Blog -Bible Daily Bread Devotional (BDBD)

Paul ends his letter with typical final greetings. Six exhortations are given:

Aim for perfection

Listen to my appeal

Be of one mind

Live in peace

And the love of God will be with you.

And the peace of God will be with you.

The apostle Paul had instructed the Corinthian congregation to examine themselves. (5) He hoped that they would accept the truth, confess the truth of their sins, fully submit to God’s authority, and change their ways by living in the truth of Christ. (7) This is walking in God’s truth. (1 John 1:6, 2:4, 3:18-20; 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3-4) If these were to happen, Paul would not need to be harsh in the use of the apostolic authority granted him, the authority for building them up. (10)

Truth is reliable and trustworthy. The Bible uses truth in the general factual sense. Truth may designate the fact over appearance, pretense, or assertion. The Lord said through the prophet Zechariah, “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this.” (Zechariah 8:16-17)

Several decades ago, the gospel of reconciliation found in Christ was made clear to me. I accepted it and asked Jesus to be my Savior and Lord, taking total control of my life. Asking Jesus to save me from sin and hell was easy. However, asking Jesus to take total control of my life was scary. I prayed for these, but in my heart I knew that when I asked him to take total control of my life, I was holding back. So I asked him a second time, and I did not hold back any control over my heart and life. I completely stepped into the truth, and I was made perfect that very instant.

Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?” How can I examine and test myself?

Self-examination can be a foreign idea to many even though Jesus taught that prayer and meditation are important. The idea of it certainly was for me in the early days of my relationship with Jesus. Though the idea of self-examination was new to me when I first came to believe in Jesus, I now see that the human mind is examining self-motives and state of being all the time. The results vary depending on my spiritual health and relationship with Jesus.

A difference exists between self-examination in Christ and self-examination in the flesh (outside of Christ). When I allow it, and I am in the right mindset, the Holy Spirit will reveal to me my heart, motives, will, and mind for good change.

Several years ago, I discovered the Christian Examen meditation that is believed to originate from the apostles and the Benedictines. It is based on the truth that Christ is in me all the time and always active in me and my life. I have found the Examen important in my spiritual walk with Jesus.

The Examen contains 5 simple steps that are similar to these. They can be modified a little to your personality.

1. Have a heart of gratitude, examining and thanking God for specific things that he did in the last 24 hours.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what he was doing in my life and character for the last 24 hours.
3. Think about all that I said and did in the last 24 hours, examining what motivated me to say and do those things.
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to forgive me where needed, change my character where needed, help me change behavior where needed, and make amends where needed and is appropriate.
5. Thank the Holy Spirit for all he will do for and in me in the next 24 hours and help me see, understand, and accept it.

The apostle Paul reveals that when he arrives in Corinth, if he finds misconduct, as he fears (13:20), they will all partake in church discipline actions and perhaps some meetings too. Church discipline usually includes a trial (of sorts), judgment, and, if someone is found at fault, correction, rebuke, and even punishment. (1 Corinthians 5:3-5, 13, 11:34; 1 Timothy 1:3, 20; Titus 1:13)

Church discipline is similar to that which was established in the Old Testament and still practiced in synagogues in Paul’s day. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 19:15 regarding the need for two or three witnesses as a reference for church discipline protocol. (1)

The congregation elders’ authority to settle matters within the local congregation is the power of Christ at work among his people, the power of God that also raised Jesus from the dead. (3b-4a) Jesus’ power, Paul insists, was at work within the congregation even before Paul arrived, for he wrote, “…is powerful among you.”

Already in the first letter, Paul instructed that they deal with a man who continued in a terrible sin within church authority. Later, after the man repented, Paul asked that they bring him back into the congregation. (1 Corinthians 14:34) This is an example of church discipline. Paul also told them in that letter to use church authority to make their worship services orderly. (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)

Unfortunately, because the sinful nature is still at work, church discipline will remain necessary until Jesus comes again. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Paul has called the Corinthian congregation his brothers, friends, and children. Paul’s love for them is evident because he did not give up on them. Though they wronged him, did not defend him when he was away, and said they would change their evil ways and then, when he was away, reverted to their sinful lives (20), Paul did not stop helping them keep to the straight and narrow path to the kingdom of God. This is love.

After his initial visit, which launched the congregation, Paul visited them once (soon to be twice) and sent several letters, of which we have two. Paul also sent delegations of well-gifted teachers like Titus. Paul never gave up on them. He never exploited them. He never lorded his authority over them. These are the marks of a disciple of Christ Jesus, one who teaches them well, one who strengthens them. (19)

Paul’s last visit to them was an embarrassment, a painful visit. (2:1) He was hoping for no repeat. He would be humbled because he had bragged about them to other congregations. He feared that if they arrived and were worse than even pagans, he would look foolish for bragging. So, Paul pleaded with them to change their ways and walk the straight and narrow as Jesus taught. These are the marks of a selfless shepherd of God’s people.

“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” (Proverbs 22:22-23) This proverb perhaps sums up Paul’s attitude toward the mission Christ gave him, bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. Not that the members of the Corinthian congregation were financially poor and needy. They were actually one of the wealthiest congregations. They were, however, spiritually poor and needy.

Paul confidently asks them the sarcastic question, “Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you?” The answer is no. He even promised, “I will not be a burden to you,” when he returned.

This is the way of the servants of Christ, which is in stark contrast to fake Christian teachers, the very likes of Paul’s opponents. Apostle Peter says of them, “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2 Peter 2:3)

Jesus did not charge for his teaching, though people did invite him to lunch and supper and to have a place to rest. The apostles did not charge for passing on Jesus’ teaching. The first church lived communally until Stephen was stoned to death. Then they scattered and became self-supporting house churches. Paul and many others maintained an occupation most of the time as they spread the gospel into new lands. What Jesus started, I will continue. I live by faith, not by sight.

Many decades ago, before I came to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, I thought, “If only God would show me miracles. Then I would believe. Yes, a clear miracle. Why doesn’t he do miracles? Then people would believe.” I was ignorant of the power of the sinful nature.

Even if God does a miracle, faith does not immediately and permanently follow. Jesus and the apostles performed miracles that even the greatest sceptic could not rationalize as being a natural occurrence. Yet, many did not believe. Signs, wonders, and miracles accompanied Paul and the other apostles’ message, and people did not believe. Or perhaps they did for a while, then later they fell away from the truth.

Signs, wonders, and miracles accompanied Paul’s ministry of reconciliation. However, while he was away, some split-tongued self-proclaimed snakes came into their congregation, discredited Paul and the gospel he preached, and led them astray. No. Witnessing miracles does not lead to a lifetime of humble faith and obedience. There may be some rare occurrences of this. But after all the miracles Israel witnessed through Moses, the prophets, and then Jesus, wasn’t enough, why ask for a miracle as proof now?

You are not up to the job. You do not have what it takes. You are not pulling your weight. You are the lesser child. While your resume looks impressive, we have moved on to another candidate. Others exist who are smarter, stronger, better skilled, more experienced, have better degrees and credentials, have a better pedigree, look more pleasing, are more sociable, etc., etc., etc. You are a weak candidate. You are useless as is. And yet God says I am the perfect one for his purpose.

Though the world rejects us for these very reasons, we are exactly the type of people God is looking for; we have faith in him. It was not for no reason that Jesus told many, “Your faith has done this.” Since God’s power is made perfect in weakness (9), he chooses the lesser things by worldly standards to shame the greater things. Paul told the Corinthian congregation this in his first letter. (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Moses was rejected by Israel before God sent him to be the one who brought them out of Egypt. Ruth was a cursed Moabite and a widow when God called her to be King David’s grandmother. Esther was a slave girl when God made her the queen of the most powerful nation in the world. David was the least of his family, the least of the Israelites, when God made him the greatest Israelite warrior and king. The twelve apostles were backwater fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and uneducated nobodies when Jesus appointed them to be his messengers to the ends of the earth.

All of these people and more were weak. God made them strong. Paul personally learned this. So he delighted in weakness. He bragged about insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. He was weak. God took a weak vessel and made it strong. Is God weak? Is anything impossible for God? Jesus taught, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37, 18:27) All that is required is faith as small as a mustard seed. (Matthew 17:20)

Paul reveals weakness, “thorn in the flesh” and “messenger of Satan,” as insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. He delights in them for when he pleaded for the “thorn in his flesh” to be taken away, the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God was saying, “No. I will not take the thorn away. Instead, I will give you my love, favor, and strength to endure the thorn.”

God’s divine power, in upholding and supporting his people, is never so glorious as when we are under weaknesses. Peter wrote, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19-21)

Job received a thorn in the flesh at the hands of Satan at the behest of the Lord God. Job did not curse God. Job praised God. He did not like to suffer. He did not welcome it. He questioned why and desired his case be heard. Paul did not rebuke God. Yet he pleaded three times for his thorn to be removed.

A child of God should not be surprised when a thorn of the flesh comes. The Lord may take away. The Lord may not. Either way, we pray and know that through our weakness God’s power is made perfect.

God protected Paul from the pit of conceit (7). Conceit is a word not in much use these days, probably because conceit, vanity, and pride are considered, at best, normal and, at worst, good mindsets. However, conceit ignores some blatant truths about the human condition, that is, my state of being. When self-truths are not accepted, I miss out on God performing character improvements and gaining peace of mind and heart.

Conceit, vanity, and pride ignore God’s providence. I do not live in a self-fulfilling vacuum. I do not have the capability to control everything all at once all the time. In fact, I can control little. I can make decisions. Yet, my decisions do not make what I decide to happen. Many unforeseen things always happen that counter what I decided to do. A wise person can admit, “I spent most of my life planning for things that did not happen the way I planned.” Foolishness is to believe that all the good and great things I do and say are by my design and total control. They happen because God wills them to happen.

Then there are the bad decisions that I make. The misspoke word, the promise I made and did not keep, the good thing I could have and should have done and did not, and then there is the wrong thing I chose to do and did not stop. Conceit ignores these and robs me of allowing God to create a godly character in me and thus gain contentment and rest.

Paul had experienced and done a lot of amazing things. He is the man who went to the third heaven (1-5). God performed miracles through him. He would have become conceited if God did not give him a thorn in his flesh, a small messenger of Satan, to torment him (7). Paul wanted it to stop. He could not make it stop. He asked God to stop it. He did not. God revealed why the pain stayed. It kept him from becoming conceited.

I too have asked God to do things that were not answered in the way I asked and wanted. Perhaps they too are to keep me from being conceited and proud. God’s NO can be good even though it means I will endure some pain.

Apostle Paul is going out of his way again and again not to go beyond a line where he would actually be boasting. He approaches the line from many directions. Yet, he does not go beyond it. I tire of counting the number of attempts Paul takes in making his point without crossing that line.

Humility and self-control within wisdom is the mark of a man who has a sincere and frank fear of his Lord. The only person who excelled beyond Paul’s capacity was Christ Jesus, who without limit responded to continual attacks against his person, personality, and ministry with grace and truth.

Verses 5 and 6 appear to be a hidden claim that he is the man who was brought to paradise, whereas in verse 7 he makes it clear that he is indeed the man. Verse 7 is also clear that the fear of the Lord’s discipline was real for Paul, for he was given a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him from conceit. So, Paul was very careful with his words, talking in the third person for most of this letter while at the same time keeping the desire to help the Corinthian congregation to stop listening to pseudo-Christians.

The Lord has done many amazing things in my life. I have shared some of them with others when asked to share my life testimony. I am not comfortable with revealing some things because of how people responded in the past. Also, following the example of humility set by Christ, I do not want to draw attention to myself, but to his exceeding grace and compassion. I seek the Lord’s wisdom not to go beyond limits that establish that I am not the focus, but instead Christ Jesus is, his exceeding grace to me.

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Paul continues his peculiar boasting. Most boast of strength, beauty, intelligence, skill, and wealth. Paul’s boasting is peculiar because he only mentions weakness. (30) Why? His weakness glorifies the superabundant strength of the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever and ever. (31)

Paul mentions one example from his far past, perhaps the first since his encounter with Christ Jesus. It was after he was traveling to Damascus and came to faith in Jesus. Acts 9:19b-25 and Galatians 1:11-18 also record the event. Paul remained in Damascus after meeting Jesus until he had strength. Then he went into the Arabian Desert to learn from Jesus and later returned to Damascus. Paul preached in the synagogue, proving that Jesus is the Christ, baffling the Jews. The Jews conspired to kill him, persuading King Aretas to have the city of the Damascenes guarded to arrest Paul. He escaped by being lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through their hands. Paul’s weakness reveals God’s superabundant strength.

So today and every day I can review my weaknesses and discover God’s superabundant strength. How am I, or was I, in a situation where every exit to the city is death? I’m trapped. Then God provided a window and a basket so I could escape. Surely I can boast of my weaknesses and God’s superabundant strength in deliverance.

Understand the enemy. God appointed Satan a seat of authority. He left. He is the chief of the devils, and in that he has been granted some temporary authority, but not the same authority as before. (2:11, 4:4; Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Chronicles 21:1; 2 Samuel 24:1; Job 1:6-16, 2:1-7; Zechariah 3:1-2; Matthew 4:1-11, 12:24; John 12:31, 13:30; Ephesians 2:2; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 5:8) He is an apostate angel, assuming the appearance of an angel. So, his followers seek authority and are sometimes granted it.   

1. Satan’s False Power: He can assume whatever aspect he pleases. He can dissemble, and appear to be eminently pious. He is the prince of duplicity as well as of wickedness; and it is the consummation of bad power for an individual to be able to assume any character which he pleases.
2. Satan’s False Art: He is long practiced in deceitful arts. For thousands of years he has been practicing the art of delusion; and with him it is perfect.
3. Satan’s False Piety: We are not to suppose that all that appears to be piety is piety. Some of the most plausible appearances of piety are assumed by Satan and his ministers. None ever professed a profounder regard for the authority of God than Satan did when he tempted the Savior, Jesus Christ. And if the prince of wickedness can appear to be an angel of light, we are not to be surprised if those who have the blackest hearts appear to be men of most eminent piety.
4. Satan’s False Tongue: We should be on our guard. We should not listen to suggestions merely because they appear to come from a pious man, nor because they seem to be prompted by a regard to the will of God. We may be always sure that if we are to be tempted, it will be by someone having a great appearance of virtue and religion.
5. Satan’s False Holiness: We are not to expect that Satan will appear to man to be as bad as he is. He hardly ever shows himself openly to be a spirit of pure wickedness; or dark and abominable in his character; or full of evil, and hateful. He would thus defeat himself. It is for this reason that wicked men do not believe that there is such a being as Satan. Though continually under his influence, and “led captive by him at his will,” yet they neither see him nor the chains which lead them, nor are they willing to believe in the existence of the one or the other.

Credentials of a True Ministry. Paul, in response to claims from false apostles in Corinth, will present a positive testimony of his credentials in this section. In the first half of the chapter, he exposed the false apostles in Corinth, for they were preaching “another gospel” and discredited his apostleship.

Paul presents a positive testimony of credentials as a true minister of Christ. In earlier portions of the letter, he has compared himself with the false apostles, but not as thoroughly and specifically as he does in this passage. The subject has been building up to this climax, and Paul now feels compelled to submit a lengthy document of self-authentication (12:11). His motives in doing so remain selfless and constructive.

It is for the Corinthians’ sake that he is now going to match boldness with boldness, so that, acknowledging afresh what they have been tempted to forget, namely the HE IS THEIR TRUE GOSPELLER, they may reject the false apostles and their teachings and abide in the pure Christian truth in which they had been so earnestly instructed by him.

Often in my life, before I can take another step in my walk of faith, I need to remember some things and forget others. Often the things to forget are some new things I’ve heard and learned, and often the things to remember are things I learned long ago. Let us not forget what Christ has done, keep hope for what he will do, and be thankful for what he is doing right now.

A cult is a religion or religious sect of Christianity generally considered to be extremist and false, with its followers often living unconventionally under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. Apostle Paul refers to the leaders as apostles and workmen, but calls them false, deceitful, and masqueraders. They are the same as Satan, the Adversary, as his name means, who disguises himself as an angel of light. Like him, the deceptive false pastors disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (15)

Some traits of a cult are imposing rituals, rules, and punishments, often extreme. Obedience proves loyalty, and disobedience proves disloyalty that is usually dealt with publicly. Another common trait is special privilege for the elite, including access to wealth and possessions that are limited for others. Another common trait has to do with sex and marriage that does not conform to the Bible. One final trait is a lack of love and an oversupply of strife and interpersonal problems. Paul deals with these problems in the Corinthian congregation because that is what the false apostles and teachers had brought with their teachings.

The best way to deal with being in a cult is to leave. Many remain in one despite being miserable for several reasons, one being a deep-seated belief that “the world outside” is full of trouble, hardship, and evil people. They forget that they are already experiencing that and more. They delude themself in believing they can change the cult from within. This has never happened in history. Never. Leave; go to a congregation committed to Jesus, love, and truth. Pray for those who remain to be saved. (John 10:25-30; 1 John 3:10, 16-20)

How did Paul identify the “super-apostles” and their gospel as false? How can I identify a false Jesus, a false Spirit, and a false gospel? The Corinthian congregation did not have a New Testament as I do. Most had not been written down in a codex (the precursor to the bound book). They did have Paul’s letters like 1 & 2 Thessalonians, James’ letter, and the apostles’ verbal teachings relaying what Jesus taught. The gospels were still being written. Paul wanted them to weigh the “super-apostles” teachings against the ones the apostles were teaching, the Spirit they received, and the gospel they heard and believed from the beginning (4).

Paul reminded them of the gospel they first heard and took their stand in his first letter to them in chapter 15. According to 11:22 in this letter, the “super-apostles” were Jews presenting a Jesus cast in the mold of Judaistic teaching. They focused on ceremony, keeping to Old Covenant Laws, and Jewish traditions to earn salvation. These are part of a false gospel, and they go against Jesus’ teachings.

The method of presentation is not as important as what is presented. (6) Paul was not a trained speaker, using the skills, references, and flourishes of professional rhetoric. His adversaries used a professional type of oratory as their stock in trade. Paul’s gift was knowledge, not only of Christ and Scriptures, but of human nature and the world God created.

So, as I listen and read what people who claim to be Christian present, I need to weigh it against the Bible, especially what the apostles wrote in the New Testament, for Jesus fulfilled and nullified the Old Testament. In doing so, I will not be led astray.

Apostle Paul had finished the previous chapter by boasting about his ministry of reconciliation, which led to their faith in Christ and the formation of the Corinthian congregation (10:12-18). He acknowledged that the Lord Jesus made everything possible and did all the real work (10:17-18). Paul knew that boasting was foolishness, but his reason to do so had the intent to bring those in the congregation back to sound thinking and faith. (1)

Paul supplies a common Biblical illustration to enforce his intent. He equated himself as a best man, as John the Baptist had, and a father of the bride who walks his daughter to the groom during a wedding ceremony (unique to Christianity). (2) A father presents his daughter as a virgin bride to his soon-to-be son-in-law. She is radiant and pure. Paul had earlier stated he would brag about them during his examination before Christ’s judgment seat. He wants to present them pure and blameless to Christ (2).

Men came to their congregations claiming to be “super-apostles”. They were deceiving the congregation with a serpent’s cunning tongue. (3) Paul was afraid that the congregation would be deceived as Eve was, and she sinned. They needed their feet cleaned, just as Jesus cleaned the feet of his apostles during the Last Supper. (John 13:10-11) Paul bragged about his mission of reconciliation while he was with them to change their minds and hearts. (3)

Is my heart pure? Do I need my feet clean? Time always exists to examine every part of my mind and heart to see what needs to be cleaned. The Holy Spirit reveals the need for change and gives me the will, power, and ability to do it.

There is a time for everything, including boasting. A day will come when we will be able to boast about our work obeying the gospel. The time of the gospel is when efforts are made to expand the work of the gospel. Paul would boast, but only within the field God had assigned to him (13). His field was assigned when the Lord Jesus called him. He was sent to the Gentiles, and throughout his ministry, the Holy Spirit led him to the field where he was to share the gospel and raise those who believed to grow into mature believers in Jesus.

Paul got as far as Corinth in his ministry of reconciliation. (14) He had not yet gone beyond to Rome and Spain, though he wanted and prayed to. (15a; Romans 15:23-33) he hoped that as the congregation in Corinth continued to grow, his area of activity among then will greatly expand, so that he would entrust the leadership to the local congregation and move on to other places. (15b-16)

So when is the day to boast of the gospel work? The time to boast of the work done is at the judgment seat of Christ. All must stand before Jesus and give an account of the things done while in the flesh. Several of Jesus’ parables teach this. (Luke 16:2) Romans 14:10-12 says, “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Hebrews 13:17 says leaders “must give an account.” Will you be able to boast that you advanced the gospel?

A way to self-improve is to use comparative analysis. Comparative analysis is taking two or more things and comparing how they are alike and different. Some people use comparative analysis for self-improvement, and unfortunately, others use it for self-condemnation. A wise competitive runner and swimmer compare their times from one trial to the next to determine whether their training regimen is improving.

A human habit that knows no bounds of time, society, and race is comparing ourselves with others. In particular, we compare our actions with others. The self-delusional person who believes they are the pinnacle of perfection will compare themselves to themselves, meaning they measure themselves by their own rules, which they can easily keep. The one-eyed do not compare themselves to people with two eyes; they compare themselves with the blind. They compare themselves to birds of a feather and say, “Aren’t I fine!” Worse yet, they compare themselves with a false standard and look down on those who did not follow the false standard.

The false teachers and prophets in Corinth were unwisely using comparative analysis in these false ways and commending themselves. Paul would have nothing to do with it.

Can a Christian utilize comparative analysis correctly? Besides the one already mentioned, yes! We can compare ourselves to Christ Jesus. We can determine if our thoughts and actions mimic those of Christ. I can keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:15-17)

How many have been accused of making pretenses or false advertising and proven true? How many claim to be one thing and are not, motivated by ill profit? People at one time said, “What you see is what you get.” Often what is presented is not what is promised and expected. So, we go about not believing what is said, and when someone says, “Their bark is worse than their bite,” we believe it. These truths are learned in every generation, including Paul’s.

While Paul was away from Corinth for nearly two years, some well-dressed, slick tongues came into the congregation saying, “Paul’s letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive, and his speaking amounts to nothing.” (10) They were doing all they could to get their hands on the offering collected for the poor.

Paul’s speech and writing were plain, straightforward, and free from artificiality. Paul did not charge for his letters or oratory. The charitable gift was not for himself. So his detractors said, “His words are worthless,” meaning he couldn’t get a cent for it, so he gives it free of charge. “He talks tough, but he is a weakling in person.”

“Not so,” replies Paul. (11) When I arrive, if you keep this lip smacking up, you will realize your error and their deception.

From the beginning, some thirty years ago, I decided that FreeBibleStudyHelp.com would not charge, not advertise, and not collect and sell personal information. I also decided to present the Bible study materials as it says, without denominational influence, and not to sweeten it so more people would come. As time has passed, I am not ashamed of that decision, and I still work at keeping to that personal promise even though people don’t pay for things; they often get the impression that it is cheap. So, be it. FreeBibleStudyHelp.com will remain free, and the truth will be presented even though sometimes Jesus’ words, “Repent or perish,” are kept on the site.

In times such as ours, when authority is misused in government, business, education, and even the church, I need to set an example of what God says about authority. Paul stated clearly that the Lord came to him in a vision while he was on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus. Jesus told him to go to Damascus, and he would be told what he must do. Paul obeyed, learned of his mission, and thus received the authority for it. (Acts 9:1-18)

Paul said that God gives authority, “for building you up rather than pulling you down.” The primary purpose of Paul’s apostolic authority is constructive, for building up, not destructive, for pulling down (the same statement is made again in 13:10). The demands he makes in his letters are written so that they may put right what is amiss and so that things may be proper for his arrival, thus removing the need for severe action (pulling down) and preparing the way for edification (building up).

All authority is located in God is the uniform witness of the Bible. People possess authority only as the Lord gives it (Rom. 13:1). Religious authority derives from the authority of the Father, as that authority is revealed in the Son, manifested by the Holy Spirit, and given to the church and the world through the Bible. While different approaches to that authority existed in church history and are practiced today, Scripture says all legitimate authority comes directly or indirectly from God.

Such a position will have obvious implications for contemporary Christian faith and practice. The church and its ministry possess genuine religious authority only as they serve the mission of Jesus in faithfulness to the Bible and in building up the church (Matt. 28:18-20). The Christian accepts the truth of Scripture as authoritative by faith, and the command of Scripture as authoritative in obedience, and so demonstrates love for the Lord (John 14:15).

Who is on the side of the truth of Christ and who is not can be determined by the weapons they utilize. Words are the weapons of both sides. Jesus told Pilate that the reason he was born, the reason he came into the world, was to testify to the truth. (John 18:37) Jesus’ double-edged sword is the word coming from his sharp tongue. (Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16, 2:12, 16, 19:15, 21) The weapons of this world (Satan and his followers) are lies (often sprinkled with truth), deception, gossip, quarreling, satire, sarcasm, and cruel words. (12:20; Proverbs 16:28, 19:22, 20:19; John 8:44; 2 John 1:7)

The motivation that compels one to speak determines what is said. How words are said may not be as determinate as what is being said, for lies can be stated with a soft, sweet tongue and the truth can be shouted from the wilderness (Matthew 3:1, 7-12; Luke 3:7-9, 18-19).

The motivation of those representing the truth of Christ is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). The motivation of those not on the side of truth is “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

Though the people of the truth live in the world, meaning interacting with others, we do not wage war as the world does. (3) Jesus commands me to interact with the world as his ambassador, witnessing to the truth. So examine myself. How do I engage with the world? What are my motives? I have been given divine power to demolish strongholds through the word of God. (4b) Is my heart and mind engaged properly in battles?

Is Apostle Paul making a threat, a warning, or presenting a proposal to the Corinthian congregation in these two verses? Since he is begging them (2), Paul is not threatening them. So, is this a warning or proposal?

Since Paul confesses that his words are in the meekness and gentleness of Christ, this is not even a warning. Rather, Paul is giving them a chance to correct those who have been claiming he lives “by the standards of the world”.

What did they mean by claiming Paul lived “by the standards of this world”? Other translations include “according to the flesh”, “in an unspiritual way”, and “guided by human motives”. The meaning depends on who is making the claim. The rest of the chapter through chapter 12 makes it clear that legalistic judgment teachers are saying that Paul is living sinfully, meaning he does not keep the Law given through Moses. The religious leaders made the same claim about Jesus, and soon they would try to kill Paul in Jerusalem because he “teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place.” (Acts 21:28)

Even today, some who claim Christ cannot or do not distinguish between the rules of men, the former Old Covenant, and the superior New Covenant made in the blood of Christ. They honor the old and set aside the new, and anyone who does not live by their rules, they make the same claim as Apostle Paul’s detractors. Not only that, they sit in the seat of judgment, condemning all who “violate the laws of Moses”. When the one appointed to judge by God comes, what will he say? I need to keep my heart meek and gentle by remaining yoked with Jesus. (Matthew 11:29)

Paul expends most of the chapter explaining and defending his ministry of reconciliation. Others, especially from within the church, were trying to undermine him and his ministry. Verses 3 through 6 stand out. Here Paul defines his work allegorically. He sees his ministry as a spiritual war.

Jesus told his disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 6:15-16) Paul’s mission obeyed this imperative. Specifically, Jesus told him through Ananias at the mission call, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15-16)

Paul equates preaching the good news and proclaiming Jesus’ name as waging a spiritual war. When I do so, whether through word or action, I am fighting the good fight.

Human war in this world physically destroys, harms, tears down, and kills. The weapons used to fight a physical battle include the tongue, hands, legs, swords, arrows, guns, gas, bombs, and many other types of physical malicious devices. The spiritual war does not use these weapons (4).

The spiritual fight is with words and loving actions. Whenever I follow Jesus’ example and apply his teaching, I am using spiritual weapons. Jesus’s words are divine power ready for my use (5), but only when led by the Spirit in love.

I do not always want to fight the good fight. Sometimes I am tired, lazy, and selfish. It is then that I become vulnerable to defeat. Thank God that he is the source of unending power. When I am weak, He is strong and enables me to fight on.

Paul compares charitable giving to a farmer sowing seeds. He borrowed and expounded upon Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower”. (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 14:1-14; Luke 8:1-15) In that parable, a farmer scattered seed on four different types of soil. Only one produced a crop. The point of the parable is to be the good soil that produces a crop.

Paul expounded on being the good soil that produced a hundredfold crop and included the concept behind the “Parable of Ten Minas” (Luke 19:11-27). The point of that parable was to make a great profit from what the Lord God has given.

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”. (6; Proverbs 11:18, 22:9) Through God’s abounding grace, God can enable each Christian to abound in generous deeds. The pockets of frequent hands that give to the needy do not wear out.

Steady steps walk a mile. One mile turns into two, so soon, tens of thousands of footsteps, reach the goal.

The Corinthian congregation, as soon as they received news that fellow congregations in Judea were experiencing a drought and persecution, responded by preparing a donation. Sometime later, evil people entered their congregation, posing as important church leaders, and convinced them to keep the money for themselves because the report had been falsified by the Apostle Paul. The Corinthian congregation believed the false teachers’ lies and stopped collecting the charitable collection. They stopped their promised walk.

A year later, Paul sent word that other congregations were finishing up their collection and would soon arrive in Corinth to combine their offerings into one lump sum. What should have been an easy walk if they had set aside proper time now turned into a running march against time to reach their promised goals. They would fall into embarrassment if they didn’t collect what they had promised.

Therefore, Apostle Paul wrote, “I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.” (5) Do not put off to tomorrow what can be done today.

Understanding what transpired before Paul wrote this letter clarifies an important concept Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 21:28-32. Paul had learned of the drought and persecutions the congregations in Judea and Jerusalem had experienced a year before this letter. The Lord inspired Paul to collect a charitable gift from the Gentile congregations. So he sent word out, hoping they would voluntarily provide financial assistance to their brothers and sisters in Christ. The Corinthian congregation was the first to respond affirmatively.

The congregation gave a series of questions to Titus, asking him to give them to Paul to answer. Upon delivering the questions, Titus told Paul that Corinth had begun collecting the charitable gift. Paul answered Corinth’s questions with 1st Corinthians. Titus delivered the letter, which was received well. However, Titus noticed that they had stopped collecting the charitable gift. He reported this to Paul as well as information about the false prophets and teachers. Paul responded with 2nd Corinthians. In 8:10-11, he encouraged them to finish the work of collecting the offering. Starting without finishing is unacceptable and embarrassing.

Jesus taught this to the religious leaders in the “Parable of the Two Sons” (Matthew 21:28-32). Jesus concluded with, “‘Which of the two did what his father wanted?’

“‘The first,’ they answered.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.'”

The religious leaders looked like they started well. But because they did not finish by accepting the Messiah, they would not enter the kingdom of God. Listen to what Jesus teaches. Finish your walk of faith.

The Bible distinguishes between charity and tithing. Tithing is giving ten percent back to what God has graciously given. Tithing can require faith at times. Yet still, tithing is a command, and not without God’s promise. (Leviticus 27:30-33; Malachi 3:8-12) Tithing predates the Old Covenant law, as Cain and Abel presented offerings to the Lord God before the flood. (Genesis 4:1-7)

Apostle Paul was not gathering a tithe to send off to the head church. This did not exist until a few centuries later. Rather, Paul was arranging a charitable gift to the poor and needy in Jerusalem and Judea. Charity is as ancient as tithing. Abraham displayed charity by providing food for three traveling strangers. (Genesis 18:1-8)

Paul did not command the congregation to make a collection for the poor in another nation, for it was charity. (8) Rather, to protect their honor, he encouraged them to keep the promise they made a year earlier and finish what they started. The other churches knew of their promised commitment. If they did not follow through, they would be humiliated by the poorer congregations in Macedonia who eagerly and joyfully gave. (10-12)

After reminding Corinth of Jesus’ willingness to leave riches to go to poverty for our sake (9), Paul advises them to give as they are able within their means, and in the future, the riches the Jewish believers in Jesus have will help them. (14-15) Consider this: charity forced in any way, including humiliation and rebuke, is not giving in love, and is therefore turning into an obligation. For charity without love is not charity at all.

Apostle Paul concluded his previous thoughts by saying in 7:12-16 that he had bragged to Titus before he delivered the first letter to Corinth about the congregation at Corinth. Paul said they were devoted to him and would follow his direction, as hard as it was. Paul told Titus they would, and their positive response to Paul’s first letter refreshed Titus. When this report reached Corinth in the second letter, the Corinthian congregation’s pride was bolstered.

Then, with bolstered pride, in 8:1-7, Paul bragged about the Macedonian churches’ offering for the poor in Judea. First-century Greeks were loyal and proud first and foremost of their cities. The Macedonian churches were in cities less wealthy than Corinth. Paul said the congregation was “extremely poor”. (2) They had also experienced greater persecution than Corinth (2). Still, the Macedonian churches gave freely, joyously, and generously. Paul said they “urgently pleaded for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints” (4).

Paul sent Titus back to Corinth with this message and stated, “See that you also excel in this grace of giving”. (7) Paul seems to be using competitive pride to compel the congregation at Corinth further to do the right thing.

The Ancient Greek Olympian and Corinth Isthmian games were as competitive as modern sports. Paul directly or indirectly used competition for positive results. Some might consider this wrong, but here seems to be an example where Paul did not. Competition can be used for good, but like everything else, competition can also be used incorrectly.

Challenge someone to a duel of reading the Bible in a year, or praying daily for a common goal in a given amount of time, or visiting a hospital, prison, or hospice together every day for a month in the name of Christ. Hold each other accountable. Isn’t this an example of positive competition?

Paul is continuing the instruction of giving to the poor, suffering believers in Judea that he started in chapter 8. The principle that when I give to the poor, God supplies me back and increases my money and makes me more profitable is introduced (12). This is true. Yet, not all the time is it applied correctly.

What I mean is this: the believers in Judea were poor. The Gentile believers had money. Does that mean that the Judeans did not have faith in Jesus or that God was not pleased with them and their giving? No. Does this mean that God was happier with the Gentiles and their giving? No.

Jesus was poor, and he is the Son of God. The apostles were poor, handpicked by Jesus, and God performed miracles through them. My faith should not be measured by my wealth. If this were a true measure, then Caesar and Hitler were blessed more than everyone. They were not. They were evil.

I should not give to the poor as a measure of my spirituality nor as a financial investment (6-7). I have heard messages that present these false beliefs. Rather, I should give lovingly because someone is in need. I am to be happy to help, and I should not be concerned that God won’t meet my needs too.

The eastern shore of the Mediterranean was experiencing a drought. The Judean churches were experiencing hardships not only because of the drought but also because they were ousted from the synagogues, forbidden from taking some jobs (i.e., priests), and became social outcasts. Paul was coordinating a free-will gift from the Gentile churches to help their brothers in the Lord in Judea (4, 10).

Charity is something that Jesus taught his people through his life and in his words. Jesus created everything. His Father gave him everything. He is the ruler of all. He could have done anything he wanted. He chose to leave everything to save me and the whole world. Though the Lord Jesus Christ was rich, yet for my sake, he became poor, so that through his poverty I became rich (9). Humanly I am not rich. In fact, I am quite poor. Yet spiritually I am rich, and when my physical body ends I will be a co-owner of everything.

God does not want anyone to give charity beyond their ability (12). I am not to make myself poor so that the poor might be made rich (14-15). Many become rich at the expense of others in the name of charity and in the name of God. Just because God is mentioned in a charity pitch does not make it from God, nor does it make it holy, right, and good. Also, giving money and time may be harmful to the one I give to. So I am careful in my charity giving.

Ancient Christian Steps -based on John Cassian’s (360-435 A.D.) “The Rule of the Master” (5th century A.D.), the source of St. Benedict’s (480-530 A.D.) “12 Steps of Humility”, chapter 7 of the book “The Rule” (6th century A.D.). John Cassian’s concepts are drawn from the ascetic traditions of the “Egyptian Desert Fathers,” monks who date back to the 2nd century A.D., and are based on Luke’s Gospel, Proverbs, and 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

A. Receive the Gospel

B. Accept the Gospel

1. Accept and be sorry for self induced sinned, separating oneself from the Loving God, and inability to do anything to remove that sin with one’s own ability. Fear God’s judgment of my guilt.   
2. Accept that only the Benevolent God can remove my sin and guilt through Jesus’ selfless sacrifice in my place. Accept the Gracious God’s unmerited forgiveness.   
3. Admit my sin and helpless state to Merciful God, knowing Righteous God is just in his judgment. Humble yourself before Almighty God.   
4. Ask Righteous and Loving God to remove my sin and give hope for eternal life in union with Christ Jesus. Ask for forgiveness for all sin. Ask Just God to establish a righteous relationship with him through his One and Only Son, Jesus.   
5. Ask Omnipotent God to take absolute and total control of my life. State, “I submit all control of my life totally over to the One and Only Lord God Almighty. I will obey God’s will and word.”

C. Begin Active Change

1. Pray, read and study the Holy Bible, meditate on God and the Bible, and worship God your Father regularly.   
2. Attend a Bible-believing and loving congregation for corporate worship and fellowship.   
3. Persevere in the strength of God’s Spirit during hardship, persecution, and trouble. Remember the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus.   
4. Take a moral inventory according to the Bible, admitting wrong especially regarding your actions toward other people. Morality’s basis is Jesus’ love and righteousness.   
5. Ask God to help working to stop doing wrong and start doing right. Make positive changes, especially regarding love towards others and hating sin in yourself.   
6. Ask God to help make needed character changes as you make positive changes.   
7. Seek to make amends with people harmed because of your sinful and selfish ways, but only when they are open to it.   
8. Help people in love and respect as God directs. Find God’s place for you to serve his church, even in minimal tasks, not for self-benefit, but for the benefit of others, whether all or for one.   
9. Be ready to kindly and respectfully share your faith in Jesus and what you believe, defend the weak and helpless, and refrain from selfish praise.   
10. Dress and appear modestly while not being eccentric so that your presentation does not hinder your witness about Jesus and what you believe.

Lately, I have come to passages in this letter that I find hard to apply or make fresh. This is one of them. Paul tends to repeat himself, as he does in 2-4. Added to that, the subject matter started in 2:12-13; Paul has deviated from it until now, when he returns to it in 7:5-7.

So, here is a synopsis of worthy points from verses 2-4: wrong no one, corrupt no one, exploit no one, and condemn no one. Opposing these are: live and die for others, have great confidence in believers, be greatly encouraged by another’s faith, and in all our troubles our joy knows no bounds.

Concerning the last declaration, “in all our troubles our joy knows no bounds,” Paul expands upon that in verses 5-7. Paul stated in 2:14-15 that after he wrote the first letter to the congregation at Corinth, he began his circular trip to the congregations to collect the aid offering for the poor in Jerusalem. He had no peace of mind then because he was hoping to get a report about Corinth’s reception of the first letter from Titus. However, Titus was not in Troas, so he lacked peace.

Also, he says his body had no rest, but was harassed on every turn (5). Yet, here Paul declares that, despite these and other troubles, his joy knows no bounds. This reminds me of the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). God comforts the downcast (6). The takeaway to personalize is a contradiction believers experience, as Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble… my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid… take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 14:27, 16:33)

If Apostle Paul was a coward in his youth, the power of God overcame his cowardice as a servant of God. Paul did not show ignoble fear in the face of troubles, hardships, and distress. (4b) God enabled Paul to have great endurance.

Three troubles Paul lists that he endured are beatings, imprisonments, and riots. (5a) Only a few months earlier, while in Ephesus, a riot broke out due to a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of the idol Artemis. Demetrius was losing money because people were renouncing paganism and becoming Christians. Paul was forced to leave the city he had made his home for several years. (Acts 19:1-20:1. See also Acts 16:22 for beatings.)

Three hardships Paul lists here are hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger. (5b) Paul was a layman missionary. (Acts 18:1-4) His often forced travels caused him to sleep in the wilderness, which left him sleepless and hungry. (Acts 16:6-12, 17:10, 14-15)

Apostle Paul does not detail the distress he endured. The Greek noun Paul used for distress describes the emotional and spiritual anguish of being trapped by oppressive circumstances with no room to move or escape, resulting in feelings of severe distress or calamity. Rather than stating the distresses he endured due to the troubles and hardships, Paul states the opposing forces God gave him to combat the distress. Verse 6 states some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: purity, understanding, patience, kindness, and love. (John 14:26, 15:26; Galatians 5:22-23)

God does not raise cowards who watch as others propagate hate, subvert the truth, and deceive people into believing lies, as some were doing in Corinth. God does not abandon his children to troubles, hardships, and distresses without means to overcome. To many who proclaim the name among those they trust, are quiet and cower among those they do not know.

Paul wanted to live an exemplary life so as not to discredit the ministry of reconciliation he was called to. (4, 5:18) If I talk the talk but do not walk the walk, then, as people notice my contradictory walk, they will not listen to my reconciliatory talk. When I repeat Jesus’ message of turning to God, but show that I have not turned to God, then why would they turn to God?

Living the walk that Jesus taught in a world that continues to fall into the pit of hate towards those who live to please Christ is one that faces troubles, hardships, and distress. The world shames us for doing the right thing. We are tempted to leave stumbling blocks in their path. However, Jesus says, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.” (Luke 17:1-3)

So, as servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way. (4a) The apostles not only gave no offense in anything, but they labored to manifest themselves to be the genuine ministers of God, in much patience, bearing calmly up under the most painful and oppressive afflictions. Jesus tells us, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:17; John 15:20-21)

Every human who has ever lived has experienced events they never wanted to happen, whether self-imposed or due to nothing they had done or failed to do. In this world, everyone has troubles. Added to that some suffer from frequent depression. Troubles rebuff even the strongest souls.

Jesus’ apostles experienced perhaps some of the worst life events. Paul lists some of his life pains here. They included troubles, hardships, distress, beatings, imprisonment, riots, hard work, sleeplessness, hunger, dishonor, bad report, being regarded as an impostor, being unknown, dying, sorrow, poverty, and having nothing. Paul lists his responses in these verses.

My response to everything that happens to me, whether wanted or unwanted, is important. I can choose now not to let future events dictate my response to them. I could attempt to train my will to be set to positive and my mind to be alert ahead of time. I could commend my soul to be preset to “great endurance” (4). I would do this as a mental and emotional wall to guard against attacks on my positive inner well-being.

As wise as that sounds, I have come to realize that an attitude of no surrender to any future troubling hardships is sometimes not enough. Some mornings, I wake up feeling refreshed and strong-willed. The wall of defense is strong.

Other mornings, I wake up feeling like buttered popcorn left out all night. I wake up fatigued and melancholy. I have never been a morning person. Even on the mornings when I am raring to take on and overcome any obstacle, there is always the possibility that a major unexpected tragedy that no one could muscle up a strong will to overcome will transpire. What then?

Paul wrote here that he endured, “in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (6) and “in the power of God” (7). I have discovered that every morning, especially the melancholy ones, when I turn my mind, my emotions, and my will to God even for a minute or 30, the soul’s wall of defense is built on solid rock. It is less likely to fall, and I will be less likely to be overrun by deadly emotions and thoughts.

Jesus taught in a parable that he is a solid rock to build on. Going daily to Jesus before troubles come, I will not be overcome because my wall of defense is built on solid ground. I will not be destroyed. (Matt. 7:24-27) “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalms 18:2, 27:5, 40:2, 62:4)