My Dear CBC Family,
It was very exciting getting into 2 Corinthians today! There are several things I would like you to look for, as you read through this great book on church doctrine:
Paul uses the word “service” 12 times in this letter!
Paul uses the word “encourage” or “encouragement” 16 times in this letter!
Titus, one of Paul's closest disciples and ministry partners, is mentioned nine times, out of 13 total times in Paul's writings, in this book.
Reading Paul's words of personal pain and struggle are words that speak to each of us, as we go through our daily battles in this present evil world. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. Knowing that our heavenly Father is the God of all comfort, and that he has sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit into our hearts at salvation, gives us peace and hope each day.
V.10 reminds us that we were delivered, in the past, from from sin and death at salvation, through justification – being declared righteous, and that we are currently, in the present, being delivered from this life of despair through sanctification – being conformed to Christ, and ultimately, in the near future, we will be delivered from the grave at the rapture of the Church Age saints!
V.21-22 reinforce the truth that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the earnest or down payment of our eternal inheritance, until we depart this world. Romans 8:16-23, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30
In Ch.2, Paul addresses the issue of the immoral church member from 1 Corinthians 5, whom Paul instructed to deliver unto Satan for the destruction of his flesh until he repents. The member repented and sought to be reinstated in the fellowship. The church was guilty of unforgiveness, refusing to allow him back into the fellowship. In v.6-11, Paul has to lovingly correct the church, reminding them of their role in restoration.
I shared the Three Rs of the spiritual walk with you all, and then after Bible study, Karin gave me a fourth. So, here are the Four Rs of the spiritual walk:
Recognize Satan's devices – 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:10-12
Resist the devil – James 4:7
Reject the devil – Ephesians 4:27
Rejoice in the victory we have in Christ – 2 Corinthians 2:14
Please join me in reading a chapter a day of 2 Corinthians, over the next three weeks, starting tomorrow, in chapter 3. Please mark a key verse that speaks to you personally, in each chapter. Also, I am asking you to attempt to memorize the three key verses from our overview – 4:5, 9:7, and 10:8. They are all very simple to memorize.
The next two Sundays will be a unique time of Questions & Answers, and then we will continue our study of 2 Corinthians on September 26th. I will have our main study chart on the board, and we can delve into questions that you have gnawing in the back of your minds. It will be a wonderful time together!
