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Introduction: 2 Co.2. Discipline, usually a thing of the past Replaced with self-image reinforcement Family: abuse Church: unloving Bible: Pr.3:11-12; Ho.11:8-9; 2 Co.2 Some opposed Paul’s teaching, ques-tioned his apostleship, and despised him (2 Co.10:10). Why Had Paul Written.
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Introduction: 2 Co.2 • Discipline, usually a thing of the past • Replaced with self-image reinforcement • Family: abuse • Church: unloving • Bible: Pr.3:11-12; Ho.11:8-9; 2 Co.2 • Some opposed Paul’s teaching, ques-tioned his apostleship, and despised him (2 Co.10:10)
Why Had Paul Written • 3: to avoid a painful visit • Their sin grieved him • His correction grieved them • 4: to show his love for them • 2 Sm.12; Rv.3:19 • 9: to test their obedience • 2 Co.10:6; 7:11
Devices, 2:11 • Satan’s device for turning Christian from Lord: fornication (1 Co.5; cf. Nu.25) • God’s device for his recovery: withdrawal (1 Co.5) • Satan’s device for turning him back again: grief; lack of forgiveness (2 Co.2) • God’s device for his recovery: love, forgiveness, joy (2 Co.2; cf. Ps.51)
Led in Triumph, 2:14-15 In a Roman triumph the general’s sons, with his lieutenant-generals and com-manders, rode behind his chariot God (Victor) led Paul and his fellow-workers as instruments of His glory • Jews: scent of b. offering, Nu.28:2-6 • Gentiles: incense offered to gods • Roman Triumph: sacrifices at temple of jupiter • Christians: Ph.4:18; Ep.5:2
No middle ground, 2:15-16 • Saved – perishing, 15 • Death – life, 16 • Mt.7:13-14 • Mk.16:16 • Law is medicine that gives life to a believer or death to an unbeliever(Rabbis) • The Law is an aroma of life to the good, but an aroma of death to the evil (Rabbis)
Satan’s tools, 2:17 • Peddling – trade in, i.e., make money out of huckster • Issue is not pay, but motive (1 Co.9) • Many made a living by skill at speech-making; not whatthey said, but howthat pleased and impressed listeners • Gospel demands obedience • Peddlerstake far less, a lower price • 2 Pt.2:1-3. 2 Co.10:12, 15; 11:13-15