Paul's 2nd Corinthian Letter - Week 3

Chapter 7

Paul's Joy in the Corinthians

• Having the promise of being God's sons and daughters, we need to cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit. 7:1

Cleanse ourselves means:

• Clean heart, mind, and soul
• No bad thoughts - take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 8:5)
• Focus on being a son or daughter of God
• Lead a holy life - The Holy Spirit dwells in us, therefore let us be holy. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• Our body is a temple because we received a cleansing of forgiveness by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• We have to cleans ourselves not by our own efforts, but by relying on God to shape us and mold us. (Jeremiah 18:6)

Paul states his case to be received.

• wronged no man
• corrupted no man
• defrauded no man 7:2
• Paul loves his followers 7:3

In spite of the tribulations he faces, Paul is filled with comfort and joyful 7:4

Compared to the tribulations of Paul, nothing I face today seems nearly as significant.

Paul is a minister.

"If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also; and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all."  Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

 Paul and Titus were shepherds to a widespread flock. They rejoiced to see their flocks change in attitude. 7:12-16

Chapter 8

Generosity Commended

Paul commended the charity of the Macedonians.  8:1-6

• All good done by us, or in us, is the grace of God at work.
• When we are servants, or useful to others - It is by grace and favor from God.
• Whatever we use of give for God is only giving him what is already his. When we ascribe really good works to the grace of God, it gives God the glory AND shows us where our strength lies - in God. 

The Corinthians abounded in grace.  8:7-9

• Faith - Faith is necessary to please God.
• Utterance, or speaking
• Knowledge
• Diligence
• Love
• Paul also wanted the Corinthians to abound in charity.

The Grace and Love of Jesus

• Jesus was rich in that he was equal to God the Father in power and glory
• Jesus was poor in that he became a man after being rich in heaven with God the Father.
• Jesus died on the cross as a ransom sacrifice for man.  

8:10-15

"Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds." Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

 Christians share with each other and achieve a sort of equality. All should be concerned to help those in want.
Paul commends Titus and the brother who was sent to collect the charity 8:16-24

• When dealing with money, or materials you need to take care that you appear to be trustworthy and honest. 
• It is needful to be upstanding in God's sight, but it is also needful to be honest in the sight of men too.

Chapter 9

God Loves a Cheerful Giver 9:1-5

The duty of ministering to other believers seems to be plain, but self-love contends powerfully against the love of Christ. Make sure you are not placing self-love over the love of Christ.

9:6-15

Financially, You Reap What You Sow

• sow sparingly - reap sparingly
• sow bountifully - reap bountifully
• God loves a cheerful giver

God can make grace abound in your life so that you always have what you need.

"We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity." Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Chapter 10

Paul faced mean and scornful talk from others.  10:1-6

• Paul knew who and what he was and didn't let this talk affect him. 
• We should be aware of our own infirmities and think humbly of ourselves, even when others reproach us. 

"The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes." Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

This is impossible without faith and the grace of God. The Holy Spirit is our helper from the Father through Jesus Christ. Reliance upon God helps us win each spiritual battle within ourselves.  10:5
Do you look on things after the outward appearance?      10:7-11

• Remember we belong to Christ and we are Christ's. 
• Paul's outward appearance may have been weak and his speech contemptible BUT his letters were and are powerful.
• Comparing others to ourselves is not wise. 10:12-13
• God's measure is not the measure man uses. Plus, God gives to each of us according to his measure.
• Instead of praising ourselves, we should work to approve ourselves to God.