2 Corinthians 7 – Paul’s delight exemplified.
1) Paul’s high regard – vs.2-4.
2) Why such regard – vs.5-16.
vs.2-4 – After all the time that Paul spent in Corinth, and writing, 3 times, to comfort and correct them, one thing stands out in his letters, is that he loves them in word and deed. vs.5-10 – Godly sorrow leads to repentance. vs.12 – Paul wrote to the Corinthians, so that they would realize what Paul had done, taking care of them. Many times we don’t see what a brother or sister has done for us, until someone points it out.
2 Corinthians 8 & 9 – The collection for the saints at Jerusalem.
Acts 24:17; 1Cor.9:11-13; 1Cor.16:1-3. This is the third time that Paul speaks to the Corinthians about giving to support the local work and ministries elsewhere.
1) vs.8:1-8 – The first reason for the completion of the collection for the church at Jerusalem is: God loves a cheerful giver. vs.2-4 – definition of a cheerful giver.
2) The second reason for giving is Jesus became poor that we could become rich in Jesus. Phil.2:6,7; Isa.53:12.
3) The Third reason for the completion was they had started before to give. They were willing and ready to give. vs.8:14 – Giving makes us equal in the body of Christ. God is no respecter of persons. What God gives to one member, it is to be shared with others. Because all are the same in the body, ministering one to another. 1Cor.12:23-25. Paul, sending Titus ahead to prepare the gift, wanted the Corinthians to be ready. Not to offend any brethren traveling through because of the boasting of Paul. vs.9:10-15 – God supplies all our needs and because of your love in action, all people will glorify God, seeing that He lives and moves in us.
Romans 2:23,24 – We see that because the Jews didn’t keep the law, the world blasphemed God. This is why we are to guard our witness. Being careful of not giving offense in word or deed.
Crain Blanchard.
