August 29, 2021

2 CORINTHIANS: THE THRILL OF VICTORY

August 29, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Who doesn’t love a home that runs smoothly with peace and laughter? It takes a lot of work to balance a home where there’s unity! Does anyone have some advice that works well?

After Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he then traveled to Ephesus and Macedonia. Eventually, he received word that his first letter had not been received well. As he wrote 2nd Corinthians, he gave guidelines to eliminate the disruptions, factions, disunity, sin, and more, that were so affecting the church there. Paul also defended his testimony and apostleship, being transparent with many details of his life that are not found in his other letters to the churches. Although it seems a number of the believers had been restored to a close relationship with the other Christians by the time they received this letter, Paul’s biggest concern was that the church at Corinth would recognize the amazing grace of God that was available to them all.

Focal Passage: The Book of Second Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 1, 8.

 Joy and sorrow can co-exist 

  • Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. What is Paul’s theme in these verses? Why does he deal so heavily with afflictions and comfort?
  • What were some of Paul’s afflictions (11:22—28 if you need to refresh your thoughts)? Why does he say Christ comforted him in them? In verse 4, what is the purpose brought about by Christ comforting us in our afflictions? How does David say this same in Psalm 51:13?
  • Read 2 Cor. 8:1-2. Although several chapters later, Paul still talks of afflictions. How is it possible to have both joy and sorrow at the same time? Can you give an example?

Joy is found in what we do, not what we have

  • Read 2 Cor. 8:3-4. How did the church in Macedonia act when they were in “severe” affliction? Is this a normal reaction for people who are in the midst of some type of large problem?
  • Think back to a time when your family was going through bad news or affliction. Did you request time to accept what was happening? How does that differ from what the Macedonian church asked? What had they learned?
  • Which do you believe: that riches, beautiful decorations, “stuff”, and treasures, are a hindrance, or are they wonderful? Can you share your feelings?
  • Why does a growing spirit of generosity indicate your faith is increasing? What is the most important thing you can acquire in this life?

It begins in giving all to Him

  • Read 2 Cor. 8:5. Who is the source of everything we have or are? What did Paul mean that they gave themselves first to the Lord? How do you give yourself to the Lord? Read Luke 9:23. Does this summarize your thoughts?
  • What is our position before God? On a normal day, how much does God figure in your thinking, reading, or talking? Is He getting the “left-overs” of your day, or is it built around Him? Can you explain? What does God want from all of us?

Growing in Him is important; going for Him is, too

  • Read 2 Cor. 8:7. Paul is now leaving the thought of the Macedonian church. He has been made aware of the progress being made by many of the believers. What does he commend them for? What does he ask of them?
  • What does he mean when he says they need to excel in the “act of grace”?
  • Do you see your actions of giving as worship, or is it an act of ritual—or even compulsion? What is the difference? Are you truly a “cheerful” giver?

Christ as our example

  • Read 2 Cor. 8:9. Who is the ultimate example for us to model our lives after?

What were some of the actions that Christ did that we should “abound” in?

  • What has God asked you to do? Are you doing it?

 

Close

There is no doubt our world today is fractured with problems that cause us affliction at every turn. We seldom get through a day without bad news or news that creates an emotional roller-coaster in our home, community, or country. When that happens, is our first thought “God, where were you?” Or do we realize that evil people exist, and until Christ returns to this earth, they will always be with us? Do we see the disunity in our country being brought about by the different beliefs, factions, or rules that protect certain groups—all from divisions that may never be healed, yet we continue to pray fervently for them? We can also pray with more fervor, “Lord, may Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven!”

Paul knew believers had to live together in unity, and his heart was broken over the discord in the church at Corinth. Does your heart grieve over discord in your home, or community—or your church? What do you do about it? Or better to ask, are you doing anything about it? We will always have clashes with the world, but God did not send His Son to this earth for the church to tolerate sin, envy, jealousy, or attitudes of preferences within it. Peace comes to the body of believers when all wish to follow the example that Christ gave us when He left heaven to come to the earth, and when we desire the best for others, more than ourselves, and love for God and people motivates us in everything we do.

We will have affliction—but we can have comfort from God. We can comfort others in their affliction, and it will become a chain that binds our hearts together. We must Love!