Podcasts about 2 corinthians

Paul spends two entire chapters in 2 Corinthians asking for money, which seems to contradict his earlier insistence that he never charged the Corinthians for his ministry. In this podcast episode, Seth and David explore Paul's teaching on generosity and show how he reframes giving as participating in God's miracle of provision and proving the genuineness of our faith through Christ-like sacrifice.

The amazing life of Paul serving God. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 2 Corinthians - Chapter 1.

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NIV) The sword of the Spirit that the apostle Paul talks about in Ephesians 6 is not only for deflecting a blow from the enemy; it’s also for inflicting one. This is something the devil doesn’t want you to know. He doesn’t want you to start attacking, because if you’re always defending, then he’s in the superior position. But if you’re attacking, then you’re in the superior position. If you have a hard time picturing your Bible as a weapon, look at Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 above. As believers, our battles are spiritual. Standard military weaponry and tactics don’t apply. The battles take place in our hearts and minds. They’re played out in our thoughts, philosophies, priorities, and beliefs. And because the Bible is God’s truth—the ultimate and most powerful source of truth—nothing else can match its impact. It has the power to demolish the excuses, philosophies, reasoning, and arguments that cause people to oppose and reject the Christian faith. As spiritual warriors for Christ, we must confront the lies of this world with the truth of God’s Word. That’s how we wield the sword of the Spirit. We also use it to set the devil’s spiritual captives free. We do that by sharing the gospel with unbelievers using the words of Scripture. In Acts 8, we see this scenario play out in the life of Philip, an early Christian evangelist. Philip ministered in the city of Samaria, where he “told the people there about the Messiah” (verse 5 NLT). As a result, “people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (verse 12 NLT). What looks like evangelism to us is actually spiritual battle. Philip used the Good News to attack the devil’s stronghold in Samaria. In verse 26, an angel of the Lord gave Philip marching orders: “Go south” (NLT). Like a good soldier, Philip obeyed. He found an Ethiopian official who was trying to understand a Bible passage. Philip used the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to help the man understand the truth about Jesus. Armed only with the words of Scripture, he took the battle to the devil. Make no mistake about it: There is authority and power in the Word of God. My words will fall to the ground, but God’s Word sticks. God’s Word breaks through. We could spend all day trying to defend and explain the Bible, but I have a better idea: Use the sword of the Spirit. That’s what Philip did, and that’s what we need to do as well. Reflection question: In your circle of acquaintances, what are some faulty philosophies, reasoning, and arguments that need to be confronted with the truth of God’s Word? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living the abundant life Jesus wants for you, or are you living in defeat, chained to a sin you cannot get victory over? In this empowering message called, DESTROYING STRONGHOLDS from the series, THIS IS WAR, Pastor Jeff Schreve shares three truths about strongholds, and how we can fight the lies of the devil with the truth of God's Word.

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I came that you might have life, and might have it abundantly.” Are you living the abundant life in Christ, or are you living in defeat, chained to a sin you cannot get victory over? In this empowering message, Pastor Jeff Schreve shares three truths about strongholds, and how we can fight the lies of the devil with the truth of God's Word. It's called, DESTROYING STRONGHOLDS and it's from the series, THIS IS WAR!.

David Johnson discusses 2 Corinthians 11:3-4—“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!”

In week 3 of the One Another series through 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Pastor Mitch Helmkamp reminds us that God, the Father of all comfort, meets us with comfort that is tangible, available to all believers, fatherly, merciful, sufficient, personal, and purposeful. As recipients of His comfort, we are also equipped and called to extend that same comfort to one another.

Forthe last few days, I have been asking for prayers for some 600 pastors in eastIndia that we partner with to take the gospel to every creature. InJanuary of this year, I met with 400 of these pastors and promised them I wouldfind at least one person in America to pray for them. I promised them that Iwould connect them with a believer, who loves the Lord, who believes that thegospel is what changes and transforms lives, to pray for them. I've been askingyou to join me in our India pastor's prayer team and be a part of a great workthat God is doing. If the Lord is speaking to your heart right now, pleasesimply email right now at: pastormike@pmiministries.org Ilike what E.M. Bounds said. He said, "One cannot rightly call himself aChristian if he does not pray." Prayer and being a follower of JesusChrist go hand in hand. You cannot absolutely be the believer, and theChristian God wants you to be without prayer. It seems that many of our prayersare prayers that we just throw up thanking God for food, grandma, grandpa, momand dad and some of the people we work with. Then we pray desperately when weget in trouble or have a need. But the truth is Paul said, "Praywithout ceasing."  Now,Paul believed in prayer. Paul, as we pointed out yesterday, asked for prayersfor himself. He asked, "Please, please pray for me as I share the gospelthat I might be bold, that I might be courageous, that I might use the rightwords. That there will open doors and opportunities for me." These pastorsin India, are people like myself. I'm convinced, as a pastor, the only reasonI've made it is because people have prayed for me. My mother was a prayingwoman who prayed daily for me. I will never forget Henry Gold making thecommitment to pray for me as a pastor every day. From the day he was tragicallykilled in an accident, I felt like I lost one of my best friends, but I also losta prayer warrior who pleaded before the throne of God for us as we serve theLord in ministry.  Weneed your prayers. Pastors need your prayers. Everyone that the Holy Spirit ofGod puts in your heart and in your mind needs your prayers. Again I'm askingyou to take one of these pastors in your heart for prayer. I wanted to pointout a few more verses that the apostle Paul actually wrote in talking aboutpeople praying for him and the difference that it would make. And I would callthis devotion through your prayers and through the prayers of many.  Read2 Corinthians 1:8-11 again and notice how Paul faced death on several occasionsbut was delivered because, “You also joining in helping us through yourprayers so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for thefavor bestowed on us through the prayers of many”. And Paul wrote inPhilippians 1:19, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverancethrough your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,  again thanking people my deliverance throughyour prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” InPhilemon 1:22, Paul wrote: “At the same time prepare for me lodging for Ihope that through your prayers I will be given to you through your prayers.” Yes,my friend through your prayers these pastors in India will be able to survivethe hardship that they face. It is beyond our imagination the persecution theydeal with every day and the difficult field they work in sharing the gospel. Theyhave very little support in taking care of feeding their family and helpingprovide food for the  flock that God'sgiven to them. They often have very little education and only by God's graceand God's wisdom are they able to preach a gospel message and teach the Bibleevery Sunday.  Theydesperately need your prayers. Would you join me? Write me an email at my emailaddress below and just say, "Pastor Mike, I'll be one of those that willpray with you for a pastor". Godbless!pastormike@pmiministries.org

Cliff takes us through what's highlighted in 2 Corinthians 5 in his Bible.Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/sunrisecommunitychurchWatch live on Mondays at 10am: www.facebook.com/sunrisecommunityonline/liveSong: Fredji - Happy Life (Vlog No Copyright Music)Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.Video Link: https://youtu.be/KzQiRABVARk

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

1 Samuel 9-10; 19 Psalms 89; 2 Corinthians 13; 48 Galatians 1

What to do with false teachers. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Samuel 6-8; 19 Psalms 86-88; 2 Corinthians 11-12

GOD'S GRACE IN US   1Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am  When Paul made that statement, he knew that what he had become through God's grace was God's doing, and not his doing. He also said it was not him doing the work of God, but it was the grace of Jesus working with him. That grace was God's activity upon his soul that empowered him to respond to God in love and the surrender of his will and to know that Jesus was working through him every moment of his life. Generally Grace can be seen working in someone's life when they are doing some good thing that they love to do and they make it look easy even if it is very difficult. In sporting terms if a tennis player saw Roger Federer playing tennis and compared themselves to Federer they would see tennis grace in action and wish they had that grace in their game. Jesus lived a Divine life full of grace and truth within his limited humanity and people saw God at work in him and through him. As a Pharisee Paul thought he was a top-class man of God before the grace of God took over his life.   Philippians 3:4 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But then he found grace; And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles (Galatians 1:14) God's grace for Paul was waiting for him from before he was born. Before Paul found grace, he was part of the disorder and violence of a treacherous world in a dark time in history. Paul had seen himself as a religious man of great competence and great commitment to the cause of his Jewish tradition. He served God through his own ambition and strategies and he took great pride in his own achievements in persecuting Christians. Paul's religion had not put God's love or mercy in his heart or a humble and surrendered will towards the Father, or oneness in the Spirit with Jesus. For that he had to find grace in the eyes of the Lord through Jesus After he found grace, he became part of God's answer of love and light that overcame the darkness of that world. Jesus had overcome the darkness through his death and resurrection, and now he was sending forth messengers of his grace. God is doing the same thing today!   There are multitudes of people who are committed to the cause of doing things for God that have a similar zeal and passion for success like Paul did but have yet to find the grace of God for whatever good thing God has planned for them. We might be inclined to think that Paul's existence was of such significance and importance for what God called him to do, that the activity of God's grace upon us could not be anything like God's grace upon Paul. But we would be wrong to think that, as Paul wrote to Titus concerning the grace upon all of us through Jesus. For the grace of God that brings salvation has shone upon all mankind. And while that grace is there waiting to shine, it is also there waiting to be found. The finding of grace came upon people in the Old Testament who saw the saving power of God and gave themselves to be an expression of that. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God also told Moses that he had found grace in his sight, and that he knew him by name. And in the New Testament we are urged to find his grace in times of need.  Come boldly to the throne of grace that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) The finding and receiving of grace for us is through our faith, as we realise that we are not sufficient of ourselves to produce grace by ourselves, but we also realise that we have access to his grace in our insufficiency through faith. That grace releases his work upon us and through us. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2) Grace is the loving activity of God upon a human soul, and when we know that we can access this grace through our faith we realize that it is the sufficiency for each one of us to do what God has called us to do – ‘called' – kleo,  means invited- invited to love and serve and bless those people in our world. That grace upon us allows salvation to shine upon all those people that God places us amongst. Just like Paul we are what we are by the grace of God, and we do what we do by the grace of God – ‘set apart before we were born, and called by his grace, and pleased to reveal his Son in us'.  That was and still is the Lord's doing, and I pray we will see many such miracles in these days in which we live.   Satan gave humanity a rule of destruction to live by – a deadly commandment  – that you hate one another as I have hated you, and we are living in times where there are many obeying that commandment of fear and hatred. But God's love which casts out all fear is on the rise today through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who has given us his new Commandment – that you love one another as I have loved you.  Paul tells us that it was God's love that compelled his heart to serve him and to serve the people he was sent to. He writes Whatever we do, it is certainly not for our own gain but because Christ's love compels us. (2Corinthians 5:14).  Paul's soul was bursting with that powerful love and he could hardly contain himself when he said, May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with the fulness of God himself (Ephesians 3:17-19). Paul OSullivan  -  pauloss@me.com    

I hate to have to bring this up. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textThis podcast talks about how one major critic of Paul rises up in the Corinthian Church. So in this letter Paul switches gears to address these critics and display their tactics to the rest of the church. The critics were going after Paul's looks and attacking his character. Listen to hear how Paul put out their fires and calmed the church to be able to move on to grow the church like God intended. Support the show

1 Samuel 4-5; 19 Psalms 83-85; 2 Corinthians 9-10

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Why Christ followers are generous. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

1 Samuel 2-3; 19 Psalms 80-82; 2 Corinthians 7-8

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

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We need to take up a collection. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Promises, promises, and joy amazing. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Click For Today’s Audio Or Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video Devotional Check out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube. Helpful Resources Enduring Word Commentary with Pastor David Guzik Read the Scriptures at Blue Letter Bible Download the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or Android Additional Daily Devotionals My […]

07 Judges 21; 08 Ruth 1; 19 Psalms 76-77; 1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 1

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Episode Synopsis:2 Corinthians just may well be the most difficult of all of Paul's letters.  2 Corinthians assumes that the reader has a basic understanding of the geography of the Greco-Roman world (a map really helps), as well as some understanding of the ongoing situation in the Corinthian church which leads Paul to compose this letter (the fourth in a series of letters which Paul has sent to the church in Corinth).  To get the most out of this letter, you need to get up to speed with its background and purpose. But don't let this keep you from taking the time to dig in with us was we strive to get to the heart of the letter, which is filled with meaty theology and practical application.  Paul's reason for writing amounts to a defense of his ministry and apostolic office.  We learn a great deal about Paul as a person and the history of his Gentile mission in 2 Corinthians.  As he prepares to return to Corinth, Paul explains his actions and motives including revealing his secret weapon–he is strongest when he is weak, because then he can do nothing else but count upon the mercy of God and the power of the gospel.  Humanly speaking, Paul has much to boast about but he directs his readers back to the proper reason for boasting–to give God the glory and honor he alone deserves.  We'll also find in 2 Corinthians more of Paul's robust Trinitarian theology.  In 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul offers one of the most definitive Trinitarian declarations in all the New Testament.  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  Paul does much to explain the saving work of Jesus Christ in reconciling sinners unto the Father, as well as discussing the Holy Spirit's role in God's redemptive purposes.  Paul is also clear about fallen human nature.  We are as fragile as jars of clay and our bodies are mere tents until we are made alive by the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit.  There is much in 2 Corinthians about the glory of the new covenant, and the fading glory of the old, as Paul gives the Corinthians yet another lesson in understanding the course of redemptive history.In the closing chapters, Paul lowers the boom on those whom he calls “false” apostles, men who are doing the devil's work through teaching another Jesus and another gospel.  He also identifies men he calls “super” apostles whose eloquent speech and style are vastly superior to Paul, and may have some sort of charismatic ministry, which they used not to glorify God, but to undermine Paul and drive a wedge between the apostle and the saints in Corinth.  Paul will have none of it.So even though 2 Corinthians can be tough going at first, it is very well worth our time and study.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Working together and receiving God's grace. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Corinthians 13:11-14 - Rejoice, Live in Peace, and Receive God's Grace Please turn to 2 Corinthians 13 verses 11-14. That is on page 1153 in the pew Bibles. It's always bittersweet to finish a sermon series. On the one hand, I wish it wasn't coming to an end because 2 Corinthians has been such a blessing. On the other hand, it's good to move on to other books of the Bible and be blessed and challenged in different ways. So, this will be our last sermon in this series. Next week, we are going to have a missions focused Sunday. And then after that, stay tuned. Let's now come to these concluding words of 2 Corinthians. This is inspired, inerrant God's Word, given through the apostle Paul. Reading of 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 Prayer Every book of the Bible, in different ways, relates to our culture and the church, today. Sometimes, the connection is more direct. Other times it is more indirect. Well, in 2 Corinthians we've seen many direct parallels. I think the reason is that the city of Corinth is like our culture today. It was a confluence of many backgrounds, beliefs, and idols. If you remember, it was a Roman city in Greece. The city had been resettled about 100 years earlier by Julius Ceasar. It therefore boasted of Roman authority and power but being on the Achaia peninsula in Greece, it was still influence by Greek philosophy and gods. The temple of Aphrodite – the goddess of love – overlooked the city. That unholy influence increased the city's sexual promiscuity and prostitution. Furthermore, it was also a major port city. People and goods travelling east and west would travel through Corinth. That made it a desirable place to live for many people from many cultures. You had sea merchants and other traders capitalizing on its primary industry. Other entrepreneurs set up shop to profit off of the all travelers. Since it was a rather new city, Roman and Greek nobles came to fill in the vacuums of political power. Put this all together, Corinth was very cosmopolitan. It was a melting pot of people groups with diverse religious, political, and commercial interests and backgrounds. Sound familiar? I don't think there's any major international city today that doesn't share some of the same characteristics, at least to one extent or another… the Atlanta area included. Think about the effect on the church. The world's philosophies and priorities were pressing in on the church in Corinth. And it wasn't just a single cultural influence; it was a combination of all those influences. That made it even more difficult for the church to filter out truth from error and righteousness from sinfulness. And it's the same thing today. Yes, there are different influences, but they are surprisingly similar. And like every generation in the past, those influences affect the church. Someone asked me the other day whether there was a particular teaching in the church today that 2 Corinthians directly confronts. And the answer is yes. 2 Corinthians directly confronts the Prosperity Gospel. As you know, the prosperity gospel has come up several times over these last few months. It teaches a false theology of suffering, an idolatrous view of money, and a perverted Gospel – a gospel not based on faith in what Christ has done on the cross and in his resurrection, but a false gospel that is socially conceived; focusing on earthly health and wealth and not faith in Christ alone. And, of course, it lines the pockets of the prosperity preachers. So, the false apostles in Corinth, which Paul called “super apostles” are in many ways analogous to prosperity Gospel preachers today. They not only perverted the truth, but arrogantly exalted themselves, their social status, and their worldly credentials. Now, to be sure, it's not a perfect parallel. The church in Corinth had its unique challenges, but the parallels to Prosperity preaching are there. And you can see some of those parallels in the various things that Paul has been addressing in the book. We've come across several of them. In summary, there have been five streams of teaching that have dealt with the issues in Corinth. They include: 1. Number 1, Authentic ministry. Not only has the apostle Paul over and over defended his apostleship, but in doing so, he has laid the foundation to true and authentic ministry. A faithful church and a faithful minister is humble and seeks to reflect Christ. Faithful churches and pastors pursue integrity and sincerity and point to Christ, not themselves. As Paul put it just a couple verses earlier, they build up and don't tear down. Those are the signs of faithful ministries. 2. A second stream that has come up multiple times is strength through weakness. That is, the strength of Christ in the weakness of our human flesh. 2 Corinthians has given us rich truths that we can hold on to in our weaknesses and suffering. Rather than try to summarize it here, let me just remind you of those verses. ·      Chapter 1: “[God] comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." ·      Chapter 4: “…we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” It's speaking about the treasure of the Gospel given to us which we have in our frail bodies. ·      How about this one: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen, which are eternal…” ·      And one more, chapter 12… “But he said to me [that is, the Lord said to Paul], 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” There are others. What God has done in 2 Corinthians is reorient our doctrine of suffering. God uses our suffering to remind us of his strength that we may rely on him, because when we are weak, then we are strong. 3. Ok, the third stream – God's Covenant promises of old have been fulfilled in Christ – in his Gospel. Through Jesus, the old covenant has been fulfilled. Remember, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” This one has particular relevance to Corinth given some of the Jewish influences. The false apostles were trying to drag the people back into the forms and practices of the old covenant. But remember, those old forms and practices (like the sacrifices and festivals) were shadows of what was to come. Remember, the moon and planets reflect the sun, which is the source. It's a similar idea. Chapter 3 was all about this correction. The 10 commandments condemn us, but Christ has redeemed us. Chapter 5 gave us amazing truths. Verse 17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” And you've heard me say that 5:21 is in my mind, the clearest single verse that articulates the Gospel. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” God made him, that is Jesus, to be sin for us, that we may receive his righteousness. 4. Number 4 – the fourth category. Giving and wealth. The middle chapters, 7-9, spoke of the grace of giving. Paul testified to Corinth that the Macedonians, though they were poor from a worldly standpoint, gave generously out of their poverty. The church has a responsibility to support the church. However, giving is not a means to salvation or a means to a better life, as today's false prosperity teachers say. No, rather, giving is a response to the grace of God in Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” It's not talking about earthly riches but the riches of grace in Christ Jesus. Salvation and hope in him. The ultimate motivation for our giving is the grace of God in Christ. 5. And then the last thing – the last stream, number 5. Repentance and restoration. The whole letter, in a sense, is a call to repentance. Repentance and restoration have been key themes throughout. That's because the church in Corinth's beliefs and practices and lifestyle looked more like the Roman and Greek culture around them rather than the beliefs and practices and lifestyle that God had revealed to them in his Word and through his true apostles. That message is a message for every church and every believer in every generation. We are all tempted to trust in the things of this world and conform our beliefs to the philosophy of this world, rather than putting our trust in God and seeking to be conformed to him by faith. Chapter 10, we should “take every thought captive to obey Christ” and last week, chapter 13, we should therefore “examine ourselves.” So 5 emphases, 5 streams of correction which broadly speaking, the church in Corinth needed to hear. Not every individual, but the church as a whole, which is why at the beginning of this chapter the apostle warned of judgment if they did not to repent. Paul prayed for and entreated them to repent. The big question is, did the church in Corinth actually repent? Did they return to God in Christ in faithfulness? And I have an answer for you. But you'll have to wait a couple more minutes. First, let's actually get into our text this morning. I know we're more than halfway through our usual time, but I think that review was helpful both as a conclusion to our series as well as context for these final verses. So let's look at them. First look at verse 11. Paul calls them “brothers.” Last week, remember, he had just dropped the hammer of judgment - the warning of judgment. And now he reminds them that they are brothers and sisters in Christ. And I want you to think back on our study of 2 Corinthians. Really, Paul had been writing to two groups in the church. One, the faithful believers. He is thankful that their godly grief has produced repentance. He wrote that in chapter 7. In chapter 8, he called on them to also excel in the grace of giving, just like in other areas. But Paul has also been very direct at times with those who were not walking in godliness and truth. Some in the church were following the false apostles. Remember from chapter 11, some were “putting up with them readily enough.” And in chapter 12, Paul fears that they will not repent. Nonetheless, they are all in the church and they are therefore brothers and sisters. He says, “finally brothers” In other words, listen to me for you are my church family. And then notice that he gives them 5 imperatives in verses 11. That's a lot! Five commands in one verse. And each of them connects in different ways to the rest of the letter. Let's briefly consider these commands. He begins with “rejoice!” That specific Greek word for “rejoice” includes a sense that is not captured in our English word rejoice. It's rejoicing in sadness or suffering. That is how it is used in chapter 6, “though sorrowful, we are rejoicing.” And that particular emphasis of rejoicing in suffering, directly relates to the second command in verse 11. Look at it. “Comfort one another.” That brings us all the way back to chapter 1. Comfort one another in your affliction because you share in both the affliction and comfort of Christ. The next one is also very connected to the rest of the book. “aim for restoration.” It's a recognition that restoration is not always possible. But as much as it depends on you, aim for restoration. Do what you can to restore those who have wandered from God's truth and word. Remember from last week, Paul desired their restoration. Even if one of the so-called super apostles repented, he should be restored to the family of faith. Aim for restoration. The last two imperatives in verse 11 are related. “agree with one another” and “live in peace.” That's one of the things that the church in Corinth struggled with. Unity. Remember, the city had people from all over… people from different cultural backgrounds. Scattered throughout 1st and 2nd Corinthians, we are given glimpses of the makeup of the church. The church had Jewish background believers in Christ. It had gentile believers from both lower classes in society and from wealthy families. It had Greeks, Romans, some from northern Africa (that's where Apollos was from) and likely some people from Asia. Given the diversity, they struggled to get along. They often sinned against one another by quarrelling or slandering or gossip. That struggle has been well documented. And God calls them, through Paul, to agree with one another and to live in peace. Do you see how verse 11 is like a summary? Then after those 5 imperatives, he says, “and the God of love and peace will be with you.” Living in harmony in Christ with one another will bring to bear the love and peace of God. In other words, with all their troubles, the Corinthians were not experiencing God's love and peace. It's not that they didn't have the love of God or peace from God, but all their troubles suppressed that love and peace. It's very difficult to live in a community or family where people are always at odds with one another. I've never experienced that, but I've known plenty who have. It fosters relational sin that at times can spiral out of control if the forgiveness and grace of Christ does not prevail. That forgiveness and grace needed to prevail in Corinth. It needs to prevail in every church. That's a good word for us. And then Paul says, “greet one another with a holy kiss!” This refers to a brotherly or sisterly kind of kiss. Most believe it refers to kissing someone on the cheek – Kind of like in Italy or France today. The point is to show some kind of affection to each other. It's a sign of commitment. Paul desired them to be with one another in person and display love and devotion because they were united together in Christ. You can't do that if you remain in your little tribes and only talk to your people. There's something about being together and displaying your brotherly or sisterly affection to one another that disarms conflict. A parallel today could be communicating in the digital world. You know, we send emails and texts. And sometimes, we inadvertently imply something that we didn't intend. Or someone assumes something based on how we worded something. But when you are in person, many of those opportunities for miscommunication go away. I am not saying that we should only communicate in person. In fact, that's what this letter was, a written word. But Paul was on his way there to be with them in person. And he wanted them to be with present with one another. And he adds, “All the saints greet you.” It was a reminder that all the believers from all the churches are bound together in Christ. We greet one another knowing that we share the amazing promises of God in him. The Corinthians were not alone. No, they shared their faith in Christ with the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem. And with the churches of north Africa. And with the Macedonians and those in Asia minor. The were all brothers and sisters in Christ. Ok, before we get to this great benediction in verse 14, let's return to the question. Did the church in Corinth repent? Were the false apostles kicked out or even better come to know the truth and grace of Christ? Did those causing division and those living unholy lives return to faithful living in Chist? Did they follow through on their commitment to give to the poor saints in Jerusalem? And the answer is, yes. Or I should probably say all indications are yes, they did. In the beginning of Acts 20 we're told that Paul spent 3 months in southern Greece. There is no mention of conflict in the church. Furthermore, at the end of Romans in chapter 15, Paul confirms that yes, the church in Achaia, where Corinth was, contributed to the saints in Jerusalem. And that is all consistent with the report that Titus brought to Paul earlier in chapter 7 – repentant hearts. The work of the Holy Spirit, through Paul as a true apostle appears to have unified the church in Corinth. As he's writing these final words, Paul doesn't know what will happen… But he nonetheless concludes his letter with a great benediction. It's one of the two most used benedictions in Scripture. The other being the Aaronic benediction from Numbers 6. In fact, 2 Corinthians 13:14 is one of the main trinitarian verses in Scripture. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ… that is, the grace that saves and the grace that sustains us. It is that grace which has been the central emphasis of every single chapter in this book - the grace found in the cross of Christ, which restores and reconciles. May that grace be the center of our ministry and lives. And may the love of God… that is, the love of God the Father who gave his son for us. A love greater than any love anywhere at any time. It is a love that we did not deserve, but a love which God nonetheless poured out on us. And may the fellowship of the Holy Spirit… that is the unifying work of God through his Spirit who has brought us together in Christ. It is the only thing that can break down the walls of hostility and make us one body, because he has broken down the walls in our hearts and made us one people in Christ. May God who is three in one, in all these ways, bless and keep us, just as he did for the Corinthians. Amen? I want to encourage you to re-read 2 Corinthians this week. I think you'll be blessed to be reminded about all that we've studied.

2 Corinthians 8:9 by Meadowview Baptist Church

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Lauren Smart sits with Dj and Crista in this episode to set the table for what readers can expect as they read through 2 Corinthians. The trio discuss the purpose for this letter's authorship and what major themes we can glean from its writing - taking on the culture battles of the past and bringing them to today's American context.

The phrase "do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" is commonly applied to Christian marriage, but that wasn't Paul's original intent. Seth and David explore the rich biblical background of this famous passage and show how Paul was actually warning the Corinthians against yoking themselves to false teachers who were leading them away from Jesus and his Gospel.

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show