While on vacation last week I read one of my favorite Bible books, Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (of the two included in the biblical canon—there were other letters not included).
I say it’s one of my favorite books based on the number of blogs it’s inspired over the years, each time I’ve read the letter.
Why do I appreciate 2 Corinthians so much?
Second Corinthians is packed with wisdom woven together with love and pain. It reveals the Apostle Paul’s heart, his vulnerability, faith, resilience, forgiveness, and strength in the face of a level of opposition and adversity few of us will experience.
We get to see Paul falling on the grace of God to endure severe afflictions, betrayals, and rejections, asserting repeatedly his unconditional love for those who have caused him pain.
I present here in summary form some of the profound truths found on the pages of this brilliant letter from the first century. It is not exhaustive, but I believe it covers most of the essential principles Paul seeks to convey, chronologically in the text.
Clearly, these are biblical ideals of which we all frequently fall short. However, that doesn’t mean we ought not continue to pursue them and aspire to live up to them. They are our standards, and standards are one of our best gifts from God.
So, let’s go…
· When we experience trials and afflictions, we are held together by the God who comforts us. On the other side, we are enabled to comfort those experiencing similar trials.
· We don’t exploit others or seek financial gain from the ministry of the word. We do not walk in craftiness, but in honesty and integrity, guarding our motives in ministry.
· Disciples of Jesus Christ are like letters from God to the world. We don’t hide our faith, but hold forth the truth to a dying world.
· As we live each day in Christ, we are being transformed and become reflectors of his glory. We don’t hide behind a mask or veil.
· The more we acknowledge and submit to the work of the Holy Spirit, the more freedom we enjoy as God’s children.
· No matter what difficulties and trials we experience, we live in the hope that “even if our outer man is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day” (4:16). The world cannot kill the Spirit of God within us, which is the down payment on our eternal life.
· Through the same Spirit, we have the supernatural ability to look into invisible, eternal realities. We are not limited to our natural minds.
· Believers are called as ambassadors for God’s kingdom, proclaiming the singular message to one and all, “Be reconciled to God.”
· We are to take great care with our relationships, not making binding contracts or covenants with unbelievers (especially marriage). We ought to be different, separated from the world’s ways. We are not “normal.”
· We are to seek holiness by cleansing ourselves of “every impurity of the flesh and spirit” (7:1). When we truly repent of sin, we bear the fruit of repentance, including godly fear, restoration, zeal for God, and a clear conscience.
· We ought to always be generous, according to our ability, and sometimes, sacrificially.
· When we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly, but when we sow generously, we reap generously. Generosity enriches both the giver and receiver.
· We are in a spiritual battle in which we must “demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God…and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
· If we boast about anything, it should be about the Lord.
· We must beware of seductive, deceptive teachings that depart from the true gospel.
· Sometimes God does not remove sufferings, but allows them to persist, so that we will fall upon the all-sufficient grace of Christ.
· “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” (12:9)
· We owe those with God-ordained spiritual authority over our lives our respect, honor, support, prayers, and sincere love.
I hope these summary points inspire you to dig deeper to find many areas of application to your daily life and walk. Paul was an amazing model of steadfast faith under crazy and challenging conditions. We are wise to take his counsel seriously.
Be blessed!
