Lesson 4837

 (Lesson 4837) (04-27-25) 2nd Corinthians 3:1-11 

   “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.” 

 

In today’s quote, Paul contrasted the old covenant, characterized by the Law given through Moses, with the new covenant, brought through Christ and the Spirit. He began by addressing the need for letters of commendation, stating that the Corinthians themselves are his letter, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God on tablets of human hearts. This illustrates that their transformed lives are a testament to his ministry. Paul emphasized that his sufficiency as a minister came from God, not from himself. He explained that the old covenant, written and engraved on stones, was a ministry of death and condemnation, though it came with glory. However, the new covenant, of the Spirit, is more glorious, as it brings righteousness and life. This passage highlights the superiority of the new covenant with Jesus Christ over the insufficiency of the old laws of the Jews, emphasizing the transformative power of the Spirit in the lives of those who believe in Jesus.  ~ 

Lesson 48836

 (Lesson 4836) (04-26-25) 2nd Corinthians 2:12-17 

   “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 

 

   In todahy’s quote, Paul recounted his experience in Troas, where he found a willingness to listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul concluded by distinguishing himself and his companions from those who peddle the word of God for profit. He emphasized that they speak with sincerity, as commissioned by God, and do so in the sight of God in Christ. ~ 

Lesson 4835

 (Lesson 4835) (04-25-25) 2nd Corinthians 2:1-11 

   “But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul continued to explain his decision to delay visiting the Corinthian church. He expressed that his previous letter, written with much affliction and anguish of heart, was not intended to cause them sorrow but to convey his abundant love for them. Paul emphasized that his aim was to avoid another painful visit, hoping instead that his letter would lead to repentance and joy upon his eventual return. Paul then addressed the situation of a specific individual who had caused grief within the church. He noted that the punishment inflicted by the majority is sufficient, and now it's time to forgive and comfort the offender to prevent overwhelming sorrow. Paul urged the congregation to reaffirm their love for that person, highlighting that forgiveness is crucial not only for the individual's restoration but also to prevent Satan from exploiting the situation. He reminded them that they were not ignorant of Satan's devices, implying that a lack of forgiveness could lead to greater harm within the church. ~ 

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. ~