2 Corinthians 5 (in two parts)

Part 1

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

One of the great theological questions we can ask and indeed should ask often is, “So what?” Paul makes this stirring and powerful illustration of “treasures in clay pots.” “So what?” Here he tells us how that information is lived out. He does this with a couple of metaphors. He first talks about the life we now live in terms of a tent. There may be an echo of his reference to the campaigning metaphor of the army who now has the clay pots. The life of a soldier in the field was not his home; he may have lived in a tent, but once the campaign was over and the treasure in the clay pot was secure, he wanted to get home and live in a house. There may also be in this description a picture of Israel during the Exodus. A tent is better than being exposed to the elements, but it is nowhere near as nice as being in a house.

Paul mingles his metaphors and introduces the picture of clothing. As we approach this analogy, we must be very careful not to press it too far  because every analogy eventually breaks down. Paul’s point is not a detailed description of the life after death but rather of how to prepare for that life. He also answers the question, “Why doesn't God instantly take people to Heaven as soon as they are saved?” If He did so, it would avoid the risk of backsliding and the suffering of life in the meantime. The reason is that the time, life, and deeds between our conversion and our death have intrinsic worth and intrinsic value. They are preparing us for eternity. We must not make the mistake of believing our good works save us. All the good works in the world will never erase or atone for a single sin. Rather, we are saved by grace, through faith, for good works, into eternity. From the time of our cleansing, salvation, washing, or baptism, we are getting our clothes ready for life in heaven. We do not want to go to the “party” naked or underdressed, embarrassing ourselves and insulting our host and Father. Rather, we want to spend the time from now to then adorning ourselves with spectacular clothing. 

Have you noticed that the best clothes are those that get high marks for comfort, fit, appearance, and ease of wearing? God has prepared good works for us to do, and these very good works perfectly fit our person and personality, and they are becoming the clothes for eternity. We received the robe of righteousness referred to in Isaiah 61:10, making us fit for heaven. Were it not for that dressing, we wouldn't want to be in heaven. But in addition to that, we are by the power of the Holy Spirit allowed to adorn ourselves with glorious, festive, luxurious clothing.

One final comment about the coming judgment. We need to be careful not to describe the judgment day in greater detail or with greater precision than the scripture allows. A safe and general description would be that all men will face a judgment that has two phases. The first phase is the judgment about our standing; are we guilty or forgiven? The second phase is sentencing. Those who have Christ as their Savior will be judged forgiven and will be “sentenced” to heaven and will receive the reward for their good works. For those who have rejected Christ, they will be condemned and will be punished for their sins or evil deeds. None of their supposed good works or good deeds will matter or even be remembered.

“Lord, help me to adorn my eternal garments by good deeds done now. AMEN”

Part 2

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Christianity is not the faith for someone who wants a safe, measured, and undisturbing religion. There are religions that allow a devotee to make careful calculations and determine their own course or path to seek out their own best life now. But being a follower of Christ is no such religion. One of the apparent accusations of Paul's opponents was that he was overwrought, perhaps a little deranged, out of touch with reality, or, as in verse 13, “beside himself.” That word used in verse 13 is a compound word from “out” and “to stand.” It was used to describe being flabbergasted, or overwhelmed by a spectacle. In that moment of shock and awe, a person is incapable of a reasoned and calculating response. A person who has just witnessed an overwhelming event can hardly be counted on to give reliable advice, or can he? Paul's opponents may have been saying Paul’s experience, or learning, or suffering, or something else may have left him unfit to direct the church.

Paul would counter that in view of the grandeur of the Gospel and the power of the Resurrection, a careful, stayed, and calculating religion is the wrong response. It is madness for a jewelry store owner to have a sale liquidating all assets at bargain prices unless he is going to buy the perfect pearl. Why sell all you can, mortgage everything you can't sell, and buy a run-down farm unless you know buried on that farm is an unmatched treasure? The extreme commitments of the life of a disciple can't be calculated by the standards or measuring devices of this present age. What was it about Paul that made him appear beside himself? We can't be sure. But it is the same thing that causes the disciple to choose death over denying Christ. It is what causes a person to move to a distant land and for the rest of their lives proclaim the Gospel as a sojourner and stranger far from home. It completely rejects the calculations of the world, the flesh, and the dark powers and answers the call of God. It is that which says, “Yes” when Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow me.” It appears crazy! But in view of Who calls, in view of eternity, in view of the reality of Heaven, in view of the cross, this life of discipleship is the only conclusion that a person of sound mind could possibly make.

“Lord, help me be beside myself for You. AMEN”

2 Corinthians 4 (in three parts)

Part 1 of 3

 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

There are two great dangers to the human soul: first are the false teachers of the true religion, and second are the teachers of false religions. Paul will indirectly address both of these in this passage. Paul understands that his life and ministry are the result of God's mercy. Mercy is the word that describes the pity and compassion that respond to the suffering caused by sin. It is not merely an emotion but also an action or help. The behavior of sinful people hurt Paul. They attacked him because of his ministry. But God had compassion on Paul. God acted for Paul’s benefit, and so Paul didn't give up.

There were some teachers at Corinth (and at every point and place in church history) that operated in wicked ways. Their practices were so underhanded that they kept them under wraps. The word “craftiness” in verse two is a compound word made by combining “every” and “work.” The sole focus of these kinds of teachers is on their own personal agenda. Their main tool is to “adulterate” or literally “distance the word of God.” False teachers of the true religion and teachers of false religion never point to Christ as the end and object of faith. One of the powers of both false religions and false teachers is its appeal to man's selfish and sinful nature. The true Christian teacher never points to himself but always to Christ. If a true Christian teacher ever refers to himself, it is so he can say. “Look at whom I'm pointing at: Christ!”

While Paul was so faithfully pointing out Christ, not all believers or teachers do this! This is because they were blinded by their agreement and cooperation with the god of this age. When a person listens to the dark powers and sins, two things happen. First they perform an act for which they are guilty. Second, they move into a place of deeper darkness from which they will, unless they repent, move closer to sin and progress into still deeper darkness. Moving into the dark, they will find it harder and harder to see how to turn around or repent. The Light of Christ becomes more and more dim. No teacher can turn them around; only the Light of Christ can. And in that light they are becoming more blind. The light can shine into the darkness, but it falls on eyes with no optic nerve. At some point they move beyond hope.

“Lord, grant me clarity of sight to see both Christ and my sin, and help me to repent. AMEN”

Part 2 of 3

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

This short passage is so encouraging and powerful it is almost beyond words. The most we can do is touch lightly on the key points and then reflect on them as we live as disciples, studying them more carefully and individually.

We are, as a society and culture, completely engrossed in the famous and glamorous. We come close to idolatry in our approach to celebrities and social media influencers. That has crept into the church. We focus on star power preachers, musicians, programs, or facilities. When we focus on human ability and a skill, we forfeit the grace and the power of God. Shabby is not more holy, but we must remember the true power comes from God. We must never forget what is the real power for life, faith, and discipleship. Paul uses a phrase with which we are likely unfamiliar: “treasures in clay jars.” This comes from the practice of a victorious army melting precious metals and pouring them into clay lamps to make their transport home easier. The clay pot was cheap, easily accessible, and perhaps one of the most disposable items in the first century. There are numerous applications we can make of this understanding and insight.

In the following verses (8-10), Paul is talking about what might ruin the clay pot, the physical body of the disciple, but by God's grace and providence, the clay vessel survives to do its job. There is a possibility that these four descriptions may reflect the combat of the Roman soldiers. Again, these verses motivate us to personal contemplation.

Paul describes a wonderful cycle beginning in verse 11. While one disciple is dying, they are making other disciples. The dying of one means the formation of another with the expectation that they will repeat the cycle. No disciple comes to Christ so that they can be the ‘end’ of the process. Rather, they are made alive so that they can pass this new life on.

Finally, in very subtle ways, Paul gives four reasons for his confidence in the gospel message. In verse 13, Paul offers the confidence caused by scripture. Those who ignore the Word of God or act as if they were its critics will never have a powerful faith. Humbly accepting the Word is the beginning point for any growing faith. The second reason for a confident faith is the resurrection of Jesus. The power of faith is based on the historic fact that Jesus was dead and is now alive. Third, the providence of God that results in the spread of the Gospel. All events need to be viewed as an opportunity for spreading the good news. Finally, Paul's confidence is found in the growing thanks and glorification of God the Father. 

“Lord, thank you for the wonderful life You have given to us. AMEN”

Part 3 of 3

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

If there's a passage for those under pressure for their faith, this may be that passage; indeed, it's for anyone who is suffering anxiety. Because of the four confidences Paul listed in verses 13-15, namely scripture, the resurrection of Christ, the growth of the gospel, and God's glory, Paul says we do not lose heart. The word “loose heart” is a compound word from two other words. Those words are “out of” and “inward bad.” In other words, because of the Resurrection, our hearts don't turn bad or evil within us. Paul acknowledges that the outward man, the physical person, is coming to complete and total ruin. The human body is bound for complete decay; it is only a matter of time. Paul here is still referring to the Jars of Clay analogy from earlier in the chapter (4:7). We are dust, and to dust we will return. While this decay goes on, the true self, the inner man, is being renewed. The word “renewed’ is complex; it comes from “up,” which carries the implication of complete plus “new or novel.” We are not talking about just the restoration of the same old worn-out body. Rather, this is something fundamentally different from the old.

One of the fundamental precepts of the life of a disciple is that of delayed gratification; in this case, glory comes at the cost of current suffering. Paul describes the hardship now as momentary and light; they are instantaneous and inconsequential. In view of his list of sufferings in chapter 11, how can he say that? Here is when the jars of clay an analogy help. The clay jars encased silver or gold. On the journey home the clay jar would be chipped, parts would break off, and abrasions would cause the jars to turn to dust. But what is clay and dust compared to an ingot of gold? The total weight of the clay fragments and dust was nothing compared to that of the precious metal. In fact, it was necessary for the jar of clay to be broken away to access that which was within. It is the affliction of the outer man and removal of the clay that reveals the gold. The word for affliction that Paul uses here focuses on the pressure from which there is no escape, and it is an internal pressure. But this affliction produces the glory that is beyond comparison. The last phrase in verse 17 of the New Testament Greek is not directly translatable. Literally it would be, “a far throw beyond, into a throw beyond an eternal weight of glory is producing.” The word sometimes translated as “exceedingly” is literally thrown beyond. Think of the throw of a toddler tossing a toy ball compared to that of an NFL quarterback. Now compare that throw to the throw of a long-range artillery shell. The comparison Paul is making is that of the dust of the outer man compared to the weight of glory that hardship produces. As James said, “Count it all joy, brothers, when you encounter various trials.”

We are able to endure the grinding to dust when we focus our gaze on the things that are not seen with a physical eye. We see in verse 18 Paul using some creative language. The word “look” carries the implication of contemplation. In contrast, Paul uses the word translated “seen” four times. This word carries the implication to see physically but also to understand the spiritual implication. That which captures the imagination will control the will. The glimpse, no matter how short, about which we contemplate will become the focus of our lives. We cannot possibly live as disciples if our focus is on the things that we can see with the physical eye. If your physical eye can see it, then you can be tempted by it. So how do we see that which is unseen? It begins by asking God for the insight to open our eyes. And when we get that glimpse of glory, hang on to it and never let it go.

“Lord, please give me a glimpse of glory. AMEN”

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

It is frightfully easy for us to forget how grand it is to be a part of the church. When we talk and think of the church, we often only think of the local congregation. We are reminded of the odd people, all the quirky habits, or forms of worship that don’t suit us. We sometimes forget that we are part of something so much bigger. The Corinthians were so caught up in their struggles that they lost sight of the bigger picture. In this passage Paul contrasts letters of recommendations or of introductions with the radical change in their lives as proof of what God had done and their place in the glorious kingdom and even his own ministry.

Laws, rules, or, as Paul calls it, “the letter” can’t really change a person. A government can write 1000 laws, but those laws will not change one heart. However, the Spirit brings change. Consider the progress the Corinthians had made in the change from the reprobate pre-Christian life to where they were. They still had struggles, but the change was dramatic. (See I Corinthians 6:9-11.) That change only happened in Christ by the Spirit and not by rules or even by the Law of Moses. The law was a glorious thing. The giving of the Law was a turning point in history. But compared to the Gospel’s glory, the glory of the law is inconsequential. A flashlight is only bright in the dark, but on a sunny clear day it is hardly noticeable. The glory of the Gospel age of the Church, the Kingdom, surpasses the Law of Moses even more completely than the sun outshines a flashlight.

Sometimes we look back at the Exodus and the giving of the Law, the heroic stories of old and think what powerful and exciting ministries these were. In fact they lived, forgive the term, in a sort of dark age. We who are in Christ in the age of the church in the time of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling are living in the golden age. These are the times that can be the best times ever. Any of the Old Testament heroes would look at our place with a profound sense of desire.

Sadly there are those whose hearts are hardened against the age of grace and the Spirit. Specifically, Paul was talking about the Jews. But the principle is much broader. Anyone who is trying to live by the law is a person who has a veil over his or her eyes. When we turn to the grace of Christ, we are free from trying to be rescued by our works. Where the Spirit is, there is liberty that only Grace can give.

“Lord, help me to fully live in the glory of Grace. AMEN”

2 Corinthians 2:12–17

 2 Corinthians 2:12–17

This passage is one of the hidden gems in this book or even in the New Testament. For many of us, discouragement is a struggle. When we feel discouraged, we often feel guilty and/or isolated. When we look at the circumstances of our world and feel like we are going to lose hope, this passage speaks to us. Paul is so distressed, and his concerns for the Corinthians are so great that he has no rest in spirit. He is disappointed to the point of distraction. So much so that even with the open door for ministry at Troas, Paul didn’t stay and minister but set off to find Titus. This great saint has been bombarded with bad news and was so worried over the state of the church in Corinth that he seems to be unable to think of little else.

The good news from Titus caused Paul to explode with joy (verses 14–16). We have nothing in our culture or society that compares with a triumph. In terms of military honor, it was beyond a Congressional Medal of Honor. In terms of pomp and grandeur, it makes the Super Bowl look pale. In terms of spectacular events, it makes the Fourth of July appear as a flash in the pan. William Barclay describes it this way:

In his mind is the picture of a Roman triumph and of Christ as a universal conqueror. The highest honor that could be given to a victorious Roman general was a triumph. To attain it, he must satisfy certain conditions. He must have been the actual commander-in-chief in the field. The campaign must have been completely finished, the region pacified, and the victorious troops brought home. Five thousand of the enemy at least must have fallen in one engagement. A positive extension of territory must have been gained, and not merely a disaster retrieved or an attack repelled. And the victory must have been won over a foreign foe and not in a civil war.

Let’s focus on a few key points. In a triumph, the Romans expressed their conviction that they were undefeatable. They crushed any who opposed them and rolled over resistance to ultimate victory. So with the church, while appearing weak, the body of Christ on earth is moving toward victory. At the triumph, the general was universally praised. So also Christ will receive the adoration of all when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that He is Lord. In the triumph, the treasures of the defeated armies will be paraded before the victor. It was a way of saying the best the enemy had could not defeat us. Behind the victor was his army, sharing and basking in his glory. So too for us. The powers of evil can’t defeat us, and we delight in the glory of our King. In the middle of the triumph were the incense bearers. The sweet smell of incense meant two things. For the defeated, it meant that  soon they would be executed or placed in the arena. For the victorious troops, it meant celebration, being home, and sharing in the spoils of glory.

It is easy to feel like we are defeated but that is because we have not focused on the triumph of Christ.  This triumph is both now and not yet finalized.

“Lord, thank you for sharing Your victory with me. AMEN”

2 Corinthians 2:1-11

 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

While the gospel is good news to the lost, we often treat failing Christians in ways that are anything but good news. When a believer has backslidden into a pattern of sin, there are two dangerous responses, both of which are devastatingly bad. One response is to do nothing or even complement the evil. In regard to this, the Corinthians had this pattern among many of the believers. A man was in a sexual relationship with his stepmother, and some in the church actually supported this behavior. The second response to the sinner is to withhold personal forgiveness and to pile on needless shame and guilt. One response fails to take seriously the gravity of sin; the second fails to take seriously the power of the cross and forgiveness. Both failures grow out of a failed understanding and appreciation of love. We cannot say we love someone and see them diving headlong into sin and do nothing. We cannot love someone and refuse the good news of repentance and forgiveness.

Either of these responses is a means by which Satan takes advantage of us or outwits us. The word Paul uses here describes someone who, driven by greed, is a confidence man; a swindler. This describes a man who is a highly experienced con artist who takes a person not with a weapon but with deception. Libertarianism and self-righteous judgmentalism are both Satanic schemes. The word scheme means the mental process to come to the bottom line, especially concerning moral accountability. In other words, the plan of Satan is to have Christians either refuse to confront ongoing sin or refuse to share forgiveness and restoration. This is a long-thought-out process to lead us to moral guilt and ultimately ruined saints.

Church discipline and restoration is not just about having peace in the congregation. It is also about the moral failure that will result from either extreme. Paul says we are not ignorant of his schemes. Sadly, that is often not true in the modern church. The contemporary church is often so focused on other things that we fail to realize that we are being conned by an experienced con man that has a long-term plan in mind. We often have no thought beyond the next meeting or conversation. If we think short-term, we cannot help but lose the long-term struggle.

“Lord, give me the wisdom to call for repentance and to offer Your grace. AMEN”

2 Corinthians 1:12-24

 2 Corinthians 1:12-24

For Christians, especially those in positions of leadership, there is nothing that is more damaging than a loss of integrity. Ethical or personal compromise is the gateway to an ever-growing and expanding sphere of vice in our lives. The reputation we have is either the door that allows us to enter into relationships or the lock that keeps us out of those same relationships. We sometimes say, “I don’t care what people think of me.” In one way there is wisdom in that. But in another way, that is folly. If we gain a reputation for evil, we will lose our ability to speak the gospel with any kind of authority.

Apparently some of Paul’s opponents, the false leaders, at Corinth, were attempting to trash Paul’s reputation as a means of silencing his criticism of their false teaching. Paul had apparently changed his plans concerning his visit to Corinth, and that was used as evidence of his alleged duplicitous nature. This entire passage is about Paul’s integrity. Paul begins with this issue because without addressing it, Paul’s message will fall on hearts turned to stone by a lack of trust.

There is one key word near the beginning of the section that deserves special attention. In verse 12 Paul uses the word “sincerity.” We have softened that word too much. We treat it sentimentally and often associate it with an empty-headed individual who fully believes some foolish idea. That is not what the word means. The Greek word comes from the words “sun” and “to judge.” And it means a judgment that has reached its conclusion after an examination in the bright light of the sun, where no flaws might escape notice. In a semi-dark room, the flaws in a vase, pottery, or piece of furniture might easily escape notice. But in the bright light of direct sunshine those flaws are easy to see. Paul is saying his life and ministry will bear up under the closest scrutiny. In our life’s work and ministry, we must not live in such a way that we would fear careful examination. The story is told of an author who sent an anonymous telegram to twelve upstanding friends. It read, “Flee, all is discovered.” Within 24 hours all 12 men had left town. How we respond to the thought of careful examination truly identifies our character.

“Lord, grant me the grace to live a life that never fears careful examination. AMEN”

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

One of the challenges that Paul will address in this letter is a question of whether he has the authority he is asserting. Paul begins by offering backdoor evidence of the legitimacy of his authority, while at the same time giving very practical teaching on the subject of suffering or hardship. The fact that Paul suffers and yet remains faithful is an indication of the authenticity of his faith. He also talks about the value of suffering. Faithfulness and suffering are developed with one marvelous application from this passage. 

This theme is summed up in the word “suffering” or “affliction.” Paul assumes that suffering is part and parcel with being a disciple. In fact, the suffering Paul talks about was so great that he felt like he was going to die. Paul was not a man given to flights of fancy and he thought that his suffering was going to end in his death. He says his much in verses 9-10. The word used here describes suffering that crushes a person to death. This was more than an illness or rejection. Most likely the specifics of what happened are lost to history. The last half of chapter 11 describes many sufferings of Paul for which we don’t have any other record. The external and internal pressures were about to kill Paul, were it not for the comfort of God. The word “comfort” here is a compound word, which is from “close besides” and “to call.” It is the picture of someone standing next to you in your suffering and leaning over to you, offering words of encouragement, advice, and strength. Sometimes God does that directly, and sometimes He does it through His people. But the comfort we receive is never intended to be the end of the line. The fact that we have received comfort means that we are morally obligated to pass it on. In the New Testament comfort is never seen apart from suffering from persecution or the comfort that comes after repentance.

There is an application for us, and this is desperately needed today. So much of our lives focuses on avoiding any suffering at all. The pseudo-gospel that has been presented to us tells us we can escape every form of hardship. While Paul doesn’t seek suffering, he walks through it so that he can embrace the wisdom of what it teaches. Some things will never be learned apart from hardship. The words in verse 9, “that we shall not trust in ourselves,” are a lesson best learned in the crucible of hardship.

“Lord, help me to use suffering to learn comfort and to comfort others. AMEN”