2 Corinthians 2-4

2 Corinthians 2

 Paul’s Painful Letter

• Paul explains why he delayed another visit to Corinth
  • He wanted to avoid causing further sorrow
• Mentions writing with:
  • tears
  • anguish
  • deep love
• His correction was meant to restore, not harm

Forgiveness

• A disciplined individual in the church appears to have repented
• Paul urges the church to:
  • forgive
  • comfort
  • reaffirm love
• Too much punishment can turn into excessive sorrow
• Satan should not win through bitterness or division

Paul had ministry opportunities in Troas, yet he was restless because he had not found Titus

Aroma of Christ

• Paul praises God for leading believers in Christ’s triumph
• Christians are described as the “aroma” of Christ
  • To some aroma of life
  • To others aroma of death
• Paul contrasts sincere ministry with those who “peddle” God’s word for profit

2 Corinthians 3

Paul says he does not need recommendation letters

• The Corinthians themselves are evidence of his ministry
• They are:
  • a letter from Christ
  • written by the Spirit
  • on hearts, not stone

Ministers of a New Covenant

• Paul’s sufficiency comes from God
• God made the apostles ministers of the new covenant
• Contrast: letter kills but Spirit gives life
• Paul compares old covenant (Moses/Law) and new covenant (Spirit)
  • The old covenant had glory (called ministry of death)
  • But the new covenant has far greater and lasting glory

Veil Removed in Christ

• Refers to Moses covering his face after meeting God
• Paul says a spiritual veil still covers hearts apart from Christ
• In Christ:
  • the veil is removed
  • believers see God’s glory
• Believers are being transformed into Christ’s image by the Spirit

2 Corinthians 4

 Treasure of the Gospel

• Paul refuses:
  • Disgraceful ways
  • manipulation
  • distortion of God’s word
• Some remain blinded by “the god of this world”
• The gospel reveals the glory of Jesus Christ
• God shines spiritual light into believers’ hearts

 Treasure in Jars of Clay

• Believers carry God’s treasure in weak human bodies
  • Like jars of clay
• Paul describes suffering:
  • Hard pressed
  • perplexed
  • persecuted
  • struck down
• Yet not destroyed
• The life of Jesus is displayed through weakness

Paul says confidence comes from resurrection hope

• Everything is for God’s glory and others’ benefit

Eternal Perspective

• Outwardly believers may waste away
• Inwardly they are renewed daily
• Present suffering is temporary compared to eternal glory
• Focus should be:
  • unseen things
  • not merely temporary earthly troubles

Application

We learn that true transformation comes through the Holy Spirit and the new covenant in Christ. With this transformation, we may endure suffering, but we should do so with  hope, knowing God’s power shines through our weakness.