Category: 2 Corinthians

Paul wraps up his letter in the usual ways, but the emphasis on the matter of the divisive false apostles is still front and center.

This is a stern conclusion- meant to push toward resolution of the problem.

God is powerful and cannot be fooled.

Christ-followers are not automatically mature. This takes receiving sound teaching and putting it into practice over time.

Slow and steady growth is good.

Don’t shy away from giving a blunt invitation.

Lord, help me mature spiritually on your time table for your glory.

---

Paul has concerns about these people- where their hearts are pointed and their acceptance of him.

Throughout this letter Paul’s tone is turned down a notch from the somewhat ill-received first letter (1 Corinthians).

God desires unity of his followers around him.

Its easy to fall off the rails from straight and narrow to crooked and broad.

Walk with Jesus faithfully and try to assume the best of other Christ-followers.

Sometimes folks seem to hold ill will. But maybe it doesn’t have as much to do with you personally as you think. It’s hard to run from your own heart.

Father, help me represent you accurately.

---

Paul continues explaining his spiritual experiences next to the hollow “super apostles”.

Boasting in weakness was a strange flex, but it showed Paul’s personality and experience.

God can use weak saints to display his strength and mission.

Only a Spirit led disciple could take pleasure in true hardships.

Embrace that weakness can strengthen my relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes we all need a reminder that God’s power is displayed mightily in our weakness.

Father, you are enough…always.

---

Paul reminds the church what God has brought him through.

Paul is contrasting his life compared to the false apostles who have influence over this church.

God does not remove his servants from difficult times. Rather, he is on mission with them through the difficult times.

It is human nature to desire an easy self-serving life.

Trust God no matter what.

God’s presence during suffering is a beautiful mystery. Be merciful and point to the Gospel.

Lord Jesus, thank you for never abandoning me, even in [especially in] dark days.

---

Paul warns of slick false apostles.

More detail is revealed about the people in Corinth opposing Paul. They are supporters of smooth talking pseudo-apostles.

The Gospel is exclusive and narrow- a specific remedy (atonement through Christ) for a specific problem (man’s sin debt).

Like a fish to a lure, people who choose shiny over nutritious can find themselves hooked.

Don’t compromise in receiving or proclaiming the Gospel.

It is so common for immature people to choose form over substance. Be truthful and compassionate.

Holy Spirit, please discern and guide my heart toward Jesus.

---

Paul pushes back those who question his motives and authority.

The other shoe drops…some in the church of Corinth are opposing Paul and his ministry.

Only God is worthy of boasting in or comparing ourselves to.

People make the mistake of making themselves the standard by which they measure others.

Let Jesus be the standard.

Being opposed in ministry has been around as long as the Gospel itself. Opposition gives opportunity to show Godly character.

Lord Jesus, help my eyes stay on you and your mission no matter what.

---

The church is encouraged to follow through giving their generous gift to aid ministry.

Paul continues the conversation (from chapter 8) on giving but turns his attention more toward motive.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Generosity it an overflow of the heart.

Give generously as an act of worship.

The subject of giving can be divisive because it exposes many hidden places in the heart…for people on both ends of the conversation.

Father, thank you for the way you give extravagantly in every way!

---

Paul encourages the church at Corinth to complete the collection/funding of ministry that they have begun.

Why was the giving campaign paused? Could it have been some people’s cold reception to Paul’s first letter?

Jesus set the standard for sacrificial giving. By God’s grace, imitate that.

We are invited to participate in ministry. And when we don’t take opportunities we can miss out on blessings.

Follow through.

Good intentions don’t always follow through. Sometimes encouragement is needed.

Thank you Jesus for your selfless love. Help me be more like you.

---

Paul senses a bit of a cold shoulder from the church of Corinth after his last letter (1 Corinthians).

Its easy to see how Paul’s first letter got this kind of reaction.

God comforts the downcast who pursue him.

Its easy to be led by feelings.

Pursue God and allow him to focus every other thing.

Sometimes difficult topics/conversations lead to hurt feelings. What can fix this? Maybe time to sort facts from feeling. Maybe clarification. Maybe a heart change.

God, draw my heart close to yours. May I be led by your and not so much by my feelings.

---

Paul’s character should be trusted and his exhortation for holiness received.

This reads as if some loud leader in the Corinthian church does not trust Paul and is trying to spread his skepticism.

God’s character does not compromise.

It is possible for people to see ample and credible godly witnesses and still reject them and their message.

Pursue walking with God in holiness.

Sometimes even character and great reputation is not enough to win trust.

Father, transform me to look more like Jesus.

---