The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

13 Chapters
Author and Title: 257 Verses
Again as indicated in the opening salutation, Paul is the author of this letter. Both external and 6075 Words
internal evidence is very strong in support of Pauline authorship. In fact, “it is stamped with his style and
it contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings
Date: A.D. 56-60
A careful study of Acts and the Epistles reveals the following summary of Paul’s involvement with the Corinthian church:
(1) there was the first visit to Corinth (Acts 18:1-18) followed by, (2) the first letter to Corinth (now lost[1Cor. 5:9 I wrote
unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators] ). This was then followed by (3) the second letter to Corinth (1 Cor.).
(4) This was then followed by a second visit to Corinth (as noted in 2 Cor. 2:1 “…not come again to you in heaviness”).
(5) This was followed by 2 Corinthians, the third letter to Corinth. (6) Finally, there was a third visit to Corinth (Acts 20:2-3).
It should be pointed out that the lost letter(s) were lost only because they were not intended by God to be part of the biblical
canon.
Because of the riot caused by silversmiths (Acts 19:23-41) Paul departed from Ephesus for Macedonia (Acts 20:1) in the
spring of A.D. 56. In the process, he made a preliminary stop at Troas hoping to rendezvous with Titus (2 Cor. 2:13) and
receive news about conditions in Corinth. Not finding Titus there, he pushed on to Macedonia, undoubtedly with concern about
Titus’ safety (7:5-6). There he met Titus, who brought good news about the general well-being of the Corinthian church but
bad news about a group who were standing in opposition to Paul and his apostleship. From Macedonia Paul wrote this letter, 2
Corinthians. Paul then made his third visit to Corinth during the winter of A.D. 56-60 (Acts 20:2-3).
Theme and Purpose:
Of all Paul’s letters, 2 Corinthians is the most personal and intimate. In it he bared his heart and declared his steadfast
love for the Corinthians even though some had been extremely critical and very fickle in their affection for him. What
concerned Paul preeminently was the presence of false teachers, claiming to be apostles, who had entered the church. They
promoted their own ideas and at the same time sought to discredit both the person and message of the apostle. Second
Corinthians was written to defend the authenticity of both his apostleship and his message. This was not carried out in a self-
protecting spirit but because Paul knew that acceptance of his ministry and message were intimately bound with the Corinthian
church’s own spiritual well-being.
Second Corinthians, though probably not intended by Paul, treats more with the actual workings of the ministry than all
three of the ‘pastoral epistles’ do combined. While the pastoral epistles may be likened to an employee manual on the
ministry, this book (2 Cor.) should certainly be likened to a technical manual on ministering to a church and the people that
make it up.
In the process of Paul’s defense, three key purposes emerge: (1) Paul expressed his joy at the favorable response of the
church to Paul’s ministry (chaps. 1-7); (2) he sought to remind the believers of their commitment to the offering for the
Christians in Judea (chaps. 8-9); and (3) he sought to defend his apostolic authority (chaps. 10-13).
Theme Verses: 10:7, 18, 13:10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness,
according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Key Word(s): While the general focus of this epistle is Paul’s “defense” of his ministry and authority, a key word
that surfaces is “comfort” (occurring 11 times in 9 verses). As we face the various dilemmas of life, we must all learn to
find our comfort in God who is the God of all comfort.
Key Verses:
• 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God,
who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
• 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are
temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
• 5:17-19 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are
become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the
ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their
trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
 Key Chapters:
Chapters 8–9 are really one unit and comprise the most complete revelation of God’s plan for giving found
anywhere in the Scriptures. Contained therein are the principles for giving (8:1-6), the purposes for giving
(8:7-15), the policies to be followed in giving (8:16-9:5), and the promises to be realized in giving (9:6-15).
Christ as Seen in 2 Corinthians:
In a later epistle, Paul will stress how we are “complete in Christ” (Col. 2:10). All we need for life is found in Him. In this
epistle, we see Him as our comfort (1:5), triumph (2:14), Lord (2:4), liberty or freedom for a new life (3:17), light (4:6), judge
(5:10), reconciliation (5:19), gift (9:15), owner (10:7), and power (12:9).
Outline:
I. Primarily Apologetic: Explanation of Paul’s Conduct and Apostolic Ministry (chs. 1–7)
A. Salutation ………………………………………………………. (1:1-2)
B. Thanksgiving for Divine Comfort in Affliction ……………….. (1:3-11)
C. The Integrity of Paul’s Motives and Conduct …………………. (1:12–24)
D. Restoring a Sinning Saint ……………………………………… (2:1-11)
E. God’s Direction in the Ministry ……………………………….. (2:12-17)
F. Fruit Which Commends the Ministry …………………………. (3:1-17)
G. The Ministry of Suffering for Christ …………………………... (4:1-18)
H. The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian ….. (5:1-13)
I. The Ministry of Reconciliation …………………………………(5:14–21)
J. The Ministry not to be Blamed ………………………………...(6:1-10)
K. A Spiritual Father’s Appeal to His Children ………………….. (6:11–6:18)
L. Paul’s Heart Towards Those to whom he Ministers…………… (7:1-16)
II. Hortatory: The Collection for the Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8–9)
A. Example of Success in Christian Giving ……………………… (8:1-5)
B. Dependencey on the Grace of God in Christian Giving ……… (8:6-12)
C. Equality and Accountability in Christian Giving ………………(8:13–24)
D. Encouragement to Christian Giving ……………………………(9:1-6)
E. Results of Generous Christian Giving ………………………… (9:6-15)
III. Polemical: Paul’s Vindication of His Apostolic Authority (chs. 10–13)
A. Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority ……………………. (10:1-18)
B. Paul Forced Into Foolish Boasting …………………………….. (11:1–12:21)
C. Final Warnings ………………………………………………… (13:1-10)
D. Conclusion …………………………………………………….. (13:11-14)
 II Corinthians

Chapter Theme / Major Event Key verse

1 God’s comfort 1:4

2 Restoring a repentant saint 2:10

3 The ministry of Christ is more glorious than 3:9

the ministry of the law

4 The Ministry of Suffering for Christ 4:17

5 The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian 5:8,9,17

6 The Ministry not to be Blamed 6:3.4

7 The Pastoral Heart and Repentance 7:11,12

8 The Grace and Example of Christian Giving 8:9

9 The Cheerfulness of Christian Giving 9:7

10 Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority 10:8

11 Paul’s Foolish Boasting 11:16

12 Paul’s Abundance of Revelations 12:7

13 Exhortations and Benediction 13:11

 II Corinthians chapter 1

Theme: God’s comfort vs.4: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

I. Paul’s Salutation (vs.1,2)

1: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at
Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
2: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Vs. 1,2 The mark of a Spirit filled believer is their pre-occupation with the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice Paul’s term
“the church of God which is at Corinth.” this will cause problems for any one who doesn’t understand the
balanced doctrine of the church- balancing both Local & Universal. See notes.
Secondly, note that Paul is an apostle. An apostle is one who is sent forth, from the Greek word-
apostwlov (a•pos´•tō•los). The apostles were the foundational members of the church. Each one had
seen the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection, and had “the signs of an apostle”II Cor. 12:12. There
are 12 apostles of the Lamb, and while some think that Paul was the 12th and hence the replacement for
Judas, Paul does not count himself to be so (I Cor. 15:5).

II. Paul blesses God for comfort in, and deliverance out of troubles (vs.3-11)

3: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the
comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Vs. 3,4 There are several scriptural reasons for suffering. The one illuminated here is: to make us
sympathetic.
SUFFERING
1. To make us Sympathetic – II Cor. 1:3,4
2. To make us Partakers – Phil. 3:10
3. To make us Heavenly minded – Col. 3:1-3
4. To help us rely on God’s Promises – Phil. 4:13,19
5. To make us aware of Christ’s Sufficiency – II Cor. 12:9
6. For our Chastisement – Heb. 12:5-11
7. To make up that which is behind – Col.1:24

It is important to remember that for whatever reason we may be suffering- it is still God who comforts
us.

5: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6: And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the
same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7: And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the
consolation.
Vs. 5-7 The consolation of God is nothing like the consolations of this world. I remember as a kid watching
game shows where the winner got the big money and the other contestants got a toaster or something as a
consolation prize, so that no one could say they didn’t get anything. The consolation of God is God
Himself. He’s your Savior, Friend, Comforter, and Heavenly Father. Suffering is a time to draw near
unto Him and let Him show you how real He is, how close He is, how He has been through these things
as well and can get you through them victoriously.
 Salvation here is not the salvation of your souls, but that temporal salvation that all men are familiar with.
That is, being saved in a particular situation, in this instance, not being swallowed up in your affliction,
suffering, and sorrow.
One more thing about suffering and consolation – If a man is called to minister to God’s people, he won’t
be any good at it until he has suffered some things; and the more he suffers the better a minister he is
likely to be. The things that a preacher suffers are what make him worth listening to- he’s got to know
God! Suffering makes soldiers tough (II Sam. 17:1-14). We are to be conformed to the image of Jesus
Christ, and that doesn’t come without suffering. Consider some of the things that our Lord suffered:
rejected by his brethren, lied about, slandered, doubted, rejected by his people, double crossed and
betrayed by a friend, arrested on false charges, deserted by his disciples, humiliated publicly, deserted by
his Father, and all of the physical sufferings of the scourging and crucifixion.

8: For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out
of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the
dead:
10: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
11: Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons
thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Vs. 8-11 The majority of commentators say that vs.8 refers to the trouble with the silver smiths in Acts 19,
and that is possible. Dr. Ruckman thinks that it is a reference to something not found in the book of Acts,
something where Paul would have felt more eminently about to die. In either case, vs.9 shows us that
God brought them through such trouble to show them that they can trust Him. After all, He does raise the
dead- doesn’t He?
Notice the three tenses of deliverance- similar to salvation and sanctification. Past, Present, & Future
Ye helping together by prayer is equivalent to by the means of many persons. And because of the many
persons helping together in prayer now many persons can give thanks on their behalf.

• We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need. The Lord is able to give peace to the troubled conscience, and to calm the raging passions of the
soul. These blessings are given by him, as the Father of his redeemed family. It is our Saviour who says, Let
not your heart be troubled. All comforts come from God, and our sweetest comforts are in him. He speaks
peace to souls by granting the free remission of sins; and he comforts them by the enlivening influences of the
Holy Spirit, and by the rich mercies of his grace. He is able to bind up the broken-hearted, to heal the most
painful wounds, and also to give hope and joy under the heaviest sorrows. The favours God bestows on us, are
not only to make us cheerful, but also that we may be useful to others. He sends comforts enough to support
such as simply trust in and serve him. If we should be brought so low as to despair even of life, yet we may
then trust God, who can bring back even from death. Their hope and trust were not in vain; nor shall any be
ashamed who trust in the Lord. Past experiences encourage faith and hope, and lay us under obligation to trust
in God for time to come. And it is our duty, not only to help one another with prayer, but in praise and
thanksgiving, and thereby to make suitable returns for benefits received. Thus both trials and mercies will end
in good to ourselves and others. MH

III. He professes his own and his fellow-labourers' integrity (vs.12-14)

12: For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly
wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-
ward.
Vs. 12 Paul could look back on all his dealings with the Corinthians with a clear conscience. All the
evangelistic work had been done in a straightforward manner. All his doctrinal and practical
teaching were without guile and trickery, and free of heresy. He had done his best to make them
disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not his own little clique. He had been honest with them
pertaining to spiritual things and the things of this world as well. He lived by the grace of God.
God keeps things simple.
13: For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge
even to the end;
14: As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the
Lord Jesus.
Vs. 13,14 The are no mysterious writings for them to get caught up in (none other things) like many
Christians are today with the Dead Sea Scrolls and such other rubbish, just the scriptures (epistles,
gospels) which the Holy Ghost bears witness to and the body of Christ accepts and acknowledges. They
acknowledged Paul in part- that is: they had partly obeyed his instructions and reprovments from his 1st
epistle, and/or they had acknowledged that God used him to lead them to Jesus Christ and that he had a
part in their salvation. Especially the later because of their rejoicing in one another. I Thess. 2:19,20 For what
is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.
The joy and love shared by the saints is nothing to be ashamed of, much less one another.
• Though, as a sinner, the apostle could only rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus, yet, as a believer, he might rejoice and
glory in being really what he professed. Conscience witnesses concerning the steady course and tenor of the life.
Thereby we may judge ourselves, and not by this or by that single act. Our conversation will be well ordered, when
we live and act under such a gracious principle in the heart. Having this, we may leave our characters in the Lord's
hands, but using proper means to clear them, when the credit of the gospel, or our usefulness, calls for it. MH

IV. Gives reasons for his not coming to them (vs. 15-24)

15: And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
16: And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on
my way toward Judaea.
Vs. 15,16 Catholic & Episcopal doctrine teaches the 2nd benefit to be Confirmation after Baptism, two
separate sacraments- since there are no sacraments in the Bible we may dismiss this teaching.
The passage is also used by our Holiness brethren to teach a false doctrine referred to as “a second work of grace”
also often called “a second blessing”. The teaching -in short- is that after you get saved you need to
progress up the spiritual ladder to the next spiritual level: that of Sanctification in which your old Adamic
nature is eradicated, and possibly after that to the 3rd level of being filled with the Holy Ghost, also
referred to as “the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire.” The teaching ignores the 3 Bible tenses of
sanctification, the doctrine of the two natures of the believer, and the fact that you are baptized in the
Holy Ghost the instant that you get saved. It ignores also that every Christian has the Spirit, the Spirit
dwells in them, and they are sealed by the Spirit, and by the baptism of the Spirit they avoid the baptism
of fire. Rom:8:9, 1Cor:3:16, 1Cor:12:13, Eph:1:13,

Having looked at what it doesn’t teach, let us look at what it does teach. In the context it is most likely
referring to a monetary offering, as in Rom.1:11. The most mystical spiritual meaning that you can get
from the context would be that Paul would personally instruct the church (sort of a preaching/teaching
conference) as he passed through on his way to Macedonia and then again on the return trip.
We should consider at this point the spiritual meaning of the text, as some will not be satisfied without
looking at the 2nd blessing in the lives of Christians today. First, your old nature will be with you until
the rapture or the death of your body. Second, when you get saved you are as saved as you can be, and as
saved as any other Christian still breathing. Thirdly, you get all of God when you get God, but this
brings us to the question of weather or not God has all of you. There is a record in I Sam. 23:1-13, of the
men of Keilah who needed and found a savior from the Philistines. They found their savior in David, a
great type of Christ, but he was not their King, Saul was. When their king, Saul, would have them give
up their savior, the Bible tells us that they would do it, so David fled. Just as the men of Keilah
appreciated their savior, but obeyed their king, many Christians appreciate Jesus Christ for saving them
from sin and hell, but they obey the old man with all his lusts enthroned on their heart. Later, after a
national crisis, the men of Keilah came to David and asked him to be their king. That is as close as you
get to a “second blessing”, when YOU surrender all to Jesus Christ.
17: When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to
the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
18: But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
19: For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and
Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
20: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Vs. 17-20 There were many in Corinth who doubted Paul’s sincereity, but he tells them that his YES means
YES and his NO means NO. Paul doesn’t say yes for no, or no for yes; he talks straight without the
medicine show vulgarity that has attached itself to the Christian ministry through the works of many
televangelists and crocked preachers.
But more important that Paul’s word is the promises of God. To those who ARE IN CHRIST there are
some very positive and good promises, but don’t ever apply them to a lost man.

21: Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22: Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Vs. 21,22 We are STABLISHED, ANOITED, SEALED, AND GIVEN THE EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT by
God. We have a sure salvation which God has made sure. Why do folks want to mess it up with doing
their part?

23: Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
24: Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Vs. 23,24 Paul wanted to come to Corinth sooner, but there were still some hard rebukes to deliver to his
converts. So, he delayed his trip to spare them the grief of such hard reprimands and in the hope that they
would get straightened out on their own after reading his epistles. Paul was NOT a Nicolaitan, he was a
shepard to them and as he puts it “a helper of their joy.” Peter agrees with I Pet. 5:3 Neither as being
lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

• The apostle clears himself from the charge of levity and inconstancy, in not coming to Corinth. Good men
should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful
thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons. Nothing can render God's promises more certain:
his giving them through Christ, assures us they are his promises; as the wonders God wrought in the life,
resurrection, and ascension of his Son, confirm faith. The Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the
gospel: the quickening of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest
of everlasting joy. The apostle desired to spare the blame he feared would be unavoidable, if he had gone to
Corinth before he learned what effect his former letter produced. Our strength and ability are owing to faith;
and our comfort and joy must flow from faith. The holy tempers and gracious fruits which attend faith, secure
from delusion in so important a matter. MH
 II Corinthians chapter 2

Theme: Restoring a repentant saint vs.10: To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I
forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ

I. Reasons for Paul not coming to Corinth (vs. 1-4)

1: But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
2: For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
3: And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice;
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 unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved,
but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Vs. 1-4 “I determined this with myself”, talking with yourself is not always a sign of craziness; Paul does here
what the Prodigal did in Lk. 15:17-19, and Nehemiah did in Neh. 5:7, and the Lord does often.
However, the rich man in Lk. 12 was a fool and crazy and he talks to himself as well, so the test must be
the same as when you’re talking to someone else: what are you talking about, do you speak as a fool or a
wise man? Prov. 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Compare with 1:23, Paul not coming to Corinth YET in order to spare the saints there of sorrow through his
correction of them. This “heaviness” is his burden for the spiritual condition of his converts. Paul knew
that these folks’ turning to Christ had brought him joy and that their attempting to live for the Lord,
nourished his joy, but their carnality was a burden to him and an obstacle to their growth in the Lord.
Their sorrow over their sin and getting right is the thing that would make Paul “glad”. This whole idea is
called “TOUGH LOVE” in modern Psychology and Dynamic Family Counseling, simply, that if you
love someone, you will help them do right because it’s healthier than doing how you please. Any one,
and for that matter everyone, is better off to have someone who loves them correcting them than some
one who doesn’t love them.
We’ve all heard our folks saying, “this is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you.” Here you can see the
affliction, anguish of heart, and many tears that Paul endured to correct his children in the faith.

• The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; and he had written in confidence of their doing what was to their
benefit and his comfort; and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of disquiet from him. We should always
give pain unwillingly, even when duty requires that it must be given. M.H.

II. Directions about restoring the repentant offender (vs. 5-11)

5: But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
6: Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
7: So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be
swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
8: Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
9: For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
10: To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes
forgave I it in the person of Christ;
11: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Vs. 9 Modern corruptions: NIV sight, NASB presence, LB authority, NKJV presence
Vs. 5-8 The man referred to was dealt with in I Cor. 5:1-5 1: It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such
fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather
 mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have
judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered
together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit
may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
He had been dealt with through church discipline as the congregation in Corinth had followed (vs.6)
Paul’s instructions. He tells them that he had only been partly grieved: that is, this fellow had hurt his
church more than he had hurt Paul. Remember the GOAL of church discipline is RESTORATION! This
man had taken things seriously and repented, confessed, and got right; so Paul instructs the church to
restore him. Repentance and confession (I Jn.1:9) should be clearly understood or you could end up in a
mess like the Roman Catholics and any one else who changes James 5:16. The simple rule is: Private sin
private confession and public sin public confession. To enlarge on that slightly you could say, confess
your sin to the one(s) you sinned against. Sometimes we need the forgiveness of God AND man. When
some one has been forgiven, they need comfort (vs.7) and love (vs.8). When God forgave you, didn’t He
show you comfort and love? It strengthens the penitent’s assurance, and possibly avoids future rebellion.
Consider when David forgave Absalom (II Sam. 14) that he was brought back but never comforted nor
shown the love of his father. We must confirm our love toward him.
Vs. 9-11 According to vs. 9 the event of church discipline in Corinth was also a test of obedience for the
whole church. They passed. You’ve heard Preacher remark how that many people in the area don’t
understand church discipline at all; they’re very nervous about it. Nothing’s changed.
We see an excellent example of the Priesthood of the Believer in vs.10. Notice that Paul forgave in the
person of Christ. We (his disciples Jn. 20:20-23, Lk. 24:33-36) are his ambassadors and have been given
this authority. There is NO clergy /laity in a New Testament church. Notice that had this forgiveness
been withheld Satan should get an advantage of us. There are two reasons to forgive any brother or sister
that needs it: first, for their sake, so they don’t become depressed and bitter, and driven to despair. They
could be tempted to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so bring an evil report upon Christians as
unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. And second, for your
sake, so that it doesn’t eat you up like a cancer and make you bitter. Remember Matt. 6:15 But if ye forgive
not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses and Rom. 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
peaceably with all men. Forgive, comfort, confirm your love, pray for he who has transgressed against you, and
if you still have trouble, distance.
Finally, odd that we should be reminded about Satan’s devices and get to the end of the chapter and find
men corrupting the word of God.

As this book is about the ministry, if we have time this evening, we will return to consider the case of a
repentent minister; for it is painfuly clear that our day has seen a flood of God’s men behaving
themselves much like this carnal new convert.

• The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his
fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not
only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so
drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as
unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used,
that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other
hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes. M.H.

III. An account of his labours and success in spreading the gospel of Christ (vs. 12-17)

12: Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
13: I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from
thence into Macedonia.
14: Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his
knowledge by us in every place.
15: For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is
sufficient for these things?
17: For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God
speak we in Christ.
Vs. 9 Modern corruptions: NIV peddle … for profit, NASB peddling, LB hucksters … making a good
living, NKJV peddling
Vs. 12-17 Troas is in the west most part of Asia-minor and across the Aegean Sea is Macedonia. This epistle
was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, and delivered by Titus. As we know that Paul was on his
third (12:14, 13:1) trip to Corinth, it is likely that he was following the same route as usual (2nd & 3rd
mission trips) although this trip is not mentioned in the book of Acts. Titus, Paul’s brother (in the Lord)
is mentioned 9 times in this book and once in the postscript at the end, once in 2nd Timothy 4:10, and
once in the epistle bearing his name, but never mentioned in Acts. He is later ordained first Bishop of the
church at Crete. Paul is obviously troubled by missing Titus, but he presses on. We remarked on the
subject of open doors in 1st Cor. 16:9. The indication is that the door opened into Macedonia. And an
opened door is always good reason to give God thanks. When we follow God’s leading through the
doors he opens, we will be triumphant in Christ. This triumph is connected with making the knowledge
of Christ manifest in every place. Speak up for Jesus Christ!
Savour. Savour like the scent of incense. Some are sweet while others are repugnant. We are a sweet
savour unto God as we serve him, but we stink to the world. That’s all right, because the world stinks to
us even though they smell great to themselves. That Old Testament tabernacle must have been
something to stroll by on a hot afternoon in the midst of summer. And while the smell of sacrifices
stifled some, to God it was a sweet smelling sacrifice. Any one lived by a slaughterhouse? Or a dairy?
Or a pig farm? That’s how it is. The world is always running their yap about their good tastes. And the
things they judge to lack good taste, they say that they STINK. My wife hates the smell of a tire store- I
love it. To her it stinks like smelly rubber and chemicals. To me it has an aroma of expensive, road-
grabbing, rock climbing, super traction, sharp cornering, fast moving tires. I feel the same way about a
good tire store that my wife feels about a good shoe store, which nauseates me. So, that which is a
savour of life unto life to God and our spiritual brethren is a savour of death unto death to the lost world.
And visa versa. It’s a law, like gravity. And NO ONE would have known it if God hadn’t shown it in His
book.
And, speaking of His book and things that stink, we come to vs.17, that so plainly refers to the corrupters
of God’s word (THAT STINK TO HIGH HEAVEN). This verse has been changed in every modern
bible I’ve ever seen. They’re so afraid of the word judging (Jn. 12:48) them for corrupting it, that they
show their hand when they change the text to “peddle” or some near variation of that.

• A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a good reason
for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so the name and
salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a sweet savour diffused in every place. Unto some, the gospel is a savour of
death unto death. They reject it to their ruin. Unto others, the gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it quickened them at first
when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. Observe the awful
impressions this matter made upon the apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of ourselves we have no
strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity, as in the sight of God, is
not of God, does not come from him, and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in this matter; and seek the
testimony of our consciences, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak we in Christ and of Christ.
M.H.
 Addendum to Notes on Chapter 2

2 Cor. 2:5-11 Restoring a repentant brother: after the error is brought to light and dealt with, especially
repentance, and reversal. Then the brother is to be brought back into the fellowship. This is a
manifestation of Christian love and forgiveness. But the restored brother may not enjoy all of the benefits
of God’s plan for his life due to his indiscretion. He may know more about the grace of God or
forgiveness that many others in the church, but that does not mean that he may continue down his first
path without interruption: he interrupted God’s plan for his life. There are times when God has called a
man to do something and then the man messes up and God has to get a substitute. Remember, God is a
God of substitutions, he substituted Christ’s righteousness for my sin and my sin for Christ’s
righteousness. When a man, called of God to a work has meddled with sin and made himself unclean; it
leaves God having to call another man to the work, and put the first man in a secondary work after he
repents and is restored. If you consider what sacred trust, toward God and the church, has been violated
by a man who has imitated the sons of Eli, you would be prudent to offer such a man no place of
responsibility. No one in this class is an ordained minister; so I’ll speak as to those who aspire of serving
God and not to those who have been put into the ministry that God called them to, only to trade it for the
cheap lure of temptation and cast away every chance of fulfilling their call. I’ve heard Preacher say that
such a man is not ever to be trusted to tend the flock again, and I agree with him. Back to my subject, the
young man who aspires to serve God. It’s true that every work of God is important, but there are some
that require more earnest separation. Consider that though David was a man after God’s own heart, he
was too bloody to build the temple. That work was left to Solomon, who was never so close to God, nor
was he as concerned about the temple as David was. Most Christians have heard a preacher refer to Esau
as a type of carnal Christian, who missed God’s blessing because he despised his birthright, but later
when he wanted it, it had been given to another; and he found no place of repentance though he sought it
carefully with tears. Let me admonish you. If you have a desire to serve God, be careful about your
consecration- guard it jealously. Devotions are called “devotions” because you’re supposed to be
DEVOTED to the object of your devotions. There will be trouble enough without bringing more on.
When you presume against God’s grace and think that you can enjoy your sin for a season and then repent
in the morning, you don’t know what you’re getting into. Hosea says “They return, but not to the most
High”, and John speaks to the seven churches for the Lord of some having “left their first love”. The
thing about trying to come back to your first love, is that it’s not your first love any more. Now it’s third
or forth, or at the best second. That’s why David prayed in Psalm 19, “Who can understand his errors?
cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have
dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the
words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and
my redeemer.” Don’t presume against the grace of God. You will want to get back on track, but things
will be different.
(Why do people say that they’ll get right with God later? After they have had their high old time,
then they come to God? Why don’t they say, I want to live my youth for God while I’m clean, I want to
serve God first, and then try my sinful pleasures. There is a pattern of character that builds a pattern of
behavior: most who live for God first, keep living for God, and most who live for sin first keep living for
sin. Imagine if every time your old nature tried to lead you into temptation you responded to it “there will
be time enough for that later, right now I’m serving God.)
O.K. Lets look at this situation from the point of the offending party. There is forgiveness if you are
truly repentant. That’s great! It usually includes restoration. That’s great too! But that’s restoration into
the fellowship of the believers (the church), not necessarily restoration to the work God once called you to
do. It does say in Romans 11:29” For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” And I’m not
saying that you will have your calling taken back, you just might not be put (back) into that work.
Contrasting with what Paul told Timothy “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that
he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry”.
God will: call a man first,
then equip and prepare him,
and finally put him into the work he was called to.
If that man wrecks the preparations of God through sin, and his caviler attitude about it; then
he’ll have to live with his call and the fact that God may never use him for what he was called to do. You
may have heard some preachers refer to it as being put on the shelf. It is not to say that God won’t use
you, but there would likely be SOME time involved in getting prepared again. And God may use you
somewhere else, somewhere less critical. Like having a tool that you don’t really trust to do the job,
instead of keeping it with the tools you use daily, you stick it at home on a shelf or in a drawer so if you
need it and there’s nothing else around you can get it and give it a try. So you have repented of whatever
it was that broke your fellowship with the Lord and the church. You’ve been forgiven and restored into
the fellowship. You’re still called to serve God; only He may not be letting you into that work you were
called to. What do you do? Do you get mad at God again and pull stakes and leave? Do you sit around
and grumble? Or do you say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” And
purpose in your heart and before God that you’ll stay faithful and do whatever He lets you, and support
whoever is doing the thing you were once called to do. Remember, the way of transgressors is hard.
Well if you’re going to stay you must “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Good
soldiers are trained; you must train. Train to endure hardness. Train your mind to be submitted to the
authorities that the Lord puts in your life. Train yourself to be strong in the battle and loyal to the hosts.
You must resolve that whatever comes you will still serve God in the capacity that He allows you to. In
karate, I was told that if you have your hand cut off in a fight with a swordsman, you now have a sharp
bone to thrust through the enemy’s heart. That kind of resolve comes only with premeditation and
training. I don’t say that to be crude, but by way of illustration. Victory remains the goal in all battle,
though your situation changes and circumstances change the goal remains constant. Consider the
sweeping changes that occur across a battlefield moment by moment; men become wounded, others are
slain, some are taken captive, and others lose courage in the midst of the fray. Your goal remains victory
for your King. Give God your all, and be joyous with any handfuls of purpose that He sends your way;
stay faithful this time. Stay the course with full resolve. Our God is GOOD, and He offers hope to the
hopeless. One day He may say “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the
ministry.”
 II Corinthians chapter 3

Theme: The ministry of Christ is more glorious than the ministry of the law vs9: For if the
ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

I. The ministry of Christ is more glorious than the ministry of the law (vs. 1-11)

1: Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or
letters of commendation from you?
Vs. 1 Paul is not one who uses "letters of recommendation". You may have heard of Christians who come to
join a new church "by letter", but I like the way that we do it here: folk are accepted on the merit of their
own testimony before the Lord. Paul was not self-promoting, but rather he let the Spirit of God
"recommend" him. See II Cor. 10:12-18 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some
that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not
wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed
to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you:
for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of
other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule
abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our
hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commendeth.
2: Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but
with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Vs. 2,3 From a human perspective, a man's converts and fruit are his commendation. Mt:7:20: Wherefore by
their fruits ye shall know them. Notice that the tables of the heart are fleshy NOT fleshly as fleshy pertains to
our frame (we are but dust) and fleshly refers to the carnal nature which is at enmity with God. Every
Christian is a letter or a living epistle. We may not all be apostles but we're all epistles. Written from
God to the world to testify of his goodness and grace. Like letters, we should all be:
1. Written on prepared material
2. Bearing the expressions of the writer
3. Bearing the signature of the writer
4. Legible
5. Free of blots and smudges
6. Recognized by the writer's handwriting.
You can do this – just think about a letter that you’d write and consider what things about it are similar to the
Christian as God’s messege to the world.
4: And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
6: Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Vs. 4-6 The answer is given to his question in 2:16 that we looked at last week. REMEMBER that our
sufficiency is of God. A preacher's ability to minister depends on the All-sufficient God of the Bible.
And when a preacher stands up to minister the word, he should be doing more than just reading and
commenting on the bare letter of paper and ink. Spirit, is not a reference to the Holy Spirit, but to the
spirit and attitude of one's ministry. The effectuality of the preaching of God's word depends a great
degree on the spirit of the minister. As in James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
The word of God is not bound, but God has allowed this spiritual catalyst to have a great effect on the
fruit to be born from preaching. The Old Testament is here referred to as the ministration of death
contrasting to the Gospel, as the ministration of life; but the Gospel can be just as deadly when
administered with out the life and spirit of the new man. Consider the difference in the spirit of telling
your wife "Darling, I love you, I love you more than all the women in the world." Or "I told you I love
you on our last anniversary, give me a break!"
7: But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could
not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
8: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
Vs. 7,8 The giving of the Law was no doubt glorious: written with the finger of God engraven in stone
tablets (Ex. 31:18), and the skin of Moses' face shone so that the children of Israel were afraid to come
nigh; but that glory was not to last. That glory was never passed on to a successor nor all his successors.
When we get to the N.T. we see: Jn. 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth, and Lk. 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these
things, and to enter into his glory?, and 1 Tim. 3:16 received up into glory. Christ is the glory of the New Testament.
"Which glory was to be done away with"; a good thing to point out to anyone who wants to combine parts
of the O.T. with the N.T. (i.e. Mormons, 7th day Adventist, etc.)
The ministration of death verses the ministration of the spirit or as John puts it: Jn. 1: 17: For the law was
given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. If you want to compare the differences, look at what
happens to the people when each testament opens. When the law came down: Ex. 32:28 And the children of
Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. And when the
Spirit came down: Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls.
9: For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in
glory.
"The law condemns us through the knowledge of sin; but the Gospel makes us righteous through the
knowledge of Jesus Christ”
10: For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
11: For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

Vs. 9-11 The New Testament is so much more glorious than the Old Testament; consider how many
Christians study the O.T., or how many Christians even know all the names of the O.T. books. Liberals
who neither believe nor study the Bible talk about the 'vengeful God' of the O.T. and the 'loving God' of
the N.T., and while their errors are obvious it shows how plainly and apparently the New Testament is
better that the Old Testament. It is like seeing the moon in the day time, you may be able to see it, but
you will not perceive it as the source of light, for the sun overwhelms it.

• Even the appearance of self-praise and courting human applause, is painful to the humble and spiritual mind. Nothing is more
delightful to faithful ministers, or more to their praise, than the success of their ministry, as shown in the spirits and lives of those
among whom they labour. The law of Christ was written in their hearts, and the love of Christ shed abroad there. Nor was it
written in tables of stone, as the law of God given to Moses, but on the fleshy (not fleshly, as fleshliness denotes sensuality) tables
of the heart, Eze 36:26. Their hearts were humbled and softened to receive this impression, by the new-creating power of the Holy
Spirit. He ascribes all the glory to God. And remember, as our whole dependence is upon the Lord, so the whole glory belongs to
him alone. The letter killeth: the letter of the law is the ministration of death; and if we rest only in the letter of the gospel, we shall
not be the better for so doing: but the Holy Spirit gives life spiritual, and life eternal. The Old Testament dispensation was the
ministration of death, but the New Testament of life. The law made known sin, and the wrath and curse of God; it showed us a
God above us, and a God against us; but the gospel makes known grace, and Emmanuel, God with us. Therein the righteousness of
God by faith is revealed; and this shows us that the just shall live by his faith; this makes known the grace and mercy of God
through Jesus Christ, for obtaining the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The gospel so much exceeds the law in glory, that it
eclipses the glory of the legal dispensation. But even the New Testament will be a killing letter, if shown as a mere system or form,
and without dependence on God the Holy Spirit, to give it a quickening power. M.H.

II. The vail removed through the power and witness of the Holy Spirit (vs. 12-18)

12: Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
13: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end
of that which is abolished:
14: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old
testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
Vs. 12-14 The characteristic of straight Bible preaching is plain talk. Because of the hope you have in Christ,
and especially the hope you have as an able minister of the new testament (vs. 6), you can talk straight
 and use great plainness of speech. Consider how careful you have to be when you tell a lie to make all of
your stories line up. It is a wonderful thing to be a minister of God's truth and never worry about a
passage that doesn't line up with your lies. There should be no place in all of scripture that you would
fear to open up and teach to God's people; because you have nothing to hide. Think for a moment about
all the places that a heretic would be afraid to teach: A Cambelite in 1 Cor 1:14? A JW in 1Tim 3:16? A
Mormon in 1st Jn 5:17? Not only can you teach or preach any passage in the whole Bible- you can and
should do it with as natural a manner as your daily conversation. Preach not with great swelling words
(Jude 16) nor with wisdom of words (1st Cor 1:17), but with great plainness of speech.
The reference is Ex. 34:33 And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. Moses would wear
the vail while talking to the people and take it off again when he went to talk with the Lord. The cross
reference is messed with in the NIV where they make it appear that he would put the vail on after he had
finished talking with the people. PHHHHHHHT!! They could not see through the vail to the end of that
which is abolished, that is the law. Did you get that? The LAW IS ABOLISHED. And many can't get
that for the same reason: their minds were blinded. As in 2nd Cor.4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them. He says that the vail is still there, except in Christ. That is why lost heretics can't understand the
O.T.
We can look to the end: the end of the age, the end of sin, the end of the world, the end of Satan, our own
end, we're even commanded in Heb. 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the
word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
15: But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16: Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Vs. 15-16 The blindness is true generally of all lost men but especially of the children of Israel. Here we
must consider two aspects: 1st the Nation and 2nd the individual within that nation.
1. The Nation- Acts 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and
seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes
have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be
converted, and I should heal them. Isa. 6:10: Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes;
lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Jn.12:40 He
hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be
converted, and I should heal them. Rom. 11:7,8 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election
hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they
should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. Rom11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should
be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the
fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
2. The individual- just like any lost Gentile, he needs to be born again - Ezk. 14:3-6: Son of man, these men
have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all
by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth
up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD
will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart,
because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD;
Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. His leaders will lead
him astray, but he can and should turn back to God- only without guile or any room for the idols in his
heart. If he comes deceitfully the Lord will cause him to be deceived according to the abominations of
his heart.
17: Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Vs. 17 This verse should be memorized by all Christians as it teaches the deity of the Holy Spirit. You can't be
saved without having the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of
God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) The doctrine of the trinity requires
that all three members of the Godhead are equally God. Often we think of liberty in the Lord having to
do with His presence in a church service, where he relieves us of any oppression that may be there. But
the context of the verse is the liberty from the bondage of the law, so that we're able to follow the Lord
without being condemned by the law in mid-stride. Gal. 5:1-5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised,
Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the
Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
18: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from
glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Vs. 18 How do we with open face behold as in a glass? The cross reference is Jas.1:22-25 But be ye doers of
the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a
man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner
of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a
doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. The Bible refers to itself as a glass or a mirror and shows a
man what he is like on the inside. Once you look, you have only two options: correct it or ignore it.
Problem is that too many Christians don't bother to look any more. Not only do you see what you're like,
but you see the Lord. You get a better picture of Jesus Christ from the Bible than any where else on
earth: better than the picture that creation paints, better than the image seen in the devoutest of His saints,
better than the record of history, better than from visions and revelations. The more time you spend in
this book with his spirit, the more you will be conformed to his image. I saw a Candid Camera show one
time where they were filming people and their pets who had an obvious similarity. You know the fat guy
with his bulldog and the society lady with her poodle and so on. It's funny, but it illustrates a truth: the
more time you spend together, the more you grow alike. And you don't need to worry about looking like
some dog if you're being conformed to the image of the Son of God. You will be changed from the
inside out to be like Jesus Christ; your character, your desires and ambitions, your sense of righteousness
and holiness, your empathy and concern for lost souls. Not only will your face shine, but so will your
heart. When people look at you can they tell you've been with the Lord in his word?
Some things about the Bible as a mirror:
1. A mirror does not lie
2. You should start each day with a look in the mirror
3. You need light to see in a mirror
4. A broken mirror gives a false image
5. A mirror is alive - always current
6. It doesn't matter how many mirrors you have if you don't look in them
7. Mirrors fascinate the heathen
Again, this is something that you can do; you don’t need to be a Bible teacher, just a Bible student,
after all that’s all that any of us are. Just think about how a mirror and the Bible are alike (in their
effect, affect, use, reliability, etc.)
• It is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to use great plainness, or clearness, of speech. The Old Testament believers had only
cloudy and passing glimpses of that glorious Saviour, and unbelievers looked no further than to the outward institution. But the
great precepts of the gospel, (belief, love, obedience), are truths stated as clearly as possible. And the whole doctrine of Christ
crucified, is made as plain as human language can make it. Those who lived under the law, had a veil upon their hearts. This veil
is taken away by the doctrines of the Bible about Christ. When any person is converted to God, then the veil of ignorance is taken
away. The condition of those who enjoy and believe the gospel is happy, for the heart is set at liberty to run the ways of God's
commandments. They have light, and with open face they behold the glory of the Lord. Christians should prize and improve these
privileges. We should not rest contented without knowing the transforming power of the gospel, by the working of the Spirit,
bringing us to seek to be like the temper and tendency of the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and into union
with Him. We behold Christ, as in the glass of his word; and as the reflection from a mirror causes the face to shine, the faces of
Christians shine also. M.H.
 II Corinthians chapter 4

Theme: The Ministry of Suffering for Christ vs. 17: For our light affliction, which is but for a
moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

I. The apostles laboured with much diligence, sincerity, and faithfulness (vs. 1-7)

1: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2: But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God
deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God.
Vs. 1,2 When you see a “therefore” in scripture you should always look to see what the therefore is there
for. We have this ministry, 3:6- the glorious ministry of the New Testament, and AS we have received
mercy we faint not. Fainting is referred to 11 times in the N.T.; 4 in the gospels, 6 by Paul, and once in
Rev. We’re encouraged NOT to faint, given reasons NOT to faint, and told of our reward if we faint
NOT.
2Cor:4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2Cor:4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Gal:6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Eph:3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Heb:12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb:12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
1. They are men
Many of you have read Spurgeon’s lecture on “The Minister’s
2. Unsound physically
Fainting Fits”, where he gives about 11 reasons that ministers do faint, but 3. Spiritual attacks
to sum them up under one cause, we could say that we don’t allow God to 4. Solitary position
have the mercy on us that he desires. And I speak as one most guilty. This 5. Sedentary habits
‘fainting not’ is peculiarly connected with the new man, and as such the old 6. Great success
nature is not exempt. If you try to serve God in the power of your flesh you 7. Before achievement
will faint. This is a work that can only be accomplished in the spirit. Like 8. Through long labor
“this is a job for Superman!” Your flesh can no more do the work than a 9. Single crushing blow
corpse can. A man of God should be honest; honest in the work he’s called 10. Troubles multiply
to do and honest in his life. Paul tells us in 1st Tim 3:7 Moreover he must have a 11. Unexplained evil
good report of them which are
He mentions renounced, not walking, not handling; as
without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
ways of being the man you should be, the new man. The Pharisees were a crafty bunch, filled with
guile: when the Lord asked them about John’s baptism, they wouldn’t answer because they looked at
how they guessed the people would react and how the Lord would react. Not a lot different than most
men today, but you should be different.
Vs. 2 Modern corruptions: NIV nor do we distort the word of God, NASB or adulterating the word of
God, LB we would never try to get anyone to believe that the Bible teaches what it doesn’t.
That is THEY STILL HANDLE IT DECEITFULLY. There are MANY ways to handle the word of God
deceitfully, distorting, adulterating, and getting anyone to believe it teaches what it doesn’t are only three
of them. They still parade their education around as superior to the book in the laps of their congregation.
THE QUESTION IS AWAYS ONE OF FINAL AUTHORITY! And the issue in verse two is whether or
not they HANDLE THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY. They do. There are several ways of doing
this:
(a) Add to the text
(b) Subtract from the text
(c) Take the text out of context
(d) Change the text
In each and every case the man replaces the authority of Scripture with another authority: his education,
his school, his teacher, his church, his tradition, “the originals”, his lie.
 The minister of the New Testament should make the truth manifest, that is ‘seen’; and in doing that you
must commend yourself to every man’s conscience as Paul did. Paul was a great one for the conscience,
and his conscience was a great factor in his own salvation: on the road to Damascus the Lord said “it is
hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” The pricks of his conscience. CONSCIENCE: 31 times in the New
Testament, once by our Lord, three times by Peter, 27 times by Paul. When our nation was founded, the “fathers”
believed that each man should worship the God of the Bible as his own conscience led him to. That was
what men referred to as the separation of church and state. The thing about manifesting truth &
commending yourselves to men’s consciences is that you MUST be real. BE REAL. There is no room in
the ministry for play-acting or hypocrisy. The one thing that Preacher would want you to do as you serve
God is to be REAL.

3: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Vs. 3,4 The devil is a “god” and he blinds folk. When some one comes to Christ they have their sight
restored so that they can see Him. There are several things that the repentant sinner can see once his eyes are
opened:
1. Their condition as a sinner
2. Their need of a Savior
3. The helplessness of Religion
4. The vanity of their Pride
5. The Love of God
6. The Invitation of Jesus Christ
The light of the glorious gospel of Christ is Christ. He’s the light of the world. You can’t see with out light and
you can’t see without Jesus Christ.
Backing up a bit, to the god of this world; many champions of the faith don’t know basic Bible truth because they
have been taught to follow their teaching rather than the Bible. For instance, Satan is a god. 1st Cor.8:5 For though
there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) and Jer. 10:11 Thus shall ye say
unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
You see there is: one God and there are many gods,
One Son of God and there are many sons of God,
One Lord and there are many lords,
One devil and there are many devils, perhaps you get the idea. Satan
hates mankind because we’re created in the image of God. To a degree we lost that image at the fall with Satan’s
help, but we still retain somewhat of it for He said in Gen 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man, showing that there is sufficiently remaining an image of God within fallen man to
make murder a capital crime. But as the verse goes on to show: Christ is the image of God. There is not much
comment regarding that with the most commentators. This could also cause an orthodox Jew to accuse a Bible
believing Christian of idolatry. I must confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is my idol. I want to be like Him, I want
to behave like Him, I want to think like Him, I want to be holy like Him, I want to win souls like Him, I want to
be compassionate like Him. Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 1Cor. 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear
the image of the heavenly.
2Cor. 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Col:1:15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Col. 3:10 And have put
on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down
on the right hand of the Majesty on high; There are many more verse to show the wickedness of idolatry and imagery,
but most bad things are a good thing twisted, and that Jesus is the image of God is nothing to be ashamed of.

5: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
 Vs. 5-7 We preach Christ. Always preach Christ. He preaches best who preaches Christ! It is the Bible
pattern: Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Acts:5:42 And daily
in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts:17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must
needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 1Cor:1:23 But we preach
Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
There’s a story Doc used to tell to us: A preacher went into his pulpit one day and found there a note that read
‘Sir, we would see Jesus.’ After he had set to ‘preaching Christ’ he found another note: ‘Then were the
disciples glad when they had saw the Lord.’ Preach about Christ Person, His Deity, His humanity, His
sufferings, His glory, His compassion, His friends, His enemies, His offices, His hands, His feet, His thorn
pierced brow, His cross, His resurrection, His miracles, His temptations, His sermons, His disciples, His sheep,
His mercy, His love. Preach about Jesus Christ and you will feed those who love him and those who don’t will
see him lifted up that they might be drawn unto Him. Preach Christ and be a servant to those you’d minister
to. Preacher was just telling us last night that if you would be of any use to God you must become a servant.
The centurian in Matt. chapter 8 had a very good grasp of what being a servant is about, he said For I am a man
under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my
servant, Do this, and he doeth it. You must you’re your place in God’s program and work for the Master. Consider
Mt. 20:27 “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:” To bear rule in the church you must be a
servant. Not that you can say well I’ve done that, now where is my office and name painted on the door, etc. A
servant is not one who submits to a singular task with the plan of being promoted so as not to have to soil his
hands again once that’s done with. Eph:6:6: Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart; But one who cares for and tends to the flock, as a shepard cares for and tends to his sheep.
We’ve made comment about Jesus being the light of the world and in John chapter 1:7-9, and 8:12 last semester
we saw that all light comes from Jesus Christ, so we will not spend time here in order to finish tonight.
We have this treasure, Christ, in earthen vessel, our body. Col. 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the
riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Christ dwells in each believer
through the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are treasure chests after a sort. Now, each vessel will somewhat filter that
which is in it, and that is why we must renounce the hidden things of dishonesty (vs1). The cleaner and clearer
a vessel is the more plainly its contents appear.
Example: red bottle, blue bottle, green bottle, clear bottle. Each has water in them. The clear one appears to have
water in it. The others may have Kool-aid or something else in them; it’s not apparent. I hope that you want
the world to see Jesus Christ in you. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice
in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Phil. 3:3

• The best of men would faint, if they did not receive mercy from God. And that mercy which has helped
us out, and helped us on, hitherto, we may rely upon to help us even to the end. The apostles had no
base and wicked designs, covered with fair and specious pretences. They did not try to make their
ministry serve a turn. Sincerity or uprightness will keep the favourable opinion of wise and good men.
Christ by his gospel makes a glorious discovery to the minds of men. But the design of the devil is, to
keep men in ignorance; and when he cannot keep the light of the gospel of Christ out of the world, he
spares no pains to keep men from the gospel, or to set them against it. The rejection of the gospel is
here traced to the wilful blindness and wickedness of the human heart. Self was not the matter or the
end of the apostles' preaching; they preached Christ as Jesus, the Saviour and Deliverer, who saves to
the uttermost all that come to God through him. Ministers are servants to the souls of men; they must
avoid becoming servants to the humours or the lusts of men. It is pleasant to behold the sun in the
firmament; but it is more pleasant and profitable for the gospel to shine in the heart. As light was the
beginning of the first creation; so, in the new creation, the light of the Spirit is his first work upon the
soul. The treasure of gospel light and grace is put into earthen vessels. The ministers of the gospel are
subject to the same passions and weaknesses as other men. God could have sent angels to make known
the glorious doctrine of the gospel, or could have sent the most admired sons of men to teach the
nations, but he chose humbler, weaker vessels, that his power might be more glorified in upholding
them, and in the blessed change wrought by their ministry. M.H.

II. Their sufferings for the gospel were great, yet with rich supports (vs. 8-12)
8: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9: Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10: Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest
in our body.
Vs. 8-10 Suffering in the flesh is one of the ways that God brings us close in the spirit. The comparison is
between the old man and the new man, or the outer man and the inner man, as we know from 2nd Cor 5:17 we
are new creatures. We were just remarking on verse 7 that we have this earthen vessel; that’s the troubled,
perplexed, persecuted, cast down part of us and of Paul and his companions. The not distressed, not in despair,
not forsaken, not destroyed part is the new creature in Christ Jesus. And the life of Jesus being made manifest
in our body is the trouble we go through to grow closer to our Lord. Putting off the old man that the new man
might shine through.
11: For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made
manifest in our mortal flesh.
12: So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
Vs. 11,12 The death that worketh is the death of our old man and the life is the life of Christ, the life of our
new man. Rom. 8:36,37 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me. The distinction between us and you in the text is made clear by understanding a pastor’s heart
toward his flock. The minister is concerned about his people’s health, growth, nourishment, cleanliness, life,
and joy. So Paul speaks of death working in himself, but life working in his converts. Eventually some of
these converts will grow in the Lord and mature, and as God is pleased to He will call some of them into the
ministry and then they will have death working in them. It is one of the paradoxes of the Christian life: we’re
given eternal life, and that more abundantly, but we are told to reckon ourselves dead.

• The apostles were great sufferers, yet they met with wonderful support. Believers may be forsaken of
their friends, as well as persecuted by enemies; but their God will never leave them nor forsake them.
There may be fears within, as well as fightings without; yet we are not destroyed. The apostle speaks of
their sufferings as a counterpart of the sufferings of Christ, that people might see the power of Christ's
resurrection, and of grace in and from the living Jesus. In comparison with them, other Christians were,
even at that time, in prosperous circumstances. M.H.

III. Prospects of eternal glory keep believers from fainting under troubles (vs. 13-18)

13: We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also
believe, and therefore speak;
14: Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15: For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the
glory of God.
Vs. 13-,15 We have the same spirit as our converts; we have the same spirit that David had. It is the Spirit of
God that gives us faith, that regenerates us, that seals us, that will one day raise us up as He did our Lord. The
Bible says (Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:8, Heb. 10:38) that the just shall live by faith, but the O.T. ref. is Hab:2:4: Behold,
his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. The faith which we have is God’s faith, it is
a gift like our salvation. The source of faith is the word of God. That’s how He administers faith, through his
word. The reference is Ps.116:10, and it’s a good rule for every minister – to believe and to speak. Don’t just
speak; speak that which you believe from the word of God.
Vs. 14 is a great promise for the soul winner, you will have your converts presented with you, and this will be
further apparent as we look at the Judgment Seat of Christ next week in ch. 5.
Now, he explains that all these things which have happened to him and his fellow laborers have happened for
the good of the Corinthian converts. As that applies to us, some times we’ll go through trouble for the sake of
those whom we have won or are discipling. I don’t understand it exactly, but the suffering of some Christians
 is an encouragement and a help to others. I believe that these sufferings should be endured in the right spirit
and attitude without murmuring and complaining. When you reckon yourself dead unto sin it nurtures spiritual
life in other Christians. And when this happens God gets the thanksgiving and the glory.

16: For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory;
18: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are
seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Vs. 16-18 We have come full circle, and once again Paul says that we faint not, but this time he explains
something that he left out the first time; the way that out outward and inward man reacts to this suffering.
Rom:8:18: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in
us. This life is so short but it seems so long. The trials are so light but they seem so heavy. The issues are so
vain but they seem so important. Once you are able to discern between the eternal and the temporal it will help
you to endure the sufferings that the Lord calls you to with the right spirit and be able to glorify your God and
Savior in the midst of tribulation. That’s what every one that turned you down when you tried to witness to
them is looking for. They want some one to show them how to be happy and full of joy in ANY situation.
Look at the Hollywood crowd; they’re rich, popular, beautiful, important, AND MISRABLE. They’ve got it
all as the world would say, and they can’t stand it. They want what every one wants: something that satisfies.
They just don’t know that it is Jesus they want, and they won’t know until some child of God makes it manifest
to them through their suffering without complaining. Like Nebuchadnezzar wanted to be satisfied, and he
thought that he’d find it in himself. So he made the golden image and commanded everyone to worship his
image. But there were three Hebrew children that said NO WAY! Our God is able to deliver us, and even if
He doesn’t we won’t bow down to your image. Well, they were put to the test, and it was a lot more real to
them than we want to believe (Daniel hadn’t been written yet!). They went into that fire not knowing that God
would protect them until they were inside the flaming furnace. We are so often disappointed that God doesn’t
deliver us when and how we think He should, but he delivers for HIS glory not ours. And when the king saw
four men in the fire and the 4th was like the Son of God, he changed his proclamation that all people in the land
should worship the true God. How much more glorious than if God had done as the boys expected Him to.

• The grace of faith is an effectual remedy against fainting in times of trouble. They knew that Christ was
raised, and that his resurrection was an earnest and assurance of theirs. The hope of this resurrection
will encourage in a suffering day, and set us above the fear of death. Also, their sufferings were for the
advantage of the church, and to God's glory. The sufferings of Christ's ministers, as well as their
preaching and conversation, are for the good of the church and the glory of God. The prospect of
eternal life and happiness was their support and comfort. What sense was ready to pronounce heavy
and long, grievous and tedious, faith perceived to be light and short, and but for a moment. The weight
of all temporal afflictions was lightness itself, while the glory to come was a substance, weighty, and
lasting beyond description. If the apostle could call his heavy and long-continued trials light, and but
for a moment, what must our trifling difficulties be! Faith enables to make this right judgment of
things. There are unseen things, as well as things that are seen. And there is this vast difference
between them; unseen things are eternal, seen things but temporal, or temporary only. Let us then look
off from the things which are seen; let us cease to seek for worldly advantages, or to fear present
distresses. Let us give diligence to make our future happiness sure. M.H.
 II Corinthians chapter 5
The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian 5:8,9 We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that,
whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

I. The apostle's hope and desire of heavenly glory (vs. 1-8) This excited to diligence.

1: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Vs. 1 There are some things that we know, and this is (should be) one of them:
(1) J n:10:4: And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
(2) Jn:21:24: This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
(3) Rom:7:14: For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
(4) Rom:8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose.
(5) 1Cor:15:58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as
ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(6) Eph:1:18: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches
of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
(7) Eph:3:19: And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
(8) Phil:3:10: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death;
(9) Col:4:6: Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
(10) 1Thes:4:4: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
(11) 1Thes:5:2: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
(12) 2Tm:1:12: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
(13) 1Jn:3:2: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear,
we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(14) 1Jn:3:14: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth
in death.
(15) 1Jn:5:13: These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal
life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

2: For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
3: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4: For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed
upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
Vs. 2-4 Notice that the earthly house is called a “tabernacle”, that is a tent. God’s people have always been
pilgrims in this earth. Peter says Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in
remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover
I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 2Pet.1:13-15 The new
house in the heavens is more permanent as a house, and he calls it eternal. There is a sense which may
cause Christians to think the reference is to our resurrection body, but that doesn’t work with the rest of
scripture for we get our resurrection body at the rapture; the dead coming back for theirs and we which
are alive and remain being changed instantly into ours. A close look at 1st Thess. 4 and 1st Cor. 15 will
show that the mortal body must be transformed into the immortal body. So this must be a “soulish”
house rather than a body. Paul will tell us in 12:2,3 that I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether
in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) so this soulish house
resembles a body closely enough that a man in the presence of such couldn’t tell. If you remember the
ghost stories (1st Sam. 28) you’ve heard, they looked like they had a body but not really, often more like a
sheet over someone’s body. Of course the Bible says that (Rv:19:8) And to her was granted that she should be
arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Rv:19:14) And the armies which were in
heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Also, vs. 3 implies that they might be
some naked, as if they forgot to pack any righteousness I mean fine white linen for the trip. Blessed is he that
watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked. Rev.16:15. So, while we yearn for our resurrection bodies,
 it looks like there is a transition state that is far better than our present circumstance. As Paul indicates in
Phil.1:21-23 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I
shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Only a saved child of God can say that departing this life is FAR BETTER. You may hear some stoic
talk about being ready to die with the grim resignation that he cannot change the course of all flesh, but
he’ll never say that it’s FAR BETTER!
We desire to see “mortality swallowed up of life” I know that our spirit is transformed the moment
DPology we believe, and our souls are saved and our bodies have within them the earnest of God redemption
(the Holy Spirit). I also know that at the rapture our bodies are transformed, Paul says changed.
So, I wonder if there is a point where God does a transformation within our souls. If there’s
anything to it, it will be related to our having finished the course laid before us; the rewards of our
Christian life will be secure, and our personal righteousness will be set, not to increased or
diminished. 2Jn:1:8: Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a
full reward. As if you get the one shot to secure enough fine linen white and clean to fashion your
millennial wardrobe. The transformation would be at death for those who sleep in Jesus and
simultaneous with the rapture for those who remain.
He says that we groan, but we are not the only ones groaning for: (Rom. 8: 22) For we know that the whole creation
groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even
we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
5: Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6: Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the
Lord:
7: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Vs. 5-8 The Lord hat “wrought” us (vs. 17) for habitation with him in heaven, and once again we see that
the earnest of His Spirit is a seal of our salvation, and has sealed our salvation. Eph. 1:13, 4:30, Col. 1:27,
Rom. 8:9-11. We have confidence as Paul tells us in Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a
good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: and Heb:10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath
great recompence of reward. And 1Jn:2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence,
and not be ashamed before him at his coming. He is contrasting our two abodes, as if WHILE we are in our summer
home we are absent from our winter home and visa versa. This only makes sense when you walk by faith. You
can't be home-sick for heaven and the Lord's presence when you're walking by sight looking at this world. The
walk of faith is exactly what we're talking about last week in 4:17,18 looking at the things which are eternal.
The walk of faith produces the willingness and manifests the confidence we have in our Lord that we would
RATHER be in heaven.

• The believer not only is well assured by faith that there is another and a happy life after this is ended, but he has good hope,
through grace, of heaven as a dwelling-place, a resting-place, a hiding-place. In our Father's house there are many mansions, whose
Builder and Maker is God. The happiness of the future state is what God has prepared for those that love him: everlasting
habitations, not like the earthly tabernacles, the poor cottages of clay, in which our souls now dwell; that are moulding and
decaying, whose foundations are in the dust. The body of flesh is a heavy burden, the calamities of life are a heavy load. But
believers groan, being burdened with a body of sin, and because of the many corruptions remaining and raging within them. Death
will strip us of the clothing of flesh, and all the comforts of life, as well as end all our troubles here below. But believing souls shall
be clothed with garments of praise, with robes of righteousness and glory. The present graces and comforts of the Spirit are earnests
of everlasting grace and comfort. And though God is with us here, by his Spirit, and in his ordinances, yet we are not with him as
we hope to be. Faith is for this world, and sight is for the other world. It is our duty, and it will be our interest, to walk by faith, till
we live by sight. This shows clearly the happiness to be enjoyed by the souls of believers when absent from the body, and where
Jesus makes known his glorious presence. We are related to the body and to the Lord; each claims a part in us. But how much more
powerfully the Lord pleads for having the soul of the believer closely united with himself! Thou art one of the souls I have loved
and chosen; one of those given to me. What is death, as an object of fear, compared with being absent from the Lord! M.H.

II. The reasons of his being affected with zeal for the Corinthians (vs. 9-15)

9: Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his
body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11: Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust
also are made manifest in your consciences.
Vs. 9-10 This labour is that our works may be accepted of Christ, we know that (Eph. 1:6) To the praise of the
glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. The judgment seat of Christ is the place where
Christians will have their WORKS judged. They have already been judged at Calvary, but account must be
made for the works done in their flesh. This is not the Great White Throne Judgment, but it is still very
sobering and frightful (2nd Tim. 1:18). The other references are: Rom. 14:10 …for we shall all stand before the judgment
seat of Christ. And 1st Cor. 3: 8-15 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward
according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the
grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every
man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man
build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall
declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which
he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved;
yet so as by fire. There are five different crowns mentioned in the N.T. as rewards for the Christian:
1. 1st Cor. 9:25 an incorruptible crown for temperance
2. 2nd Tim. 4:8 a crown of righteousness for loving the Lord's appearing
3. James 1:12 and Rev.2:10 a crown of life for enduring temptation
4. 1Thes. 2:19 and Phil. 4:1 a crown of rejoicing for soul winning
5. 1Pet. 5:4 a crown of glory for tending the flock
Our rewards may reflect the material they were wrought of as well for we are told of gold, silver, and
precious stones abiding the fire.
Corrupt Reading - Rom. 14:10 has been changed in the perverse bibles: NIV: God's judgment seat, NASB:
judgment seat of God, LB: judgment seat of God- There is poor mss. Evidence for the change, but mainly
they do it to obscure the doctrine of the Judgment seat of Christ.
12: For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have
somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13: For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
14: For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which
died for them, and rose again.
Vs. 12-15 Paul is telling the Corinthians that if they need something to shut the mouth of the fools, heretics,
and hypocrites who do glory in appearance "here it is." Paul has already commended himself and his ministry
unto God and their consciences (vs. 11), he just lets them know that there is real life experience to back up what
he's saying. Living for Jesus Christ is SERIOUS business! It is heart NOT appearance. There are a lot of folks
serving the Lord in appearance; just look at how they put on airs. Appearance is nothing with God because (1st
Sam 16:7) … for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
We get beside ourselves to God – that's kind of a southern expression, when folk think that you're nuts or crazy.
When you feel like praising God and shouting you're a little beside yourself, and it's to God. But when it's time
to be sober, it's for the sake of your converts. They probably won't understand right out of the gate what all the
craziness or shouting is about. But whatever you do, like Paul it should be motivated by the love of Christ. He
said the love of Christ constrained him, for he was bound by it. You might say that the love of Christ is the
chain of our servitude, but only in type. Pastor Garcia once said "Service can NEVER become slavery for he
who loves." Think about that. We've all seen the poster with a picture of someone's hand releasing a bird and
the caption "If you release that which you love and it returns it is truly yours, but if it doesn't return it was never
yours to begin with." The concept of earrings and their significance connected with servitude comes from the
O.T. law, where the willing slave was to have his master bore a hole in his ear against the doorpost, and where
a ring in the hole as a symbol of his service to that house. (Ex. 21:2-6, Deut. 15:16-18) Remember, service can
never become slavery for he who loves.
Notice how the love of God and Christ is connected with the substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. Jn 3:16 there would never be a Calvary without the love of God. One died for all – so all were
dead. Verse 15 is a good verse to remember when dealing with a 5-point Calvinist; they say Christ only died for
the elect. The Bible says he died for ALL, not just all the elect; finish reading the verse- "they which live" –
they ALL don't live, only those who believe. The 5-point Calvinist only get it right 1 time out of 5, or 20%.
Theologians should try to do as well as any other trade, the only ones they tend to out perform are the weather-
men. So as usual the doctrines of men crumble in the light of the word of God.
 Since one died for all, then all they that live should live unto him that died for them- cross references are in
Rom. 14:7-9 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether
we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and
revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. And Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for
me. Since Jesus has gone back to heaven, he has left us to do his work here, such as the ministry of
reconciliation as we shall see shortly. The point is that you have a mouth and hands and feet and a brain and all
the other parts of your body that you can use in his service.

• The apostle quickens himself and others to acts of duty. Well-grounded hopes of heaven will not encourage sloth and sinful
security. Let all consider the judgment to come, which is called, “The terror of the Lord.” Knowing what terrible vengeance the
Lord would execute upon the workers of iniquity, the apostle and his brethren used every argument and persuasion, to lead men to
believe in the Lord Jesus, and to act as his disciples. Their zeal and diligence were for the glory of God and the good of the church.
Christ's love to us will have a like effect upon us, if duly considered and rightly judged. All were lost and undone, dead and ruined,
slaves to sin, having no power to deliver themselves, and must have remained thus miserable for ever, if Christ had not died. We
should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions. A Christian's life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how
many show the worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and to the world! M.H.

III. The necessity of regeneration, and of reconciliation with God through Christ (vs. 16-21)

16: Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet
now henceforth know we him no more.
17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are
become new.
18: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry
of reconciliation;
19: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and
hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead,
be ye reconciled to God.
21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in
him.
Vs. 16, 17 The thing that you hear with all the Laodicean Christians is WWJD, or What Would Jesus Do. Are
you going to try to figure out what Jesus Christ would do with your brains and carnal nature?! He said For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (ISA. 55:8,9) But the Bible tells us that we no longer know
any man after the flesh, and expressly includes Jesus Christ among them who though we may have known after
the flesh, we NO longer do. The flesh is at enmity with God and even Christian fellowship is not to be centered
around the flesh. We do not focus on Jesus the lowly Nazarene, or the babe in the manger, but on our risen
Lord. And in our horizontal relationships, that is with other men, we should endeavor to keep the relationships
spiritual. Have you ever noticed how much closer you can be to someone after you have shared your salvation
testimony with each other. That's because of what verse 17 tells us; that we're new creatures in Christ. It's the
new creatures that have something in common to fellowship around, that being Christ. We would be at each
other's throats without Christ to give us a common bond above what the old nature can attain. We don't have
meetings to socialize in the flesh, but the purpose of a local church meeting is For the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph. 4:12) We are new creatures, the new Bibles like to say
"creation" but that is to make more of the individual Christian than is meet. Consider that Adam was a
creature, not the creation. The creation is the church in Christ Jesus, and we are each of us creatures in that
creation. Old things are passed away; it's a pretty good indication of your regeneration. Now you love things
that never interested you before, and you don't care for the things that used to flip your switch. You're a new
creature, and all your new things are of God.
Vs. 18-20 One of the new things is your concern for souls. Why would you ever care about someone else's
soul? That's not the way you used to think. But God does think that way, and now you do to. He saved you,
that is He reconciled you to himself and now you've got the ministry of reconciliation: winning others to Jesus
Christ.
 God has “committed unto us the word of reconciliation,” that is the Bible in front of you. The main theme of
the Bible is a king and a kingdom, the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and although that is not reconciliation in itself;
it requires reconciliation. That is “In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of
the prince.” (Pro. 14:28) To every lost sinner and new convert on the planet that theme isn’t clear – to them the
Bible is the word of reconciliation
The ministry of reconciliation has gotten a little muddied in these days; between Charismatics and gutless
evangelicals telling everyone that God loves them unconditionally, and 5-point Calvinist telling them they have
to endure to the end to find out if they are one of the "elect" or not. The Presbyterians put out a new creed back
in 1968 that the death of Christ on the cross automatically reconciled all institutions and people back to God;
that's a lie. If that were the case there would be no need to beseech anyone to be reconciled. Let me point out
that if a sinner wants God's unconditional love he had better get under the shadow of the cross of Calvary.
Apart from Calvary every sinner in this world is under the wrath of God! God has shown this world mercy in
not imputing their sin unto them, but his love is only at Calvary. We are the Lord's ambassadors to conduct this
ministry of reconciliation, as statesmen representing one kingdom to another. You are an ambassador,
representing the kingdom of light, sent to the kingdom of darkness, on the business of immigration. You don’t
know who is elect or not, you don’t know who is a good prospect or not, you don’t know who will receive
Christ or not, so witness, witness to everyone you can. Preach the gospel to every creature. You sow the word
of reconciliation and let God give the increase, He’s responsible for the results.
Vs. 21 Christ was made sin for us. He was mead sin for us so that God could make us righteous. Jesus
always addressed God as "Father" (Mt. 11,Mk.14,Lk.10,Lk.22,Lk.23) except when he was on the cross and the
skies turned dark Mt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say,
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mk.15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? At that time he cried "My God."
Some how, that I don't understand, the 2nd person of the trinity ceased to be holy and became sin. It's pictured
in John 3 and Numbers 21 where Christ must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. And
perhaps you get a glimpse of what God the Father endured when you look at David in 2nd Sam. 18. This is
what God did to reconcile us to himself. And now we have righteousness imputed to our account rather than
the sin we own. Romans 4:5-8 5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is
counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without
works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will
not impute sin.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Mt. 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be
baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Lk. 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
John18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Psalm 75:8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the
dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth
on a tree

• The renewed man acts upon new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company. The believer is created anew; his
heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him. He is the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works. Though the same as a man, he is changed in his character and conduct. These words must and do mean more than an
outward reformation. The man who formerly saw no beauty in the Saviour that he should desire him, now loves him above all
things. The heart of the unregenerate is filled with enmity against God, and God is justly offended with him. Yet there may be
reconciliation. Our offended God has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. By the inspiration of God, the Scriptures were
written, which are the word of reconciliation; showing that peace has been made by the cross, and how we may be interested
therein. Though God cannot lose by the quarrel, nor gain by the peace, yet he beseeches sinners to lay aside their enmity, and
accept the salvation he offers. Christ knew no sin. He was made Sin; not a sinner, but Sin, a Sin-offering, a Sacrifice for sin. The
end and design of all this was, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him, might be justified freely by the grace of
God through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Can any lose, labour, or suffer too much for Him, who gave his beloved
Son to be the Sacrifice for their sins, that they might be made the righteousness of God in him? M.H.
 II Corinthians chapter 6

Theme: The Ministry not to be Blamed vs. 3,4: Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not
blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in
necessities, in distresses

I. The Ministry Not to be Blamed Through the Trials of Life (vs. 1-10)

1: We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2: (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now
is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Vs. 1,2 The Christian ought to be a worker, For we are labourers together with God… (I Cor. 3:9) and fellow
labourers with one another [And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with
Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil. 4:3) And sent Timotheus, our brother, and
minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (I Thess.
3:2)] because (For) we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) Christians are saved to serve God.
Two things about "receiving the grace of God in vain"
1. Don't fool around with joining the church but not receiving Christ. If you are just pretending to be a
Christian for whatever insane reason, you may fool the brethren but you're not fooling Jesus Christ and
you're still going to hell. Don't act like you've received the grace of God when you haven't. This is the
most likely sense of the text considering the context, look above at 5:20 as though God did beseech you by us: we
pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2. The grace of God is required for our labour. Receive that grace and put it to work reconciling sinners
to God. Don't just get all fat on the milk, butter, honey, and meat of the word and never turn around and
feed any other starving souls.
For he saith from Isaiah 49:8 (Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation
have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the
desolate heritages), but to see the context look at verse 7, (Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to
him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship,
because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.) the LORD is talking to Christ. The
thing that's odd about it is that Paul uses it to persuade sinners concerning the "day of salvation". Not that you
or I wouldn't. I have used that quotation often to try to get a sinner over the line. But somehow I wouldn't have
expected Paul to write it in the inspired canon of scripture with that application. LESSON: Since Paul knows
his doctrine, and because he's not trying to teach any doctrine, but is beseeching men to receive the grace of
God in truth and to be reconciled to God, he takes the liberty with the passage necessary to win these folks to
Christ. REMEMBER, Good doctrine is not always good preaching and good preaching is not always good
doctrine. I would be quick to use this verse to show a sinner that the time to get saved is RIGHT NOW!
The phrase "the day of salvation" has a peculiar connection to the present dispensation. We call this the
"church age" or the "dispensation of grace" and those are valid names, but you could as well call this the day of
salvation, for more people have been reconciled to God since the resurrection of Jesus Christ than all the ages
before combined. You can get saved by grace through faith plus nothing and you can stay saved by grace
through faith plus nothing.

3: Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in
distresses,
5: In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6: By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7: By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8: By honour and dishonour, 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 not killed;
 10: As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all
things.
Vs. 3-10 The passage in verses 3 through 9 is a one-sentence job requirement description of the Christian
Ministry. The main thing is that the ministry be not blamed, that is not legitimately blamed. As Paul gave the
requirements for a bishop (1 Tim 3), you should be blameless. Not perfect, but blameless. There will always
be detractors, but they should be put to silence by your behavior. 1Pt. 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the
Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the
day of visitation. 1Pt. 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that
falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. You should approve yourselves in all things as the ministers of God.
Remember that you're to study to shew yourself approved unto God (2 Tim 2:15). There are 12 mentions of
approve in the N.T.:
Acts:2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs,
which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Rom:2:18 And knowest his will, and approvedst the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
Rom:14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Rom:16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
1Cor:11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1Cor:16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
2Cor:6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
2Cor:7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of
yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye
have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
2Cor:10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
2Cor:13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we
be as reprobates.
Phil:1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
2Tm:2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Approve – 1. To like; to be pleased with; to admit the propriety of
2. To prove; to show to be true; to justify
3. To experience; to prove by trial
4. To make or show to be worthy of approbation (attestation or support); to commend Acts2
5. To like and sustain as right; to commend
Approved - Liked; commended; shown or proved worthy of approbation; having the approbation and support
of
So these are the things wherein you should show or prove yourself worthy of God's support and attestation

IN… BY… BY …AND… AS…YET…

In much patience By pureness By the armour of righteousness As deceivers and yet true
In imprisonments By knowledge on the right hand and on the left As unknown yet well known
In tumults By longsuffering By honour and dishonour As dying and behold we live
In labours By kindness By evil report and good report As chastened and not killed
In watchings By the Holy Ghost As sorrowful yet always rejoicing
In fastings By love unnfeigned As poor yet making many rich
By the word of truth As having nothing yet possessing all things
By the power of God
We could spend a great deal of time on each of these subjects, but we don't have the time. Let me point out that
many of them are negative, most of them are things you suffer. You've got to go through some trouble if you're
going to be able to minister to God's people. The things that you approve yourself IN are hard and troublesome,
but they will help you with your fellow man. The things that you approve yourself BY are more spiritual and will
help you get to know God more closely. The things that you approve yourself AS and YET are where the
differences of your old man and new man will be most manifest.
• The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace
the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the proper time to
accept these offers. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we
shall be. We now enjoy a day of grace; then let all be careful not to neglect it. Ministers of the gospel should
look upon themselves as God's servants, and act in every thing suitably to that character. The apostle did so,
by much patience in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and by due temper and behaviour. Believers,
 in this world, need the grace of God, to arm them against temptations, so as to bear the good report of men
without pride; and so as to bear their reproaches with patience. They have nothing in themselves, but possess
all things in Christ. Of such differences is a Christian's life made up, and through such a variety of conditions
and reports, is our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all things to approve ourselves to God. The
gospel, when faithfully preached, and fully received, betters the condition even of the poorest. They save
what before they riotously spent, and diligently employ their time to useful purposes. They save and gain by
religion, and thus are made rich, both for the world to come and for this, when compared with their sinful,
profligate state, before they received the gospel. M.H.

II. The Ministry Not to be Blamed Through Fellowship With Unrighteousness (vs. 11-18)

11: O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12: Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13: Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
Vs. 11-13 Our mouth is open unto you – that is, we are still talking to you, we are being perfectly honest with
you. Paul wanted his converts to know he loved them, his lose for them was consuming. "Straightened" as
made narrow, or diminished. They weren't diminished in Paul's love for them, not in his heart, not in his
bowels. {"bowels" means that which is within- not your intestines} They were "straightened" in their own
bowels, they had a guilty conscience towards Paul and his company. "Recompence" pay back my love toward
you with love toward me.
14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15: And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16: And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath
said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and
I will receive you,
18: And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Vs. 14-18 This section deals with separation. You should memorize these verses because they will help keep
you out of trouble. This might keep you from marrying a lost person, or going into business with a lost partner
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Now Paul wants (and the Lord wants) us to be separate. But
just like every thing else you try to do for the Lord, there is a tendency to go overboard, to extreme. 1 Cor.5:9,10
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the
covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. So, while you can't be completely
separated until Jesus comes again, use the discernment that God has given you and follow the Holy Spirit's
leading where the scriptures are vauge.
Verse 16 is quote of Lev 26:11,12 And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I
will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
A conditional promise in the context of Lev. 26:3 If ye walk ... and keep… and do…, is applied here as an
accomplished fact. Verse 17 is a quote from Isaiah 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean
thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. directed to Old Testament Priests, so every
Christian is a priest unto God under our High Priest Jesus Christ. Be a SEPARTIST when it comes to the
things of God. The promise in verse 18 is from 1st Chron. 28:6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my
house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. and refers to Solomon the son of David as a
type of Christ, but the Lord has Paul use it here to confirm the converts to God in their separation.
• It is wrong for believers to join with the wicked and profane. The word unbeliever applies to all destitute of true faith. True pastors
will caution their beloved children in the gospel, not to be unequally yoked. The fatal effects of neglecting Scripture precepts as to
marriages clearly appear. Instead of a help meet, the union brings a snare. Those whose cross it is to be unequally united, without
their wilful fault, may expect consolation under it; but when believers enter into such unions, against the express warnings of
God's word, they must expect must distress. The caution also extends to common conversation. We should not join in friendship
and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing and hearing, and being with such, yet
we should never choose them for friends. We must not defile ourselves by converse with those who defile themselves with sin.
Come out from the workers of iniquity, and separate from their vain and sinful pleasures and pursuits; from all conformity to the
corruptions of this present evil world. If it be an envied privilege to be the son or daughter of an earthly prince, who can express
the dignity and happiness of being sons and daughters of the Almighty? M.H
 II Corinthians chapter 7

Theme: The Pastoral Heart and Repentance vs. 11,12: For behold this selfsame thing, that ye
sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what
indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have
approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause
that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God
might appear unto you.

I. An Exhortation to Holiness (vs. 1-4)

1: Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Vs. 1 These promises refers back to chapter six of course, where Paul had been quoting Leviticus, Isaiah,
st
and 1 Chronicles. Paul is saying that because we have these promises from God it should affect our lives. We
should CLEAN UP, and perfect (that is to make complete) our holiness in the fear of God. The cross-reference
is in 1st Pet 1:13-19 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto
you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written (Lev:11:44,45), Be ye holy;
for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of
your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your
vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot:
The fact is often lost to the modern Laodicean Christian that you can have a filthy spirit as well as filthy flesh.
Holiness is an important part of the Christian life; too many Baptists have let go of the doctrine because they
were afraid of getting mixed in with the Pentecostals I guess. Holiness has been defined by the know-all
Greek-geeks as completeness having to do with being WHOLE. Of course God is whole- who didn’t know
that?! Any English dictionary would tell you the etymology of the word, and let you know the sense is
Properly, whole, entire, or perfect, in a moral sense. But the spiritual cowards have neglected to tell their flock
that they should live righteous, unblameable, clean, and sober lives; in short HOLY. I’ve heard these idiots get
on the radio before and stress to their listeners that holiness actually has nothing or little to do with
righteousness. Rather than go to a Greek lexicon to define a Bible word you should go to the Bible.
Rom. 6:19: I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to
uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Rom. 6:22: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting
life.
Eph. 4:24: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
1Thes. 3:13: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ with all his saints.
1Thes. 4:7: For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1Tm. 2:15: Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Ti. 2:3: The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine,
teachers of good things;
Heb. 12:10: For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his
holiness.
Heb. 12:14: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
You can see from the context of these New Testament passages that there are some words set in contrast to
holiness, and others that parallel the meaning.
Parallel
Contrast
Righteousness New man
Uncleanness Iniquity Everlasting life Unblameable
Sin False accusers Faith Charity Sobriety Profit
Given to much wine Teachers of good things Peace
 Webster says of Holy: (1) Properly whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or
dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure,
immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy as his heart is more or less sanctified, or
purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of
God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious,
and godly.
2: Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3: I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
4: Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding
joyful in all our tribulation.
Vs. 2-4 Now, after having told them to clean up, Paul beseeches them to receive himself and his
fellowlabourer. He once again uses his own conversation and manner of life to entreat his converts.
Remember Proverbs 18:19: A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a
castle. Paul is confident of winning his converts back from the opinions of those who maligned him. He is
showing openness and trust. His confidence of their repentance is a cause of joy to him, as we’ll see in the next
section.
• The promises of God are strong reasons for us to follow after holiness; we must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of flesh and spirit. If we hope in God as our Father, we must seek to be holy as he is holy, and perfect as our Father in
heaven. His grace, by the influences of his Spirit, alone can purify, but holiness should be the object of our constant
prayers. If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also;
and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all. Ministers may look for esteem and favour,
when they can safely appeal to the people, that they have corrupted no man by false doctrines or flattering speeches;
that they have defrauded no man; nor sought to promote their own interests so as to hurt any. It was affection to them
made the apostle speak so freely to them, and caused him to glory of them, in all places, and upon all occasions. M.H.

II. Rejoicing in their Sorrowing to Repentance (vs. 5-11)

5: For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without
were fightings, within were fears.
6: Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7: And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your
earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
Vs. 5-7 It is hard for me to picture the Apostle Paul saying “without were fightings, within were fears.” I
know he fought a lot for the Gospel, but I need to be reminded that he had that inner battle against fear. We all
need to be reminded that God’s men are still men. Their sufficiency comes from God; James says Elias was a man
subject to like passions as we are. If God’s men were supermen, we would never do anything for God; excusing
ourselves because we are but flesh and not capable of such feats of strength and heroism. FORGET that non-sense,
God is after some one that He can work through- not some one to dazzle Him with all their special abilities.
Here we see again how God works to comfort those who need it that they may be able to comfort others. (Ch.1)
8: For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle
hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9: Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a
godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh
death.
11: For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea,
what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal,
yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Vs. 8-11 The letter he’s talking about is 1st Corinthians and there is plenty in that to make them sorry. Paul
must have felt like he was too hard on them because he had repented of the thing until he heard how they responded
and got right; then he was glad for being hard on them in the letter. This passage teaches a great doctrine that Dr.
Ruckman calls “Godly Sorrow verses the Sorrow of this World”. I think he’s probably preached it here. He uses
Peter and Judas to illustrate the truth that godly sorrow is being sorry for what you are, while the sorrow of this
world is being sorry about what you’ve done (and usually gotten caught at). Peter and Judas were both apostles,
baptized by John, able to heal, spent 3 ½ years with Jesus, sinned against Jesus, confessed their sin, made restitution
and repented. Yet Peter got things right and was restored while Judas hangs himself and goes to the bottomless pit.
There’s a difference! Look at some of the fruit of godly sorrow: carefulness, clearing of yourselves, indignation,
fear, vehement desire, zeal, and revenge. These things are directed inward at the old nature that causes you so
much trouble to begin with. What they call “jail-house religion” is usually a manifestation of the sorrow of this
world, that’s why it’s such a cliché. I love to see people get saved and get right with God, but I know that if you
pin too much hope on the performance of your “converts” you can get disappointed. It’s better to put that hope on
God.
• There were fightings without, or continual contentions with, and opposition from Jews and Gentiles; and there were fears within,
and great concern for such as had embraced the Christian faith. But God comforts those who are cast down. We should look above
and beyond all means and instruments, to God, as the author of all the consolation and good we enjoy. Sorrow according to the
will of God, tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed
to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and an interest in
his atonement. There is a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. The happy fruits of true
repentance are mentioned. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed. It wrought indignation at sin, at
themselves, at the tempter and his instruments. It wrought a fear of watchfulness, and a cautious fear of sin. It wrought desire to be
reconciled with God. It wrought zeal for duty, and against sin. It wrought revenge against sin and their own folly, by endeavours to
make satisfaction for injuries done thereby. Deep humility before God, hatred of all sin, with faith in Christ, a new heart and a new
life, make repentance unto salvation. May the Lord bestow it on every one of us? M.H.

III. Rejoicing in the Comfort They and Titus had Together (vs. 12-16)
12: Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that
suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
Vs. 12 The old saying is “that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you
care.” Paul is on pretty high ground with his converts; his MOTIVE for writing them and correcting them was to
manifest his care for them in the sight of God. God already saw how much Paul cared for these folks, but they
needed to know. A lot of times just knowing that somebody cares will help you do right. And if you have some
one who loves you enough to go out on a limb to correct you - then you have a great treasure, and I think that we all
do here at Treasure Valley Baptist Church.
13: Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus,
because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14: For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even
so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
15: And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how
with fear and trembling ye received him.
16: I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
Vs. 13-16 There is joy in Paul’s camp tonight. Titus has returned, which is cause for joy in tiself, but he has
brought back a good report from Corinth. The disciples there are doing right and living right; they have made
themselves obedient unto Paul’s first letter and they had received Titus with fear and trembling. The apostle and
his fellow labourers have something to rejoice about before God, and to deepen the work in the Corinthians, he
tells them just how well they’ve done. I don’t think that a man needs to be patted on the back every time he does
something right or good, but a little encouragement now and again goes a long way toward sustaining that faithful
and victorious spirit.
Another thing here is that when a church has grown and matured and is serving God as it should; it is a great
encouragment to those others who are going through the same trials or have been through them already and
have come through with God’s help.
As I look at Titus and his relationship with these folks I’m somewhat surprised that he ended up pastoring down in
Crete, but I see that you have to be willing to work where the lord sends you.
One of the best things that a Pastor can have is confidence in his converts to do right. After you get someone to
trust Jesus Christ, and disciple them in the things of God, and then to watch them bear fruit of their own is a
very blessed thing. It is obvious why the Soulwinner’s crown is a “Crown of Rejoicing”.
• The apostle was not disappointed concerning them, which he signified to Titus; and he could with joy
declare the confidence he had in them for the time to come. Here see the duties of a pastor and of his flock;
the latter must lighten the troubles of the pastoral office, by respect and obedience; the former make a due
return by his care of them, and cherish the flock by testimonies of satisfaction, joy, and tenderness. M.H.
 II Corinthians chapter 8
II. Hortatory: The Collection for the Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8–9)

Theme: The Grace and Example of Christian Giving vs. 9: For ye know the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

I. The Example of Christian Giving (vs. 1-6)

1: Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2: How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches
of their liberality.
3: For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4: Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering
to the saints.
5: And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6: Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Vs. 1-6 “To wit”, that is, we want you to know exactly about this grace of God bestowed on the churches in
Macedonia. Here grace is the ability to give financial help to the poor saints. God has many forms that his
grace comes in, but one thing is common throughout, that God is doing in you what you can’t do in your own
power. Whether it is the grace that saves, or the grace that sanctifies, or the grace to endure, or the grace to
give, or the grace to serve, or any other thing that God would accomplish in you; He will accomplish it through
His grace.
The thing to note here is that the Macedonians were going through it (a great trial of affliction) when God
bestowed the grace. I’m sure that there are people in our church who could have a more comfortable and
luxurious life if they didn’t “take upon themselves the fellowship of the ministering to the missionaries.” I’m
not saying that we’re all in deep poverty, but I know that there’re some who are more concerned with keeping
up the Macedonians than keeping up with the Joneses. Dr. Ruckman tells a story sometimes about an
American tourist laughing at a Korean family because while the father worked the plow the son had to pull it.
It turned out that they had sold their ox and gave the money to the church to help build the church building.
There’re folk out yonder that do give to God out of deep poverty, and it’s by the grace of God that they do it.
We see another Christian paradox here in that:
A GREAT TRIAL OF AFFLICTION + THE GRACE OF GOD = THE ABUNDANCE OF THEIR JOY AND
THEIR DEEP POVERTY + THE GRACE OF GOD = THE RICHES OF THEIR LIBERALITY
They had to entreat Paul and his companions to take the offerings because they were so poor.
Beyond their power they were willing of themselves, once you given your self to God, all your treasures follow
pretty easily. I think I heard Bro. Tim Green once tell an illustration about a fellow that came down and set the
offering plate on the floor and stood in it to show God he was willing to give himself. Verse 12
I think he says not as we hoped, because they had exceeded their expectations in this matter. Not only had they
helped by giving, but they had given more than they had to give because God was giving through them; and
they sought out and encouraged others to get with the program: so the work of grace spreads from church to
church. Consider how many times you’ve heard of some church that was encouraged to start a faith promise
missions program because of what their preacher had seen here. I say this not by way of bragging or boasting
but by way of instruction. Now, Paul is having Titus work with the Corinthians in this grace also.
• The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and
favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. So
far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only
giving him what is his own. All we give for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first
give ourselves to the Lord. By ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to him whose due it
is, but also show men where their strength is. Abundant spiritual joy enlarges men's hearts in the work and labour of love. How
different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work, unless urged into it! M.H.

II. Encouragement to Follow the Example (vs. 7-9)

7: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your
love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8: I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your
love.
9: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that
ye through his poverty might be rich.
Vs. 7-9 The Corinthians abounded in many things (1st Cor); much correction was required, and received,
but at least they were moving. Like many preachers say of teenagers, “they’re moving already-
you just got to get them headed the right way. Paul would have them giving too. 1Cor:13:2: And
though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I
could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. He doesn’t want them to have their growth
stopped because of not giving. Giving is a part of worship. Mt. 6:21 & Lk. 12:34 For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also. The reason to give is to prove the sincerity of your love.
The tithe is just the beginning for the Christian. How can we, who have received so much more at
the hand of God than those in the Old Testament, be content to give back less than they? The
forwardness of others is an encouragement to do more. Heb. 10:24 And let us consider one another
to provoke unto love and to good works
Verse 9 is well summarized by the acrostic of GRACE: God’s
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense
Paul is characterized by his mentioning of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom:16:20: And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Rom:16:24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
1Cor:16:23: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
2Cor:8:9: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be
rich.
Gal:6:18: Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Phil:4:23: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
1Thes:5:28: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2Thes:3:18: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Phlm:1:25: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Think of what was involved for Christ to become poor: Phil. 2:5-8: Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took
upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. And think of the riches we now possess on his account:
1. Salvation
Free Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not
Eternal possible to please God, (Heb 11:6), so those
Unmerited who abound in faith, will abound in other
Complete, etc. graces and good works also; and this will work
2. Wisdom and show itself by love. Great talkers are not
Through the Spirit always the best doers; but these Corinthians
Through the word were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk
Through the mind of Christ, etc. well.
3. Godliness
Holiness
Righteousness
Likeness, etc. The best arguments for Christian duties, are
4. Love drawn from the grace and love of Christ.
God’s Though he was rich, as being God, equal in
Toward God
power and glory with the Father, yet he not
Toward the brethren
Toward a lost world
only became man for us, but became poor also.
5. Security
In this life
In the next life
In our calling and work
• Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God, (Heb 11:6), so those who abound in
faith, will abound in other graces and good works also; and this will work and show itself by love. Great
 talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk
well. To all these good things the apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity to the
poor. The best arguments for Christian duties, are drawn from the grace and love of Christ. Though
he was rich, as being God, equal in power and glory with the Father, yet he not only became man for us,
but became poor also. At length he emptied himself, as it were, to ransom their souls by his sacrifice on the
cross. From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty didst thou descend for our sakes! and to what riches
hast thou advanced us through thy poverty! It is our happiness to be wholly at thy disposal. M.H.
III. Advice as to How to Follow the Example (vs. 10-15)

10: And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be
forward a year ago.
11: Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also
out of that which ye have.
12: For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath
not.
13: For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance
also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Vs. 10-15 The advice Paul gives here is inspired by the Holy Spirit, not just Paul’s opinion on the matter. But
we should remember that the Christian life is a choice. A choice to submit, a choice to surrender, a choice to
witness, a choice to pray, a choice to be in the word of God, a choice to give.
It’s not enough to just choose to give- you gotta do it. Planning to give isn’t giving until it’s out of your hands
and in the offering plate. I believe that we should always strive to give more each year, by God’s grace.
Verse 12 will apply to most everything in the Christian life in principle. Firstly giving, as in the context, God
isn’t concerned if you’d give half of your winnings if you won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes or the
Lotto. He wants to see you give of what you have in your possession. You can talk all day and all night about
how much you’d give to the work of God IF you had it- “Lord, if I had $3,000,000 I’d give you $2,000,000 of it.”
Ah shut-up your lying mouth! If your not giving God 2/3 of what you’ve got right now you’re just a pious
hypocrite – a spiritual pretender! “It is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath
not.” Now if you want to make that bargain with the Lord start out by asking him for the grace to give 2/3 of
what you have right now and promise to be faithful with the increase.
The PRINCIPLE of verse 12 is willingness! Are you willing to do God’s will as opposed to your own will?
Each of us must surrender our own will to God, in all the areas of our life. That includes: family, ministry,
vocation, location, retirement, finances, and etc. Anything in your life that requires a decision must be
surrendered to God – “if there be first a willing mind.” And not only surrendered to do something for God, but
also surrendered to NOT do it if that is his will.
Equality. This is the only verse in the Bible where the word shows up and the context explains it clearly to the
disappointment of the Marxist. It’s not an entitlement program for the professional welfare crowd, nor a Robin
Hood story from the Bible days, and neither is it an economic system where everyone will be adjusted into the
same tax bracket; but it is a group of Christians voluntarily using the abundance that God has blessed them with
to help other Christians in need. And the equality comes in the fact that they have confidence in God that should
they be in need then the Lord will move in the hearts and minds of other Christians to supply their need. Vs.14
“at this time” would show you that the conditions weren’t permanent and would probably reverse. Read the
passage.
As it is written: Ex. 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered
little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. Paul uses the story of the manna to illustrate how God
supplies the needs of his people. God gave them exactly what they needed on a daily basis, and for those who
wanted to be greedy, God’s supply to them bred worms and stank. It’s doubtful to me if those Israelites who had
pot-falls of stinking worms ever found the manna so good as they did at the first. Caution: your greed will leave
a bad taste in your mouth. We’ll get to this more in 9:7, but let me say now that your giving should be cheerful,
not of necessity – not like rearranging your portfolio for maximum profitability.
 • Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are
lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless
there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to
perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not
justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a
willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to
some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that
by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would
destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves
concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the
wilderness, Ex 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those
who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them. M.H.

IV. He Recommends Titus to Them (vs. 16-24)

16: But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17: For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18: And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19: And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is
administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22: And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now
much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
23: Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired
of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24: Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Vs. 16,17 Titus had come to love the Corinthians as much as Paul did, and when Paul needed a volunteer to
go to Corinth to help them prepare their offering- Titus was eager to go.
Vs. 18-21 Titus was not sent alone that they might (vs.21) Provide for honest things, not only in the sight of
the Lord, but also in the sight of men. Paul sent “the brother”, who, though not named is probably Silas,
chosen of the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:27-34) and chosen by the church at Antioch (Acts 15:40,41). There
is a terrible problem with dishonesty when some church people get to close to “the bag”, like Judas, they have a
problem. Every church should have a system of double checks to protect the church and the individuals
working with the funds. You can be sure that Titus didn’t get his feelings hurt and go around murmuring “you
guys just don’t trust me.” Paul sent Silas along to protect the reputation of Titus, Paul, and all who were
involved. Every check that is drawn on our church account requires 2 signatures, not because some one is
suspect but to protect them against allegation and temptation. The petty cash has a limit, and a paper trail that
is inspected by all the deacons on a monthly basis.
Vs. 22-24 Titus and “the brother” are men who have shown themselves faithful and loyal. Lk. 16:10 He that is
faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Because of the way
the men have handeled themselves Paul is able to put his endorsment on them.
• The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be known who they were, and
how safely they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can,
all unjust suspicions. It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight of God, but things honest in
the sight of men should also be attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite for
usefulness. They brought glory to Christ as instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted
faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others have of us, should be an argument with us to
do well. M.H.
 II Corinthians chapter 9

Theme: The Cheerfulness of Christian Giving vs. 7: Every man according as he purposeth in his
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Ch. 9 While most folks like to think of the subject of giving as a practical matter , we’ll see Paul address the
doctrinal aspects of giving in this chapter as we continue to study his encouragements to the Corinthian
Christians regarding their service to the saints at Jerusalem.

I. Reason for sending Titus to collect their bounty (vs. 1-5)

1: For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready
a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
3: Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be
ready:
4: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be
ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5: Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up
beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and
not as of covetousness.
Vs. 1-5 Superfluous means “unnecessary”, it was unnecessary for Paul to write to them regarding giving to
the saints. In fact they had stired up many others by their zeal. That often happens with people, as excitement
is contagious. People like to follow the crowd and if the crowd is moving in the right direction that can be a
good thing. Heb.10: 23-25: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us
consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. And Pro. 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a
man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Paul had come to Macedonia to take up the offering they had. The Macedonians ahd become all exicted when
Paul had told them that Achaia had collected their offering over a year ago. Even though they couldn’t afford it,
they had sacrificed until they too had a good offering to give. Paul’s love for the Corinthians had him bragging
about their zeal, but wanting to be sure they had followed through on that which they had started, he sent Titus
and Silas ahead to make sure the collection was ready as promised. Paul’s concern was for their reputation
more than the offering. He wanted to keep the spiritual momentum moving forward as it would help the
Corintians as well as those of Macedonia. He would do whatever he could for the growth and wellbeing of all
his converts.
• When we would have others do good, we must act toward them prudently and tenderly, and give them
time. Christians should consider what is for the credit of their profession, and endeavour to adorn the
doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. The duty of ministering to the saints is so plain, that there
would seem no need to exhort Christians to it; yet self-love contends so powerfully against the love of
Christ, that it is often necessary to stir up their minds by way of remembrance.

II. The Corinthians to be Liberal and Cheerful,

6: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully.
7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth
a cheerful giver.
8: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may
abound to every good work:
9: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
Vs. 6-9 The Standard of New Testament Giving also called The Law of the Harvest
Firstly, notice that you have a choice as to whether you would rather sow sparingly or bountifully. What are
the tithes on $100.00? $10.00, right? Is that sparingly or is that bountifully? What about the tithes on
$1,000,000.00? $100,000.00, right? Is that sparingly or is that bountifully? My point is that you can’t tithe
either sparingly or bountifully. Simply, either you tithe or you don’t tithe. So, this is giving above the tithe.
 Many have said that tithing is/was under the law, that’s because their cheap and haven’t surrendered their
money to God yet. The truth is that the tithe was before the law, (see Genesis 14:18-20 And Melchizedek king of
Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of
the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.
And he gave him tithes of all.), durring the law (see Lev:27:30), and after the law (see Heb:7:8). Surely if an Old
Testament saint could pay God the tithes it would be a small thing for a born again New Testament Christian to
pay tithes and more. Secondly, having now established that this pertains to giving more than just the tithe, we
can look at the Law of the Harvest: 1. You always reap what you sow Gal. 6:7,8
2. You always reap more than you sow Jn. 12:24
3. You always reap purportionate to how you sow 2nd Cor.9:6
4. You always reap according to why you sow 2nd Cor.9:7
5. You always reap! Gal. 6:9
God loveth a cheerful giver and he can make all grace abound toward you, so that you will be able to serve him.
Have you ever wondered why God in his great mercy let you be born in the USA? It wasn’t so you could have
a 4-bedroom 4-bathroom house with a 4-car garage, and play golf, go sport-fishing, build a race-car, and toss a
twenty in the plate. If you’re not called to be a missionaryand leave the luxury of this country, then I believe
that you’re called to shell-out and support those who are. God does several things when you start to give
cheerfully according as you purpose in your heart.
1. God starts giving you more to give
2. Folk will pray for you & thank God for you
3. Folk will thank God for answering their prayers and supplying their need
4. God becomes glorified in the abundance of thanksgivings
5. God becomes glorified in your life as you become less worldly and more spiritualy minded
Like Brother Joe West says- “God will give more through you than he will give to you.”
Vs. 8 is a great promise, as great as Rom. 8:28. But, it’s conditional. It is conditional upon a Christian giving
cheerfully and bountifully, and wanting to serve Him.
As it is written: Ps.112:9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted
with honour. This quote shows how you can build righteousness with God. Many poor theologians think that
you have only Christ righteousness- but they never consider what would be the point of the Judgment Seat of
Christ if that were the case. It’s only Christ’s righteousness that saves you, but after you get saved you are
created unto good works and should get busy with it.

III. Thanksgiving to God (vs. 10-15)

10: Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and
increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11: Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12: For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God;
13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of
Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14: And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15: Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Vs. 10-15 Verse 10 has a literal AND a spiritual interpretation. The literal interpretation shows that the same
God who supplies the sower or the farmer with seed also makes that seed to grow and bring forth fruit, to the
end that there is seed for the next crop and bread for the hungry. The spiritual interpretation goes back to
Christ’s parable about THE SEED & THE SOWER(Matt 13), where we’re shown that the seed is the word of
God and Christ is the sower; presently however, Christ does his work through us through the Holy Spirit giving
the increase by his grace. He ministers seed (the word) to the sower (the soulwinner) to (1) feed his spirit, (2)
provide more seed to be sown, and (3) bear fruit in his transformed life.
Verse 11 reaches back to verse 8 for it’s subject, where it says God can make all grace abound toward you; that
is, You being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness. And before some crazy charismatic starts yapping
about being rich in this world with money in the bank and a new car and big house; it’s important to take notice
of the context, and point out that God is enriching you for HIS WORK which causeth through us thanksgiving
to God. Like you’ve heard already – God will give more through you than he will give to you! And if you
pay attention to the context, you’ll see that thanksgiving to God is always part of the results when God enriches
his people. Remember, Heaven will be filled with his praises continually. You can’t thank God ever enough.
You see in verse 13 that their thanksgiving to God was on 2 accounts: (1) the generosity of the Corinthian
saints toward the saints in Jerusalem as well as Paul & his company, and (2) that the aforementioned generosity
was evidence of the Corinthian saints being in subjection to the Lord.
Paul refers to their giving as an experiment, and if you’ve never experimented with giving to God, it’s
something you ought to try. Don’t worry, you can’t out give God; and He won’t let you paint Him into a corner
where He owes you more than you owe Him. Remember, you can give without loving, but you can’t love
without giving. And God so loved you that he gave his only begotten Son, that if you should believe in him,
you should not perish, but have everlasting life. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift, his gift of his
Son, his gift of the word of God, his gift of eternal life, his gift of forgiveness of sins, his gift of the divine
nature, his gift of a sound mind, his gift of Christian fellowship, his gift of peace with God, his gift of joy
unspeakable – all his gifts wrapped up in the Person of Jesus Christ!

• Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but when given from proper
principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully.
Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our
circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be
given freely, be it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter, and yet increase; others
withhold more than is meet, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we should waste less on
ourselves, and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase. Can a man lose by doing that with which God is
pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and to abound in us; to give a large increase of
spiritual and of temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all things; and to be content with
what we have. God gives not only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants
of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel,
by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God. Let us
endeavour to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to
give than to receive. Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines
some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name
to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good
thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds.
 II Corinthians chapter 10

III. Polemical: Paul’s Vindication of His Apostolic Authority (chs. 10–13)

Theme: Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority vs. 8: For though I should boast somewhat more
of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be
ashamed:

I. The apostle states his authority with meekness and humility (vs. 1-6)

1: Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you,
but being absent am bold toward you:
2: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold
against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Vs. 1,2 The way that Paul says “Now I Paul myself beseech you” would cause you to think that maybe Paul
came over and took the pen away from his scribe (Luke) and wrote this last part himself (like he wrote the
epistle to the Galatians).
He implores the meekness and gentleness of Jesus Christ. We most often think of Moses as the meekest man
who ever lived, but even Moses can’t be compared to Christ (as we think of Solomon as the wisest man).
Meekness is power under control or restraint; remember that Jesus Christ could have called ten-thousand angels
with the power to cleanse the earth of every one, he could have spoke the word that would have undone all of
His creation (Heb. 1:3, Col. 1:16). Jesus Christ was meek: Matt. 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. And he is gentle, for David said 2 Sam. 22:36 Thou hast also given
me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. and Ps. 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy
salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Of course we should remember that
both meekness and gentleness are both fruits of the Spirit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal. 5:22,23. So Paul will do more than use
Christ’s meekness and gentleness as grounds for beseeching them but will appropriate them and in that spirit
try to win those who still doubt his athourity and love. He is bold in letter that he may be base in presence.
Vs. 3-6 The difference here between walking in the flesh and warring after the flesh is the same contrast you
find in Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after
the Spirit. Between walking after the flesh and walking after the Spirit. It is the difference between being a
carnal Christian and spiritual Christian, and while admits to being in the flesh (still breathing) he points out that
he and his fellow laborers are not carnal Christians. He goes on to mention that the weapons of our warfare
aren’t carnal- but he doesn’t elaborate on them here. Instead he does the same thing that a D.I. at Paris Island
would do: before training men with weapons they must first be trained in self discipline. You’ve heard
Preacher say it over and over again: “the battle is in the mind.” Before we can look at the weapons and armour
of the Christian soldier in Eph. 6, we have to deal with Christian IMAGINATIONS, THOUGHTS,
OBEDIENCE, and A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE. You can all quote Romans
12:1,2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. But have you renewed your mind, do you renew your
mind daily, do you have a readiness to revenge all disobedience? In Prov.16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and
thy thoughts shall be established. In boot-camp they break a man down so they can build them up again; and when
they build them back up, they build them all alike. They become a unit, a fighting machine in which each man
thinks alike so they can work as a team, fight as a team. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that if your
thoughts are subject to the Lord Jesus Christ, you’ll be operating as a team, in harmony with the rest of the
Body, not like a cancer in the Body doing your own thing.
 Well, the weapons of our warfare are found in Eph.6:11-20 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the
mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Once a soldier
has been trained to obey an order then they can take him out to the firing range and teach him how to handle
and care for his armour.
• While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We
should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a
spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong
persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be
persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is
convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the
conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the
preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness. M.H.

II. Reasons with the Corinthians (vs. 7-11)

7: Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of
himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8: For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not
for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
9: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
10: For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech
contemptible.
11: Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in
deed when we are present.
Vs. 7-11 He’s dealing with a minority here, but they have to be dealt with. The Lord said Jn.7:24 Judge not
according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. It’s always a risky thing to “judge a book by it’s cover” and
people get so accustomed to doing it that they’re shocked when they’re wrong. They shouldn’t be though, Dr.
Ruckman used to often say “A thing is almost always the opposite of the away it looks.” These folks at Corinth
are down on Paul because they don’t like the way he looks, and the way he talks, and the way he preaches is
too rude, and he acts like that he’s always right ‘n’ everybodyelse is wrong. Yadda yadda yadda. Multiply
examples till nauseaus. Paul wants them to know that he was given his power for their edification
(Eph.4:11,12) not for their destruction. He says “hey, you belong to Christ? Yea? So do we!” Now the lesson
for us is obvious. Don’t despise some one because of their looks. If you don’t think they look like a good
prospect,or they don’t look like they’re saved, or they don’t look like they can preach, or they don’t look like
they could teach a 1st grade Sunday School. You don’t know what God is doing in their heart. You don’t know
at first glance and you might not know after your 3rd or 4th glance.
When I first came to Idaho, I got a job build ing log homes with this fellow that thought everybody that didn’t
talk like him, vote like him, listen to music like him, etc. were just a bunch of dummies. And there came a big
hurricane up the east and gulf coasts that was in the news. Well he came in the next day ragging the head of the
National Weather Service down in Miami, because he talked like a hick, where did they find that guy anyways?
Under a rock? Ha!Ha! I said “Doug that fellow has got a better brain and more education than you’ll ever have.
And he makes more money and probally has more friends.” Doug didn’t like that too much.
If the problem is heresy that’s one thing, but if you just don’t like the way they do something- deal with it-
grow up.
Paul’s bottom line to these folks that were causing the trouble was this: “such as we are in word by letters when
we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.”
• In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must
not think on that outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful
minister of the lowly Saviour. M.H.
 III. Seeks the glory of God, and to be approved of him (vs. 12-15)

12: For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but
they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13: But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath
distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
14: For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as
to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
15: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is
increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
16: To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to
our hand.
17: But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Vs. 12-18 The surest way to be a failure in the Christian life while convincing yourself that you’re
trying is to compare yourself with the brethren. There’s nothing wrong with folloing a Christian, you can find
some pretty good examples to follow. Just don’t compare yourself with them. The’re running a different race
than you. They’re running their race and you are supposed to be running your race. Human nature being what
it is folk always tend to find someone they are already supieror to and then start comparing to see how good
they look. God has measured you a course, to continue the metaphor, and you have got no bussiness bragging,
boasting or even poking around in the course that He measured to a brother. Paul said that his measure reached
unto the Corintians (vs. 13) and that he didn’t have to stretch (vs. 14) beyond the measure to get there as if God
hadn’t measured Paul’s course to them and beyond. Paul did not want to get off his course to follow another
man’s line of things, he wanted to finish his course. And that would include going beyond the Corinthians
when they were mature, going beyond to Rome, to Spain, maybe even to England. He didn’t want to get
bogged down in somebodt else’s bussiness and not finish his own.
Can you imagine some one who would go out on a job, say to install the hardware on the doors and cabinets
and not be able to finish because he spent the whole day helping the painters, landscapers, and cleaning ladies,
and electrians. He’d be out of a job. Or taking your car to have the brakes repaired and they never got to it
because the brake repairman was vacuming and detailing your car. Paul was wiser than that. You should be
too. When the Corinthians faith was increased, Paul would move on down his course doing what God had
measured to him to do. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. Vs.17,18. If you are to be approved it will be because God has
commended you to the church for your work. So find out what God wants you to do, that is what he has
measured unto you, and get busy doing it.

• If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle
fixes a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to
him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to judge of persons and opinions by our own prejudices. How common is it
for persons to judge of their own religious character, by the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how different is
the rule of God's word! And of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising ourselves, we should strive to
approve ourselves to God. In a word, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other things only as evidences of his love, or
means of promoting his glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of men, let us desire that honour which cometh
from God only. M.H.
 II Corinthians chapter 11

Theme: Paul’s Foolish Boasting vs. 16: I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a
fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

I. The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own commendation (vs. 1-4)

1: Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2: For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as
a chaste virgin to Christ.
3: But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted
from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4: For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which
ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Vs. 1-4 Paul is acting the fool here because people will put up with a fool more than they will listen to
some one wisly reprove them for their error. Fool or folly 11:1, 11:16, 12:11. God is the only being that has no
sin in jealousy, for to all that are less than God it is vanity and pride. But Paul says that he has a godly
jealousy over them- that is there is nothing about Paul that is puffed up or proud, just that he wants them to stay
with God. As a chaste virgin espoused to Christ Eph.5:24-27 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives
be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That
he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The simplicity that is in Christ, that’s a wonderful thing, how simple is God’s salvation
He references Satan and Eve, and we should ask our selves how did Satan beguile Eve through his subtilty. He
lied. He is the father of all lies Jn.8:44 Jn:8:44: Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a
murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his
own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. But his lies are subtile. The lie that he told Eve was ¾ truth and ¼ a lie. He
says GOOD things, he tells of pleasant things, he tells you things to make you wise. He wants to be your
friend, AND MURDERER! Paul explains that his reason for speaking in his own behalf is to protect them
from Satan’s lies. If they come preaching ANOTHER Jesus with ANOTHER spirit and ANOTHER gospel –
bear with them. BEAR WITH THEM? Yes, bear with them. WHY? Because their end shall be according to
their works. Notice that Paul never says “BURN THEM AT THE STAKE BECAUSE THEIR OF THE
DEVIL!” See Paul would allow their own end to condemn them. The way thay any Bible believeing Christian
would. A Bible believer should preach against them, warn folk against them, pray against them, point them
out, and teach against them- but never raise arms to harm them; that would be how Satan would handle it.
Consider the story of the tares- our Lord wouldn’t risk hurting one of the children of the kingdom to destroy the
tares, especialy when they would manifest themselves in time anyway.

• The apostle desired to preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the false apostles. There is but one Jesus, one Spirit, and
one gospel, to be preached to them, and received by them; and why should any be prejudiced, by the devices of an adversary,
against him who first taught them in faith? They should not listen to men, who, without cause, would draw them away from those
who were the means of their conversion. M.H.

II. Shows that he had Freely preached the gospel (vs. 5-15)

5: For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
6: But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in
all things.
7: Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the
gospel of God freely?
8: I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9: And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the
brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto
you, and so will I keep myself.
10: As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11: Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
12: But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they
glory, they may be found even as we.
13: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15: Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end
shall be according to their works.
Vs. 5-15

• It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be
lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse
him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage
against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of
the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on
the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and
grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to
preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the
partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system. M.H.

III. Explains what he was going to add in defence of his own character (vs. 16-21)

16: I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
17: That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18: Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
19: For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
20: For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt
himself, if a man smite you on the face.
21: I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak
foolishly,) I am bold also.
Vs. 16-21

• It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence
must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in
us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to
see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them. M.H.

IV. He gives an account of his labours, cares, sufferings, dangers, and deliverances (vs. 22-33)

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 labours more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24: Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25: Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in
the deep;
26: In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the
heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27: In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28: Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
29: Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
30: If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
31: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
32: In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to
apprehend me:
33: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
Vs. 22-33

• The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled
him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his
character and usefulness. It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his
patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. See what little reason we have to
love the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services
appear unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to
inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may
learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer all to his glory, as
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for evermore. M.H.

II Corinthians chapter 12

Theme: Paul’s Abundance of Revelations vs. 7: And lest I should be exalted above measure through
the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure.

I. The apostle's revelations (vs. 1-6)

1: It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body,
I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3: And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4: How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5: Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6: For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man
should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
Vs. 1-6 Paul has quit his foolish boasting and taken the new direction of glorying in the third person. He
relates as much as allowed of a particular experince he had in the Lord’s service, of being caught up to the third
heaven, paradise, and hearing words unspeakable. This event most likley took place in Acts 14:19,20 in Lystra,
where Paul was stoned and drawn out of the city, but while the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and
came into the city. If this is the case, Paul was executed and saw some things in heaven before he was
resurrected. Paradise was in the heart of the earth before the crucifixion, it contained Abraham’s Bossom and
was across a great gulf from hell, but after our Lord died he moved it (Eph. 4:8-10) Wherefore he saith, When he
ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended
first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all
things.) Now, we’ve covered this bussiness of the three heavens before – but for a quick review – there are three
heavens found in scripture: the first is the heaven that birds and fowls fly in (Gen. 1:20: And God said, Let the
waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open
firmament of heaven.); the second is the heaven that the stars shine from (Gen. 1:14-16 And God said, Let there be lights
in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights;
the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.) ; and the third is the Heaven of
God’s glory (Isa. 63:15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal
and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?) The reason that he could not
tell if it were in the body or out of the body is because the soul has bodily shape and semi-function (see Luke
16)
 If Paul were to glory he’d rather glory in the revelations that God had given him than in anything concerning
his flesh; he could speak the truth, but forbearance was the wiser course of action “lest any man should think of
me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.” And this will bring us into the next section
of the chapter.

• There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him,
while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from
the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he
knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and
state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of
Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while
this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented
with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God. MH

II. Which were improved to his spiritual advantage (vs. 7-10)

7: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a
thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly
therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10: Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's
sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Vs. 7-10 The reason thay Paul was never healed of his thorn in the flesh was for his own profit and
advantage. If he had become puffed up because of all that God had shown him and done through him, he
would have become useless to the work of the Lord in his church. The same holds true today, if you’re going
to be used of God in any way of consecquence you can expect a thorn in the flesh of your own. Just a little
something to keep you humble, to remind you who is doing the work, who is sufficient for all things. It ain’t
you and it ain’t me – it’s God! You can look back through the history of the church and see the pattern, you
can look around right now and see the pattern. Wesley, Whitfield, Luther, and the great reformers each had
their own thorn; in this day we’ve seen Lester Roloff, Sam Gipp, and our own Preacher. God will take his
servants through great trials of infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses to keep them
humble and/or weak in the flesh so that he can use them for his glory. I’m sure that at the time, it is quite a
consuming affair to deal with, but in the light of eternity it’s like getting a goathead in your foot some
afternoon. So after Paul prays three times to be healed and gets the answer that My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness he gets the right attitude about it and goes forward. Notice how
his own healing meeting went – something to point out to those fakirs preaching the gospel of prosperity and
health. 1 Pet. 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the
same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

• The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his
being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this
thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this
good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will
keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This
thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and
overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are
afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first
prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are
continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does
not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When
God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no
 reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and
enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made
perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then
we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we
go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace. MH

III. The signs of an apostle were in him (vs. 11-13)

11: I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in
nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
12: Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13: For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you?
forgive me this wrong.

Vs. 11-13 “The signs of an apostle” – it is important to note that these signs are apostolic- that is if there are
no apostles there should be no signs.

IV. His purpose of making them a visit; but he expresses his fear lest he should have to be severe
with some (vs. 14-21)

14: Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not 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 you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
16: But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17: Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
18: I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit?
walked we not in the same steps?
19: Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly
beloved, for your edifying.
20: For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye
would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
21: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have
sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have
committed.
Vs. 14-21

• We owe it to good men, to stand up in the defence of their reputation; and we are under special
obligations to those from whom we have received benefit, especially spiritual benefit, to own them as
instruments in God's hand of good to us. Here is an account of the apostle's behaviour and kind intentions;
in which see the character of a faithful minister of the gospel. This was his great aim and design, to do
good. Here are noticed several sins commonly found among professors of religion. Falls and misdeeds are
humbling to a minister; and God sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be tempted to be
lifted up. These vast verses show to what excesses the false teachers had drawn aside their deluded
followers. How grievous it is that such evils should be found among professors of the gospel! Yet thus it is,
and has been too often, and it was so even in the days of the apostles. MH
 II Corinthians chapter 13

Theme: Exhortations and Benediction vs. 11: Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good
comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

I. The apostle threatens obstinate offenders (vs. 1-6)

1: This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
2: I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them
which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
3: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4: For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him,
but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
5: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that
Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6: But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Vs. 1-6
• Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length
he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent. Christ at his crucifixion,
appeared as only a weak and helpless man, but his resurrection and life showed his Divine power. So the
apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, yet, as instruments, they
manifested the power of God. Let them prove their tempers, conduct, and experience, as gold is assayed
or proved by the touchstone. If they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of
Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate, not disowned by Christ. They ought to
know if Christ Jesus was in them, by the influences, graces, and indwelling of his Spirit, by his kingdom
set up in their hearts. Let us question our own souls; either we are true Christians, or we are deceivers.
Unless Christ be in us by his Spirit, and power of his love, our faith is dead, and we are yet disapproved
by our Judge. MH

II. He prays for their reformation (vs. 7-10)

7: Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is
honest, though we be as reprobates.
8: For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9: For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
10: Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power
which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Vs. 7-10
• The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin,
that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we
may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might
grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they
may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of
Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled
to make a proper use of all our talents. MH

III. And ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing (vs. 11-14)

11: Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love
and peace shall be with you.
12: Greet one another with an holy kiss.
13: All the saints salute you.
14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.
Amen.
Vs. 11-14

• Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us,
and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our
friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown.
He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased;
the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows. MH