2 Corinthians, Chapter 2

 

2 Corinthians 2 Why did Paul decide not to come to the believers in Corinth again until he first wrote this letter to them? What did he want them to work out before he came to them and why? vs.1-11 Paul wrote, so that when he came, he would not have sorrow from those who ought to make him rejoice. v.1 That’s why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to both of us. v.2 If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me? v.3 That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming—so I wouldn’t have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you. [MSG] Paul wanted them to forgive and comfort the man they were all punishing so that the man wouldn't be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.  They were to reaffirm their love for the man. If forgiveness was not given to the one who had caused sorrow to Paul and the others, who would be using the circumstance to weaken them? vs.11 satan;  Forgive ... so that no advantage would be taken of us by satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. When Paul had doors open for the gospel's message in Troas, why couldn't his spirit rest? vs. 13 He didn't find Titus there. Where did he go after that? vs. 13 Paul went on to Macedonia. What did Paul say God manifests through them wherever they may be, whether among the believers or the non-believers? vs.14-16 The sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ was manifested through them; the fragrance of Christ to God; an aroma of death to the non-believers and an aroma of life to the believers. Paul acknowledged that he was inadequate for the task of sharing Christ with all men, but what did he know about the motive of his heart before the Lord? vs. 16-17. In Christ, we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. Application Are you ignorant of Satan's schemes among us today? Is there someone that you need to forgive or someone that needs you to reaffirm your love to them so that they will not be overcome with excessive sorrow? Do we realize our battle is not with flesh and blood but against principalities from the evil one to cause division and dissension among us? What are some situations you can work on personally today to have victory rather than defeat that the enemy has designed for you? Has a door for the Gospel opened to you where you live? Does your spirit have rest to minister there? Is there somewhere else you should go instead? Are you seeking God about all your opportunities that are open before you? Have you thought about the fact that you are a sweet aroma of Christ to God when you are allowing the fragrance of Christ to manifest to the believers and to the non-believers whether they go from life to life or death to death - your service is to God and your life is a sweet aroma to Him? How are you blessing the nostrils of God today? Where do you get the strength to keep forgiving and reaffirming love to others? How do you continue to fight the good fight of faith, love, and forgiveness in order to continue to serve the Lord and His kingdom? Have you realized like Paul that your adequacy is in Christ alone? Extra Notes Love puts others first (vv. 1–4). In Christian ministry, those who bring us great joy can also create for us great sorrow; and this was what Paul was experiencing. He wrote them a stern letter, born out of the anguish of his own heart, and bathed in Christian love. His great desire was that the church might obey the Word, discipline the offender, and bring purity and peace to the congregation. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6). Paul knew that his words would wound those he loved, and this brought pain to his heart. But he also knew (as every loving parent knows) that there is a big difference between hurting someone and harming him. Sometimes those who love us must hurt us in order to keep us from harming ourselves. Love also seeks to help others grow (vv. 5–6). Church discipline is not a popular subject or a widespread practice. Too many churches sweep such things “under the rug” instead of obeying the Scriptures and confronting the situation boldly by “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). “Peace at any price” is not a biblical principle, for there cannot be true spiritual peace without purity (James 3:13–18 ). Problems that are “swept under the rug” have a way of multiplying and creating even worse problems later on. Love forgives and encourages (vv. 7–11). Paul urged the church family to forgive the man, and he gave solid reasons to back up this admonition. To begin with, they were to forgive him for his own sake, “lest [he] be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:7–8 ). Forgiveness is the medicine that helps to heal broken hearts. It was important that the church assure this repentant member of their love. They should confirm their love to the forgiven brother for the Lord’s sake (2 Cor. 2:9–10). After all, discipline is as much a matter of obedience to the Lord as it is obligation to a brother. The problem was not simply between a sinning brother and a grieving apostle: it was also between a sinning brother and a grieving Saviour. The man had sinned against Paul and the church, but he had most of all sinned against the Lord. Paul gave a third reason: they must forgive the offender for the church’s sake (2 Cor. 2:11). When there is an unforgiving spirit in a congregation because sin has not been dealt with in a biblical manner, it gives Satan a “beachhead” from which he can operate in the congregation. We grieve the Holy Spirit and “give place to the devil” when we harbor an unforgiving spirit (Eph. 4:27–32). One of Satan’s “devices” is to accuse believers who have sinned so that they feel their case is hopeless.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin so that we will confess it and turn to Christ for cleansing; but Satan accuses us of sin so that we will despair and give up. Paul was able to overcome the problems that he faced because he had a clear conscience and a compassionate heart. But there was a third spiritual resource that gave him victory. A Conquering Faith (2 Cor. 2:12–17) It appeared in Asia that Paul’s plans had completely fallen apart. Where was Titus? What was going on at Corinth? Paul had open doors of ministry at Troas, but he had no peace in his heart to walk through those doors. Humanly speaking, it looked like the end of the battle, with Satan as the victor. Except for one thing: Paul had a conquering faith! He was able to break out in praise and write, “Thanks be unto God!” (2 Cor. 2:14) This song of praise was born out of the assurances Paul had because he trusted the Lord. We don’t have to fail! Circumstances may discourage us, and people may oppose us and misunderstand us; but we have in Christ the spiritual resources to win the battle: a clear conscience, a compassionate heart, and a conquering faith. “If God be for us, who can be against us?... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Rom. 8:31, 37). Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (2 Co 1:3). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.