12/28/17 Reflections

Summary:

Paul is defending his ministry to the Corinthians, in response to some objections (whether spoken or unspoken).  For instance:

  • Objection (O): Paul said he’d come visit them, but never showed up.
    • Paul’s Answer (PA): “I never make promises lightly.  Something very serious and urgent came up, and I thought you’d understand.”
  • O: Paul doesn’t have the letters of recommendation that others have.
    • PA:  “I have something far better than a letter. You all have been changed by my ministry. You are my letters of recommendation. This is far better than an actual letter of recommendation.”
  • O: Paul seems like a false preacher because he minimizes the law.
    • PA: “The covenant of the law had some glory, but the covenant of the Spirit has greater glory.”
  • O: Paul is going through serious hard times, maybe it’s a sign of God’s displeasure.
    • PA: “God’s focus is on the inner self, not the outer self.  The goal is righteousness that leads to resurrected, glorified bodies, not a pristine earthly body.”
  • O: Paul never asked for money from the Corinthians, and now he claims he wants the Corinthians to give a lot of money to other churches.  He must be up to something.
    • PA: “I earned money from my labors, and from other churches and brothers, because I didn’t want to be a burden to you–I thought this would bless you, not make you suspicious.  Further, you were the ones who said you were excited to give generously to the other churches.  I’m not commanding it of you, but think you should follow through on that desire.”
  • O: Paul is not that eloquent or strong of a speaker.
    • PA: “I clearly have knowledge, but see no need to be commanding and authoritarian when I am in person (and I hope I don’t have to be).  God doesn’t want our power and authority to be established by natural means, but by spiritual means.”
  • And so forth.  I think once this fundamental theme of the letter is grasped, it will help make sense of many seemingly cryptic parts of the letter.

Insights:

  • 2 Cor. 1 – sometimes it’s not as basic as just looking to evangelize somewhere and looking where Jesus is opening up a door; other needs should be considered as well 

For Brian to obey:

  • 2 Cor. 9 – as God increases our resources (time/money), He expects us to be more generous in sharing these resources with others (not hoarding for ourselves)
  • 2 Cor. 10 – look to bring people to the Lord, and take the responsibility of raising them up in the Lord as well.  Once they are mature, go elsewhere to find new people to evangelize and raise up.
  • 2 Cor. 11 – Accept some donation for ministry from some places/people who want to give, while not burdening anyone to give.
  • 2 Cor. 13 – Aim for restoration with brothers and sisters where there have been any impasses–even if it might make me seem weak.