Posted on May 16, 2018 in 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Walk of Immaturity Into Maturity |
Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Preachers, teachers, and anyone else who talks about Jesus Christ must remember that they stand in God’s presence: He hears every word. When you tell people about Christ, be careful not to distort the message to please your audience. Proclaim the truth of God’s Word.
Posted on May 9, 2018 in 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Walk of Immaturity Into Maturity |
Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Paul is saying that if the old covenant had its glory, and it did, just imagine how glorious the new covenant is. The law was wonderful because, although it condemned us, it pointed us to Christ. But in the new covenant, the law and the promise are fulfilled. Christ has come; by faith we can be made right with God.
Posted on May 8, 2018 in 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Walk of Immaturity Into Maturity |
Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-6
Some false teachers had started carrying forged letters of recommendation to authenticate their authority. In no uncertain terms, Paul stated that he needed no such letters. The believers to whom Paul and his companions had preached were enough of a recommendation. Paul did use letters of introduction, however, many times. He wrote them on behalf of Phoebe (Romans 16) and Timothy (1 Corinthians 16). These letters helped Paul’s trusted companions and friends find a welcome in various churches.
Posted on May 8, 2018 in 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Walk of Immaturity Into Maturity |
Read 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Titus was a Greek convert whom Paul greatly loved and trusted. Titus was one of the men responsible for collecting the money for the poverty-stricken Jerusalem church. Paul may have also sent Titus with the sorrowful letter. On his way to Macedonia, Paul was supposed to meet Titus in Troas. When Paul didn’t find him there, he was worried for Titus’ safety and left Troas to search for him in Macedonia. There Paul found him, and the good news that Paul received led to this letter. Paul would send Titus back to Corinth with this letter.
Posted on May 6, 2018 in 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Walk of Immaturity Into Maturity |
Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Paul explained that it was time to forgive the man who had been punished by the church and had subsequently repented. He needed forgiveness, acceptance, and comfort. Satan would gain an advantage if they permanently separated this man from the congregation rather than forgiving and restoring him. This may have been the man who had required the disciplinary action described in 1 Corinthians 5, or he may have been the chief opponent of Paul who had caused him anguish. The sorrowful letter had finally brought about the repentance of the Corinthians, and their discipline of the man had led this church to repentance. Church discipline should seek restoration. Two mistakes in church discipline should be avoided: being too lenient and not correcting mistakes, or being too harsh and not forgiving the sinner. There is a time to confront and a time to comfort.
