Building You Up (2 Corinthians)
How would you feel if you were a Corinthian? Imagine if all the things Paul said in 1 Corinthians were true of you and your congregation. What would you think? 1 Corinthians was a hard letter to hear. It lists all of their dirty laundries, and it seems as though they are so far down the hole of sin that they could not possibly bounce back and become pleasing to God. We see idolatry, sexual immorality, divisive behavior, and selfish abuse of God's gifts. They weren't even considering the Lord's sacrifice in the taking of the Lord's Supper.
When we look at this letter, it may become difficult for us to see the thread. It often feels like Paul is jumping from topic to topic. But that is rarely the case in any of Paul's writings. He always has a thread. In this case, the thread is revealed near the end of this letter.
2 Corinthians 12:19--21 (ESV) --- 19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish---that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
We see in this Paul's motives for writing this letter. He is not writing a letter in his defense for what he is done wrong. He is writing to build them up to know how Paul feels despite the hard words they received in his last letter. It only fits that we are given another letter to tell us the rest of the story. As we read this letter, we get the impression that Titus has informed Paul of their response to the first letter. So now Paul writes them to build them up. The path to spiritual growth is not just about correction. It's also about encouragement and building up. That must be our goal.
Understanding the purpose helps us to look at the words of Paul with the right lens. From the beginning of this letter, we see Paul trying to build up the Corinthians.
Ministry of Comfort (1-7)
2 Corinthians 1:3--7 (ESV) --- 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
The Corinthians are sharing in the afflictions of Paul. They live the Christian life, and Paul has hope for them because God works in them to shine his light. He wants them to find comfort, and he has hope for them to endure every trial.
How Paul Makes Decisions (1:15-2:17)
In the rest of Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, Paul explains recent events. In verses 8-11, Paul tells them about his own suffering and near-death experience to say that God was there for him. God has always been there for him, and he always will be. It may seem like Paul says one thing and does another, but circumstances have changed his answer. He was planning to stop by Corinth after sending the first letter, but he felt uneasy about doing that for multiple reasons. First, Paul didn't want to come too early because they might still be working out the failures that they had made. He wanted his return to be a joyful return by all, and he knew that it would take time for everyone to be brought to greater spiritual maturity. He doesn't want to "Lord over their faith." He recognizes that one particular event, the withdrawal of the sexually immoral man, would be challenging. But he wants them to handle it. They need to learn to fly on their own. So he says that he is happy to forgive the brother if the members there do.
At the end of Chapter 2, he tells them about an opportunity to preach in Troas. He says, "A door was opened" for him in the Lord, but he did not walk through it because he felt uneasy. Why bring this up? Paul is transitioning into a new section in the letter. All of the discussion about why Paul hasn't made it to Corinth leads him to explain how he views his ministry.
To explain why Paul makes all of his decisions. He sees that Christ is always leading him in a triumphal procession. This portrays Paul following Jesus in a parade burning incense for all to be drawn to Jesus. Wherever he goes, he produces an aroma for people to be drawn to Christ. Sometimes, the smell attracts people. Sometimes, it repels people. But Paul's ministry is not dependent on him making the right decisions, nor is he perfect. He is just trying to do the best he can. Notice his words in verse 16. He says, "Who is sufficient for these things." Jesus can work in him despite the missteps as long as he is sincere and pure in his heart's intentions.
Greater Glory (3:1-18)
In the text description of his ministry, he tells them that he is sharing a message of permanent glory for all those who accept it. All who behold the glory of Jesus are being transformed by it. There are also words of encouragement scattered throughout this section. He wants them to know that their faithful obedience is part of Paul's glory. Jesus has glorified Paul in them. He calls them his "letter of recommendation."
Overcoming Blindness (4:1-6)
Beholding the glory of Jesus and being transformed by it is a huge part of Paul's ministry. He wants everyone to see the light of the glory of Christ. In these verses, he points out that the "god of this world" works against him and tries to blind our hearts. So he keeps proclaiming Jesus crucified to build them up. Paul's goal is not to proclaim his own greatness but the greatness of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV) --- 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Motivated by Resurrection (4:7-5:10)
After telling them how he proclaims Jesus, Paul describes what that looks like. Proclaiming Jesus means proclaiming the death of Jesus and the life of Jesus. But he uses this description of Jesus to explain how he finds motivation for his ministry. The fact that there is a resurrection means that Paul can speak boldly and endure tremendous hardships. This section is the core of this letter. Paul's goal is to build up the body of Christ so that God is glorified. He does this knowing that God is planning to give him a reward beyond what he deserves.
Paul ends the last section by pointing out that the resurrection is not good for all. There will be a judgment where we are held accountable for the work we do in the body of Christ.
Aiming For Reconciliation (5:11-21)
This negative comment is immediately followed up with an explanation.
2 Corinthians 5:11--12 (ESV) --- 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
Paul's work is not about himself. His work is about bringing others to see the truth. He wants people to stop looking at the external and start looking at what is in the heart. This makes perfect sense to us. We don't want someone to do many external acts that show they are sorry as much as we want them to really be sorry. We want them to have different thoughts and desires. The heart issues separate us from God, and Paul's mission is to connect people to God again. Listen to what he calls his ministry.
2 Corinthians 5:17--20 (ESV) --- 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Simple, Open, and Godly (6:1-13)
Paul's ministry is about reconciling people to God with hearts that desire to do God's will. This flows well into the final two sections. If his goal is to restore the relationship, it makes sense for him to talk about his method. Notice how he seeks reconciliation with the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 6:1--3 (ESV) --- 1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,
To create reconciliation, he speaks in the form of an appeal and encouragement. He appeals to them to love God, and then he encourages them that God will love them in return. Paul explains that he endures suffering at the hands of evil people while remaining honorable and good. He never resorts to dishonest or evil means. He genuinely loves the souls of those he talks to.
2 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV) --- 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.
This is an excellent description of the ministry we should all have in Christ. We also must seek reconciliation with wide-open hearts.
Calling For Purity (6:14-7:16)
These words of love and care are joined with the reality that God expects them to change. Paul tells them that they must not join themselves with those who live in sin. God expects the sinful rebellion to stop now that they have access to God. Listen to Paul say this and notice how he even builds them up while saying all of this.
2 Corinthians 7:1--4 (ESV) --- 1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
Isn't it encouraging to learn that Paul feels he can say all of this without causing them to stumble? He is proud of the spiritual maturity that they have shown. Apparently, Titus has told him of their positive response to the last letter. The hard sayings of Paul were well received, and they have proved their earnestness by grieving over their sin and repenting. This is what the ministry is about.
A Different Mindset (8-13)
In the final five chapters of the book, Paul tells the Corinthians that he doesn't want to come to them and find them still living the selfish way they were in the past. He is confident that they will change, but he wants to make his expectations clear. Chapters 8-9 are about their willingness to give, Chapters 10-11 are about their tendency to boast, and Chapters 12-13 express Paul's deep concern for their souls.
Encouragement To Give (8-9)
Moving on from Paul's ministry, Paul wants them to know about the faith of the Macedonian church. This turns the attention away from the issues in Corinth and toward the work that the Corinthians can do. What is most interesting about this section is how Paul gently discusses his faith in the Corinthians. The Macedonians want to give so much because Paul has told them about the generosity of Corinth. He bragged on the Corinthians, so he doesn't want them to be unprepared when he comes.
Paul wants everyone who has much to give much with a cheerful heart. God has provided them with every good thing, and he gives them more than they deserve. He points their attention to others in need, so they don't get bogged down thinking about themselves. Remember, that's their tendency. The first letter showed us that. At the end of the first letter, Paul told them to set aside their gift so that there would be no collecting when he came.
Finding Strength In Weakness (10:1-12:10)
After telling them about the sacrificial giving of the Macedonians and the sacrificial giving of Corinthians, Paul goes on to discuss the battle he has been fighting.
2 Corinthians 10:3--6 (ESV) --- 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
He mentions that his work is all about fighting against those who have lofty opinions. Many are still focused on outer appearances. They boast of their accomplishments, and verse 12 says that they commend themselves while measuring themselves with one another. They say, "Look at what all I have done." Paul hasn't accomplished half of what we have accomplished.
But Paul does not fight as they do. He does not talk about all the people he has converted or the successes that he has had. He just wants to boast about what God has done for him. Paul has no desire to submit his resume for their approval. But, in Chapter 11, we find out that the Corinthians are susceptible to being led astray.
2 Corinthians 11:2--6 (ESV) --- 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
We see Paul start to make an exception in this case. He will boast of what he has accomplished in Christ. He repeats that this is foolishness in verse 16, but he must do it.
2 Corinthians 11:16--21 (ESV) --- 16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of---I am speaking as a fool---I also dare to boast of that.
Then, he tells them of his accomplishments in Christ. If anyone would want to compare themselves with Paul, they better think twice. Paul has gone through more than anyone we know of to glorify God and spread the gospel.
One thing that is most interesting about all of this is the amount of suffering Paul went through. He boasts many near-death experiences. All of these show that his earlier statements are factual. He carries the death of Christ in his body so that the life of Jesus may be seen. But it's not like Paul enjoys nearly dying for Christ. He prays for his suffering to be removed in some cases, but God told him something powerful.
2 Corinthians 12:8--10 (ESV) --- 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul has learned to be content with suffering and weakness for the sake of Christ. All of these words that seem to boast of his accomplishments are serving a more significant function. Paul is not the type of guy who enjoys bragging. But he wants the Corinthians to trust in Jesus as he does. He wants them to glorify Jesus with sacrificial living. Paul tells them all of this to build them up and encourage them to join him in suffering for Christ.
Paul's Fear And Love For Corinthian Brethren (12:11-13:14)
In the last part of this letter, Paul expresses his deep concern for the brethren there. They have many challenges to face, and he wants them to be strong as they face them. He wants them to help them remain faithful and remember all that he has taught them.
Chapter 13 encourages them to establish every charge by the evidence of two or three witnesses. They need to follow the Matthew 18 method before bringing a charge against a brother. Then, he tells them to examine themselves. Before pointing the finger at others, we must first consider our own failures and learn from them.
2 Corinthians 13:10--14 (ESV) --- 10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
What's The Message?
So, having gone through the entire book, what is the point? What central message should we glean from this? The point is that Paul wants to build them up. The first letter was pretty open about the changes they need to make. He was trying to help them see how far they have to go. This letter is Paul's attempt to encourage them to get there. In the first half, he explains how he views his ministry. In the second half, he pushes them to greater faithfulness by revealing his confidence in them, his suffering for Christ, and his concern over their future challenges.
Application
So how can we apply these things to ourselves? We must speak to one another while considering what will build up and not tear down. Even when we tell each other about what is true, we need the same loving care that Paul has shown in this letter. How do we build one another up like this? Paul injects confidence in the church. He recognizes that some things might have looked wrong, and he tries to clarify his intentions. People seem to have made false accusations against him, and people believed them. But he didn't blow his top. He patiently explained what his ministry is all about. It's easy for us to get angry and start accusing people who have accused us, but Paul doesn't do that.
Notice how open Paul was. He didn't just brush them off. He explains in detail the ins and outs of his decision-making. We need to do that when people don't understand us. First, we need to understand where the misunderstanding is. Then, we need to provide clarification so that there are no hard feelings.
If our goal on earth is to bring God glory, we want to be ambassadors for Christ. We want to bring as many souls to Christ as possible. That means that we must patiently bear with the failings of one another. I need your patience, and I'm sure at some point you will need mine. Like the Corinthians, we have weaknesses, failings, and sufferings. Paul wants us to know that God is glorified as we rely on him, and he strengthens us and helps us overcome the trial.
Remember to let the death of Christ be in you so that the life of Christ can be seen in your actions toward others. Remember that this life is not everything. We are here for a short time. Then we get to be at home with the Lord. These are tough lessons for us to learn, but I pray that we will learn them and glorify God with sacrificial living. This will result in an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison with anything this world can offer.