Example Steps

2 Corinthians 12:14-18    
14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.    16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

Paul was coming back to Corinth, but made it clear that he wanted only to give to them as a parent meets their children’s needs.  He wanted them, not what they possessed, so he gave freely and sacrificially of himself to shepherd them in and towards Christ.  He did this with great joy!  He even sent Titus and another brother who spoke the same gospel and likemindedly ministered to them as Paul would have if present with them.  The question for us is the same - do we live in the same steps and spirit of those who have gone before us as our examples?  Do we serve without expecting a return on our investment and refusing to take advantage of those we give ourselves to? 

Foolish Boasting

2 Corinthians 12:11-13   
11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Paul used foolish boasting to show his calling by God to be an apostle as the original ones who walked with Jesus in the flesh, for he had seen him on the Damascus Road and had been caught up to see visions of the heavenlies.  Paul also showed the signs of an apostle as we see throughout Acts, and persevered in all the things God used him for to minister the good words of life.  He treated the church in Corinth no worse than others and worked for a living to not burden them financially either.  Here he is demonstrating God’s call and ability that enabled him, so why did they doubt or criticize?  We can learn to support and acknowledge God’s called ministers of the gospel today, honoring their labor instead of seeking finding fault where none lies.  

Thorn of Glory

2 Corinthians 12:7-10    
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

To keep Paul humble and God-reliant in the midst of all the glorious things revealed to him, he was given a messenger of the Adversary as a stabbing thorn.  He prayed for relief, but was answered with grace to lean on instead.  God showed him that walking daily by faith to trust Him revealed God’s strength in this weakness.  This then enabled Paul to not only accept the attacks, but glorify God by boasting in His grace and strength alone.  Like Christ suffering for him, Paul suffered for the joy set before him, no matter what form the assaults took as listed in verse 10.  He found strength in his weakness, as should we also.  Christ alone is our strength, not our own ability or resolve or tenacity.  To Him be the glory!  

Resist Boasting

2 Corinthians 12:1-6    
1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Paul resisted boasting about what God had done in his life, as opposed to others trying to gain followers with fantastic tales (such as even occur today by those trying to bring attention to themselves).  Here he finally gives a little background on what happened to him, but refers to himself as another man to keep the readers from adulation of Paul.  He relates when God brought him before Himself in heaven to hear the unhearable, similar to John on Patmos, and could even be from the Damascus road.  We do not know when and where, but the point is to not boast in what God chooses to do in any individual, but in the truth of God and His gospel, and in our weakness and shortcomings apart from His strength.  

Basket Case

2 Corinthians 11:29-33    
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?   30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

Paul realized his strength was in Christ alone; of himself, he was as weak as any other.  He also was incensed when false teachers and prophets caused his children, those He ministered to, to stumble in sin or disobedience to God by misinformation or misdirection.  He knows before God this is so, and gives further proof of his calling in humility and care at all costs by retelling how he had to escape by allowing others to smuggle him out a window in a basket.  He did not bravely push through the garrison waiting to capture him, but timidly snuck away.  The call and work was not of pride or self accomplishment, but all of grace!  This should be our attitude in following this example.  

Deep Concern

2 Corinthians 11:22-28   
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.

Paul answers human religion and importance by demonstrating that by those standards he is more qualified.  He also endured much affliction for Christ’s sake, which his accusers did not.  Some even dared to say he was not from God because he did not have a worry free life (as the devilish prosperity teaching of today claims also).  What drove Paul above that and just under God’s glory was his care and deep concern for the churches.  He cared about each one to know Christ and follow Him.  Our example. 

A Fool, Boasting

2 Corinthians 11:16-21   
16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Paul boasted is an sense here, not of his own works to exalt himself, but of God’s work in him versus others’ self adulation.  He points out that the accusers put up with those taking from them or misusing them, and yet they attack the one who is trying only to help them in Christ.  So Paul’s boasting pointed to Christ and challenged the accusers to allow him to speak and minister to them as God’s chosen apostles and minister for their good.  Even today, God’s servants are often maligned while those misleading (“fools”) are eagerly and happily put up with.  But we continue on nonetheless for Christ’s sake. 

False Messengers

2 Corinthians 11:12-15    
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Continue to do God’s work according to His will, and so display what work comes from God’s hand on a person instead of self effort and promotion.  That is the thrust of Paul here for us to learn from.  False apostles will boast and teach contrary to what God says and how He says to follow and serve, making themselves appear righteousness and called by God when they are only calling themselves as if they were something.  The example of Satan making himself look bright and clean when he is unrighteous and dark apart from God’s will - this reminds us those who follow him or his example will appear to be righteous and act as if they are, yet the wisdom from the children of their works reveals the truth.  

Glorious Expectations

2 Corinthians 11:7-11    
7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

Love for those we minister to and serve in the gospel should be founded in humility and without expecting something in return.  Here needs were met accordingly as each had abundance or lack, and this was driven by humility and love, not for gain or recognition.  The examples Paul and others set here are for God’s glory and our good. 

Speeches

2 Corinthians 11:5-6    
5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Paul did not consider other’s evaluations of him against the other apostles before him.  He looked to Christ who called and enabled him to know the things of God and speak these from all Scripture to show Christ and His gospel.  He pointed out that this had been demonstrated again and again in his ministry to the church.  If we are called to speak and given the ability to know and teach or preach these words of life, then we must trust God who called for the ability to work in and through us to know and to do for His good pleasure.  

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:11

Godly Jealousy (at Marken and Zaanse Schaans)

2 Corinthians 11:1-4    
1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

As we minister to and serve others, we should feel a sort of jealousy when others come in to lead them astray with bad teaching and examples.  We remember the ones we help belong to Christ - not them or us - and so must be kept from deception by our word, example, and prayer.  Eve was deceived by crafty words and reasoning that led away from the simple message of God, and likewise we can be led away from the simple gospel which is reconciliation with God through Christ alone by faith alone due only to His grace and for His glory (not ours or another’s) alone.  Adding to Christ’s work by ours or other conditions corrupts the message and is another (false) gospel, which we do not put up with, but fight with truth in love. 

Credit to Whom Due (at Amersfoort)

2 Corinthians 10:14-18    
14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.   17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Paul did not take credit for being used by God except where God was using him.  In other words, he did not take credit for the work of others influenced or taught (discipled) by him.  He rejoiced instead in God’s work in others as he did in His work in him.  He longed for the gospel to spread, not his own name or following.  It is whom the Lord commends that matters; our goal must be God’s glory in the gospel, pleasing Him and not as today with self seeking name brand creation and getting followers of our teachings instead of Christ’s.  

Class Lesson

2 Corinthians 10:12-13   
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.

Paul and the others ministering the gospel did not point to self, but Christ, in all their labors.  There were some who made a point of broadcasting their own deeds and not God’s grace and power in their own weakness.  Paul points out the lack of wisdom in this comparison approach where everyone was using themselves and others as measuring sticks instead of Christ.  The lesson then is to boast only in what God does in each of us for His glory by His power, and never to boast by comparing what we do over others. 

In Word and Deed

2 Corinthians 10:7-11    
7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed— 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

There are supernatural workings of God’s Spirit and sovereign will which we cannot see with our eyes, but perceive in the spirit, so we must judge what we see by His word and understanding given us.  Paul here used this to point to his weak outward appearance and God’s call, word, and work behind the scenes of his flesh.  He therefore pointed out that the weight of what he wrote to them was lived out as he personally ministered to them, despite how they perceived him.  We also should be true to our calling and work, pointing to the truth and walking in step with His Spirit in all we do. 

Strength in Control

2 Corinthians 10:1-6   
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

We are also called to be gentle and hold strength in control (meekness) in ministering to each other, yet there are times for boldness to stand in truth and address with exhortation and correction to deal with sin or false teachings.  To do this, we must keep in step with God’s Spirit in us, not thinking or working in our own corrupt nature.  As men, we cannot afford to wage war against the enemy with hate or self-seeking or pride or anger.  Instead we follow the guidance here to use God’s absolutely powerful and effective word as we are led by His Spirit to break down the walls of the enemy to set men free.  All that is set against God and His word that keeps others from knowing Him and the gospel needs to be defeated to bow to His sovereign grace in Christ alone.  To work God’s work is to believe in Christ alone for reconciliation and righteousness.  This is what we fight for. 

Seeds and Needs

2 Corinthians 9:10-15    
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

All we have from God’s hand is to give to others, especially the gospel.  He multiplies the seed of His word in and through us as He also enriches us. This is why we thank God for all He gives and for using us to minister to others!  God is glorified as we meet needs and in the thanks of us and of those we serve.  The most amazing gift of eternal life given in the grace of Christ’s righteousness is why we are thankful and why we should share this and everything else with each other.  As His body, the church has this reliance on Him and willing desire to serve and thank Him as our driving force. 

Bountiful Sowing

2 Corinthians 9:6-9    
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:  “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

How we give matters in our motivation that determines how much we are willing to meet the needs of others.  We are to look in the depths of our being and ask why we give, then how much, and give what is necessary.   And yet we are to cheerfully and gladly give, not because we must, but because we want to give where we abound and others lack (as God gave manna to each one’s needs).  Then each has what is needed and gives as much as possible from all God gives us.  He Himself gives out of righteousness to us, so how can we do less? 

Willing Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:1-5   
1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

The eagerness to desire and to follow through with the actions in giving to meet needs is worth sounding a trumpet for over others who are so faithful as the Corinthians to the Macedonians here by Paul.  This example inspires and moves others to imitate Christ in others.  Paul also gives good advice to have promised offerings ready before they need to be delivered in case the givers are slow to put it all together.  Then the genuine generosity is seen instead of a frustrated scrambling about that can lead to a grudgingly given gift which was initially intended with joy.  This then can reflect badly in an example of not living up to a promise, so he sent others ahead to assist in collecting the gift.  We can learn from these things to be faithful and purposeful in giving.  

Co-laborer Confidence

2 Corinthians 8:22-24    
22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. 23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

Titus was not alone when he went, having a trusted colaborer chosen and recognized by the church and its leaders as proven and faithful in all he did.  Titus was a partner who worked with Paul and was also highly recommended, so the two of them were messengers to deliver guidance and teaching under the authority of the entire church.  Paul then exhorted the Corinthians to show these workers the same love and faithfulness which Paul knew them for.  We can learn from this to share the work of ministry with those trusted and proven in word, faith, and love, as well as be receptive to those appointed to labor. 

Earnest Care

2 Corinthians 8:16-21    
16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

God puts the love in our hearts and drives us to care for each other, as He demonstrates here in Titus.  This man diligently went to minister to the Corinthians without being directed to do so; he saw the need and God moved him, so he obeyed and joyfully went to serve.  Then another was sent with him to serve together, one who was chosen by “all the churches” and sent often to travel with Paul.  This in turn showed the Corinthians’ openness to accept these ministers and allowed God’s glory to be seen in the large gift honorably provided in the sight of God and man.  We also strive to minister honorably, zealously, respectably, and for God’s glory in all things.  

Follow Through

2 Corinthians 8:10-15    
10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.   13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

This passage begins with the giving promises and commitments of the Corinthians.  Paul is urging them to follow through and keep doing what they started the year prior, that they would not let their fire that began this to stop burning, but that they would finish it.  The principle given then is to give as we are able with a willing heart, not worrying if it is enough when that is all we each have.  Together we can meet needs, some giving more and some less, but each as they are able to do.  It is not to slack off and let others give more, but simply to each give their best.  The example from the wilderness manna is then given to show each one’s needs are different and God gives what each requires; that is also how we are to give, differently in proportion but equally from our storehouses and hearts.  

Love’s Proving

2 Corinthians 8:8-9    
8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Paul tested the genuineness of the Corinthians’ love by the example set by the Macedonians.  This was not to judge or denigrate the Corinthians, but to further ignite a flame under their actions to follow good examples.  He then points to the source of sincere love as Christ’s grace and example.  The grace puts us all in reliance on Him and not our own ability or worth, and the example shows us real riches come from His infinite resources given to us as poor beggars looking for even one crumb to fall to us.  Jesus gave up all as a man while still possessing the entire universe as the Son of God.  He became a poor one as we are in order to share His riches through undeserved and unobtainable grace (though obtainable when freely given by Him to us by faith).   

Abounding Liberality

2 Corinthians 8:1-7    
1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Giving to meet needs is a means of sharing God’s grace, especially as here where giving was in the midst of very hard times and suffering.  In poverty and great suffering for Christ, giving with great joy made them rich.  They gave more than they should or even could, freely and insistently, not grudgingly or in small measure.  This should challenge us.  Notice they began by first giving themselves to the Lord before giving to others, following God’s will by serving Him first.  Also notice the other areas of grace that are important here - faith, words spoken (and how they are spoken), knowing the truths of God (the scriptures), diligence driving them on despite circumstances, and demonstrating love in actions.  Giving is more of ourselves than just meeting material needs, but those needs are still vital.  

Comfort in Comforting

2 Corinthians 7:13-16    
13 Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. 15 And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. 16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

We should find comfort and joy in the ministry to others, especially when they have godly sorrow to repentance that restores and builds them up in Christ.  This is worth rejoicing in and boasting about.  Like Titus, we need to also care enough to be in the fray and obey God in serving.  Both those being ministered to and those ministering share in the sanctification process which God works in His body as we let all members work together.  This is how we find comfort in each other’s comfort.  

Regret and Repentance

2 Corinthians 7:8-12    
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.   11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

There are times sin must be faced head on in order to allow godly repentance and resulting sanctifying changes as here at Corinth.  There may be sorrow as sin is faced, but joy comes as forgiveness dawns in the heart by God’s infinite grace in Christ.  The world can only offer sorrow that leads to denial or depression, a death of soul in a sense, yet enacts no lasting change.  Real repentance begins a diligent desire and actions to do what is right, putting off the sin and putting on a godly character.  Here the concern for the sinner and the church’s dealing with the sin was toward restoration.  It was not just about the wrongdoer or the victims, but for the whole congregation to see the godly concern and grow in and from it.  

Openness in Conflicts and Fears

2 Corinthians 7:2-7   
2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.   5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

Serving each other means we open ourselves up to be transparent, though imperfect.  We treat each other with love in actions, doing what is right, fair, and yet merciful.  Paul even found joy in troubling times because it was for the gospel to those he ministered.  But he trusted God to lift him up as another fellow worker and brother came alongside to help.  He had conflicts all around and inward fears in all the difficulties and dangers, yet it was all worth it to see God working in the Corinthians.  They supported him in all the struggles together for the gospel, as an example for us to now follow.  

No Bad Yokes (at Utrecht)

2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1   
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”  18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”  7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Being yoked with unbelievers together either means marriage alone between believers and them, or it has an expanded scope to include close friendships and associations as well.  Either way, why should we who have been called out in Christ’s righteousness then seek out lawlessness, darkness, and false gods?  We hold God within these temples, and He walks with us whom He chose to call His people, remade to be holy because He is.  He called us out, and we are to then come out of the places and activities we used to frequent and joyfully participate in.  As children of God we look to our calling and His promises, and then walk accordingly.  If we truly fear God, let us continue to cleanse the inside and outside to be sanctified each day toward His image.  

Hearts Wide Open

2 Corinthians 6:11-13    
11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

Being sincere means not holding back truth, even when painful, disagreeable, or emotionally charged.  Here Paul challenged the Corinthians and us to look past our feelings to see what matters as a child needs a respected parent.  We need to be open to the truth as well as to tell the truth to build each other up, not hiding behind hurt or anything else.  We fellowship and minister openly and sincerely, or we miss much God has for us and His kingdom.

Commendation

2 Corinthians 6:4-10    
4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

In what things do we find commendation before God in serving Him?  Here is an unpopular list.  Patience, hard times, pressing problems, beatings, jail time, hard work, fear and worry that keep us awake at night.  There are the gentler but internally more difficult ones such as fasting for guidance, remaining pure, seeking to know more (rightly), endurance, being always kind, allowing ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit instead of our own ways, showing genuine love in actions.  These are fed by His truth in the word, by His power and strength, by Christ’s righteousness covering us, whether in honor or dishonor.  In the midst of this we have people speaking good or evil of us, being true and well known, as dying men who live and face discipline, sad for the lost and our own failures but full of joy for others we serve, and poor here while rich in Him towards others.  We seem to have nothing, yet have all things ever needed. These are things which commend us in serving.  

Give No Offense

2 Corinthians 6:1-3   
1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

We who are in Christ labor in the gospel together.  Because we co-labor for the good news of the words of life to the salvation God works by that word and gift of faith, we must soberly and actively follow our calling as His ambassadors.  He tells us that now is the right time for the message to he told and heard, so we who bring that must also be inoffensive in our own actions and way we live.  Certainly the gospel itself is offensive to many, the ones refusing to admit they are hopeless sinners in God’s justly angry hands.  The message that we cannot do anything to placate His judgment and justice which we all rightly deserve is not only unpopular, it is offensive to our pride.  Yet we are to be holy as He is and so make the effort to not be offensive in anything ourselves.  

Ambassadors of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:20-21    
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Because we who are Christ’s have been freely justified and made right before God in spite of our being His enemies, so we are now ambassadors for the heavenly kingdom.  Each of us carries Christ’s suffering and His righteousness in the Father’s view, and we bear witness to who Christ is and all He has done as the Bible records for us.  We are ambassadors of reconciliation between mankind and God because we are all sinners and cannot ever meet the measure of the absolute holiness of the Almighty.  The world needs to hear our witness to have eyes opened and hearts made receptive to the faith that delivers from God’s wrath on sin and restores the broken relationship with Him.  This is the Gospel for the kingdom of God which we represent.