The One Year Bible Club with Teaching Commentary
by Nick Boork
August 27
2 Corinthians 1:12 - 2:11
by Nick Boork
August 27
2 Corinthians 1:12 - 2:11
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For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end 14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus. 15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit 16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea. 17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? 18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
2 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. 5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
Why Paul postponed his visit
Because of the plethora of issues that Paul needed to confront and correct between the time of writing his first and second letter to the church at Corinth a lot of stress developed on all relations and this included Paul. Ever feel like you just needed a break from seeing someone? Mabey it’s a family member that you have just had a quarrel or argument with. Possibly you needed to deal with some frankly very unpleasant circumstances. This was the same kind of scenario Paul was in. You see, he totally intended to visit the Corinthians again but felt it was better to let some time pass before going back into what could be like round two of a boxing match. This was using some wisdom not to agitate the relations by more confrontation but giving a “Time-out” to let everyone settle down.
This is why Paul says in 2:1 “I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.” Now because of this, some were trying to use Paul’s postponement to criticize him so he explains that just as God is true to his word he and his ministry team were faithful to their word. In verse 20 Paul talks about the faithfulness of God to his promises saying all the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ. He adds “by us to the glory of God.” In other words God will always be true to his word and what he has promised he will do. However only we can add the “Amen” or “So be it” to God’s promises by faith.
God is 100% committed to fulfilling the promises of his word but he’s looking for people that will have faith as it is written in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Jesus taught on having faith when we pray to receive what we ask for: Matthew 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” God delights in answering our prayers but we have to learn to pray in faith believing that God is hearing and will answer us and much more when we pray according to his unchanging promises!
Anointed Relationships by the Holy Spirit
There are natural relationships and there are spiritual relationships. A natural relationship would be with a neighbor, co-worker or friend. Spiritual relationships are different. In a very real sense every born again Christian is connected to Christ and all fellow believers because we have all been born again into the same spiritual family of God. What Paul was talking about was even deeper when he said it was God who has established us with you and anointed us. He was saying look God has sovereignly connected us in Christ and we share the same Spiritual impartation as a group of believers in a local church.
This was because Paul was the spiritual father of the church at Corinth. God used him to preach the gospel and birth that work. So these believers were knit together with Paul in a very unique spiritual relationship. In Paul’s first letter he pointed this out by saying in 1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Out smarting the devil’s strategies
When Paul said we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices he was saying look we did the right thing by disciplining the brother that refused to repent of the incest. Now you have to be careful because he has already repented and if you hold a grudge against him and not really forgive him you’re going to end up in bondage yourselves. You see Satan would like nothing more than for these believers to not forgive and restore the brother that sinned because then he would have a right to oppress them. You may say, really? How can this be? It’s one of the tools in the devils arsenal of weapons to throw against us and it applies to relationships on every level in the family among friends and especially in local churches. Paul wrote about this to the Ephesians in 4:26-27 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Allowing yourself to be angry with your spouse is like opening a door to the devil to come in and take over.
Where there is no love and forgiveness then there is also pride and self-righteousness. Paul discerned that this was a very real possibility due to the nature of the offense but he also knew the grace of God continued steadfast to love and restore the worst of sinners. This same God kind of love, mercy and forgiveness must flow through us to the “unworthy”. Jesus also taught that we are to forgive just like God forgives us or risk being unforgiven by God and tormented by the devil. One preacher described unforgiveness as the bait of Satan. Unforgiveness brings spiritual bondage and can stop a church from growing in the grace of God.
Jesus taught extensively on the subject of forgiveness and summed up what would happen if we did not forgive others after receiving the forgiveness of God for our own sins: Matthew 18:32-35 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” So Jesus himself taught that unforgiveness would bring a person into the judgment of God and the torrment of the devil. Remember that this teaching was given by Christ in the same context of how to deal with offenses, reconciling relationships and church discipline the very issue Paul was warning the Corinthian church to beware of.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Sometimes it’s better to give some space and time in relationships that are stressing out.
2) God is faithful to his promises but we need to believe them and receive them by faith.
3) Anointed relationships are birthed by the Holy Spirit through Ministry
4) Don’t fall for the bait of Satan!
5) Live a life of total forgiveness and enjoy peace and freedom from oppression.
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today and get access to our free and pay as you go courses. http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll
2 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. 5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
Why Paul postponed his visit
Because of the plethora of issues that Paul needed to confront and correct between the time of writing his first and second letter to the church at Corinth a lot of stress developed on all relations and this included Paul. Ever feel like you just needed a break from seeing someone? Mabey it’s a family member that you have just had a quarrel or argument with. Possibly you needed to deal with some frankly very unpleasant circumstances. This was the same kind of scenario Paul was in. You see, he totally intended to visit the Corinthians again but felt it was better to let some time pass before going back into what could be like round two of a boxing match. This was using some wisdom not to agitate the relations by more confrontation but giving a “Time-out” to let everyone settle down.
This is why Paul says in 2:1 “I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.” Now because of this, some were trying to use Paul’s postponement to criticize him so he explains that just as God is true to his word he and his ministry team were faithful to their word. In verse 20 Paul talks about the faithfulness of God to his promises saying all the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ. He adds “by us to the glory of God.” In other words God will always be true to his word and what he has promised he will do. However only we can add the “Amen” or “So be it” to God’s promises by faith.
God is 100% committed to fulfilling the promises of his word but he’s looking for people that will have faith as it is written in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Jesus taught on having faith when we pray to receive what we ask for: Matthew 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” God delights in answering our prayers but we have to learn to pray in faith believing that God is hearing and will answer us and much more when we pray according to his unchanging promises!
Anointed Relationships by the Holy Spirit
There are natural relationships and there are spiritual relationships. A natural relationship would be with a neighbor, co-worker or friend. Spiritual relationships are different. In a very real sense every born again Christian is connected to Christ and all fellow believers because we have all been born again into the same spiritual family of God. What Paul was talking about was even deeper when he said it was God who has established us with you and anointed us. He was saying look God has sovereignly connected us in Christ and we share the same Spiritual impartation as a group of believers in a local church.
This was because Paul was the spiritual father of the church at Corinth. God used him to preach the gospel and birth that work. So these believers were knit together with Paul in a very unique spiritual relationship. In Paul’s first letter he pointed this out by saying in 1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Out smarting the devil’s strategies
When Paul said we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices he was saying look we did the right thing by disciplining the brother that refused to repent of the incest. Now you have to be careful because he has already repented and if you hold a grudge against him and not really forgive him you’re going to end up in bondage yourselves. You see Satan would like nothing more than for these believers to not forgive and restore the brother that sinned because then he would have a right to oppress them. You may say, really? How can this be? It’s one of the tools in the devils arsenal of weapons to throw against us and it applies to relationships on every level in the family among friends and especially in local churches. Paul wrote about this to the Ephesians in 4:26-27 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Allowing yourself to be angry with your spouse is like opening a door to the devil to come in and take over.
Where there is no love and forgiveness then there is also pride and self-righteousness. Paul discerned that this was a very real possibility due to the nature of the offense but he also knew the grace of God continued steadfast to love and restore the worst of sinners. This same God kind of love, mercy and forgiveness must flow through us to the “unworthy”. Jesus also taught that we are to forgive just like God forgives us or risk being unforgiven by God and tormented by the devil. One preacher described unforgiveness as the bait of Satan. Unforgiveness brings spiritual bondage and can stop a church from growing in the grace of God.
Jesus taught extensively on the subject of forgiveness and summed up what would happen if we did not forgive others after receiving the forgiveness of God for our own sins: Matthew 18:32-35 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” So Jesus himself taught that unforgiveness would bring a person into the judgment of God and the torrment of the devil. Remember that this teaching was given by Christ in the same context of how to deal with offenses, reconciling relationships and church discipline the very issue Paul was warning the Corinthian church to beware of.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Sometimes it’s better to give some space and time in relationships that are stressing out.
2) God is faithful to his promises but we need to believe them and receive them by faith.
3) Anointed relationships are birthed by the Holy Spirit through Ministry
4) Don’t fall for the bait of Satan!
5) Live a life of total forgiveness and enjoy peace and freedom from oppression.
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today and get access to our free and pay as you go courses. http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll