2 Corinthians 2
Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 2
Three things we see from the text:
1. Love requires truthfulness (v. 1-4)
The Corinth church was divided because of a leader who was in opposition to Paul. It’s why Paul felt pain in writing because he was calling them to repentance amidst controversy. 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 says: 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
Paul was willing to stand for truth even when it was difficult, but his standing for truth made the church stronger in their faith.
2. Love requires forgiveness (v. 5-11)
Paul is asking the church to forgive the leader opposed to him for the sake that he might be restored. Forgiving others is a clear picture of the Gospel. God has offered forgiveness to those who didn’t deserve it. The Christian leader didn’t deserve it, but Paul is calling them to forgive as they have been forgiven in Christ. Satan wants to divide and destroy. When we don’t forgive, Satan is getting what he wants (v. 11).
Through love, we can forgive.
3. Love pleases God (v. 12-17)
Our love and obedience to Christ produces and pleasing aroma. It “spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (v. 14). When we live as Christ has called us to live, people notice – and that brings God glory. But don’t be mistaken, we can only live for God because of the grace He has given and continues to give to us.
How are you walking in love?
Written By: Brice Stockton
Three things we see from the text:
1. Love requires truthfulness (v. 1-4)
The Corinth church was divided because of a leader who was in opposition to Paul. It’s why Paul felt pain in writing because he was calling them to repentance amidst controversy. 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 says: 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
Paul was willing to stand for truth even when it was difficult, but his standing for truth made the church stronger in their faith.
2. Love requires forgiveness (v. 5-11)
Paul is asking the church to forgive the leader opposed to him for the sake that he might be restored. Forgiving others is a clear picture of the Gospel. God has offered forgiveness to those who didn’t deserve it. The Christian leader didn’t deserve it, but Paul is calling them to forgive as they have been forgiven in Christ. Satan wants to divide and destroy. When we don’t forgive, Satan is getting what he wants (v. 11).
Through love, we can forgive.
3. Love pleases God (v. 12-17)
Our love and obedience to Christ produces and pleasing aroma. It “spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (v. 14). When we live as Christ has called us to live, people notice – and that brings God glory. But don’t be mistaken, we can only live for God because of the grace He has given and continues to give to us.
How are you walking in love?
Written By: Brice Stockton
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