II Corinthians 4

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Vs. 6, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”  When Paul was persecuting the church and on his road to Damascus, the light shined in the darkness of his life and his heart (Acts 9).  Paul knew there were those who were still blinded (vs. 4) by their own hard hearts and the deception of the enemy.  There were false teachers with ulterior motives, but this was not what Paul was doing.  But none of these challenges would stop Paul.  For he knew the treasures and promises that God has for us (vs. 7-18).  Though we may look like simple jars of clay (vs. 7), there is incredible value in them!  Though there is much suffering and opposition (vs. 8-10), Paul reminds us our life does not belong to us (vs. 11-15).  In the troubles of life, we just need to step back sometimes and gain perspective that these troubles are so short compared to the joys of this life and eternity (vs. 16-19).

Regarding application…Don’t Lose Heart!  Vs. 16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  Paul is repeating this encouragement again from vs. 1.  Question: Have you ever been discouraged with church and serving God?  Welcome to the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6).  But despite Paul’s hard ministry, Paul would not give up.  Despite all the physical toil and opposition, Paul would not give up.  Question: How was this possible?  Because Paul understood God’s incredible mercy (vs. 1) and spiritual formation of Paul’s heart (vs. 16).  Notice how we are reminded that we are inwardly renewed day by day!  Not just once or twice a week, but daily!  Just as we feed our bodies day by day, God desire to renew us inwardly day by day through Bible reading, prayer, living out our lives, serving the church, etc.  Paul reminds us in the book of Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us.”  Don’t lose heart brothers and sisters!

II Corinthians 3

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Vs. 1, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?”  Remember, there was a group of people in Corinth that were causing division and questioning Paul’s ministry (vs. 1-6).  Paul doesn’t back down and reminds everyone in Corinth that they are his living recommendation (vs. 2).  In fact, it wasn’t Paul, but Jesus working in Paul to transform the Corinthians (vs. 3) and put the very recommendation written on their hearts.  In light of Paul contrasting stone tablets vs. tablets of the heart, we now see Paul delve deeper into comparing the Old Testament Covenant (Promise) to the New Testament Covenant (vs. 7-18).  As the early church was growing, there was always a contingency of Jews who were trying to hold onto the old covenant ways.  The Law is from God and was good for it reflected God’s glory, but it brought light (condemnation) to the darkness of our sins (vs. 9).  But now we have this new ministry of the Spirit (vs. 8-9) that does not come with condemnation, but righteousness.  The Law had its purpose, but now we must hold on to the new glory (vs. 11).  We all recall the veil that Moses had to put on after his encounter with Yahweh (Exodus 34), but this glory that was reflected upon his face was a fading glory.  Paul gives us insight that the veil was worn so that they would not see the fading (vs. 13).  This type of veil was still over the hearts of many (vs. 14-16), but it is Jesus who can help us take this veil off for His glory never fades!

Regarding application…Unveiled Faces.  Vs. 18, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  The very idea of unveiled faces gives us this very important reminder that we are now free (vs. 17).  As we turn to the Lord each and everyday, we see the glory of God and that glory is now shown in our faces and in our lives!  We don’t have to worry about trying to hide a righteousness that is fading.  Many of us will look into the mirror and not like what we see; Our ears are too big, nose is too small, eye lashes too short, mouth too small, etc.  But, as we fix our eyes upon Christ, our faces no longer reflect our disappointments or even vanity.  Yesterday, we were reminded we are the aroma of Christ and today that we are the reflection of Christ!  What a great way to start our day!  Let’s reach out to this world that needs this hope that gives us boldness!

 

II Corinthians 2

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Vs. 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.”  This letter Paul is referring to here is a letter we do not have in the Bible.  It was written after his short 2nd visit to Corinth because of some of the issues that were brought up in I Corinthians.  So, before he would visit them again, He would write this letter II Corinthians to explain why he didn’t come right away.  Whatever issue was going on was a tough one that brought much tears, so Paul wisely through the Lord’s guidance was patient before he would come back to Corinth.  In the next section of our chapter (vs. 5-11), Paul is addressing an issue with someone who must have rebelled against Paul and the church.  It seems also that many of the believers in Corinth had also rebelled for a time against Paul.  Fortunately, they came to their senses and also repented.  Paul is exhorting them now to forgive that person who seems to have now been repentant (vs. 6-7).  We are also reminded that much of source of this type of divisiveness can be attributed to the enemy always at work (vs. 11).  In the last section of our passage, we see Paul initially troubled to not get an update on what was going on in Corinth from Titus (we take for granted communication technology today).  But, it seems after moving on into Macedonia, Paul must have met up with Titus and heard the good news of the believers in Corinth turning around for the better.  Notice in vs. 14, “led as captives”.  While it indeed was a reason to rejoice, this was Paul describing his life as one being led to the slaughter.  Just as Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem only to be crucified on the cross later that week, we see Paul correlate this with his life and ours.  Yet, this sacrifice was an aroma pleasing to God.

Regarding application…Aroma of Christ.  Vs. 15, “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”  It’s a strange example that Paul would give us as we are being led to the slaughter for the sake of the Gospel.  Yet, as we die to ourselves each day and take up the cross, that is exactly what we are.  We are the aroma of Christ to this world whether saved or perishing.  A sobering, yet joyful thought as we live this life.  Question: How is your spiritual body odor?  It’s funny because many of us have figured out the often the tastiest foods we intake can give us the stinkiest gas :P   When we turn to the world, it sure has many things to offer that are fun an entertaining, yet the results can be stinky in our lives.  Question: Are you being led or are you trying to lead?  By being led, we sacrifice our lives and become the aroma of Christ!

II Corinthians 1

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Vs. 7, “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”  Question: What is going on here?  Times were tough for the Corinthians and for Paul’s ministry.  People were questioning Paul and wondering why was there all these troubles.  No one is immune to suffering and we see how important it is that we reach out to each other to offer comfort (vs. 3-11).  Rather than go into details about the suffering that must have been known to his original audience, Paul points all of us to consider Christ in this (vs. 5).  In the second half of our chapter, Paul addresses the Corinthians concern about Paul’s faithfulness to them (vs. 12-24).  There were those who accused Paul of being untrustworthy in his promises to them (vs. 17).  Paul had made plans, just as we make plans…but sometimes, God’s plans override ours.  In the end, we must stand firm in our faith that God is in control of all situations (vs. 21).

Regarding application…Relying on God.  Vs. 12, “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.”  It’s not easy to be accused and betrayed by those whom you love.  This is what was happening to Paul.  Yet, instead of retreating like some had accused him of…Paul had actually put his complete reliance upon the Lord.  In times of distress and trouble, the comfort from the Lord (vs. 5) helped him to trust in the Lord all the more.  In our troubled economical times, this can cause us to rely more and more upon ourselves.  It seems the more trouble we have, the more we revert to self-reliance.  Question: Are you relying on yourself, others, or the Lord?

Introduction – II Corinthians

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II Corinthians was written about six to twelve months after I Corinthians.  Before this letter, Paul had gone to visit Corinth for a short time but was not received well and some challenged Paul.  Returning to Ephesus, Paul wrote a letter (II Corinthians 2:3-4) we do not have recorded in the Bible that addressed his concerns.  Paul had now left Ephesus and was up in the region of Macedonia and met with Titus to hear the updates on how the Corinthians were doing.  To Paul’s relief, things were getting better, but there were still some who were against Paul and teaching false doctrine.  Before Paul could reach Corinth a third time, he would send this letter to them.  This letter is very personal one and reveals to us Paul’s heart in suffering and giving his life for the Lord.

I Corinthians 16

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Vs. 2, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”  One of the things we want to remember is that Paul is responding to a letter that was sent to him from the Corinthian church.  This must have been one of the topics that was asked about.  This collection of offering was for the church in Jerusalem.  Question: Why?  There was a greet need for many in Jerusalem were struggling financially and impoverished.  Notice how already the first day of the week (Sunday) was the day that the early church was adopting for their times of worship.  Paul then begins his conclusion and final thoughts to his letter (vs. 5-24).  Eventually, Paul would get to visit Corinth again and we have another one of his letters (II Corinthians) that would follow.  He also encourages them to welcome Timothy and informs them Apollos will come soon too (vs. 10-12).  And lastly, we see the strong relationships that Paul was able to be blessed with in Corinth.  There was a definite show of appreciation and gratitude for the fellow workers that help build the church!  What a lesson for us today!

Regarding application…Saving & Giving.  Referencing vs. 2 from above, the collection of money that was being saved for the Jerusalem church must have been an issue to some in Corinth.  More than a application about giving is the fact that when you save and give with a right heart, there is something powerful in this.   For many years, I had the opportunity with my youth group up in Oregon to sponsor a child through World Vision.  Her name was Azbie and she was from Romania.  For years, every week we saved and gave to this beautiful child!  It was so wonderful to hear updates and see her grow up!  There was a sense of community in our youth group as we gave this portion of money towards a purpose.  When a church saves and gives each week for tithing and any additional offering, there is a sense of community and value in realizing that God is using us in a powerful way.  So remember to give with a cheerful heart (II Corinthians 9:7)

I Corinthians 15

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Vs. 17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”  A grave danger was transpiring in the Corinthian church.  This danger was the issue of not believing in the resurrection.  The resurrection gives us the confidence that Jesus did in fact conquer death (vs. 1-11)!  This young church should have known better the false teachings that were affecting their incorrect doctrine.  It was important for Paul to remind them that there were plenty of those who had witnessed this resurrection (vs. 4-8).  There was also the Greek influence that believed the body was just a temporary prison for the eternal soul.  Remember also the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection as well.  The second half of our chapter deals with understanding the type of resurrected body we will have (vs. 35-58).  Paul expounds on some illustrations of a seed that grows into a plant (vs. 36-38).  He also compares Adam (natural body) with Jesus (spiritual body) (vs. 44-49).  In the end, we have hope that our frail physical bodies will have quite the upgrade that comes from the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Regarding application…Choose Friends Wisely.  Vs. 33, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”  It’s interesting because Paul is quoting a well-known Greek poet named Menander.  The Corinthians would have been familiar with this quote.  Their issue was that they were allowing themselves to be aligned with people who had false intentions.  It wasn’t that they didn’t know the truth, they were just allowing the false teachings of others to influence them and question their faith.  We also would be fools (vs. 34) to think that we are not influenced in such a way today.  In both the church and our interactions with the world, we would be wise to choose wisely our friends.  Sadly, there are those in the church with their own agenda’s and wayward beliefs.  And there are those in this world that do not have any intention to have your best interest in mind, though they call themselves your friend.  I’m not advocating not having non-Christian friends or reaching out to those who are misled in the church, but I am reminding you to make your best friends those who are believers and can encourage you in your walk with the Lord!

I Corinthians 14

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Vs. 5, “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.”  Question: Why was Paul making such an emphasis on this topic of tongues?  Because the Corinthians were elevating the gift of tongues to a very unhealthy way.  They were speaking in tongues publicly and without an interpretation (vs. 5, 13).  If a church body is unable to know what a person is saying, then there is no edification happening (vs. 5, 17).  Paul doesn’t pull any punches when he tells them they are acting childish (vs. 20).  He then quotes the prophet Isaiah to illustrate the purpose of tongues.  Isaiah prophecied that Israel would hear God’s message by different tongues, but they would not believe.  Tongues then are a sign.  Question: A sign to who?  A sign to the unbelieving Jews.  Back in Isaiah’s time, the northern nation of Israel had already been taken captive by the Assyrians who spoke a different tongue.  Isaiah proceeded to warn the southern nation Judah of similar fate by the Babylonians (another foreign tongue).  Now, at Pentecost in Acts 2, the Jews from all over other regions came literally speaking different tongues (languages and dialects) then the Jews who resided in Jerusalem.  Consequently, this speaking in tongues cut at the heart of unbelievers and many at Pentecost came to salvation.  Of course, there are those that interpret this reference to tongues as some unknown utterance (vs. 2).  I have known and respected believers who side on these two major different interpretations.  Some believe that these sign gifts have ceased in today’s time (I Cor. 13).  But no matter how we interpret, the bottom line is, Paul is trying to remind the Corinthians Christians to have a far bigger appreciation for the gift of words that can be understood (prophecy)!  Prophecy here in the New Testament refers more to the spoken word like encouragement, preaching, teaching, although future prophecy can also exist.  I will say, I’ve seen a few state they have the future prophecy gift, but none of those prophecies have come true (Jeremiah 28:9).   And in the last half of our chapter, Paul devotes this section to address orderly worship (vs. 26-40) in the Corinthian church.  I state “Corinthian” church specifically, because in this passage lies a controversial statement about women being silent in the church (vs. 34-35).  As one of my seminarian professors state, the few unclear passages often are made clear by the plethora of clear passages.  So in other words, this reference was a very specific issue addressed to the women due to some cultural aspect we are not privy of understanding.

Regarding application…Building the Church.  Vs. 12, “So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”  Question: Who doesn’t want gifts from God?  Any person who wants to follow the Lord should desire gifts that can help them not only in their life, but in the life of others.  The Corinthians to their credit were eager for gifts, but the mistake was that they were selfish in the process.  Each gift played it’s important part in the body of the church.  We are to excel in gifts that edify each other.  Question: Who are we to dictate, demand or even pray for any specific gift?  My personal thought is that God in His infinite wisdom gives us gift(s) when He needs us to use them.  We are to be agents that use them wisely for the time we have.  It’s a bit insulting to think that God has given you this gift of encouragement, but you look over at your brother who has the gift of preaching and sulk about it.  Let us be people who wisely and with love desire that God would give us the greater gifts that help build His church!

I Corinthians 13

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Vs. 13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  Throughout the ages, we have tried to figure out what love is.  Yet we are given a beautiful description and reminder that it is love that is the greatest of the things we should seek.  In context to what the Corinthians were doing, they were elevating the spiritual gifts so much that they had forgotten the most important thing.  Paul used some of the gifts specifically (tongues, prophecy) and actions of faith and generosity as nothing if they did not put love into the equation.  The love that is used specifically in this chapter is the Greek word: ἀγάπη (agapē), some of you may be familiar with the two other Greek words, “eros and phileo”.  The agape word refers to the Father’s unconditional love towards the Son and us.  In the last part of our chapter (vs. 8-13), Paul compares love as a permanent thing that never ceases to be needed like the spirituals gifts.  Of course, there are two major thoughts regarding the ceasing of certain spiritual gifts (tongues), however, we should not allow these types of things to separate the church, for that is the very reason Paul spent this whole section on love!

Regarding application…What is love?  Vs. 4-8a, “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.”  This world loves to try to define what love is and isn’t.  We must be careful as a Christian community of believers not to fall into a misguided interpretation of this love we are reminded of today.  Love is more than a feeling or a romantic relationship.  We are reminded in I John 4:16 that is God is love.  As Mother’s Day is tomorrow, I can’t think of better example of the type of love that is demonstrated through the love of a mother.  Let this chapter be a catalyst to demonstrate what God’s love is this weekend, especially to your mothers!

I Corinthians 12

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Vs. 1, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.”  Remember, Paul is addressing issues of the way the Corinthians were approaching worship.  Over the next three chapters (12-14), we will see Paul expound upon how the gifts of the Spirit should be exercised in the church.  It’s important to mention a couple of facts: The Corinthian in church was still very young and the influence of the Greek & Roman religions still weighed heavily upon the congregation (vs. 2-3).  The church is a living organism and more importantly the body of Christ.  It is a sad state when we allow gifts to divide rather than unify.  The enemy does what he can to confuse our understanding of gifts and the importance of diversity.  Paul makes it clear that everyone who is a Christian is given a gift (vs. 7).  Our chapter today is not an exhaustive list and Paul does have a couple of other lists in his letters (Romans 12:3-8 & Ephesians 4:7-11).  The issue here is that some were coveting some gifts above others.  But each gift we have comes from the same Spirit (vs. 13).  Paul uses the second half of our chapter sharing with us how each gift is an important part of the body (vs. 12-31).  I love how Paul reminds them that when one part of the body hurts, the whole body hurts with it (vs. 26) and vice versa.

Regarding application…You Belong.  Vs. 27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”  We live in a world where we just want to feel like we belong.  Not only can we belong, but we also can be part of putting the puzzle piece together!  Each of us have something very valuable to offer.  Question: How do I know my spiritual gift?  I remember taking a “Spiritual Gifts” test to try to ascertain what gifts I might have.  But I think there is a better way.  You can begin to know and find encouragement in that gift(s) by starting to be a part of the church.  And when I say, be a part of it, that means being in the community of believers: going to service, bible studies, prayer nights, serving, etc.  The more you are plugged in the more you will begin to discover what God has gifted you in.  You will begin to get affirmation from yourself and others through prayer and practical serving where your gift(s) lie.  You belong.  You are loved.  Let us take hold of the spiritual gifts to help unify and bear witness to the gospel of our Lord Jesus!