Treasure in Jars of Clay

Applying Paul’s experiences to our lives (where applications fit)

2 Corinthians 4:7-14 (NLT)
⁷ We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
⁸ We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. ⁹ We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. ¹⁰ Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
¹¹ Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. ¹² So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
¹³ But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 4:7-14 (NLT)

⁷ We now have this light shining in our hearts,

 We can see and reflect the glory of the Lord, (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Colossians 1:27 (NLT)
²⁷ For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

Christ lives in us.

Ephesians 1:13 (NLT)
¹³ And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.

We have the Holy Spirit.

John 8:31-32 (NLT)
³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 We know the truth.

• We have the light shining in our hearts.

but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars

We are like fragile clay jars.

Cheap, breakable, and replaceable.
Lowly, common, expendable, and replaceable.

Jars that do serve necessary household functions.

In comparison:

Exodus 25:29 NLT
²⁹ Make special containers of pure gold for the table—bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars—to be used in pouring out liquid offerings.

2 Timothy 2:20 NLT
²⁰ In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

 Mere mortal person.

 containing this great treasure. 

The veil has been removed.  We can understand and share the message of salvation and see the glorious and divine results it produces.

• We are like fragile jars containing a great treasure. 

This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

 Salvation is the work of God, not men.

Some plant, some water, but God makes the seed grow.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)
⁴ For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News.

• We are approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News.

⁸ We are:

 pressed on every side by troubles,                 but we are not crushed.
We are perplexed,                                           but not driven to despair. 
⁹ We are hunted down,                                   but never abandoned by God.
We get knocked down,                                   but we are not destroyed.  

    Fragile Jars                                                   Empowered by God 

Human helplessness                                     Divine enablement
Could be physical or psychological

¹⁰ Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Paul’s experience.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 NLT
²³ Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. ²⁴ Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. ²⁶ I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.^[a] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

¹¹ Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. ¹² So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.

Again, this is speaking about Paul.

• Life for the believer can be very difficult.

¹³ But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 

We continue ….  (What is our ministry?)
Because we have faith.
We know ….       (What do we know?)

Psalm 116
¹ I love the Lord because he hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy.
² Because he bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
³ Death wrapped its ropes around me;
the terrors of the grave overtook me.
I saw only trouble and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“Please, Lord, save me!”
⁵ How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
So merciful, this God of ours!
⁶ The Lord protects those of childlike faith;
I was facing death, and he saved me.
⁷ Let my soul be at rest again,
for the Lord has been good to me.
⁸ He has saved me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
⁹ And so I walk in the Lord’s presence
as I live here on earth!
¹⁰ I believed in you, so I said,
“I am deeply troubled, Lord.”
¹¹ In my anxiety I cried out to you,
“These people are all liars!”
¹² What can I offer the Lord
for all he has done for me?
¹³ I will lift up the cup of salvation
and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.
¹⁴ I will keep my promises to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
¹⁵ The Lord cares deeply
when his loved ones die.
¹⁶ O Lord, I am your servant;
yes, I am your servant, born into your household;
you have freed me from my chains.
¹⁷ I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the Lord.
¹⁸ I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people—
¹⁹ in the house of the Lord
in the heart of Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Next lesson:

Why Paul “never gave up”.

Why We Should Never Give Up

 

The Light of the Gospel

2 Corinthians 3:16 &18 (NLT)
¹⁶ But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. …. ¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. ….

John 8:12 (NLT)
Jesus, the Light of the World
¹² Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” 

• We can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NLT)
The Light of the Gospel
4 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. ² We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
³ If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. ⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
⁵ You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NLT)
The Light of the Gospel
¹Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us (Paul and his coworkers) this new way, we never give up. 

• Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve.

A gift
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

God’s role in this verse: God saved us by his grace.

• • • God saved us by his grace.

Our role in this verse: Never give up.

• • • Paul never gave up. We should never get tired of doing what is good.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

 ² We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods.

 Matthew 24:24 (NLT)
²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 

• We are surrounded by false teachers. 

We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

We (Paul and his coworkers) don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God.

Colossians 2:4 (NLT)
⁴ I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.

• We should not be fooled by well-crafted arguments and we should not use well-crafted arguments to try to convince others of God’s truths.

We don’t argue.  We share the truth.

• We dare not water down scripture.

2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)
³ For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

• We dare not be influenced to teach just what people want to hear.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
An Approved Worker
¹⁵ Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

³ If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 

We cannot persuade people to believe; only God can do that.

Some people won’t “get it”.  That is not our responsibility.

⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 

• Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. 

⁵ You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves.

It’s not about us. 

We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord,

• We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
³¹ So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

 and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 

• We are Christ’s servants.

⁶ For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

Physical
Genesis 1:3
³ Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 

Spiritual
Colossians 1:13 (NLT)
¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

 Encounter the life-transforming glory of God.

Ephesians 5:8 (NLT)
⁸ For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

• Live as someone who has been transformed by the glory of God.
• Live as people of light!

Removing the Veil

The veil has been removed. Christians have been given a “confident hope”.

2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (NLT)
¹² Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. ¹⁴ But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. ¹⁵ Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.
¹⁶ But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (NLT)
¹² Since this new way gives us such confidence, 

Another translation:
 ¹² Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, (NIV)

What is this new way?  What is this hope? What is Paul talking about in this passage?

Acceptance by God.

Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Believing the promises in scripture that are given to Christians.

Romans 8:24 (NLT)
²⁴ We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.

Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)
¹⁸ I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

1 Peter 1:21 (NLT)
²¹ Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

• Christians have been given a “confident hope”. (Ephesians 1:18) 

we can be very bold.  

¹³ We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away.  

Moses may have felt that the people were unworthy of God’s glory.

The veil communicated obscurity.

Reminds me of:

Matthew 27:51 (NLT)
⁵¹ At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,

 What does a veil do?

Separates

Obscures

¹⁴ But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. 

• There are many people who can not understand spiritual truths. (These people are without hope.) 

And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 

Without Christ, the deep spiritual truths of the Old Testament are veiled.

Romans 10:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

¹⁵ Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 

This principle does not just apply to the Old Testament.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT)
¹⁴ But people who aren’t spiritual (without the Holy Spirit) can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (NLT)
The Wisdom of God
¹⁸ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. ¹⁹ As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”

A passage in our next lesson:

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NLT)
³ If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. ⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Matthew 13:15-16 (NLT)
¹⁵ For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’
¹⁶ “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 

¹⁶ But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  

• Whenever someone turns to the Lord (believes in Christ), the veil is taken away.

¹⁷ For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  

¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.

• Salvation removes the veil for “all of us”.

 

Again this reminds me of:

Matthew 27:51 (NLT)
⁵¹ At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,

And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Bring changed – being transformed

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

• Avoid Spiritual Malnutrition. Spend time in the Word.

Introduction:

What do you think would happen to you if you spent quality time every day reading and meditating on the book of Proverbs?

Scripture answers this question for us.  Read chapter 1:2-5

Proverbs 1:1-5 (NLT)
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
² Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
³ Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
⁴ These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
⁵ Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance …

 What do you think would happen to you if you spent quality time every day reading and meditating on the book of Psalms?

The book of Psalms promotes an attitude of Worship & Praise.

            Psalms remind us of the Sovereignty of God.

Etc.

What do you think would happen to you if you spent quality time every day reading and meditating on the Gospels?

We gain a better understanding of all that Jesus did for us.

(and more)

On the New Testament?

On the Old Testament?

 

Lesson Title: Avoiding Spiritual Malnutrition

Study the Scriptures.

What happens to us when we spend time in the Word?

It changes us.
It changes the way we think.
It molds us.
It transforms us into new people.

 

2 Peter 1:1-4 (NLT)
Greetings from Peter
1 This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.
² May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
Growing in Faith
³ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Examine the scripture:

Peter is writing to Christians who have received the gift of salvation.

³ By his divine power, God has given us (God has made available to us) everything we need for living a godly life.

We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 

            Know Him – An intimate “full knowledge” of Christ.

Everything we need for living a Godly life becomes ours by “coming to know Him”.

⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

What are God’s promises?

We need to know God’s promises. These promises are not really ours if we don’t know them.

• As we come to know God better and better, God is giving us everything we need for living a Godly life.
• As we learn to know God’s promises, we are able to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

We become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are being transformed.
Become more like Christ.
God gives us everything we need to live Godly lives.

 

What does God’s Word do?

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)
¹⁰ “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
¹¹ It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

• God’s word produces fruit.
• God’s word accomplishes all God wants it to.

Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. ¹⁰ Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.

All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

• You will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
• God’s Word produces fruit. (repeated)

John 17:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

Psalm 119:11 (NLT)
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

• God’s Word makes us holy.

Romans 10:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

• Faith comes from hearing the Good News about Christ.

James 1:21 (NLT)
²¹ So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 

• God’s word has the power to save your soul.

 

What should our response be to all of this? 

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

• Let God transform you.

Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 

• Don’t starve yourself.

Malnutrition or starvation is the result of an insufficient diet.

Teachers and parents need to be strong and healthy. (Spiritually)

We need to be studying the scriptures throughout the week.  (Reflecting on it continually)

 

John 15:4-8 (NLT)
⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

• Apart from Christ and His words we can do nothing.

2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
¹⁸ Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 1:8-14 (NLT)
⁸ So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
⁹ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. ¹⁰ And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. ¹¹ And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.
¹² That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
¹³ Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 

 ¹⁴ Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 

• Carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 

• You can’t guard truth you don’t know.

Final comment:

1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NLT)
¹⁵ Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. ¹⁶ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three themes in today’s lesson:

Don’t Badmouth the Old Testament.

The overwhelming glory of the New Covenant.

Coming in second to the New Testament may not be all that bad.

2 Corinthians 3:7-12 (NLT)
The Glory of the New Covenant
⁷ The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. ⁸ Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? ⁹ If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! ¹⁰ In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. ¹¹ So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!
¹² Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 3:7-12 (NLT)
The Glory of the New Covenant
⁷ The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death,

The old way.
In the Old Testament, failure to obey the law, because of everyone’s sin nature, led to death.

Reality
We have a sin nature.

Paul says it this way in Romans 7:14 (NLT)
Struggling with Sin
¹⁴ So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.

No one can satisfy the demands of the Law on their own and is therefore condemned to death.

though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. 

The law of the Old Covenant was in no way bad or evil.

It began with glory. (current verse)

It was glorious. (v. 11)

Romans 7:12 (NLT)
¹² But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

 1 Timothy 1:8 (NLT)
⁸ We know that the law is good when used correctly. 

The Law reflected God’s nature, will, and character.

• The law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

The glory of the old way was destined to fade away.

2 Corinthians 3:13 (NLT) (From our next lesson)
¹³ We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 

Matthew 5:17 (NLT)
Teaching about the Law
¹⁷ “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

The Old Testament is important in that it:

Points to Jesus.
Shows us our need for a Savior.
The law shows us our sin. (Romans 7:7)
Presents great truths about God and humanity.
Is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Helps us better understand key Biblical principles.

One web site gave “77 Reasons to Study the Old Testament”.

• The Bible is incomplete without the Old Testament.

Paul goes on to say:

⁸ Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life?  

2 Corinthians 3:8 (NIV)
⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 

2 Corinthians 3:8 (ESV)
⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 

What is different between the Old Testament Law and the New Testament Gospel? 

Romans 8:2-4 (NLT)
² And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. ³ The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. ⁴ He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

• God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

• The power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

From our last lesson:

The lives of the Corinthian believers had been changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ: 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

Ezekiel 11:19 (NLT)
¹⁹ And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, (a heart of flesh)

• Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

⁹ If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious,

The old way was glorious.

how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! 

Romans 3:21-22 (NLT)
Christ Took Our Punishment
²¹ But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. ²² We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 

• We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 

¹⁰ In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. 

In comparison! 

¹¹ So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious,

The old way was glorious.

how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 

The new covenant is a permanent, everlasting covenant.

2 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT) (current verse)
¹¹ So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!

• So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 

Paul now describes himself in a way that should also be a description of each of us. 

¹² Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 

As believers, our sins are forgiven.

As believers, we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
Life in the Spirit
¹ So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. ² And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 

• There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
¹³ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

 

 

Ministers of the New Covenant

The false teachers in Corinth constantly attacked Paul’s competency as a minister of the Gospel.

This passage is another response from Paul addressing this matter.

If we used this passage of scripture as a model, how would we respond when our competency as a teacher, an administrator, or a member of the staff is questioned?

2 Corinthians 2:17-3:6 (NLT)
¹⁷ You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.
3 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again?  Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! ² The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. ³ Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.
⁴ We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. ⁵ It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. ⁶ He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 2:17 (NLT)

¹⁷ You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit.

A loose definition of a huckster:

Someone who does whatever it takes to sell something at a profit.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)
³ For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Dumb-down the message of the scriptures to make it more palatable

Paul ministered in Corinth without charge.

2 Corinthians 11:7-9 (NLT)
⁷ Was I wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God’s Good News to you without expecting anything in return? ⁸ I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. ⁹ And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be.

We preach the word of God with sincerity

Paul speaking in 2 Corinthians 1:12 (NLT)
¹² We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.

and with Christ’s authority,

Paul again in Colossians 1: 28 (NLT)
²⁸ So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. 

knowing that God is watching us. 

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 

• Paul was not like the many hucksters who preached for personal profit.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6 (NLT)
¹ Are we beginning to praise ourselves again?

The false teachers in Corinth constantly attacked Paul’s competency as a minister of the Gospel.

This passage is another response (another defense) from Paul addressing this matter.

Another translation says it this way:
  Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? (ESV and others)

Paul was not so much praising himself as he was explaining to the Corinthians that God had entrusted him to share the Gospel with others.

Paul was competent to be a minister of the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 9:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? ² Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.
³ This is my answer to those who question my authority. … (chapter 9)

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)
⁴ For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 

Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 

A common practice in the 1^st century. 

² The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 

The changed lives of the Corinthians can be identified by their fruit

Matthew 7:15-20 (NLT)
The Tree and Its Fruit
¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. ¹⁶ You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. ¹⁹ So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

³ Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

Heart vs. stone

Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT)
³³ “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

• Paul’s ministry was validated by lives changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not by a letter of recommendation.

The lives of the Corinthian believers had been changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ: 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

Ezekiel 11:19 (NLT)
¹⁹ And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, (a heart of flesh)

 Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)
²⁶ And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.  (A heart of flesh)

 ⁴ We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 

⁵ It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.  

• Paul’s qualifications came from God. 

⁶ He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant.

This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ vs. the Law.

• Only the Spirit can change the heart.

The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.
(More in the next lesson) 

Applying the scriptures to our lives.

If we used this passage of scripture as a model, how would we respond when our competency as a teacher is questioned? 

¹⁷ You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

We are not like the many teachers who teach for personal profit. 

We teach with sincerity.

We may not be the most eloquent, but we can be sincere.

What is our motivation?

1 Peter 5:2 (NLT)
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

We, like Paul, are accountable to God

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) (repeated)
¹⁰ For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

• We are not like the many teachers who teach for personal profit. We do not teach for personal profit, but we teach because we are eager to serve God.

3 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again?  Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! ² The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. ³ Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

• Our ministry is validated by lives changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not by a diploma hanging on our wall.

“Changed lives, changing lives.”

⁴ We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. ⁵ It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. ⁶ He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. 

God has enabled us to be teachers of His truths. 

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
²¹ may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. 

Acts 1:8 (NLT)
⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

• Our qualifications come from God.

• God equips us with all we need for doing His will.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)
Paul’s Message of Wisdom
2 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. ² For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. ³ I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. ⁴ And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 

This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. 

• We rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of our students (or our children)

Final thoughts

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns

Psalm 51:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.

 

 

 

Paul digresses, leaving the story of Titus, to discuss his ministry as an apostle proclaiming the Good News.

Optional titles for this lesson might include one or more of the following:

Ministers of the New Covenant

The Nature of the Ministry

           Triumph in Christ

To Some, We Smell Good, To Others, We Stink

This lesson should help us develop a mental picture of who we are in the eyes of God.

This picture does not apply to many of the people who are in ministry today.

This is how Paul pictures his ministry.

            There are certainly lessons for us to learn from Paul’s picture of ministry.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NLT)
Ministers of the New Covenant
Triumph in Christ
¹⁴ But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. ¹⁵ Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
¹⁷ You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NLT)
¹⁴ But thank God!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

• Be thankful in all circumstances.

This phrase will become more meaningful as we move through this passage.

We need to be thankful in circumstances that are not of our own choosing.

He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession.

Paul uses a picture of a Roman triumphal procession following a great victorious campaign by a conquering general or king.

This Roman ceremony was called “the triumph”.

After winning a battle, Roman generals marched through the streets of Rome to the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill.

This triumphal procession was held to publicly celebrate, honor, and award the success of a military commander who had led Roman forces to victory.

The general wore a crown of laurel and the all-purple, gold-embroidered triumphal toga, clothing that identified him as near-divine or near-kingly,

Some ancient and modern sources suggest a fairly standard processional order.

First came the captive leaders, allies, and soldiers (and sometimes their families) usually walking in chains; some were destined for execution or further display.

Next in line, all on foot, came Rome’s senators and magistrates, followed by the general’s lictors (bodyguards whose task was to protect the magistrates.)  in their red war-robes, their fasces wreathed in laurel, then the general in his four-horse chariot. A companion, or a public slave, might share the chariot with him or, in some cases, his youngest children.

His officers and elder sons rode horseback nearby. His unarmed soldiers followed in togas and laurel crowns, chanting “io triumphe!” and singing ribald songs at their general’s expense.

Somewhere in the procession, two flawless white oxen were led for the sacrifice to Jupiter, garland-decked, and with gilded horns.

Somewhere in the procession, there were pagan priests burning incense to the gods.

At Jupiter’s temple on the Capitoline Hill, he offered sacrifice and the tokens of his victory to the god Jupiter. On some occasions, this included some of the captives who were also put to death as a sacrifice to the Roman gods.

All this was done to the accompaniment of music, clouds of incense, and the strewing of flowers.

Occasionally there was so much on display that the show lasted two or three days.

Verse 14 repeated:

¹⁴ But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession.

• God made us His captives.

We are Christ’s captives.

Through Christ, God the Victor had vanquished His enemies.

We who have been taken captive by Christ, march in His parade.

We live to glorify him through our life and death.

1 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT)
Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. 

1 Corinthians 4:10-12 (NLT)
¹⁰ Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. ¹¹ Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. ¹² We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 

Ephesians 3:1 (NLT)
…, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus …

Romans 1:1 (NLT)
This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.

Galatians 6:17 (NLT)
… For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.

Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 

In the Roman triumph processional incense was burned. Paul compared this to the knowledge of Christ, which like a fragrance was diffused everywhere throughout the world via the preaching of the gospel.

• God uses His captives to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere.

this gives us a fuller meaning to Romans 12:1

A Living Sacrifice to God
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 

¹⁵ Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.  

¹⁶ To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom.

Repulsive 

But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. 

Attractive

• Our lives are a life-giving perfume to those who are being saved or a dreadful smell of death and doom to those who are perishing.

• Your walk with Christ will be encouraging and motivating to some, and at the same time your walk with Christ will be repulsive to others.

And who is adequate for such a task as this? 

Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)
Unity in the Body
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. ⁶ He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. …

What a profound responsibility Paul placed on believers! We are an aroma to the world of life or death. How essential for us to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ in such a way as to bring life. We have God’s promise of victory—He leads us in His procession. We are utterly unequal to the task, but Christ gives us grace and power to evangelize with effect.

• God continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. 

¹⁷ You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit.

Some of Paul’s opponents demanded payment for their ministries.

Many are in ministry just to earn money.

For the moment, however, he recalled the work of the false apostles. They thought themselves more than adequate but it was because their message and motivation differed so radically from Paul’s. To that point, he needed to respond.

We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. 

1 Timothy 1:17 (NLT)
All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lord Opens and Closes Doors of Opportunity.

What is a door?

Door:

The opening for entering or leaving.

An opening to an opportunity.

Giving or denying access.

• The Lord opens and closes doors of opportunity.

This is an undisputable Biblical truth.

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NLT)
¹² When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. ¹³ But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn’t yet arrived with a report from you. So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NLT)

¹² When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ,

Paul is writing about some of his recent travels.

Paul came to Troas after leaving Ephesus for Macedonia.

2 Corinthians is Paul’s fourth letter to the Corinthians and was written in A.D. 55/56
(See lesson 119).
Paul was in Macedonia at that time.

• Paul intended to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ in Troas.

Paul was planning to meet up with Titus at Troas.

Who was Titus?

Titus

A co-worker of Paul

Loved by Paul
2 Corinthians 2:13 (today’s passage)
“My dear brother Titus”

Titus 1:4
“My true son in the faith that we share.”

Trusted

2 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT)
⁶ So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.

Titus 1:5 (NLT)
⁵ I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.

Paul had sent Titus to Corinth (late summer AD 54) to present the “tearful letter”
(vv. 3-4, Paul’s 3^rd letter, now lost)

Paul was planning to meet up with Titus, who was traveling from Corinth to Troas, in the city of Troas, to give Paul an update on the Corinthian Church.

Paul was traveling north and Titus was traveling up and around the Aegean Sea from Corinth.  They were planning to meet in the middle.

Paul was anxious to know (had no peace of mind) how the Corinthians had responded to his “tearful letter”.

the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. 

Paul in vv. 12 “came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ”.

God sovereignly provided a great evangelistic opportunity for Paul.

• The Lord opens doors of opportunity for us.

Throughout his life, Paul had prayed for opportunities to share the gospel.

Colossians 4:3 (NLT)
Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.

Paul was aware of God opening doors of opportunity for him, in the past, to share the good news.

Acts 14:27 (NLT)
Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.

Paul knew from experience that God opening doors does not negate opposition.

1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT) Paul at Ephesus
There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me. 

• Paul knew that God had opened a door of opportunity for him.

I feel that it would be wrong to teach a lesson about God opening doors without mentioning the fact that God also closes doors of opportunities.

Acts 16:6-7 (NLT)
A Call from Macedonia
⁶ Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. ⁷ Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 

• Paul knew of times when God had closed doors of opportunities for him.

• God closes doors of opportunities.

Open doors don’t always just happen.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT)
Effective Prayer
⁷ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 

This is a process that can take time.

Asking

Seeking

Knocking

• Open doors don’t “just happen”.

¹³ But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn’t yet arrived with a report from you.

Paul had hoped to minister in Troas.

Despite a good response to the Gospel in Troas. Paul had “no peace of mind”.  Paul was concerned about the welfare of Titus and the Church in Corinth.

Titus may have been carrying with him a portion of the proposed Corinthian collection may have been attacked and robbed.

2 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT)
So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.

So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him.

Paul was unable to focus on ministry to Troas.

Titus, one of Paul’s closest associates in ministry.

Paul “had no peace of mind.”

2 Corinthians 7:5 (NLT)
When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

A troubled heart and mind caused Paul to turn his back on the open door in Troas.

• A troubled heart and mind prevented Paul from taking advantage of an open door for ministry.

On a return trip, Paul does return to Troas and has a chance to minister to the local believers. (Acts 20:5-11)

P.S.  Paul does find Titus in Macedonia and Titus has a good report about the Corinthian church.

One final thought

Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

• Sometimes God provides an opportunity, but we have to open the door.

 

• The Lord opens and closes doors of opportunity.
• Paul intended to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ in Troas.
• Paul knew that God had opened a door of opportunity for him.
• Paul knew of times when God had closed doors of opportunities for him.
• A troubled heart and mind prevented Paul from taking advantage of an open door for ministry.

Application:

• The Lord opens doors of opportunity for us.

Pray for open doors.

Know that opposition may accompany open doors.

• God closes doors of opportunities.

Accept the fact that God also closes doors.

• Open doors don’t “just happen”.

Ask – Seek – Knock

• Sometimes God provides an opportunity, but we have to open the door.

• A troubled heart and mind may prevent us from taking advantage of an open door for ministry.

A troubled heart and mind may prevent us from taking advantage of an open door for ministry at the present time, but be aware of the door remaining open for future opportunities.

• The Door that God Opens Will Never Contradict His Word.

 

 

 

 

 

Forgiveness for the sinner.

Greetings to all of you.

In seven verses (2 Corinthians 2:5-11) Paul reminds us how we should deal with sin in the lives of other Christians.

For most of you, this is nothing new.

Most of you already know this, you just need to remember to put all of this into practice.

All too often we choose to ignore sin in the Church.

 

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (NLT)

Forgiveness for the Sinner

⁵ I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. ⁶ Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. ⁷ Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. ⁸ So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.
⁹ I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. ¹⁰ When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, ¹¹ so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (NLT)Forgiveness for the Sinner

⁵ I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 

Paul was hurt, and Paul states that the trouble hurt the Corinthians more than it hurt him.

The man who caused all the trouble hurt you, the church.

Scripture does not tell us who this man was or exactly what he did to cause trouble in the church.

The man had sinned and the hurt was real.

• The hurt and destruction caused by sin is real and is often far-reaching.

Isaiah 24:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ The earth suffers for the sins of its people,
for they have twisted God’s instructions,
violated his laws,
and broken his everlasting covenant.
⁶ Therefore, a curse consumes the earth.
Its people must pay the price for their sin.
They are destroyed by fire,
and only a few are left alive.

 ⁶ Most of you opposed him,

•  Sin should not go unaddressed.

Sin is serious.

Romans 6:23 (NLT)
For the wages of sin is death,

to their credit, it appears that many in the Corinthian Church did recognize the seriousness of sin.

To their credit, it also appears that the Corinthian church did address this man’s sin.

and that was punishment enough. 

The Greek word for punishment as it is used here denotes “an official action by the church against this individual”.

1 Timothy 5:20 (NLT)
Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

Most likely exclusion from the fellowship.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 (NLT)
Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed.

Paul credits the Corinthians for doing what they needed to do.

• There are times when punishment is necessary.

You know this but:

Remember the reason for punishing sinful behaviors.

The goal is remorse (genuine sorrow), repentance, and restoration of relationships.

Galatians 6:1 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

• Punishment should be designed to help the person who sinned back onto the right path.
  • remorse (genuine sorrow),
  • repentance,
  • reconciliation (restoration of relationships).

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NLT)
¹⁸ … God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. ¹⁹ For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. ²⁰ So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 

⁷ Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.  

Apparently the man who had caused so much trouble in Corinth did express genuine sorrow and repentance.

Punishment for sin is necessary, but after repentance by the sinner, forgiveness and comfort are necessary.

Remember the goal:

Remorse (genuine sorrow), repentance, reconciliation, and restored fellowship.

Paul calls for two actions.

Forgive

Luke 17:3 (NLT)
³ So watch yourselves!
“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.

Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Comfort

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. 

• Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

People will sin.  Your children will sin.  Your students will sin.  Your spouse will sin.

⁸ So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

• Reaffirm your love to the person who hurt you.

 

⁹ I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 

The Corinthian Church could demonstrate their commitment to Paul by their obedience to his directives.

¹⁰ When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit,  

Forgiving others is a Biblical mandate.

Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)
¹⁴ “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
²¹ Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
²² “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! 

 ¹¹ so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Three things Satan did not want to see in the Corinthian church:

Three things Satan does not want to see in general:

Remorse (Genuine sorrow),

Repentance,

Reconciliation (Restored fellowship).

 

• The hurt and destruction caused by sin is real and is often far-reaching.
• Sin should not go unaddressed.
• There are times when punishment is necessary.
• Punishment should be designed to help the person who sinned back onto the right path.
  • remorse (genuine sorrow),
  • repentance,
  • reconciliation (restoration of relationships).
• Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.
• Reaffirm your love to the person who hurt you.

 

 

Why Paul Cancelled His Trip to Corinth.

Introduction:

How did Paul feel about the Corinthian believers?

1 Corinthians 1:2 (NLT)
² I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 

2 Corinthians 2:4 (NLT)
I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.

Paul loved the Corinthians, and he couldn’t leave things as they were, fearing his enemies would destroy the work of the gospel among the church.

• Paul loved the Corinthians so much that he couldn’t allow them to continue to live in sin.

2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 (NLT)
^1:23 Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth. The reason I didn’t return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke. ²⁴ But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.
^2:1 So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. ² For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. ³ That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. ⁴ I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 (NLT)

^1:23 Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth.

Paul really wanted the Corinthians to trust him and believe him.
His reasons for changing his travel plans were legitimate. 

Paul knew that the Corinthians needed to trust him and believe him before they could listen to his words of correction.

 The reason I didn’t return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke. 

2 Corinthians 10:1-8 (NLT)
Paul Defends His Authority
10 Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. ² Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won’t have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives.
³ We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. ⁴ We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. ⁵ We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. ⁶ And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.
⁷ Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do. ⁸ I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority. 

Paul needed to:

Knock down the strongholds of human reasoning.
Destroy false arguments.
Destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God.
Capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

• Sometimes it is necessary to discipline (rebuke, correct) those we love.

Hebrews 12:11-12 (NLT)
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

 Proverbs 3:12 (NLT)
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

 Hebrews 12:6 (NLT)
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Proverbs 13:24 (NLT)
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

• As painful as it may be to you, you must follow through with the appropriate discipline for those you love.

• Paul, as an apostle, had the authority to rebuke Christians who had a sinful nature.

Paul had used this authority in the past.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 (NLT)
⁴ in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. ⁵ Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns. 

1 Timothy 1:19-20
… For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. ²⁰ Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

Paul would use this authority again if he feels it is necessary.

2 Corinthians 13:2-3 (NLT)
² I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them.
³ I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you.

• Paul wanted to avoid using this authority with the Corinthians at this point in time.

²⁴ But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice.

• Authoritative domination is not the way of Christ and in the long run, it is counterproductive.

1 Peter 5:1-4 (NLT)
Advice for Elders and Young Men
¹ And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: ² Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ³ Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. ⁴ And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

Matthew 20:25-26 (NLT)
²⁵ But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ²⁶ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 

We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy,

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
Divisions in the Church
¹⁰ I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 

• Work together. Live in harmony with each other. Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 

Practical application:

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

Lead by your own good example.

for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
And it is impossible to please God without faith.

 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

Make your faith your own
Mark 9:24 New Living Translation (NLT)
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Romans 10:17 (NLT)
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

• It is by your own faith (not someone else’s faith) that you stand firm.

^2:1 So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. ² For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad?

Romans 14:19 (NLT)
So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Certainly not someone I have grieved. 

• Aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. 

³ That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy.

Paul wanted those who were living in sin to repent before he arrived in Corinth.

Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 

There were individuals in Corinth living in sin and needed to be forgiven before they could have a right relationship with God (and with Paul).

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

1 John 1:9 (NLT)
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

 Psalm 97:11 (NLT)
Light shines on the godly,
and joy on those whose hearts are right.

Paul’s joy came from seeing “his children” in a right relationship with God through Christ.

• Real joy comes from seeing those we love come to a right relationship with God.

⁴ I wrote that letter (calling for repentance) in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.

• Paul loved the Corinthians.