Qualifications for true service (competence under the New Testament)—3:4-6: 1) Adequacy and confidence: a) The Holy Spirit will do what He says that He will do; b) Must understand the present age; c) The Letter (Law) kills, but the Spirit gives life. • The glory under the New Testament, 3:7-15: 1) Greater glory of the new versus the old, vv. 7-9; 2) The new eclipses the old, vv. 10-11; 3) Moses veiled himself because he wanted the people to not focus on him but rather what is to come—we are in it now (this is Paul’s point), vv. 12-13. • The Old Testament cannot be read where Christ is not, vv. 14-15. • The Christian life—3:16-18: 1) Initial conversion, v. 16; 2) Liberty after conversion, v. 17; 3) Transformation, v. 18. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, The Christian Life (Part 20b) [7/28/2019, Sunday PM] • Initial conversion—v. 16 • Christian liberty after conversion—v. 17 • Transformation—v. 18: 1) Its nature; 2) Its means; 3) Its direction; 4) Its progression; 5) Its producer. • **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 3:18, Transformation in the Christian Life (Part 21) [7/31/2019, Wednesday] • Its nature • Its means • Its direction • Its progression • Its producer Features of life in the church age: A. We need to relate to the category of doctrine • Doctrine: • God’s • Man’s • Satan’s • The process that needs to work coming out of those three things . . . • Avoiding and eliminating man’s doctrines. How? a) Identification—“mark them” b) Comparison—use true doctrine as the standard c) Avoidance—be careful because you can get tricked • Seeking of God’s a) The believer gains spiritual health by means of doctrine b) The more one orients to doctrine (true), the healthier we get (spiritually) B. We need to relate to the category of positive and negative commands • What we should do • What we should not do C. We need to relate to the category of principles D. We need to relate to the category of human rules—for example . . . • Children to parents • Family • Government E. We need to relate to the category of positional truth—“in Christ” (we have been placed in union with Christ) ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Paul’s Resolve in Service (Part 22) [8/4/2019, Sunday AM] Features of life in the church age A. We need to relate to the category of doctrine: 1) Doctrine: God’s, Man’s, Satan’s. The process that needs to work coming out of those three things: a) Avoiding and eliminating man’s doctrines. How? Identification, Comparison, Avoidance; B) Seeking of God’s. B. We need to relate to the category of positive and negative commands C. We need to relate to the category of principles D. We need to relate to the category of human rules E. We need to relate to the category of positional truth—“in Christ” (we have been placed in union with Christ) Paul’s resolve in service—4:1-6 • The attitude that is called for by the New Testament—3:12; 4:1; 4:16; 5:6. • The renunciation that is called for—4:2. 1) Main verb—renounced (decisively—aorist tense). How is it shown daily? a) Paul’s daily renunciations . . . 1) Not walking in craftiness; 2) Not handling the Word deceitfully; 3) Commending ourselves. Observations • God’s truth needs no artificial aides • The glory of the New Testament is so great it needs no decoration • The Word of God—how it is handled is our responsibility. How it is received is the hearer’s responsibility. ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Paul’s Daily Renunciations (Part 23) [8/4/2019, Sunday PM] • Not walking in craftiness • Not handling the Word deceitfully • Commending ourselves Observations • God’s truth needs no artificial aides • The glory of the New Testament is so great it needs no decoration • The Word of God—how it is handled is our responsibility. How it is received is the hearer’s responsibility. Questions that present out of 4:3-6: • Is the response of men to affect the way we handle the Word of God? • Do negative reactions to the Word cause us to lose heart? • If this message is so glorious and powerful, why are so many indifferent to it? Hostility to the gospel explained—4:3-4 • The condition of unbelieving men, v. 3 • The cause of the condition, v. 4: 1) The activity of Satan—this age . . . : a) Has a wisdom that stands in total contrast to God’s wisdom; b) This age has a lifestyle that the believer is to reject; c) Has the power to sever relationships; d) Has a penetrating power • Unbelief of men ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians, Questions That Present Out of 4:3-6 (Part 24) [8/7/2019, Wednesday] • Is the response of men to affect the way we handle the Word of God? • Do negative reactions to the Word cause us to lose heart? • If this message is so glorious and powerful and wonderful, why are so many indifferent to it? Hostility to the gospel explained, 4:3-4 • The condition of unbelieving men—v. 3 • The cause of the condition—v. 4: 1) The activity of Satan—this age: a) Has a wisdom that stands in total contrast to God’s wisdom; b) This age has a lifestyle that the believer is to reject; c) Has the power to sever relationships; d) Has a penetrating power; e) This is the environment for which it is the will of God for us to live; 2) Unbelief of men. The unbeliever is viewed . . . • To destiny (perishing), v. 3 • As to attitude (unbelief), v. 4 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Hostility to the Gospel Explained (Part 25) [8/11/2019, Sunday AM] • The condition of unbelieving men, v. 3 • The cause of the condition, v. 4a: 1) The activity of Satan—the god of this age . . . a) Has a wisdom that stands in total contrast to God’s wisdom; b) This age has a lifestyle that the believer is to reject; c) Has the power to sever relationships; d) Has a penetrating power; e) This is the environment for which it is the will of God for us to live; 2) Unbelief of men—this is expressed as to . . . a) Destiny—“perishing” (lost); b) Attitude—“unbelieving” • The purpose, v. 4b How does Satan accomplish isolating the unbeliever from the pure gospel? • Make sure they never hear it • Encourage attendance in a “church” where the gospel is not clearly taught The words “the glory of Christ” (v. 4) modify the word “gospel.” How so? • They describe the gospel • They test the gospel The issue with the gospel • It is an objective message about Christ • It is not a subjective experience The person of the gospel extolled, vv. 5-6 • He is extolled by Paul’s preaching: 1) Paul the proclaimer, v. 5a; 2) Paul the pastor, v. 5b • He is extolled by God’s declaration: 1) God’s creation, v. 6a; 2) God’s salvation declaration, v. 6b Parallel God’s creation and salvation declaration—(universal to personal) • Creation is universal in nature—personally God let there be light in my heart. • The only light to begin with in Genesis 1 was God’s light. That is really the only light we know spiritually. • The light in Genesis 1 was generated by His Word. That is how a man is born again. • Light dispelled darkness. The light of His Word dispels spiritual darkness in our personal experience. True service for the Lord: Its Suffering, 4:7-5:10. • Paradox stated, 4:7 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10, True Service for the Lord: Its Suffering (Part 26) [8/14/2019, Wednesday] • Paradox stated—4:7a: 1) A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself (goes against common sense) • The purpose of the paradox, 4:7b: 1) The whole issue is the glory of God. • The paradox illustrated, 4:8-12: 1) The details, vv. 8-9: 1) All 8 verbals are present tense; 2) They all come in pairs; 3) The idea is intense suffering within limitations; 4) In each pair . . .a) The first is the action of the opposition; b) The second is the delivery of God; 2) The summary, vv. 10-11. *The means of delivery oftentimes is a brother/sister comes along and comforts The first pair • Troubled • Not crushed The second pair • Perplexed • Not in despair Choices when perplexed • The guilt road • The expectant road ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10, True Service for the Lord: Its Suffering (Part 27a) [8/18/2019, Sunday PM • Paradox stated—4:7a: 1) A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself (goes against common sense) • The purpose of the paradox, 4:7b: 1) The whole issue is the glory of God. • The paradox illustrated, 4:8-12: 1) The details, vv. 8-9: 1) All 8 verbals are present tense; 2) They all come in pairs; 3) The idea is intense suffering within limitations; 4) In each pair . . .a) The first is the action of the opposition; b) The second is the delivery of God; 2) The summary, vv. 10-11. *The means of delivery oftentimes is a brother/sister comes along and comforts The first pair • Troubled • Not crushed The second pair • Perplexed • Not in despair Choices when perplexed • The guilt road • The expectant road The third pair • Persecuted • Not forsaken The fourth pair • Cast down • Not destroyed Principle—The extremes of suffering are the thresholds of delivery The summary--vv. 10-11 • First 4 expressions (afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down—vv. 8-9)—summarized in v. 10 “the dying of the Lord Jesus” • The second 4 expressions (not crushed, not despairing, not forsaken, not destroyed—8-9)—summarized in v. 11 “for Jesus’ sake” The conclusion—vv. 12-15 • Paul’s suffering is for the sake of those he ministers, v. 12 • The climax of all suffering is God’s glory, vv. 13-15 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10, True Service for the Lord: Its Suffering (Part 27b) [8/21/2019, Wednesday] • Paradox stated—4:7a: 1) A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself (goes against common sense) • The purpose of the paradox, 4:7b: 1) The whole issue is the glory of God. • The paradox illustrated, 4:8-12: 1) The details, vv. 8-9: 1) All 8 verbals are present tense; 2) They all come in pairs; 3) The idea is intense suffering within limitations; 4) In each pair . . .a) The first is the action of the opposition; b) The second is the delivery of God; 2) The summary, vv. 10-11. *The means of delivery oftentimes is a brother/sister comes along and comforts The first pair • Troubled • Not crushed The second pair • Perplexed • Not in despair Choices when perplexed • The guilt road • The expectant road The third pair • Persecuted • Not forsaken The fourth pair • Cast down • Not destroyed Principle—The extremes of suffering are the thresholds of delivery The summary--vv. 10-11 • First 4 expressions (afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down—vv. 8-9)—summarized in v. 10 “the dying of the Lord Jesus” • The second 4 expressions (not crushed, not despairing, not forsaken, not destroyed—8-9)—summarized in v. 11 “for Jesus’ sake” The conclusion—vv. 12-15 • Paul’s suffering is for the sake of those he ministers, v. 12 • The climax of all suffering is God’s glory, vv. 13-15 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10, True Service for the Lord: Its Suffering (Part 28) [8/25/2019, Sunday PM] Comparison of 4:1 and 4:16 • “Do not lose heart”—do not be discouraged as to quit • “Therefore” of 4:1—looks back to Chapter 3—the glory of the new age (church) • “Therefore” (for) of 4:16—looks back to 4:7 (treasure in clay pots)—also looks forward to the wonderful future of the clay pot—5:1-10 Confidence in the face of death—4:16-5:10 • The principle of decay and renewal—4:16: 1) The outer man—4:16—reference to the physical body . . . Earthen vessel [4:7], Outward man [4:16], Earthly house [5:1], Mortality [5:4]; 2) The inner man—4:16b—counterbalance to the decay—the inner man is (the regenerated self) . . . 1) The part of us that joyfully concurs with the Word of God—Romans 7:22; 2) The part of us that is capable of growth (Ephesians 3:14-16); 3) Growth of the inner man is the subject of prayer for another believer (Ephesians 3:14-16); 4) The part of the believer upon which the Holy Spirit acts (Ephesians 3:14-16); 5) The part of us that can emulate God—Colossians 3:10 *We can grow into the image of God, but what comes out in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 is that very few really ever give any time to the development of the inner (new) man. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10, True Service for the Lord: Its Suffering (Part 29) [8/28/2019, Wednesday] Confidence in the face of death—4:16-5:10 • The principle of decay and renewal—4:16: 1) The outer man—4:16—reference to the physical body . . . Earthen vessel [4:7], Outward man [4:16], Earthly house [5:1], Mortality [5:4]; 2) The inner man—4:16b—counter balance to the decay—the inner man is (the regenerated self) . . . 1) The part of us that joyfully concurs with the Word of God—Romans 7:22; 2) The part of us that is capable of growth (Ephesians 3:14-16); 3) Growth of the inner man is the subject of prayer for another believer (Ephesians 3:14-16); 4) The part of the believer upon which the Holy Spirit acts (Ephesians 3:14-16); 5) The part of us that can emulate God—Colossians 3:10 *We can grow into the image of God, but what comes out in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 is that very few really ever give any time to the development of the inner (new) man. Principles—vv. 17-18 • The principle of affliction and glory: 1) Contrasts: a) Light and weight; b) A moment and eternal; c) Seen and unseen • The measure to which our present pressure is regarded as light is the measure to which we see the future: Suffering has (produces) eternal value *The believer’s future hope (unseen reality)—5:1-10 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10, True Service for the Lord: It’s Suffering (Part 30) [9/1/2019, Sunday PM] Confidence in the face of death—4:16-5:10 Principles—vv. 17-18 • The principle of affliction and glory: 1) Contrasts: 1) Light and weight; 2) A moment and eternal; 3) Seen and unseen • The measure to which our present pressure is regarded as light is the measure to which we see the future: Suffering has (produces) eternal value The believer’s future hope (unseen reality)—5:1-10 Our future: Its assurance (v. 1) • We know--this sets the tone and tells “why” we know: Greek word oida—knowledge obtained by intuition or revelation • If –Christ might return before I die The believer’s hope • When the believer dies physically, he goes to be with the Lord [spirit and soul] and body [to the grave]—that is not our hope nor is it our comfort • The hope is glorification—body to the grave and soul and spirit with the Lord [I Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5; I Corinthians 15]. The tent metaphor (v. 1) • Transient • Fragile • No foundation “Of God” (v. 1)—future body: 1) Divine in origin; 2) Eternal in duration; 3) Heavenly in adaptation ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, The Believer’s Future Hope (unseen reality) (Part 31) [9/4/2019, Wednesday] Our future: Its assurance (v. 1) • We know--this sets the tone and tells “why” we know: Greek word oida—knowledge obtained by intuition or revelation • If –Christ might return before I die The believer’s hope • When the believer dies physically, he goes to be with the Lord [spirit and soul] and body [to the grave]—that is not our hope nor is it our comfort • The hope is glorification—body to the grave and soul and spirit with the Lord [I Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5; I Corinthians 15]. The tent metaphor (v. 1) • Transient • Fragile • No foundation “Of God” (v. 1)—future body: 1) Divine in origin; 2) Eternal in duration; 3) Heavenly in adaptation Our future: Its anticipation (vv. 2-4) • “Groan—anything that produces a sigh in unpleasantness • We groan for glorification (all creation does for that matter) • What fixes the groan?—our heavenly bodies • “Clothed”—to put on clothes over something (somewhat like an overcoat)—“clothed over” • The idea—the resurrected body goes over something • There is identity with our now bodies and our resurrection bodies—in a definite sense (also I Corinthians 15:42, 43, 53) • The focus is on the ultimate (glorification)—v. 4 Three states in which we live 1) Present—we are clothed because we have bodies 2) Intermediate—soul and spirit with the Lord—we are unclothed 3) Ultimate—at the return of Christ—clothed upon Our future: Its assurance (v. 5) • God is the one who will see it all through • “Earnest”—this word carries the doctrine of eternal security Our future: Its impact (vv. 6-10) • “Therefore”—vv. 6, 9 • “We are always confident”—vv. 6, 8 • In v. 8—the corollary to v. 6—v. 8 closes the gap that may be in v. 6 • Note his priority—“willing rather”—the idea of preference • “Therefore” (v. 9)—this impacts life now • Present state impacts eternity (v. 10)—“things done in the body” The judgment seat—v. 10 • Answering to God is inevitable • It will be thorough • It will be fair • It will be general • It will not involve sin ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, The Believer’s Future Hope (unseen reality) (Part 32) [9/8/2019, Sunday PM] • Our future: Its assurance (vv. 1, 5) • Our future: Its anticipation (vv. 2-4) • Our future: Its impact (vv. 6-10) The judgment seat—v. 10 • Answering to God is inevitable • It will be thorough • It will be fair • It will be general • It will not involve sin True Ministry: Its Motive and Message—5:11-21 • Its motive—5:11-15 • Its message—5:16-21 Reconciliation • To adjust to a standard • The elements of biblical reconciliation . . . : 1) The need: a) Man cannot adjust to God (man has offended God—sinner); b) God cannot adjust to man (He can’t compromise); c) Man is unsavable; 2) The standard: a) God is the constant; 2) Man can’t adjust to God; God can’t adjust to man; 3) God establishes a way to where man can be adjusted to God; 4) Savable Man moves from . . . • Unsavable • Savable • Saved Aspects of the cross • Redemption—the cross sin-ward • Propitiation—the cross God-ward • Reconciliation--the cross man-ward ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, True Ministry: Its Motive and Message (Part 33) [9/11/2019, Wednesday] • Its motive—5:11-15 • Its message—5:16-21 Its Motive—vv. 11-15 • Motives falsely attributed to Paul—vv. 11-13: 1) They said that he was crazy—why? a) The claims he makes; b) The fanaticism to which he dedicates himself; 2) Paul defends: 1) God knows our motives are pure, v. 11; 2) Even if we are crazy, it’s all for you, vv. 12-13; 3) Genuine motive is the love of Christ, v. 14. The love of Christ constrains • Is this Paul’s love for Christ OR Christ’s love for Paul • He is controlled by Christ’s love for him (demonstrated at the cross, v. 14b) • His love for Christ flows out of Christ’s love for him, v. 15 Constrains • Hemmed in—the idea of being without options (without choices) • “Held him”—Luke 22:63 • Arrested by Christ’s love for us • His death leaves no personal options Two fundamental convictions 1. Since Christ died for all 2. All have undergone death: 1) Death is never anticipated as punishment for sin for the believer. Its message, vv. 16-21 • An attitude change, vv. 16-17 1) Old rejected attitude, v. 16; 2) New attitude, v. 17 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, True Ministry: Its Motive and Message (Part 34) [9/22/2019, Sunday AM] The elements of biblical reconciliation • The need: 1) This is man’s sinfulness—man created the problem: a) Man cannot adjust to God; b) God cannot adjust to man. • The standard, 2 Corinthians 5:18: 1) The character of God says God cannot adjust to man; 2) The only possible solution is the cross: a) With the cross we have a mediator. • Man in three possible states: 1) Unsavable—prior to the cross; 2) Savable—after the cross; 3) Saved—once Christ’s work is believed. All the aspects of the cross • Redemption—the cross sinward • Propitiation—the cross Godward • Reconciliation—the cross manward True Ministry: Its Motive and Message, 5:11-21 • Its motive, 5:11-15 • Its message, 5:16-21 Its Motive, vv. 11-15 • Motives falsely attributed to Paul, vv. 11-13 • What truly motivated Paul, vv. 14-15 Two fundamental convictions: 1) Since Christ died for all, all have undergone death; 2) His death (the message of reconciliation) leaves no options except to live for Him. Its Message, vv. 16-21 • Attitude change, vv. 16-17: Old rejected attitude, v. 16 • New attitude, v. 17 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, True Ministry: Its Motive and Message (Part 35) [9/22/2019, Sunday PM] • Its motive, 5:11-15 • Its message, 5:16-21 Its Motive—vv. 11-15 • Motives falsely attributed to Paul, vv. 11-13 • What truly motivated Paul, vv. 14-15 Two fundamental convictions: 1) Since Christ died for all, all have undergone death; 2) His death (the message of reconciliation) leaves no options except to live for Him. Its Message, vv. 16-21 • Attitude change, vv. 16-17: Old rejected attitude, v. 16 • New attitude, v. 17 The doctrine of reconciliation • The author (source)—v. 18: God through Christ where man can be . . .1) Moved from a position of enmity (hostility). 2) To a position of amity (friendship). • The nature, v. 19: 1) Its accomplishment; 2) Its method; 3) Its proclaimers. Three reckonings (imputations) of sin in Scripture 1) Imputation to the Savior: God imputed sin to Christ that was real but not rightly His; 2) Imputation to man (two of these): a) In Adam all have sinned. God imputed sin to man that was real and rightly his; 2) For the believer God imputed righteousness that was real but not rightly his. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, True Ministry: Its Motive and Message (Part 36) [9/25/2019, Wednesday] • Its motive, vv. 11-15: 1) Motives falsely attributed to Paul, vv. 11-13; 2) Paul’s genuine motivations, vv. 14-15 • Its message, vv. 16-21: 1) Attitude change, vv. 16-17: a) Old rejected attitude, v. 16; b) New attitude, v. 17; 2) The author reconciliation, v. 18: God through Christ; 3) The nature of reconciliation, vv. 19-21: a) Its accomplishments—moves man from hostility to the possibility of friendship; b) Its method—God accounted iniquity to Christ on the cross and not man (accounting term); c) Its proclaimers: 1) The ministry (service) of reconciliation, v. 18; 2) The word (doctrine) of reconciliation (v. 19). Three reckonings (imputations) of sin in Scripture: 1) Imputation to the Savior: God imputed sin to Christ that was real but not rightly His; 2) Imputation to man (there are two) a) In Adam all have sinned. God imputed sin to man that was real and rightly his; b) For the believer God imputed righteousness that was real but not rightly his. The proclaimers of reconciliation, vv. 19-20 • Committed: God deposited the Word of reconciliation • Word—logos—message and/or doctrine • The responsibility of having that message, v. 20: 1) Ambassadors: a) One who speaks for another—“for Christ” b) One who speaks in the place of another—“in Christ stead.” The method of reconciliation, v. 21 • The action of God • The benefit of the sinner The implications of reconciliation, Chapter 6 (this is how Chapter 6 relates to Chapter 5) • Reconciliation is to be effective in our lives, 6:1-2 • Reconciliation is a truth that is to be protected by right living, 6:3 • Reconciliation is to be adorned by those who are its servants, 6:4-10 ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6: The Implications of Reconciliation (Part 37a) [9/29/2019, Sunday AM & PM] The method of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:21 • The action of God • The benefit of the sinner The implications of reconciliation, Chapter 6 (this is how Chapter 6 relates to Chapter 5) • Reconciliation is to be effective in our lives, 6:1-2 • Reconciliation is a truth that is to be protected by right living, 6:3 • Reconciliation is to be adorned by those who are its servants, 6:4-10 Items of hardship, 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 • Paul is not timid about enumerating hardships, I Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 6:4-10; 11:23-29. • These are not complaints nor appeals for sympathy Organization of 6:4-10 • Endurance heads the list (the other items come out of this), v. 4. Endured in—afflictions, necessities, and distresses • Hardships imposed by man, v. 5a • Imposed on himself, v. 5b • The inner qualities he faced this with, vv. 6-7a • The weapon he fought with, v. 7b • Series of antithesis, vv. 8-10 (this is how he lived his life) Principle--good men are loved and hated but never liked ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6: The Implications of Reconciliation (Part 37b) [9/29/2019, Sunday AM & PM] The method of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:21 • The action of God • The benefit of the sinner The implications of reconciliation, Chapter 6 (this is how Chapter 6 relates to Chapter 5) • Reconciliation is to be effective in our lives, 6:1-2 • Reconciliation is a truth that is to be protected by right living, 6:3 • Reconciliation is to be adorned by those who are its servants, 6:4-10 Items of hardship, 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 • Paul is not timid about enumerating hardships, I Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 6:4-10; 11:23-29. • These are not complaints nor appeals for sympathy Organization of 6:4-10 • Endurance heads the list (the other items come out of this), v. 4. Endured in—afflictions, necessities, and distresses • Hardships imposed by man, v. 5a • Imposed on himself, v. 5b • The inner qualities he faced this with, vv. 6-7a • The weapon he fought with, v. 7b • Series of antithesis, vv. 8-10 (this is how he lived his life) Principle--good men are loved and hated but never liked ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 6:4-10: Items of Hardships. (Part 38) [10/3/2019, Wednesday] • Paul is not timid about enumerating hardships, I Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 6:4-10; 11:23-29. • These are not complaints nor appeals for sympathy Organization of 6:4-10 • Endurance heads the list (the other items come out of this), v. 4: 1) Endured in afflictions, necessities, and distresses; 2) Hupamone—hupo (under) and mone (to remain): endurance that enables and equips; 3) Nothing is more capable of producing benefit and growth than pressure. • General hardships, v. 4: 1) Afflictions—pressure of any kind from any source. Pressure or stress free life is not a reality; 2) Necessities—hardships (mental attitude is the emphasis). Big principle from this book: our weakness is the backdrop for divine power. • Distresses—literally “narrow places” (between a rock and a hard place) • Hardships imposed by man, v. 5a: 1) Stripes—the act and result of hitting; 2) Imprisonments (around Acts 16 at this point in context); 3) Tumults—disturbance or uprising. • Imposed on himself, v. 5b: 1) Labors—work to the point of exhaustion; 2) Watching’s—sleepless; 3) Fasting’s—foregoing meals • The inner qualities he faced this with, vv. 6-7a • The weapon he fought with, v. 7b • Series of antithesis, vv. 8-10 (this is how he lived his life) Principle—good men are loved and hated but never liked ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 6:4-10: Items of Hardships. (Part 39) [10/6/2019, Sunday PM] • Paul is not timid about enumerating hardships • These are not complaints nor appeals for sympathy Organization of 6:4-10 • Endurance heads the list (the other items come out of this), v. 4: • General hardships, v. 4: 1) Afflictions—pressure of any kind from any source; 2) Necessities—hardships (mental attitude is the emphasis); Distresses—literally “narrow places” (between a rock and a hard place) • Hardships imposed by man, v. 5a: 1) Stripes—the act and result of hitting; 2) Imprisonments (around Acts 16 at this point in context); 3) Tumults—disturbance or uprising. • Imposed on himself, v. 5b: 1) Labors—work to the point of exhaustion; 2) Watching’s—sleepless; 3) Fasting’s—foregoing meals • The inner qualities he faced this with, vv. 6-7a: 1) The qualities he met these hardships with are expressed by . . . 1) 4 single terms, v. 6; 2) 4 double terms, v. 7a • The weapon he fought with, v. 7b. His armor was “doing the right thing”: 1) Right hand---offensive; 2) Left hand—defensive. • Series of antithesis, vv. 8-10 (this is how he lived his life): 1) Glory and dishonor; 2) Evil report and good report; 3) Deceivers and yet true; 4) Unknown and well known; 5) Dying yet we live; 6) Punished yet not put to death; 7) Sorrowful yet always rejoicing; 8) Poor yet making many rich; 9) Having nothing yet possessing all things • The intense emotional appeal, vv. 11-13: 1) The existing attitude, vv. 11-12; 2) The desired attitude, v. 13 • The unequal yoke, v. 14: The figure is of a double yoke around two oxen. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 6:11-13. The Intense Emotional Appeal (Part 40) [10/9/2019, Wednesday] • The existing attitude, vv. 11-12 • The desired attitude, v. 13 The unequal yoke, v. 14 • The figure is of a double yoke around two oxen • The principle—certain things do not mix; should never be linked together • This does not forbid social interaction • Two things from Paul’s writings: Marriage to an unbeliever: 1) Maintaining a marriage to an unbeliever, I Corinthians 7; 2) Do not enter into a marriage to an unbeliever, I Corinthians 7:39; 9:5 5 Reasons to not be unequally yoked (all rhetorical) 1. Righteousness and unrighteousness 2. Light and darkness 3. Christ with Belial 4. Believer and infidel 5. Temple of God with idols 6:14-18 • Believers are the temple of God, vv. 14-16a • This sets the stage for vv. 16b-18 • God dwells in His children. There are implications to that: 1) “Therefore,” 6:17; 2) “Therefore,” 7:1. The end of the “true ministry for the Lord” section, 6:14-7:4 • The setting—the Corinthians could not identify with Paul because of their association with unbelievers: 1) Association with one person can exclude association with another; 2) The believer should never initiate or maintain a relationship that prevents or discourages dedication to the Lord. • The command (v. 14), do not initiate a relationship that yokes you to an unbeliever (not dealing with casual relationship) ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, The Unequal Yoke (Part 41) [10/13/2019, Sunday AM] 6:14-18 • Believers are the temple of God, vv. 14-16a • This sets the stage for vv. 16b-18 • God dwells in His children. There are implications to that: 1) “Therefore,” 6:17; 2) “Therefore,” 7:1. The end of the “true ministry for the Lord” section, 6:14-7:4 • The setting—the Corinthians could not identify with Paul because of their association with unbelievers: 1) Association with one person can exclude association with another; 2) The believer should never initiate or maintain a relationship that prevents or discourages dedication to the Lord. • The command (v. 14), do not initiate a relationship that yokes you to an unbeliever (not dealing with casual relationship. Yoked together is: 1) Intimate Relationship; 2) Common objective. • General principle (v. 14)—this assumes we will make good personal judgment. The value to this approach: 1) It requires thought; 2) It requires response to the Word; 3) It produces maturity. • Applying thought to the general command, (v. 14): 1) There are parameters as this is not reference to general association; 2) He is not forbidding social interaction. • Unequal yoke—in the area of marriage: 1) Command—only in the Lord [I Corinthians 7:39]; 2) Example, a believing wife [I Corinthians 9:5) Observations concerning “dating”: • Dating is always a prelude to marriage • Romantic attraction may be the most powerful emotion • Romantic attraction enables one to make cosmetic changes in life or belief--if the relationship is threatened if you do not • The one involved believes they are unique Why does the unequal yoke relationship need to be terminated? • It is a command, 6:14 • 5 rhetorical questions [vv. 14b-16]—each revolves about total incompatibility (absolute contrasts) • What value do you place on the fact that God indwells His children? The implications: 1) 6:17, 7:1. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:4, Conclusion: True Ministry for the Lord (Part 42) [10/13/2019, Sunday PM] • Paul desires that they open up to him,6:11-13 • The reason they are not is due to their unequal yoke to unbeliever, 6:14 • The unequal yoke—any relationship that causes us to compromise in any way our living for the Lord • Reasons why, vv. 14b-16—total contrast and incompatibility • God says—I will dwell in them and walk among them and I will be their God and they will be my people—separate from unbelievers as it tends to restrict fellowship with the Lord, 6:16-7:1 • A true ministry does not wrong those served, 7:2 • 7:3 picks up again from 6:11-13—Paul’s appeal for them to open up—principles: 1) Affection can be given but it cannot be taken; 2) Affection may be withheld even though deserved 2 Corinthians 7:5 picks back up from 2:13 • Paul left Ephesus for Troas to find Titus • He is not in Troas so he departs for Macedonia—again to see Titus • Paul wants to learn how they received the scathing letter—only Titus knows • In 7:5, we come back to the major truth—the doctrine of comfort • This was introduced in 1:3-11 • The theme is comfort that is ours in the midst of affliction: 1) In 1:3-11—“comfort” is used 10 times and “affliction” (suffering) is used 8 times; 2) In Chapters 1-9—“comfort” is used 17 times and “affliction” (suffering) is used 12 times “Comfort” • Parakaleo—the Greek word • To stand beside—presence • To support—supporting presence • When under pressure—pressure • The source . . . 1) The Father, 1:3; 2) The Son, I John 2:1; 3) The Spirit, John 14:16 • The means—Scripture—Romans 15:4 • The agent—in 2 Corinthians 7:6 God used Titus (this varies) God sent comfort by Titus, 7:5-16 • The comfort of God that is provided for him, vv. 5-7: 1) The setting—compare 2:13 and 7:5—he suffered on the inside and the outside; 2) The source—part of God’s character is comfort. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2 Corinthians 7:5-16, God Sent Comfort Through Titus (Part 43), [10/16/2019, Wednesday] “Comfort” (review) • Parakaleo—the Greek word • To stand beside—presence • To support—supporting presence • When under pressure—pressure • The source: The Father, 1:3; the Son, I John 2:1; The Spirit, John 14:16. • The means—Scripture—Romans 15:4 • The agent—in 2 Corinthians 7:6 God used Titus (this varies) God sent comfort by Titus, 7:5-16 • The comfort of God that is provided for him, vv. 5-7: 1) The setting—compare 2:13 and 7:5—he suffered on the inside and the outside; 2) The source—part of God’s character is comfort. • The background of the letter of sorrow, vv. 8-10: 1) Their initial response, v. 8; 2) The ultimate response, vv. 9-10: subjectively and objectively. • The products of godly sorrow, v. 11: 1) They got serious; 2) Vindicated their name; 3) It woke them up. • The implications, vv. 12-16. This sets the stage for Chapters 8-9. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 8-9, The Grace of Giving [Part 44) [10/20/2019, Sunday AM] 1. The need for generosity, 8:1-15 2. The messenger(s) of generosity, 8:16-9:5 3. The result of generosity, 9:6-15 The need for generosity, 8:1-15 The example of generosity, 8:1-5 • The foundation of all Christian giving, 8:1: 1) Giving is not an achievement; it is an enablement of grace (implies that only one who has experienced grace can truly give); 2) When one comes to recognize that grace is freely received and totally undeserved, then can one give on that basis. • The setting in which they gave, 8:2: 1) The generous givers are poverty-stricken; 2) Principle: The circumstances with which we are surrounded are no threat to spiritual success (unless we choose to let it). a) In the midst of tribulation, they exhibited joy; b) In the midst of poverty, they exhibited generosity (note—poverty here actually helped generosity); 3) “Deep poverty”—they gave out of their rock bottom poverty; 5) “Abundance”—in great trial of affliction, the surplus of their joy, and their deep poverty surplused (they surplused their surplus) • The criteria for which they gave, 8:3: 1) According to ability and then some; 2) Ability—Greek “dunamis”: a) “To power”—(kata)—according to ability; b) “Beyond their power”—(huper or para)—more/surpassing their ability • The entreaty to participate in generosity, v. 4: They literally begged Paul to let them participate. • The priority for generosity, v. 5: 1) Giving of one’s self to the Lord preceded grace giving; 2) “They gave themselves first to the Lord . . . “ Paul’s concern in giving • Concerned with attitude not amount (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Concerned with the relationship of the gift to the resource (not “how much” rather how much is left) Observations: 1) God’s example of generosity is not what man would have picked. 2) Generosity is not a virtue that requires riches. 3) Christian giving is measured in terms of sacrifice not amount. 4) The fires of affliction and poverty uncovered joy and generosity. 5) The end result was not only the blessing they received but also as they under pressure responded, they became an example to everyone else (including us). ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, The Need for Generosity [Part 45) [10/20/2019, Sunday PM] The example of generosity, 8:1-5 (we did this morning) • The foundation • The setting • The criteria • The entreaty • The priority The plea for generosity, 8:6-15 • The inspiration of giving, vv. 6-7 • The proof of generosity, v. 8 • The supreme argument for giving, v. 9 • The continuation of giving, vv. 10-12: 1) A disposition to give (you want to); 2) An act of giving (then you do it) • The quality of giving, vv. 13-15 Triple benefit that comes with material giving • It benefits the one who gives. • It benefits the one who receives. • It benefits others who have not been involved yet. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************