I was as shocked as you were that we were able to do an overview of three chapters this week. Chapters 7, 8, 9 have much to teach us, and I hope that the brief moments we stayed in each chapter has prompted you to study them more deeply.
Chapter 7:
V.1 reveals a recurring theme in Paul's writings (Galatians 5, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3) concerning our personal sanctification. 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. Romans 8:30 explains that God calls us and justifies us, and ultimately glorifies us. The daily journey of being conformed to the image of Christ is our responsibility of overcoming the cravings of our old Adamic nature – putting off the old man with his deeds, and putting on the new man, who is fashioned after Christ! This is the theme of v.1!
V.5 reminds us that, even though we are saved, we are not exempt from daily trials and struggles. Marvel not that the world hates you. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 helps to recognize and overcome our own afflictions we may face.
V.8-9 helps us to see that Paul wrote Corinth on several occasions. We have mention of four particular times.
1 Corinthians 5:9-10 – The previous letter
1 Corinthians which is found in our Bible
2 Corinthians 2:4,9 & 7:8 – The severe letter
2 Corinthians which is found in our Bible
V.10-11 explains the role godly sorrow plays in our salvation, and in our relationship and fellowship with our heavenly Father after salvation.
Godly Sorrow: Conviction that leads to repentance – a change of mind resulting in a change in attitude and action. Examples: David exhibited godly sorrow when confronted with his sin in 2 Samuel 12. The prodigal son exhibited godly sorrow in Luke 15. Peter exhibited godly sorrow when confronted with his denial of Christ in Matthew 26:74-75.
Human Sorrow: Remorse that leads to despair – deep regret or guilt of a wrong committed. Examples: Pharaoh exhibited human sorrow after the death of the firstborn in Exodus 12. Balaam exhibited human sorrow after conspiring with Balak to destroy the children of Israel from within in Numbers 22-24, 31. Judas exhibited human sorrow / deep regret / guilt after he had betrayed the Lord in Matthew 27:3-5.
In chapters 8 & 9 Paul explains the grace of giving in this Mystery Period known as the Dispensation of the grace of God. We are not bound by Old Testament law concerning the tithe, but are compelled to a deeper act of giving that involves our personal commitment to Christ.
Chapter 8: The attitude of giving well. The example Paul uses is the Macedonian believers in v.1-6. The believers in Macedonia gave, not just money, but gave themselves to the Lord first. This helps us to understand that if God has all of you, he will have your money, too.
V.7-9: Grace giving is supernatural / abundant giving. We are all self-centered and pragmatic when it comes to giving. Our old Adamic nature, the natural man has a “me first” attitude when it comes to money. Our perfect example of grace giving is Jesus in v.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.
V.12-15: God does not expect equal gifts. He expects equal sacrifice. Everyone has different needs and responsibilities, as well as different amounts of usable income. God always looks at our giving according to what we have, not what we do not have. V.15 is a reference to Exodus 16 with the gathering of the manna in the morning, and the quail in the evening. God always made sure that the need was met, when the people followed his instructions.
Chapter 9: The grace of giving well / heaven's law of supply and demand.
V.1-5: Your giving will encourage others to give with a pure motive.
V.6-9: Giving with a pure motive of gratitude is an investment in eternal treasure.
Matthew 6:19-21: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
V.10-15: The grace of giving is an unspeakable / inexplicable gift. To go beyond human reasoning and give to further the gospel, being compelled from within by the unction of the Holy Spirit is without explanation.
Please read a chapter a day this week, beginning with 2 Corinthians 10, in preparation for our overview next week.
