i. Paul commends the saints at Corinth for their generous offering for the worthy poor, contributed through the church program of the day. (13-16) The right measure of ministry. Clarke recounts with wonder one stronghold pulled down in history: “In like manner the doctrines of the, Arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, : Carnal and worldly ways of thinking and doing are, against the mind and methods of God. All godly authority has a sphere. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. 10–13, which is so different from the rest of the letter? It is what God says about us that matters and will endure. “They are also full of pride and self-conceit; they look within themselves for accomplishments which their self-love will soon find out; for to it, Measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, : This explains why Paul’s carnal Corinthian critics could think so highly of themselves. Within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us: Paul’s authority in the church was not unlimited. 3. Although we are not clear on precisely what happened, it appears that someone had mistreated Paul … He does it to build the body of believers up (edification), not to tear it down (destruction). Universal Themes in 2 Corinthians. They said Paul was like a dog that barks like crazy at a safe distance but is a coward when confronted face to face. If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. Verses 1-14 (B) Chapters 10-13.St. i. 12:9-10 The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. i. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. “In the Christian Church, indeed, self-commendation should be viewed with suspicion as a mark of disqualification.” (Hughes), ©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission. i. It isn’t of God. Ch. Who think of us as if walked according to the flesh, : This is another aspect of the accusations made against Paul by some of the Corinthian Christians. This summary of the book of 2 Corinthians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Corinthians. Paul doesn’t say that it is wrong to test an apostle’s credentials but that the Corinthians used the wrong test. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Perhaps Paul wanted to jog their minds to remember the context of his quotation from Jeremiah: Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. Jesus relied on spiritual weapons when He fought for our salvation. Redpath writes of a practical way to battle with spiritual weapons and break down a stronghold: “When the thought comes and the person is reported to have said what he has said, and the unkindness has been passed over to us, and the criticism has been made, whereas carnality would say, ‘Counterattack!’ spirituality recognizes that nothing that any person could ever say about any one is really one hundredth part as bad as the truth if he only knew it. is taken from the Roman military court. He will give time for those who want to renounce carnal weapons to do so. The spiritual, Jesus way is to humble yourself, die to yourself, and let God show His resurrection power through you. at other times? Probably because that is. Affirmation that Paul and the Corinthians are reconciled (2 Co 1–2) Paul’s ministry as an apostle (2 Co 3–6) Paul’s confidence and joy in them (2 Co 7) The contribution for Jerusalem (2 Co 8–9) “It is base, abominable, and deeply sinful, for a man to thrust himself into other men’s labours, and by sowing doubtful disputations among a Christian people, distract and divide them, that he may get a party to himself… This is an evil that has prevailed much in all ages of the Church; there is at. The Corinthians would recognize this because they loved races and held the famous Isthmian Games in Corinth. He was not interested in building on another man’s foundation, and did not want to horn in on someone else’s sphere of authority. He knew that when he was weak, it gave God’s power all the more opportunity to work. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. 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