2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (Part 10) The Forgiven Offender

• 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