Day By Day - 2 Corinthians 2
By Paul Rich
Opening Thought:
Paul was passionate about the church in Corinth. He had sent them a letter only one or two years earlier, and here we have a second letter, striving to bring correction so that, "my joy would also be yours."
1. The sin of one
It was clear that Paul viewed the church as a singular entity. He describes the church as "one body" in Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 10:17, Ephesians 4:4, and Colossians 3:15 just to mention just a few. As the action of One, that is Christ, can set us all free from sin, the action of one, a sinner within the church, can and should have an impact on us all. It seems in the church of Corinth that many were aware of the one that Paul was referring to, and their reaction had been a united one. That is rejection.
How do we respond, as a church, to a person who has a serious weakness?
2. The power of forgiveness
Paul had been brought to tears for the one causing the problem. I imagine Paul had many sleepless nights. He knew that the majority in the church had turned against this person. How can a person be reconciled in a situation like that? If there was repentance and a change of heart, the sense of rejection portrayed by the church would be a formidable barrier. So the challenge was put to the church; demonstrate your obedience by embracing the unloveable.
Can you think of someone who you have trouble showing love to? That's the kind of thing Paul was talking about here. It's the difference between reconciliation and a lost soul for eternity.
3. The fragrance of Christ
Lately, I've been reading the Christian Standard Bible which is a modern version (2017). It describes the Christian walk as an aroma; the fragrance of Christ. It brings to mind Romans 10:15 . . . “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”. The good news is a message of hope, of overcoming, of new life. It is unnatural to expect a non-believer, or an outcast, to pick up a Bible, or a tract, and find salvation. That's the calling that you and I have on our lives. To build relationships and be the lamp on a hilltop. We present an attractive aroma to those who are searching. In 2 Corinthians 2:16, Paul asks the question, "Who is adequate for these things?"
Closing thoughts:
How are we as a church? Are we able to love the unlovely? Are people attracted to what they see in us, or are they repelled? Here's an approach you might not have considered. The more transparent we are, (take down our facade and pretence), the easier it will be for them to see Christ who is within.
Opening Thought:
Paul was passionate about the church in Corinth. He had sent them a letter only one or two years earlier, and here we have a second letter, striving to bring correction so that, "my joy would also be yours."
1. The sin of one
It was clear that Paul viewed the church as a singular entity. He describes the church as "one body" in Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 10:17, Ephesians 4:4, and Colossians 3:15 just to mention just a few. As the action of One, that is Christ, can set us all free from sin, the action of one, a sinner within the church, can and should have an impact on us all. It seems in the church of Corinth that many were aware of the one that Paul was referring to, and their reaction had been a united one. That is rejection.
How do we respond, as a church, to a person who has a serious weakness?
2. The power of forgiveness
Paul had been brought to tears for the one causing the problem. I imagine Paul had many sleepless nights. He knew that the majority in the church had turned against this person. How can a person be reconciled in a situation like that? If there was repentance and a change of heart, the sense of rejection portrayed by the church would be a formidable barrier. So the challenge was put to the church; demonstrate your obedience by embracing the unloveable.
Can you think of someone who you have trouble showing love to? That's the kind of thing Paul was talking about here. It's the difference between reconciliation and a lost soul for eternity.
3. The fragrance of Christ
Lately, I've been reading the Christian Standard Bible which is a modern version (2017). It describes the Christian walk as an aroma; the fragrance of Christ. It brings to mind Romans 10:15 . . . “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”. The good news is a message of hope, of overcoming, of new life. It is unnatural to expect a non-believer, or an outcast, to pick up a Bible, or a tract, and find salvation. That's the calling that you and I have on our lives. To build relationships and be the lamp on a hilltop. We present an attractive aroma to those who are searching. In 2 Corinthians 2:16, Paul asks the question, "Who is adequate for these things?"
Closing thoughts:
How are we as a church? Are we able to love the unlovely? Are people attracted to what they see in us, or are they repelled? Here's an approach you might not have considered. The more transparent we are, (take down our facade and pretence), the easier it will be for them to see Christ who is within.
Posted in 2 Corinthians