2 Corinthians by Scott Risley (2018)

The Corinthian Church is hurting after a stern, but loving word of correction from Paul. Paul writes to them about receiving comfort from God. We can draw principles for suffering today, when we learn that God comforts us, not to alleviate all our pain, but to help us be a blessing to others and learn deeper dependence on him.

After receiving his first challenging letter, the Corinthians' relationship with Paul is strained. Coupled with a delay that kept Paul from visiting them, they are becoming cynical about Paul and his message. Paul addresses their concerns with integrity, and we can learn from him how to overcome cynicism, with the faithfulness of God as our foundation.

Paul uses the tradition of the triumphal entry of a victorious Roman general into the city to explain the victory of Christ on the cross. To some, the Roman parade was a cause for celebration, to others it represented the sentence of death. In the same way, the gospel is a polarizing message for people today.

Paul writes to the Corinthians to refute the influence of false teachers, who were trying to convince the church that they needed to follow Old Testament law, in addition to faith in Christ. Paul explains that Jesus ushered in the New Covenant, making the Old Covenant obsolete. This means that, as Christians under the New Covenant, we are also not under the law, and have true freedom in Christ.

Paul explains to the Corinthian church that following Christ provides believers with a meaningful purpose for their lives, as they act as God's ambassadors to share the message of Jesus with the world.

Paul expresses his deep love for the Corinthians and asks them to open their hearts to him as well. He also warns them to be wise about committing to serious relationships with non-believers. Doing so in areas such as marriage or business can cause hardship, advice useful to Christians today.

Paul addresses the accusations of false teachers who are attempting to discredit him. Surprisingly, Paul doesn't list his accolades and credentials but instead shares about the copious and intense suffering he has endured for his ministry. By doing so, Paul gives us a lesson on humility and also teaches us how to endure suffering well and allow it to draw us closer to God, because His power is most evident in the face of our weakness.

Paul wraps up his defense of himself against accusations going around the Corinthian church, then calls on the Corinthians to examine themselves the way they have been examining him--to consider and address their own issues before God. Self-examination can be a way that God brings about our spiritual growth, but an unhealthy level of introspection can bring about despair and self-focus. We should be aware of areas God may be addressing in us, but maintain an outward focus of loving others.