Lesson 4834

 (Lesson 4834) (04-24-25) 2nd Corinthians 1:17-24 

   “When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 

 

  In today’s lesson, Paul defended his integrity, stating that his decisions were not made lightly or based on worldly considerations. Paul emphasized that his message, like God's promises, is consistent and trustworthy. He explained that all of God's promises are affirmed in Christ, who is the "Yes" to every divine promise. Through Christ, believers say "Amen" to the glory of God. Paul highlighted that it is God who establishes and anoints both him and the Corinthians, sealing them and giving the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come. Paul clarified that his decision not to return to Corinth was to spare them, not because of any unreliability on his part. He asserted that he did not seek to dominate their faith but rather to work alongside them in the faith. Paul recognized that it was through their faith that the Corinthians stood firm. ~