A Study of 2 Corinthians 7

Transcription

1 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 1 of 8 A Study of 2 Corinthians 7 I. Outline. 1. Be Holy (2 Cor ). 2. The Corinthians Repentance (2 Cor ). 3. The Joy of Titus (2 Cor ) --NKJV Headings II. Summary. The section culminates in an appeal full of local coloring and suggestion. In a great cry he gave expression to the hunger of his heart when he wrote, "Make room for us" (see margin). He then declared that he had wronged no man, that he had corrupted no man, that he had taken advantage of no man. Almost afraid lest such a statement should embitter them by creating a sense of shame, as though he would rebuke, he immediately declared that this was not his purpose, and proceeded to emphasize his love for them, going through his personal experiences to demonstrate it. He told them of his sorrow in Macedonia. He told them of the new joy and gladness that flooded his heart when Titus came and told him that they had received and been obedient to his letter, that it had caused them such sorrow as to produce in them repentance. He told them yet again of the great added joy that had come to him because they had refreshed the soul of Titus, for the apostle had boasted to Titus of them, and they had proved worthy of his boasting. His final word was one of magnificent hopefulness, thrilling with great joy. "I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you." Perhaps there is hardly a chapter in Paul's writings in which the heart of the man is more perfectly revealed, and the charm of it is found in the natural humanness which is manifested, and yet which all the while is under the constraint of that love of Christ which makes the fear of the Lord the supreme motive in all life and service. --G. Campbell Morgan, Exposition on Bible, 2009, Michael Andrews, an e-sword Module. III. IV. Chronology. BIBLE PERIOD: The Period of the Church. If you are not familiar with the 15 Bible Periods, please click here: Words/Phrases to Study 2 Corinthians7.1 PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD Holiness as used in this context is the state of the one who separates himself from sin and its defilement, touching no unclean thing. It clearly means the life of purity that follows the cleansing from sin. The object of the cleansing is a life of purity. Paul urges the Corinthians to make their life complete by conducting themselves in God s sight as His children who refuse to be defiled by sinful

2 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 2 of 8 practices [T.R. Applebury, Studies in 2 Corinthians, 1977, Bible Study Textbook Series, College Press, an e-sword Module]. 2 Corinthians THAT YE ARE IN OUR HEARTS TO DIE AND LIVE WITH YOU How deep is Paul's love for the Corinthians? For them, he had risked his life over and over. The catalogues of hardships (2 Cor 4:8-9; 2 Cor 6:4-10; 2 Cor 11:23-29) eloquently testify to his love for the church. Paul would rather die with the Corinthians than renounce his love for them [Simon Kistemaker, 2 Corinthians, Baker s New Testament Commentary, 1993, an e-sword Module]. 2 Corinthians GREAT IS MY GLORYING OF YOU Indeed he wants them to know that he is not speaking to them with any doubt as to their response. He speaks boldly towards them because of his confidence in them. He glories greatly because of them. For the news he had received about them had filled him full with encouragement and had comforted him, and caused him to overflow with joy in the midst of the affliction that he and his companions were facing. Note the stress on just how encouraged and joyful he was, filled full, overflowing with joy [Peter Pett, Commentary Series on the Bible, 2013, An e-sword Module]. 2 Corinthians FOR, WHEN WE WERE COME INTO MACEDONIA, OUR FLESH HAD NO REST He was so concerned for them that he could not rest until he heard from them. This verse continues the thoughts of 2 Corinthians 2: Paul faced outward trials while inwardly worrying about the Corinthian reaction to his earlier letter [Gary C. Hampton, The God of All Comfort, 2012, An e- Sword Module]. 2 Corinthians GOD, THAT COMFORTETH THOSE THAT ARE CAST DOWN, COMFORTED US BY THE COMING OF TITUS While in this harassed state of mind. God, who remembers to comfort the dejected and dispirited, comforted him by the coming of Titus who brought a good report from Corinth [David Lipscomb, Commentary on Romans through Philemon, an e-sword Module]. 2 Corinthians I DO NOT REPENT, THOUGH I DID REPENT He was an inspired man, and what he had said was proper and right. But he was a man of deep feeling, and of tender affections. He was pained at the necessity of giving reproof. And there is no improbability in supposing that after the letter had been sent off, and he reflected on its nature and on the pain which it would cause to those whom he tenderly loved, there might be some misgiving of heart about it, and the deepest anxiety, and regret at the necessity of doing it. What parent is there who has not had the same feeling as this? He has felt it necessary to correct a beloved child, and has formed the purpose, and has executed it. But is there no misgiving of heart? No question asked whether it might not have been dispensed with? No internal struggle; no sorrow; no emotion which may be called regret at the resolution which has been taken? Yet there is no repentance as if the parent had done wrong. He feels that he has done what was right and necessary. He approves his own course, and has occasion of rejoicing at the good effects which follow. Such appears to have been the situation of the apostle Paul in this case; and it shows that he, had a tender heart, that he did not delight in giving pain, and that he had no desire to overwhelm them with grief. When the effect was seen, he was not unwilling that they should be apprized of the pain which it had cost him. When a parent has corrected a child, no injury is done if the child becomes acquainted with the strugglings which it has cost him, and the deep pain and anxiety caused by the necessity of resorting to chastisement [Albert Barnes, Barnes Notes on the New Testament, an e-sword Module].

3 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 3 of 8 2 Corinthians THAT YE MIGHT RECEIVE DAMAGE BY US IN NOTHING He was happy over their sorrow because it was Godly sorrow that moved them to repent. Paul was happy because the letter had caused no damage but, rather, good was done [Gary C. Hampton]. 2 Corinthians THE SORROW OF THE WORLD WORKETH DEATH Sorrow that comes out of faith in God and desire to please him will cause the sorrowful to desire to change. Such sorrow will bring happiness because salvation of the one made sorry is the end result. On the other hand, a sorrow based on worldly considerations (such as, sorrow for being caught or the bad effect on one's reputation) may bring a correction but eternal damnation because of the motive behind the correction [Gary C. Hampton]. 2 Corinthians BUT THAT OUR CARE FOR YOU IN THE SIGHT OF GOD MIGHT APPEAR UNTO YOU I wrote mainly that I might show the deep interest which I had in the church at large, and my anxiety that it might not suffer by the misconduct of any of its members. It is from a regard to the welfare of the whole earth that discipline should be administered, and not simply with reference to an individual who has done wrong, or an individual who is injured. In church discipline such private interests are absorbed in the general interest of the church at large [Barnes]. 2 Corinthians AND HIS INWARD AFFECTION IS MORE ABUNDANT TOWARD YOU For Titus has only good memories of them. He remembers how they responded to his authority, and received him with great concern and care for his words, and were eager to learn from him what they should do. And the result is that he has great affection for them indeed [Peter Pett]. V. Lessons & Applications. 2 Corinthians A FAITHFUL MINISTER. Content taken from a table in the NKJV Study Bible, p Headings included: REFERENCE... DIFFICULTIES PAUL FACED... PAUL S RESPONSE... 1) 2 Cor Tribulation sufferings... Turned to God for comfort. 2) 2 Cor Life-threatening trouble... Trusted in God. 3) 2 Cor Charges by his opponents that he was unreliable and untrustworthy... Explained his pure motives for changing his itinerary and postponing his trip to Corinth. 4) 2 Cor Emotional anguish over an unpleasant visit with the Corinthian church... Expressed his great love. 5) 2 Cor An unpleasant church discipline situation... Urged forgiveness and comfort for the repentant sinner. 6) 2 Cor 2.17; 4.2, 5... Motives suspected... Clarified his sincere motives. 7) 2 Cor Trials, persecution, and pressure. Persevered, clinging to the truth that Jesus was manifested and God was being glorified. 8) 2 Cor Apostolic credentials questioned... Recited his record of faithfulness in a wide variety of difficult circumstances. 9) 2 Cor Allegations of misconduct... Maintained innocence; stated his affection; pleaded for a more loving response. 10) 2 Cor Conflict, fear, and discouragement. 11) 2 Cor Having to write about the uncomfortable subject of giving... Cited the sterling example of the Macedonian Christians; courageously challenged the Corinthians to give like they did.

4 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 4 of 8 12) 2 Cor Criticism from the false apostles... Refused to compare; sought the Lord s commendation 13) 2 Cor Comparisons to the false apostles... Set forth his long history of sacrificial service. 14) 2 Cor A thorn in the flesh... Prayed for the removal of this ongoing, unpleasant affliction; then realized it was God s grace to him, forcing him to rely on God s strength and not his own. 2 Corinthians FOR GODLY SORROW WORKETH REPENTANCE TO SALVATION From this we should learn: (1) that godly sorrow is not repentance. Many people think they have repented when the truth is they are only sorry for their sins. (2) Godly sorrow works, causes, repentance. If repentance is the effect, it must be different from the sorrow which is the cause. Since godly sorrow causes repentance, we should not speak lightly of it nor discourage a manifestation of such sorrow. We ought rather to cultivate by all scriptural means possible genuine godly sorrow for sin so that true repentance might be worked in the heart. (3) Repentance is unto, carries one toward, salvation. This makes repentance an essential condition of salvation from sin. (4) Repentance is not reformation of life, but is the cause of reformation. Hence, repentance is that change of mind which is caused by godly sorrow and itself causes a reformation of life; it is that mental turn away from sin and a determination to do right [Roy H. Lanier, Sr., Teacher s Annual Lesson Commentary, 1956, p. 66]. 2 Corinthians 7... Lessons to Learn: (1) Though firm in his demands for reformation in the church, Paul s tender sympathy manifested itself in anxious care, loving words, and many tears. Critics who criticize for the joy of being critical or for the joy of exposing a brother have no right to claim Paul as an example. (2) The church should exercise more discipline and put a stop to worldliness in the church. Instead of losing the respect of the world on account of the trouble, the church will gain the respect of pious people of the world for maintaining a high moral standard. (3) All men sorrow at one time or another. Some sorrow because they realize they have sinned against God; they go to God for relief, and in God s appointed way find forgiveness. Some try to solve their own problems, bear their own burdens, refuse to turn to God for help; this sorrow leads to death and destruction [Roy H. Lanier, Sr., p. 67]. VI. Questions. True or False 01. Paul says in this chapter that he lacked confidence in the Corinthian saints in all things. 02. Sorrow of the world is the kind Paul recommends to us. 03. Paul rejoiced that the Corinthian saints sorrow moved them to repentance. 04. It is possible to be joyful in tribulation. 05. Paul specifically stated that he had defrauded no man. I Found it in Verse(s) 06. Paul had wronged no man.

5 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 5 of God comforted Paul by the coming of Titus. 08. Something Titus told Paul. 09. Sorrow wrought ZEAL in the Corinthians Christians. 10. Something about boasting. Short Answer 11. A kind of affection Paul mentioned: 12. What godly sorrow works: 13. Paul made them sorry with one of these: 14. Where Paul was when his flesh had not rest: 15. Paul said: I speak not this to you. Each Question is worth 7 Points My Score is: Answers will be found on next week s handout ANSWERS to 2 Corinthians 6 Questions 01 True (17); 02 True (1); 03 True (13); 04 False (5); 05 False (11); 06 16; 07 14; 08 11; 09 7; 10 3; 11 nothing, possessing, things (10); 12 concord (15); 13 ministers of God (4); 14 ministry, blamed (3); 15 enlarged (13).

6 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 6 of 8 VII. Seek-A-Word Puzzle. The words may be backwards, diagonal, upside down, etc. See if you can find them all. The more you use the words of the Bible, the greater blessed you will be! You might be surprised at how much this little exercise will help you retain important truths. THANK YOU for the good effort you are putting forth in Bible study. DRL BOASTED CARE CAUSE CLEAR COME COMFORT DEARLY DESIRE EXCEEDING FEAR FLESH GODLY GREAT HAVING MADE MORE PROMISES RECEIVE REJOICE REPENT SORROW SORRY SPIRIT THEREFORE THING THOUGH TITUS TOWARD TRUTH WHEN

7 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 7 of 8 VIII. Crossword Puzzle. 2 Corinthians 7 (KJV) ACROSS 01) Titus remembered the of the Corinthians. 05) Paul had in the Corinthian saints. 07) You have approved yourselves to be in this matter. 08) Modifies joyful. 11) The kind of sorrowing they did worked in them. 12) Paul spoke all things to them in. 13) Paul rejoiced that they received damage by him in. DOWN 02) The same made them sorry. 03) They were made sorry after a godly. 04) Godly sorrow worketh it. 05) Something that God does. 06) Titus had inward for the Corinthians. 09) is my boldness of speech toward you. 10) Paul had confidence in them in things.

8 A Study of 2 Corinthians Page 8 of 8 IX. EXTRA CREDIT FOR SUPER Bible Students... Will you please consider answering these three SIMPLE questions based on the Bible text of this chapter? I will try to make use of your answers. Bring them with you next week. Tear out this last sheet from the Study Guide and be prepared to put it in a basket. I think it will be a great help to all of those in the class if you will do so. Thank you in advance for your marvelous cooperation!