SLITHERING through the centuries, the serpent whispers his
smooth-tongued promises, beguiling, deceiving, and tempting - urging men and
women to reject God and to follow Satan. Satan's emissaries have been many -
false prophets contradicting God's ancient spokesmen, "pious" leaders hurling
blasphemous accusations, and heretical teachers infiltrating churches. And the
deception continues. Our world is filled with cults, "isms," and ideologies, all
claiming to provide the way to God.
Paul constantly struggled with those who would mislead God's
people, and he poured his life into spreading the Good News to the uttermost
parts of the world. During three missionary trips and other travels, he
proclaimed Christ, made converts, and established churches. But often young
believers were easy prey for false teachers. False teachers were a constant
threat to the gospel and the early church. So Paul had to spend much time
warning and correcting these new Christians.
The church at Corinth was weak. Surrounded by idolatry and
immorality, they struggled with their Christian faith and life-style. Through
personal visits and letters, Paul tried to instruct them in the faith, resolve
their conflicts, and solve some of their problems. First Corinthians was sent to
deal with specific moral issues in the church and to answer questions about sex,
marriage, and tender consciences. That letter confronted the issues directly and
was well received by most. But there were false teachers who denied Paul's
authority and slandered him. Paul then wrote 2nd Corinthians to defend his
position and to denounce those who were twisting the truth. Second Corinthians
must have been a difficult letter for Paul to write because he had to list his
credentials as an apostle. Paul was reluctant to do so as a humble servant of
Christ, but he knew it was necessary. Paul also knew that most of the believers
in Corinth had taken his previous words to heart and were beginning to mature in
their faith. He affirmed their commitment to Christ.
Second Corinthians begins with Paul reminding his readers of (1)
his relationship to them - Paul had always been honest and straightforward with
them (1:12-14), (2) his itinerary - he was planning to visit them again
(1:15-2:3), and (3) his previous letter (2:4-11). Paul then moves directly to
the subject of false teachers (2:17), and he reviews his ministry among the
Corinthians to demonstrate the validity of his message and to urge them not to
turn away from the truth (3:1-7:16).
Paul next turns to the issue of collecting money for the poor
Christians in Jerusalem. He tells them how others have given, and he urges them
to show their love in a tangible way as well (8:1-9:15). Paul then gives a
strong defense of his authority as a genuine apostle while pointing out the
deceptive influence of the false apostles (10:1-13:13). As you read this
intensely personal letter, listen to Paul's words of love and exhortation, and
be committed to the truth of God's Word and prepared to reject all false
teaching.
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VITAL STATISTICS
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PURPOSE:
To affirm Paul's ministry, defend his authority as an apostle, and
refute the false teachers in Corinth
AUTHOR:
Paul
TO WHOM WRITTEN:
The church in Corinth and Christians everywhere
DATE WRITTEN:
About A.D. 55-57, from Macedonia
SETTING:
Paul had already written three letters to the Corinthians (two are now
lost). In 1st Corinthians (the second of these letters), he used strong words to
correct and teach. Most of the church had responded in the right spirit; there
were, however, those who were denying Paul's authority and questioning his
motives.
KEY VERSE:
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his
appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God"
(5:20).
KEY PEOPLE:
Paul, Timothy, Titus, false teachers
KEY PLACES:
Corinth, Jerusalem
SPECIAL FEATURES:
This is an intensely personal and autobiographical letter.
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THE BLUEPRINT
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1. Paul explains his actions
(1:1-2:11)
2. Paul defends his ministry
(2:12-7:16)
3. Paul defends the collection
(8:1-9:15)
4. Paul defends his authority
(10:1-13:14)
In responding to the attacks on his character and authority,
Paul explains the nature of Christian ministry and, as an example, openly shares
about his ministry. This is an important letter for all who wish to be involved
in any kind of Christian ministry, because it has much to teach us about how we
should handle our ministries today. Like Paul, those involved in ministry should
be blameless, sincere, confident, caring, open, and willing to suffer for the
sake of Christ.
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MEGATHEMES
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THEME:
Trials
EXPLANATION:
Paul experienced great suffering, persecution, and opposition in his
ministry. He even struggled with a personal weakness - a "thorn" in the flesh.
Through it all, Paul affirmed God's faithfulness.
IMPORTANCE:
God is faithful. His strength is sufficient for any trial. When trials
come, they keep us from pride and teach us dependence on God. He comforts us so
we can comfort others.
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THEME:
Church discipline
EXPLANATION:
Paul defends his role in church discipline. Neither immorality
nor false teaching could be ignored. The church was to be neither too lax nor
too severe in administering discipline. The church was to restore the corrected
person when he or she repented.
IMPORTANCE:
The goal of all discipline in the church should be correction, not
vengeance. For churches to be effective, they must confront and solve problems,
not ignore them. In everything, we must act in love.
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THEME:
Hope
EXPLANATION:
To encourage the Corinthians as they faced trials, Paul reminded them
that they would receive new bodies in heaven. This would be a great victory in
contrast to their present suffering.
IMPORTANCE:
To know we will receive new bodies offers us hope. No matter what
adversity we face, we can keep going. Our faithful service will result in
triumph.
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THEME:
Giving
EXPLANATION:
Paul organized a collection of funds for the poor in the Jerusalem
church. Many of the Asian churches gave money. Paul explains and defends his
beliefs about giving, and he urges the Corinthians to follow through on their
previous commitment.
IMPORTANCE:
Like the Corinthians, we should follow through on our financial
commitments. Our giving must be generous, sacrificial, well planned, and based
on need. Our generosity not only helps those in need but enables them to thank
God.
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THEME:
Sound doctrine
EXPLANATION:
False teachers were challenging Paul's ministry and authority as an
apostle. Paul asserts his authority in order to preserve correct Christian
doctrine. His sincerity, his love for Christ, and his concern for the people
were his defense.
IMPORTANCE:
We should share Paul's concern for correct teaching in our churches. But
in so doing, we must share his motivation - love for Christ and people - and his
sincerity.
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1. Paul explains his actions
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1. Who wrote this letter, who was with Paul during this time,
who was this letter written to, and from whom did Paul give them grace and
peace?
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Paul visited Corinth on his second missionary journey and
founded a church there.
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Cross-reference Acts 18:1
(1)After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
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He later wrote several letters to the believers in Corinth, two
of which are included in the Bible. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is
lost, his second letter to them is our book of 1st Corinthians, his third letter
is lost, and his fourth letter is our book of 2nd Corinthians.
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Cross-reference 1st Corinthians 5:9-11
(9)I have written you in my letter not to associate with
sexually immoral people - (10)not at all meaning the people of this world who
are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would
have to leave this world. (11)But now I am writing you that you must not
associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or
greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man
do not even eat.
Cross-reference 2nd Corinthians 2:6-9
(6)The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient
for him. (7)Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will
not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. (8)I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm
your love for him. (9)The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the
test and be obedient in everything.
Cross-reference 2nd Corinthians 7:12
(12)So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one
who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you
could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
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Second Corinthians was written less than a year after 1
Corinthians.
Paul wrote 1st Corinthians to deal with divisions in the church.
When his advice was not taken and their problems weren't solved, Paul visited
Corinth a second time. That visit was painful both for Paul and for the church.
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Cross-reference 2nd Corinthians 2:1
(1)So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit
to you.
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He then planned a third visit, but delayed it and wrote 2nd
Corinthians instead. After writing 2nd Corinthians, Paul visited Corinth once
more.
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Cross-reference Acts 20:2, 3
(2)He traveled through that area, speaking many words of
encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, (3)where he stayed
three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to
sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.
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Paul had great respect for Timothy, one of his
traveling companions.
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Cross-reference Philippians 2:19, 20
(19)I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you
soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. (20)I have no
one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
Cross-reference 1st Timothy 1:2
(2)To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and
Christ Jesus our Lord.
Cross-reference Acts 16:1-3
(1)He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple
named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose
father was a Greek. (2)The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.
(3)Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because
of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a
Greek.
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Timothy had accompanied Paul to Corinth on his second missionary
journey, and Paul had recently sent him there to minister.
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Cross-reference 1st Corinthians 4:17
(17)For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I
love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in
Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
Cross-reference 1st Corinthians 16:10
(10)If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while
he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
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Timothy's report to Paul about the crisis in the Corinthian
church prompted Paul to make an unplanned visit to the church to deal with the
problem in person (see 2:1).
The Romans had made Corinth the capital of Achaia (the
southern half of present-day Greece). The city was a flourishing trade center
because of its seaport. With the thousands of merchants and sailors who
disembarked there each year, it had developed a reputation as one of the most
immoral cities in the ancient world; its many pagan temples encouraged the
practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship. In fact, the Greek word
"to Corinthianize" came to mean "to practice sexual immorality." A Christian
church in the city would face many pressures and conflicts.
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Paul's Profile
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No person, apart from Jesus
himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. Even before
he was a believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of
Christians following Stephen's death got the church started in obeying Christ's
final command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul's personal encounter with Jesus
changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was
channeled for the gospel.
Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the
finest available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good
Pharisee, who knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement
was dangerous to Judaism. Thus Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted
Christians without mercy.
Paul got permission to travel to Damascus to capture
Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem. But God stopped him in his hurried
tracks on the Damascus road. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was
never again the same.
Until Paul's conversion, little had been done about carrying
the gospel to non-Jews. Philip had preached in Samaria and to an Ethiopian man;
Cornelius, a Gentile, was converted under Peter, and in Antioch in Syria, some
Greeks had joined the believers. When Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check
on this situation, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him to Antioch, and
together they worked among the believers there. They were then sent on a
missionary journey, the first of three Paul would take, that would carry the
gospel across the Roman empire.
The thorny issue of whether Gentiles believers had to obey
Jewish laws before they could become Christians caused many problems in the
early church. Paul worked hard to convince the Jews that Gentiles were
acceptable to God, but he spent even more time convincing the Gentiles that they
were acceptable to God. The lives Paul touched were changed and challenged by
meeting Christ through him.
God did not waste any part of Paul - his background, his
training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to
let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you until
you allow him to have all that you are!
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Paul's Strengths and Accomplishments
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* Transformed by God from a persecutor of
Christians to a preacher for Christ
* Preached for Christ throughout the Roman empire on three missionary journeys
* Wrote letters to various churches, which became part of the New Testament
* Was never afraid to face an issue head-on and deal with it
* Was sensitive to God's leading and, despite his strong personality, always
did as God directed
* Is often called the apostle to the Gentiles
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Paul's Weaknesses and Mistakes
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* Witnessed and approved of Stephen's stoning
* Set out to destroy Christianity by persecuting Christians
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Lessons from Paul's Life
<>< <>< ><> ><>
* The Good News is that forgiveness and eternal
life are a gift of God's grace received through faith in Christ and available to
all people
* Obedience results from a relationship with God, but obedience will never
create or earn that relationship
* Real freedom doesn't come until we no longer have to prove our freedom
* God does not waste our time - he will use our past and present so we may
serve him with our future
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Paul's Vital Statistics
<>< <>< ><> ><>
* Where: Born in Tarsus, but became a world
traveler for Christ
* Occupation: Trained as a Pharisee, learned the tentmaking trade, served as a
missionary
* Contemporaries: Gamaliel, Stephen, the apostles, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy
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Key Verses
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"For to me, to live is Christ and to die gain. If
I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what
shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and
be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I
remain in the body" (Philippians 1:21-24).
Paul's story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31 and
through his New Testament letters.
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Timothy's Profile
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Painful lessons are usually
doorways to new opportunities. Even the apostle Paul had much to learn. Shortly
after his disappointing experience with John Mark, Paul recruited another eager
young man, Timothy, to be his assistant. Paul's intense personality may have
been to much for John Mark to handle. It could easily have created the same
problem for Timothy. But Paul seems to have learned a lesson in patience from
his old friend Barnabas. As a result, Timothy became a "son" to Paul.
Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first
missionary visit to Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy already had solid Jewish
training in the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. By Paul's second
visit, Timothy had grown into a respected disciple of Jesus. He did not hesitate
to join Paul and Silas on their journey. His willingness to be circumcised as an
adult is clearly a mark of his commitment. (Timothy's mixed Greek/Jewish
background could have created problems on their missionary journeys, because
many of their audience would be made up of Jews who were concerned about the
strict keeping of this tradition. Timothy's submission to the rite of
circumcision helped to avoid that potential problem.)
Beyond the tensions created by his mixed racial background,
Timothy seemed to struggle with a naturally timid character and a sensitivity to
his youthfulness. Unfortunately, many who share Timothy's character traits are
quickly written off as too great a risk to deserve much responsibility. By God's
grace, Paul saw great potential in Timothy. Paul demonstrated his confidence in
Timothy by entrusting him with important responsibilities. Paul sent Timothy as
his personal representative to Corinth during a particularly tense time (1st
Corinthians 4:14-17). Although Timothy was apparently ineffective in that
difficult mission, Paul did not give up on him. Timothy continued to travel with
Paul.
Our last pictures of Timothy come from the most personal
letters in the New Testament: 1st and 2nd Timothy. The aging apostle Paul was
near the end of his life, but his burning desire to continue his mission had not
dimmed. Paul was writing to one of his closest friends - they had traveled,
suffered, cried, and laughed together. They shared the intense joy of seeing
people respond to the Good News and the agonies of seeing the gospel rejected
and distorted. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young church there
(1st Timothy 1:3,4). He wrote to encourage Timothy and give him needed
direction. These letters have provided comfort and help to countless other
"Timothys" through the years. When you face a challenge that seems beyond your
abilities, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, and remember that others have shared your
experience.
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Timothy's Strengths and Accomplishments
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* Became a believer after Paul's first
missionary journey and joined him for his other two journeys
* Was a respected Christian in his hometown
* Was Paul's special representative on several occasions
* Received two personal letters from Paul
* Probably knew Paul better than any other person, becoming like a son to Paul
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Timothy's Weaknesses and Mistakes
<>< <>< ><> ><>
* Struggled with a timid and reserved nature
* Allowed others to look down on his youthfulness
* Was apparently unable to correct some of the problems in the church at
Corinth when Paul sent him there
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Lessons from Timothy's Life
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* Youthfulness should not be an excuse for
ineffectiveness
* Our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available to
God
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Timothy's Vital Statistics
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* Where: Lystra
* Occupations: Missionary, pastor
* Relatives: Mother Eunice.
Grandmother: Lois.
Greek father
* Contemporaries: Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, Barnabas
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Key Verses
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"I have no one else like him [Timothy], who takes
a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own
interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved
himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of
the gospel" (Philippians 2:20-22).
Timothy's story is told in Acts, starting in
chapter 16. He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21; 1st Corinthians 4:17; 1st
Corinthians 16:10,11; 2nd Corinthians 1:1,19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians
2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1st Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1st Thessalonians 2:3,4; 1st
Thessalonians 3:2-6; 1st and 2nd Timothy, Philemon 1; Hebrews 13:23.
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The God of All Comfort
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2. Whom did Paul praise, what did Paul say he does, why did
Paul say he does this, what did Paul say flows over into our lives, and how did
Paul say our comfort overflows?
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Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go
away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire
to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. We must understand that
being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope
to deal with our troubles. The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us. If
you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you. Remember that every trial
you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar
troubles.
The "sufferings of Christ" are those afflictions we
experience as we do Christ's ministry. At the same time, Christ suffers with his
people, since they are united with him. In Acts 9:4, 5 Christ asked Paul why he
was persecuting him. This implies that Christ suffered with the early Christians
when they were persecuted.
3. What did Paul say was for their comfort and salvation, what
did Paul say was for their comfort, what did Paul say this produces in the
brothers in Corinth, and why
did Paul say their hope for them is firm?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Paul explains that he and his companions suffered greatly for
bringing "comfort and salvation" to the Corinthians. But just as God comforted
Paul, God would also comfort the Corinthian believers when they suffered for
their faith. He would give them the strength to endure.
4. What did Paul and Timothy say they didn't want the
brothers in Corinth to be uninformed about, what did Paul say he and Timothy had
been under, what did Paul say he and Timothy had felt in their hearts, why did
Paul say this had happened to him and Timothy, what did Paul say God had done
for him and Timothy, what did Paul say he and Timothy has set their hope on, and
what did Paul say many will do?
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Paul does not give details about their hardships in Asia,
although his accounts of all three missionary journeys record many difficult
trials he faced (Acts 13:2-14:28; Acts 15:40-21:17). He does write that they
felt that they were going to die, and realized that they could do nothing to
help themselves - they simply had to rely on God.
We often depend on our own skills and abilities when life seems
easy, but we turn to God when we feel unable to help ourselves. Depending on God
is a realization of our own powerlessness without him and our need for his
constant touch in our lives. God is our source of power, and we receive his help
by keeping in touch with him. With this attitude of dependence, problems will
drive us to God rather than away from him. Learn how to rely on God daily.
Paul requested prayer for himself and his companions as they
traveled to spread God's message. Pray for pastors, teachers, missionaries, and
others who are spreading the gospel. Satan will challenge anyone making a real
difference for God.
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Paul's Change of Plans
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5. What did Paul say his and Timothy's boast was, how did
Paul say he and Timothy had done this, what did Paul say he and Timothy do not
do, and what did Paul say he hoped the brothers in Corinth will come to fully
understand as they had understood Paul and Timothy in part?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Paul knew the importance of holiness and sincerity in word and
action, especially in a situation as in Corinth, where constructive criticism
was necessary. So Paul did not come with impressive human knowledge (worldly
wisdom). God wants us to be real and transparent in all our relationships. If we
aren't, we may end up lowering ourselves to spreading rumors, gossiping, and
second-guessing.
6. Why did Paul tell the brothers in Corinth he planned to
visit them first, what did Paul say he had planned on doing, and what were the
two questions Paul asked the brothers in Corinth when he didn't return to
Corinth?
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Paul had recently made a brief, unscheduled visit to Corinth
that was very painful for him and the church (see 2:1). After that visit, he
told the church when he would return. But Paul changed his original travel
plans. Instead of sailing from Ephesus to Corinth before going to Macedonia, he
traveled from Ephesus directly to Macedonia, where he wrote a letter to the
Corinthians that caused him much anguish and them much sorrow.
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Cross-reference 2nd Corinthians 7:8, 9
(8)Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not
regret it. Though I did regret it - I see that my letter hurt you, but only
for a little while - (9)yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry,
but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God
intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
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He had made his original plans thinking that the church would
have solved its problems. When the time came for Paul's scheduled trip to
Corinth, however, the crisis had not been fully resolved (although progress was
being made in some areas).
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Cross-reference 2nd Corinthians 7:11-16
(11)See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what
earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm,
what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point
you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. (12)So even though I
wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the
injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how
devoted to us you are. (13)By all this we are encouraged.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted
to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of
you.
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So he wrote a letter instead because another visit may have only
made matters worse.
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Cross-reference 2nd Corinthians 2:3, 4
(3)I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed
by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that
you would all share my joy. (4)For I wrote you out of great distress and
anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know
the depth of my love for you.
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Thus Paul stayed away from Corinth because he was concerned over
the church's unity, not because he was fickle.
7. What did Paul say, as surely as God is faithful, their
message is not, what did Paul say the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is preached
among them by him (Paul), Silas, and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him
has always been, what did Paul say no matter how many God has made, they are
"Yes" in Christ, and what did Paul say was spoken by them to the glory of God?
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Paul's change of plans caused some of his accusers to say
that he couldn't be trusted, hoping to undermine his authority. Paul said that
he was not the type of person to say "yes" when he means "no." Paul explained
that it was not indecision but concern for their feelings that forced him to
change his plans. The reason for his trip - to bring joy (1:24) - could not be
accomplished with the present crisis. Paul didn't want to visit them only to
rebuke them severely (1:23). Just as the Corinthians could trust God to keep his
promises, they could trust Paul as God's representative to keep his. He would
still visit them, but at a better time.
All of God's promises of what the Messiah would be like are
fulfilled in Christ ("in him it has always been 'Yes'"). Jesus was completely
faithful in his ministry; he never sinned; he faithfully died for us; and now he
faithfully intercedes for us.
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Cross-reference 1st Peter 3:18
(18)For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made
alive by the Spirit,...
Cross-reference Hebrews 2:9
(9)But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels,
now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the
grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Cross-reference Romans 8:34
(34)Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than
that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also
interceding for us.
Cross-reference Hebrews 4:14,
15
(14)Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone
through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we
profess. (15)For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with
our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we
are - yet was without sin.
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Because Jesus Christ is faithful, Paul wanted to be faithful in
his ministry.
8. Whom did Paul say made both him, and the brothers in
Corinth stand firm in Christ, and what did Paul say God had done to them?
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Paul mentions two gifts God gives when we become believers:
(1) a seal of ownership to show who our Master is, and (2) the Holy
Spirit, who guarantees that we belong to him and will receive all his benefits.
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Cross-reference Ephesians 1:13, 14
(13)And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of
truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him
with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (14)who is a deposit guaranteeing our
inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the
praise of his glory.
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The Holy Spirit guarantees that salvation is ours now, and that
we will receive so much more when Christ returns. The great comfort and power
the Holy Spirit gives in this life is a foretaste or down payment ("deposit") of
the benefits of our eternal life in God's presence. With the privilege of
belonging to God comes the responsibility of identifying ourselves as his
faithful servants. Don't be ashamed to let others know that you are his.
9. Why did Paul call God as his witness, what did Paul say
they did, not that they lord it over the brothers in Corinth, and why did Paul
say they did this?
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The Corinthian church had written to Paul with questions about
their faith.
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Cross-reference 1st Corinthians 7:1
(1)Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to
marry.
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In response, Paul had written 1st Corinthians. But the church
did not follow his instructions.
Paul had planned to visit them again, but instead he wrote a letter
that caused sorrow to give them another chance to change their ways. He didn't
want to visit and repeat the same advice for the same problems. He wrote the
emotional letter to encourage them to follow the advice that he had already
given in previous letters and visits.
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Answers to 2nd Corinthians 1
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1. Paul, and apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of
God...Timothy, our brother...the church of God in Corinth, together with all the
saints throughout Achaia...God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
2. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the
God of all comfort...comforts them (Paul and Timothy) in all their troubles...so
that they (Paul and Timothy) can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort
they themselves have received from God...the sufferings of Christ...also through
Christ
3. If they (Paul and Timothy) are distressed...if they (Paul and Timothy)
are comforted...patient endurance of the same sufferings they (Paul and Timothy)
suffer...because they (Paul and Timothy) knew that just as we share in their
sufferings, so also we share in their comfort
4. The hardships they had suffered in the province of Asia...great pressure, far
beyond their ability to endure, so that they despaired even of life...the
sentence of death...that they might not rely on themselves but on God, who
raises the dead...delivered them from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver
them...that God will continue to deliver them as the brothers in Corinth help
them by their prayers...give thanks on their (Paul and Timothy) behalf for the
gracious favor granted them in answer to the prayers of many
5. Their conscience testifies that they have conducted themselves in the world,
and especially in their relations with the brothers in Corinth, in the holiness
and sincerity that are from God...so not according to worldly wisdom but
according to God's grace...write the brothers in Corinth anything they cannot
read or understand...that the brothers in Corinth can boast of Paul and Timothy
as they will boast of the brothers in Corinth in the day of the Lord Jesus
6. So that they might benefit twice...to visit the brothers in Corinth on his
way to Macedonia and to come back to the brothers in Corinth from Macedonia, and
then to have the brothers send him on his way to Judea...When I planned this,
did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the
same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
7. "Yes" and "No"..."Yes"...promises..."Amen"
8. God...he anointed them, set his seal of ownership on them, and put his Spirit
in their hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come
9. In order to spare the brothers in Corinth that he did not return to
Corinth...they worked with them (the brothers in Corinth) for their
joy...because it is by faith they (the brothers in Corinth) stand firm
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The Life Application Study Bible - NIV -
Zondervan