2 Corinthians

Monday, 22 June 2015

 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Paul, in what is not uncommon in his writings, breaks into a shout of joy as he considers the situation. He lets out a resounding “Now thanks be to God.” This is based on several key points which came to a confluence in his life at the same time.

First, he had finally met up with Titus. Second, because he had heard the good news from Titus about the positive status of the Corinthian church. And third, he was overwhelmed with the great abundance that came about from his visit to the Macedonian churches concerning a gift for the church in Jerusalem. These points won’t be seen until chapters 7 and 8, but Paul hints on them now before addressing many important issues. He will return to these thoughts though and give them in detail at that time.

For these things, he sent his thanks “to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” The word for “leads us in triumph” is thriambeúō. It is used only one other time in the NT, in Colossians 2:15 and it means “properly, to display triumph openly; publically exalting the victor who leads a victory-procession – and putting the conquered on display.”

Scholars and translators vary on how to render this. It could either be something like “causes us to triumph in Christ,” or “leads us in triumph in Christ.” The two are vastly different and yet either could be deduced from the surrounding text. However, the fact that the surrounding issues were handled by the Lord, even directed by Him, it would make sense to say that it is He who leads us in triumph. Because of this, it is He who “through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge and power in every place.”

As He leads us in triumph, our lives are used to diffuse what we know of Him to others. The idea of “fragrance” is used by Paul elsewhere to indicate the offering of Christ Himself for us (Ephesians 5:2) and of a gift that was sent to Paul (Philippians 4:18). The intent of this “fragrance” is that it permeates all things and is pleasing in and of itself. Therefore, like incense, the “knowledge and power” of Christ is diffused through the disciples of Christ to the glory of God.

Life application: Paul takes time to weave the difficulties of His life into larger pictures of God’s obvious hand in them by bringing them together not for greater difficulty, but for overall benefit. If we can overlook the small difficulties in our lives and see how they all actually turn out for a greater benefit, then we can truly rest in the fact that God has it all under control. Let us learn from the Bible that there is a good end and God is working towards it, even through our failings, faults, and trials.

Heavenly Father, it is more than wonderful to know that the times of trial and difficulty I face are actually being used for a good end. I can look at the lives of great men like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Paul and I can see that even though they faced immense trials, each was a part of a greater whole which was being used for a very good end. As this is so with them, and as I am Your child through faith in Jesus, then it must be true with me too. Thank You for this certain knowledge as I face the times of trial which come my way! Amen.

Sunday, 21 June 2015

I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 2:13

In the previous verse, Paul mentioned his arrival in Troas for the purpose of transmitting the gospel. While there he noted that “a door was opened to me by the Lord.” However and despite this, he says he “had no rest” in his spirit. The thing that usually brought him the greatest joy was telling others the news of Christ. He worked tirelessly in this and took every advantage of it. And yet, even with a door wide open before him to walk through and share the news, he was in anguish to hear about the state of affairs at Corinth.

He then notes the reason behind the anguish. It was “because I did not find Titus my brother.” It is apparent that the two had intended to meet up and either he was late in arriving, Titus was late in arriving, or circumstances had changed Titus’ original plans. It was Titus who would carry news about the affairs at Corinth, but for whatever reason, he now had no way of hearing how things had transpired there. And so he left this great field of harvest at Troas in order to hopefully find Titus in Macedonia.

The entire thought is one which shows the immense care that Paul felt for this church which he was so closely tied to. It was a burden that he felt for all of his children-churches, so much so that he almost couldn’t endure not knowing how they were faring in their lives and doctrine. The same general sentiment that is expressed now towards Corinth is also seen in his first letter to the Thessalonians –

“For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

We are shown in these letters of Paul that sometimes correcting doctrine of current believers is to be considered on the same level as evangelizing new ones. The importance of correct doctrine for believers is because if they get off course, then those whom they evangelize will never come to know the truth of the gospel message. Paul felt this burden in the most intense way.

Life application: There are only so many hours in a day and there are only so many avenues we can pursue with this small amount of time we have been given. Let us make sound choices as to where we will focus our attention, redeeming the time as best we can.

Lord, I know that there are only so many hours in a day. How will I use them to most effectively serve You? Help me to be wise and discerning about events as they unfold before me and to prioritize them to be the most advantageous for Your kingdom. Let me not be slack in my efforts to bring the good news to those around me and to minister to those who reach out concerning whatever needs they face. I guess what I am asking Lord is for You to direct my steps according to Your wisdom and not mine. Amen.

Saturday, 20 June 2015

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
2 Corinthians 2:12

Paul now returns to the sequence of events that he left off with in verse 4. Verses 5-11 were an insert thought which have now been completed. He had determined to not go directly to Corinth for the reasons previously stated. On his journey to Macedonia, he came to Troas, which was on the route between Ephesus and Macedonia.

On the way, he says, “when I came to Troas.” There is an article in front of “Troas” which leads scholars to think he is referring to the general area and not specifically the city. There, in that area, he notes that concerning Christ’s gospel, “a door was opened to me by the Lord.”

This terminology is quite similar to the words he used concerning Ephesus in 1 Corinthians 16:8, 9 –

“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

As this journey was from Ephesus to Macedonia via Troas, it becomes apparent through his use of this same term in such close intervals that the Lord was carefully directing his steps for the furtherance of His gospel. In this, we can see that even the anguish of the situation at Corinth was used to further the gospel elsewhere. Nothing happens by chance and all things are being directed by the infinitely wise Lord.

Despite this, there will be a conflict in Paul that will cause a change of plans in his work in Troas. This will be seen in the coming verse.

Life application: At those times when it seems that the Lord isn’t there with you, He is. He may be working on something entirely unexpected by you, so trust that He truly will never leave you nor forsake you.

Lord, how many times have I thought You weren’t there with me as I faced some difficulty or trial. And yet, when I got through it, I saw that You were there working it out and accomplishing other marvelous things at the same time. How faithless I was to think I had been abandoned! Help me to remember this when the next trial or difficulty comes along. Don’t let me forget that You are with me. Instead, help me to wisely look for Your hand in the events as they unfold. Amen!

Friday, 19 June 2015

…lest Satan should take advantage of us; 2 Corinthians 2:11

Paul has been addressing forgiveness and now he gives a very important reason for it – “… lest Satan should take advantage of us.” Here he gives the devil’s proper name, Satan. It means “an adversary,” “an accuser,” or “an enemy.” The devil (Satan) is this adversary, accuser, and enemy of both God and man. Paul had first recommended that the Corinthians “…deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5). However, because of the circumstances, he was now taking the avenue of forgiveness and reconciliation.

This path is taken so “lest Satan should take advantage of us.” The verb for “take advantage of” indicates to “overreach.” In essence, it is “a game against the Tempter, in which the souls of men are at once the counters and the stake” (Ellicott). A spiritual match of wits and strategy was being waged and Paul wanted to ensure that the devil would not succeed in his efforts to harm the souls of either the man in particular or the congregation in general.

His reason for this is given, “…for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Paul had a great amount of experience in waging this battle against the devil. In Ephesians 6, he writes concerning the spiritual warfare around us and specifically “the wiles of the devil” in verse 11. He also notes later in this letter that “a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan” (2 Corinthians 12:7). In writing to the Thessalonians, he notes that Satan actually hindered his way in visiting them.

In these and other instances, it is apparent that Paul knew well that Satan is a powerful adversary and that he needed to stay ahead of him always.

Life application: The spiritual battle is real and we need to be aware of it. Keeping in the word, staying close to God in prayer, and remaining united to other believers in close fellowship are all ways that this battle can be effectively handled and won.

Lord, I know that the devil is a real adversary and that he has his schemes set to bring down any one of us at just the right moment. Help me Lord to be strong in You and to stay close to You through Your word, through prayer, and through fellowship with other believers. I know that only in this way will I be able to stand against his work. Help my morals to be upright, my tongue to be pure, and my heart to be soft toward righteousness that I might not sin against You. Amen.

Thursday, 18 June 2015

Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 2 Corinthians 2:10

Paul is speaking in a rather general way here concerning forgiveness of an offender. Though it is vague and roundabout, he is certainly referring to the person mentioned in verses 3-8. In other words, the general principle can be applied to the specific individual. He is affirming the right of the congregation to forgive an offense and that he will, in turn, support their decision. In essence, he is saying, “I have confidence in you to make the right decision in such cases and I am supportive of your decision when it is made.”

To shore up this thought he adds, “For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes.” His words are in the past tense, stating as an accomplished decision his support for what was or will be decided upon by the church; it was for their sake that his forgiveness was granted. He is showing solidarity with them in what they have resolved concerning the particular matter.

To finish his thought he adds that it was “in the presence of Christ.” The Greek literally reads, “…in the face of Christ.” It is as if Christ was literally present and watching what occurred. His words then are intended for those in Corinth to understand that, “I have acted with Christ watching me, to whom I am accountable.”

The whole verse speaks of a process which is intended to bring reconciliation, ensure harmony, and yet uphold the strictest standards of integrity, knowing that the Lord has His eyes on the situation.

Life application: One aspect of Christian life that should be remembered is that we are in the presence of the Lord at all times. Our words, our actions, our interactions, and etc are all known to Him. Some day we will stand before Him and give an account of our lives. Judgment is coming, so let us act as if we believe it now. But the good news is that our judgment in Christ is not for salvation or condemnation, but for rewards and losses. Let us work for the former so we do not receive the latter!

Lord God, I am so grateful that the judgment I will face is not one for salvation or condemnation, but only for rewards and losses. Because of having received Christ, my salvation is secure. Now Lord, give me the wisdom to work for rewards, shun that which would end in loss, and do all of it for Your glory. Thank You for Jesus who has made all of this possible! Thank You for the cross and the shed blood of the Lamb. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.