2 Corinthians 1:15-22 (Part 8) Paul: Fickle or Faithful

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.