November 26 - II Corinthians 1-3
II Corinthians is one of my favorite books of the Bible, because Paul is so transparent about the stress of the ministry. He is having opposition from some people in the church and from some who have come to the church from other places. He is trying to help the saints to do the right things, since he was the one who founded the church in Corinth. It just shows me again how challenging it is for anyone to be a minister of the gospel.
In chapter 1 Paul is emphasizing the comfort of God, since the church had been through so much difficulty. He wants them to know that they can find comfort from the Lord, just as he had found that comfort after his trials. (v.10) Then, he appears to answer some of his critics who questioned why he did not come in person to the church. They said it was because he was weak. He told them that it was simply that he hated to confront them and to make them sorrow for their sins. (2:1) I can relate to that fact. I just don't understand people who love to confront others and to make them sad. I want to be able to be encouraging instead of being harsh and direct. I believe this comes from having the love of Christ for God's people and God's church.
In chapter 2 Paul refers to the case of the immoral man who was put out of the church. He tells them to love him and to restore him, now. Therefore, the man must have repented of his sin. Paul is concerned about him. He does not hold a grudge against him, and he does not want the church to hold a grudge either. That is a good lesson for any church that has to carry out discipline on a member. It should be done to restore the person not to shun them.
In chapter 3 The theme is one of humility. Paul recognizes that it was only by the power of God that he could start the church at Corinth. However, since God did allow him to do that, he felt responsible for them. That is how all preachers should be. We have to give an account to God for how we care for God's people and shepherd His flock. Paul's desire is to see them grow in the Holy Spirit. (v.18) He speaks of growing from glory to glory. He is referring to stages of growth in which each Christian should become more of a reflection of Christ's glory. We should progress in our maturity by the power of the Spirit. That is what Paul wanted for all of them. He wanted them to know the fullness and the freedom of living in the Holy Spirit. Have you come to that point in your life yet? If not, I pray that you will get there very soon.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 4-6.
In chapter 1 Paul is emphasizing the comfort of God, since the church had been through so much difficulty. He wants them to know that they can find comfort from the Lord, just as he had found that comfort after his trials. (v.10) Then, he appears to answer some of his critics who questioned why he did not come in person to the church. They said it was because he was weak. He told them that it was simply that he hated to confront them and to make them sorrow for their sins. (2:1) I can relate to that fact. I just don't understand people who love to confront others and to make them sad. I want to be able to be encouraging instead of being harsh and direct. I believe this comes from having the love of Christ for God's people and God's church.
In chapter 2 Paul refers to the case of the immoral man who was put out of the church. He tells them to love him and to restore him, now. Therefore, the man must have repented of his sin. Paul is concerned about him. He does not hold a grudge against him, and he does not want the church to hold a grudge either. That is a good lesson for any church that has to carry out discipline on a member. It should be done to restore the person not to shun them.
In chapter 3 The theme is one of humility. Paul recognizes that it was only by the power of God that he could start the church at Corinth. However, since God did allow him to do that, he felt responsible for them. That is how all preachers should be. We have to give an account to God for how we care for God's people and shepherd His flock. Paul's desire is to see them grow in the Holy Spirit. (v.18) He speaks of growing from glory to glory. He is referring to stages of growth in which each Christian should become more of a reflection of Christ's glory. We should progress in our maturity by the power of the Spirit. That is what Paul wanted for all of them. He wanted them to know the fullness and the freedom of living in the Holy Spirit. Have you come to that point in your life yet? If not, I pray that you will get there very soon.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 4-6.