2 Corinthians – What Have We Studied?

1. 2 Corinthians – What Have We Studied? 1:3-11 - Comfort in Suffering – “…who comforts us in all our tribulation…” 1:4 1:12-2:13 - Paul’s explanation for his actions 2:14-17 - The fragrance of Christ – “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ…” v.15 3:1-18 - Minister of the glorious new covenant – “…how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?” v.8

2. 2 Corinthians – What Have We Studied? 4:1-6 - Honesty - “not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully…” v.2 4:7-15 - Suffering - “We are hard pressed on every side…” v.8 4:16 – 5:11 - Hopeful - “…we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the thing which are not seen.” v.18

3. 2 Corinthians – What Have We Studied? 5:12 – 21 - Reconciling - “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ…” v.18 6:1-10 - The “approved” nature of Paul’s ministry 6:11 - 7:1 – Paul’s plea to the Corinthians

4. Grace of God What would cause the grace of God to be received in vain? - "He receives grace into a vacuum ... who does not work with it, who does not give it to his heart, and who, through sloth, makes that grace ineffectual, by not doing all that he can to express it in good works." - Anselm

5. Seize the day!!! Hebrews 5:13 Ephesians 5:14-16 Psa 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made. It comes equipped with a set of fresh opportunities. In its joys and pleasures, we can show our gratitude to God. In its trials and temptations, we can prove our faithfulness to God. In its pains and hardships, we can demonstrate our trust in God. Here it is, this day God has made for us. For all we know, it could be our last. What to do then?We will rejoice and be glad in it!"

6. Paul’s Blameless Ministry- 2 Co.6:3-4 • Why should the Corinthians consider his ministry worthy of support? • Verses 4-10, twenty-eight reasons • Hardships in preaching, 4-5 • High ethics, 6 • Spiritual weapons, 7 • Sufferings, 8-10 • Paul focuses on the “approved” nature of his ministry. Determined not to give offense nor reason to blame, Paul has acted commendably. This is seen in his physical sufferings and the graces he has displayed. Even the conflicting reactions and reports by others, along with various experiences, help to confirm that his ministry is “approved”

7. Open up! 2 Co.6:11-13 • Openly(11): freely; frankly. Paul is completely truthful; has nothing to hide • Wideopen(11) = heart’s affections (12) • Restricted (12): Paul does not box them off in a narrow area of his heart • Beopen (13): treat me as I treat you

8. Do not open to everyone (2 Co.6:14-16) • Unequal yokes are not: • Mere association, 1 Co.5:10; 10:27 • Teaching opportunity, Lk.5; 15 • Mere marriage, 1 Co.7; 1 Pt.3 • Unequal yokes are compromise with unbelievers • Do not enter situation where unbeliever can control / make you compromise (17) • 1 Co.5; 6:1-6, 12-20; 10:6-22

9. “You are the temple of the living God” (2Co.6:16) • Dwell in them, Lv.26:11 • Walk among them, Lv.26:12 • Be their God; be My people, Lv.26:12 • Come out from among them, Is.52:11 • Do not touch what is unclean, Ex.20:34 • I will be a Father to you, 2 Sm.7:14

10. Motivation, 2 Co.7:1 Therefore, having these promises… • Cleanse ourselves. 1 Jn.1:7 • From all filthiness. Rv.3:4; 14:4; 1 Co.8:7 • Of flesh. Ga.5:16-17 • And spirit. 1 Co.6:20; Ep.2:3; 1 Th.5:23 • Perfecting holiness. Hb.12:14; 1 Th.3:13 • In fear of God. 2 Co.5:11