Lesson 4854

 (Lesson 4854) (05-15-25) 2nd Corinthians 12:14-21 

   “Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul expressed his intent to visit the Corinthians for the third time, assuring them he would not be a financial burden. He emphasized his desire for their spiritual well-being over material support, admitting that he thought of the Corinthians, not as a burden to him, but rather as his own children. Paul reaffirmed his commitment to their edification, highlighting that neither he nor his associates, like Titus, had used them for their own gain. He addressed concerns about his intentions, clarifying that all actions were for their strengthening and the glory of God in them. He conveyed doubts about potential discord and unrepentant behaviors within the church, such as jealousy, anger, and impurity. Paul feared that upon his arrival, he might find them not as he wished and that he might be grieved by those who had not repented of their sins. ~