Paul did not give up on the Corinthians. Even though the church as a whole had repented, he was not naive to think they had all turned to God. Concerned ultimately for their salvation, Paul urges them to examine their spiritual health.

Although Paul had already visited Corinth twice, there was still a minority that wanted to live in rebellion. Paul affirms his intention to visit the Corinthians, desiring to bring about reconciliation, not to 'give them a piece of his mind.' Paul's attitude towards conflict is the benchmark for all Christians.

Today, false teachers are rampant in the church, drawing large gatherings in order to amass wealth. But this problem is not new; the Corinthians were led astray because they failed to recognise God's work in Paul, and ran after showy hucksters instead. Whilst Paul penned this ancient letter to the Corinthians, it nevertheless speaks to our modern problem today.

Nobody wants a 'thorn in the flesh;' a constant pain in life. But it may be God's very tool to do His work in us. In Second Corinthians 12:1 - 10, Paul tells of his 'thorn,' and how God used it for his good.

Paul's whole ministry was focused on the person of Jesus Christ, never any man. So when the Corinthians that Paul loved went after boastful false teachers, he was heartbroken. To steer them back to the gospel, Paul uses a last resort - boasting about his weaknesses!

Through gullibility and carelessness, the Corinthian church did not discern truth from error. They welcomed false teachers who lived in disregard of what they preached, instead of Paul, who lived by his doctrine. Genuine godly leadership strives for truth, not hypocrisy, and we can learn from this in the life of Paul.

Paul loved the church in Corinth. But after much work, there remained a minor faction who were determined to prevent his ministry of the gospel. Having nothing valid to criticise, they resort to mocking his oratory skill. As a last resort to see these people return to the faith, Paul confronts them with the authenticity of his ministry. We can learn from how Paul responds, and remember how we ought to serve.

Authentic leadership in the spotlight

The assembly at Corinth had repented, and were back on track. But Paul knows that there will still be false teachers remaining, and so in the remaining four chapters of Second Corinthians, Paul goes into battle against those who would oppose his gospel ministry.

Writing to the Corinthians who promised to support the poor church in Jerusalem, and then neglected their promise, Paul asks them to reconsider. He does not command them to give, but reminds them of the purpose and blessings of intentional and cheerful giving.

Grace-driven giving is very different from giving under obligation. The Corinthian church had pledged to give to the Jerusalem church, but after a year, seemed to have abandoned the idea. Paul writes to them, desiring them to follow Christ in all areas - including finances.

In a previous letter to the church at Corinth, Paul had asked them to take up an offering for the church in Jerusalem, but a year had passed without their help. In 2 Corinthians 8:1 - 5, Paul gives four biblical principles for Christian giving, using the Macedonian churches as a living example.

Mood is shared, whether for good or bad. As Christians, we are to be encouraging of one another. Paul was encouraged by Titus bringing good news to him of the Corinthian church's repentance.

Sorrow over sin is a good thing when it leads to repentance. The Apostle Paul rejoiced when the disobedient Corinthian believers realized their errors, and turned back to God. In Second Corinthians 7:11 - 12, Paul gives seven characteristics of genuine repentance:

Geoff Hohneck
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians
God's Comfort of the Afflicted, Part 2
2 Corinthians 7:6-16
05 June 2016

Concerned greatly for the spiritual welfare of the Corinthian church, Paul was "afflicted on every side" as he was fighting for them. After sending them a letter of rebuke, he was concerned, hoping they would repent and grow in faith. But even in his affliction, he found God's comfort.

Believers should be open to one another in all things, but this is sadly not always so. Believers in the Corinthians church had turned away from Paul (who brought them to Christ) because of false teachers. Seeking fellowship with the Corinthians, Paul admonishes them to return his love, be separate unto Christ, and obey God.

All Christians have been given the ministry of reconciliation; of proclaiming God's salvation offer to the world. How should a believer live as an ambassador of God's message? In 2 Corinthians 6:1 - 10, Paul defines three areas of a Christian's life that should reflect God.

Because of sin, mankind is separated from the holy God, and needs to be reconciled. Somehow, our sin must be dealt with. In Second Corinthians 5:21, Paul declares God's work of making men righteous.

Paul, once a man who zealously persecuted Christ and His followers, became a man who gave his life for the cause. What could have caused this radical change? In Second Corinthians 5: 16 - 20, Paul gives three reasons behind conversion.