“You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? –Romans 2:23
Scripture: 2 Corinthians
Doctrinal Emphasis: Overview and Themes of 2 Corinthians
A significant theme of the second letter to the Corinthians is Paul’s defense of his apostleship. His credentials are defined throughout the epistle. He was appointed by God (1:1).
False teachers and false doctrine are addressed by Paul. Not one to shy away, he takes this issue head on and full steam ahead. False teachers were undermining Paul’s work in the church (11:4). Paul answers his accusers in Chapters 10-12:13. Paul withstood personal attacks on his character, bravery, and speaking skills. He offers a defense which is motivated by his love for Christ (10:1, 10:17) and concern for believers (Chapter 11).
Paul addresses the issue of money in Chapters 8 and 9. In short, fund raising should be completed with a sense of purpose, organization, and accountability. As Christians, we should give cheerfully (9:7). We are to be mindful and generous of fellow believers and their needs in other parts of the world.
Suffering is a hallmark of Paul’s apostleship. To say he had “a thorn in his flesh” is putting it mildly. He was persecuted and jailed many times over. He escaped with his life on many occasions. Paul was expelled from cities and left for dead. Riots resulted because of his belief in Christ and the stance he took. He received 39 lashes five times, was beaten with a rod three times, stoned once, shipwrecked three times, and nearly drowned. He faced dangers from robbers, fellow countrymen, foreigners, false teachers, wildlife, and sea life. Paul was often hungry, thirsty, cold, naked, weary, and suffered pain (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
We go from suffering to glory, suffering to glory. That’s the process of putting to death the old nature and rising to the new life in Christ.
Got a much needed visit with a good friend last night & we were talking about how it can seem the world wants to keep knocking us down. It’s a fact that there are people that won’t want you to succeed. It’s a fact that at times we will feel broken & suffering. There were many that didn’t want to see Jesus succeed & our suffering is nothing like His. He paid the ultimate price & guest what? He succeeded. With all the hate he faced, he still showed nothing but love. He died for our sins so we would know God’s love. We are saved by the blood of Christ. No matter how bad it seems, we have a lot to be thankful for. We can’t control what others do against us, but we can control how we let it affect us. React with love & know God has great plans for you. Your reward is coming.
