Next Weeks Lesson 8/20/06

Bible Background * 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Printed Text * 2 Corinthians 9:3-15

Devotional Reading * Psalm 37:16-24

Giving Generously

Each of the last four lessons, Paul has instructed the people of the Corinthian church. On how to be better Christians. In this lesson the Corinthian church is being praised, on it's acceptance of Paul. By showing him love and forgiveness, and accepting him back. After he has been falsely accused, by a detractor of the truth. This time he is teaching on the importance of giving. He want's our charity, to be a way of life. In spite of what we give. We can never give back what is given to us by God. If we as Christians take on the attitude of giving. The body of Christ will never go lacking.

2 Corinthians 8
1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

In these verses Paul calls upon the Corinthians. To give like the Macedonians did, in spite of their material wealth. They gave to the church sacrificially. Whatever that amounted to individually. Some have more to give than others. Give according to what you have. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Let your blessings be a blessing to someone else. Give because that's what you want to give. Not because you're forced to, or someone is looking. You can never give a gift equal, to that which God has given you.


2 Corinthians 8:6-8:

6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others

Here Titus, Pau's representative in the Corinthian church. Appeals to the Corinthians integrity. Because you have a problem with someone, in the body. Don't shun your responsibility. Because you don't like the preacher. Don't withold your gifts. Do what you have promised. Don't hold out your commitment to the body, based on the activity of one. What someone else does. Has nothing to do with you. Ultimately you can only control your own actions. As well as secure your own salvation.



2 Corinthians 8:9:

9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.


As Christians we know how good God is already. He gave his only begotten son. Would you sacrifice your child , for the benefit of others? In all honesty,at this point. I know I wouldn't. To take it even farther. Jesus Christ gave his own life. He was the heir to everything. He gave that up for all believers.


2 Corinthians 8:10-15:

10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.


God does not want us to put ourselves in a bad way. To look good in the eyes of others. Don't give more than you have. Therefore the tithing principle, isn't to much to bare. If you give 10% to the body of Christ, that leaves you with 90% for yourself. God gave you all that you have. Why wouldn't you be willing to give back? If it wasn't for the grace of God, and his willingness to give to you. We wouldn't have anything.

Next Weeks Lesson 8/13/06

Giving Generously

Bible background * 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15

Printed Text * 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15

Devotional Reading * Luke 20:45 - 21:4

Giving Forgiveness

Paul has a special affection for the people of Corinth. That is the place of his second mission. Even though they were among the first to receive the gospel. They still didn't get it right. Upon being notified of the trouble with the Corinthian converts. First he had to teach on matters of immorality and sexuality. Corinth was like a red light district, of Bibical times. Kind of like a modern day Bourbon Street. Then he had to deal with impropiety in the church. People were distorting the gospel, and worshipping idol gods. Teaching contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Then there was misuse of the gifts. Taking God given gifts and using them for personal benefits. He had to reemphasize that all gifts are used for the upbuilding of the kingdom. Now he is dealing with a backbiter. Scripture doesn't tell us what the offense was, or what the man said. Whatever it was, it was widespread and it hurt Paul. Paul wrote three letters to Corinth, one came up missing. It was the letter written dealing with Paul's anger. I wonder what he said? In this lesson Paul stresses forgiveness




2 Corinthians 2:5-11:

5But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

6Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

8Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

10To 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;

11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.




Paul stresses forgiveness in the above scriptures. As a characteristic of God. Regardless what you have done. It's not to big to be forgiven. You have a saviour that's all knowing Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. If you served a God that thought like you. With our biased and infinite knowledge. What do you think would happen? All of us would be in serious trouble. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GodWe should take on the characteristics of God, and show forgiveness. Had not we all been forgiven by God. We would be lost.



2 Corinthians 7:2-4:

2Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.


Here Paul appeals to the hearts of the Corinthians. Though he explains he hasn't done anything wrong. He wants them to open their hearts, and take him back into their fold. I think this has a lot to do with the missing letter. We don't know what was said. Based on what's being said now. This sounds to me like an apology of sorts. In any event Paul felt the need to stress the importance of not being vengeful. Paul is appealing to their sense of loyalty. When filled with the holy spirit. You are not so quick to dismiss or suspect others. You give others the benefit of the doubt. In all that I have shared with you. Judge me based on what you know. Not someone elses venomous report.


2 Corinthians 7:5-7:

5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.


Anxious to hear what the Corinthians said. Paul went to Macedonionia, in search of his helper Titus. It was a time of trials and tribulations. Putting Paul's faith to the test. While there he encountered opposition from his enemies. And didn't receive help from anybody else either. Even those that believed, were of no comfort. As always God stepped into the situation, and made a way. Out of what seemed like no way. He sent Paul's helper Titus. With good news coming back, from the people of Corinth. Which served as encouragement for them both. We as Christians should rejoice at another person's repentance. It is as precious to us, as our own.



2 Corinthians 7:8-12:

8For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

9Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

Paul didn't mean to upset the people of Corinth, with his letter. Not just to have them sorry for their treatment of him persay. He was not apologetic, for his message though. Him and Timothy both have He was glad the people saw reason to repent, based on the letter he had written. This was to show where as Christians, are to be of a forgiving spirit. It shouldn't be just because we like somebody, or we don't.


2 Corinthians 7:13-15:

13Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

15And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

Here Paul proclaims his confidence in his teaching to Titus. He speaks of the joy Titus found, in having the Corinthian people extend their forgiveness. It was proof of the presence of the fruits of the spirit. In the hearts of those, in the body of Christ.

Next Weeks Lesson 8/06/06

Giving Forgiveness

Printed Text: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:2-15

Background Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:2-15

Devotional Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Called To Love

In the Greek language there was no root word for love. There was no pagan word, because love wasn't a pagan concept. If you notice, in the scripture they only use the word charity. In the scriptures posted below. I can replace the word charity with love, and get a clearer understanding. Paul instructs us in all that we do. Love is the greatest virtue of all.

1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Regardless of how appealing or intelligent, the conversation may sound. If you don't exhibit love in what you say. You're just talking loud and saying nothing. A cymbal was used as an analogy. It is the simplest musical instrument known. It doesn't require any special knowledge or training. It just makes a noise. Paul was one very knowledgeable of the truth. He was the only apostle who didn't walk with Jesus. He received his ordination, on the road to Damascus. I think that would make him eminently qualified. Here he declares without love, it means nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

You can do wonderful things in the eyes of man, but ultimately it doesn't matter. God truly does know your heart. This takes me back to the story of Cain and Abel. When they offered their sacrifices to the lord. It wasn't the gift, but the spirit in which it was given. It doesn't take much to give a lot, if you have much more. Why did you give? Was it to look good in the eyes of man, or was it from your heart?


1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

The Corinthians exhibited many of the same shortcomings, Christians exhibit today. The appearance of love isn't evident in our lives. Like it wasn't in theirs. Love is not impatient. It's not in hurry. It is kind and not envious. Love is not driven by your ego. It doesn't lead you to always expect the worse. You look for the good in all situations. Not to the point of being gullible though. Love won't find consolation in unrighteousness. It requires that you have hope and belief, as you endure the trials of life

1 Corinthians 13:8-13:

8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

When all else fails, love will prevail. What we know is limited and reaches it's end. Our faith and what we await, is perfect in it's design. In the end all these earthly things will come to pass. Here the difference in being a child and an adult is used to demonstrate maturity. Even at our brightest point. We still don't have the full understanding, but we must forge ahead. In all that you retain. The most important thing is love.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/30/06

Called To Love

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 13

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 13

Devotional Reading * John 3:16-21

Called To The Common Good

The Corinthians in this lesson, have begun to take advantage of their God given gifts. Instead of taking their respective gifts, and helping each other out. They are using their spirit endowed gifts to compete with each other. I wonder did the Corinthian people recognize what we now call the "crab mentality"? Paul teaches Christians that everyone is a individual, in their service to the body of Christ. We are all designed, to glorify Jesus Christ in one way or another. Whatever God has blessed you with. Make it do, what it do.

1 Corinthians 12
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Before the gospel of Jesus Christ. You as Gentiles were left out, of the equation. If you weren't a direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The race of people we now refer to as Jews. The original covenant wasn't made with you. It was made with them. You were worshipping Idols, and didn't have a clue. Then Jesus came and walked the earth, and was crucified for everyone's sins. Now the blessings are promised to everyone. Now that you have come into the faith. Don't try and rewrite the script. Any new found wisdom that you possess. Is a gift of the holy spirit. Not of your own doing. Anyone exhibiting gifts of discernment, healing, prophesy and other gifts given by God. Are priviledged to be exposed to the same knowledge as everyone else. God is no respecter of persons. All that know the truth, accept Jesus as lord. As revealed to them by the holy spirit.


Passage 1 Corinthians 12:4-11:

4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.


Everyone is good at something different. Some people can speak, others can sing. Some have the gift of prophesy and some discernment. While others offer encouragement, or consolation. Regardless what you do best, it should be to upbuild the kingdom. Not to glorify yourself, or your abilities. Within the different denominations, you will find different modes of organization. Different denominations are set up for different beliefs and dislikes. You can find another group of believers, that thinks just like you. Some people speak in tongues, others have the gift of interpretation. Week before last we learned not to let our preferences, be a stumblingblock to others. If it's not of God, it doesn't really matter. I have developed a system to detect the spirit, that always works on my behalf. What's from the heart, reaches the heart. Even if you don't agree, you connect on some level. Whatever your point of view. It should be focused toward the same point. We all have our own piece of the puzzle. It is our job as Christians, to find out where it fits.


Passage 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:

12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into e one Spirit.

We all are the same, and there are many believers. Though sometimes it doesn't seem like it, we are not outnumbered. There are more good people than bad. We are all baptized by the same spirit. In bibical days you were one or the other. You were Gentile, or you were Jew. You were a master, or you were a servant. Today we have sectioned off into various identifiable races. In spite of the past or present situations. Don't believe the hype. We are all the same in Christ.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/23/06

Called To The Common Good

Bible Background * 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Devotional Reading * 1 Corinthians 12:27-32

Called To Win The Race

In the past lessons Paul has instructed the Corinthian believers, on the need to remember the spiritual things that they have been taught. Corinth being the second church that Paul established. He was particularly disturbed, that they didn't get it right. Here he makes his teaching relevant, by relating it to something of interest to everyone. Spectator sports were even more of a big deal then, than they are now. In Greek culture, a high premium was placed on athletics. People trained year around, just to receive a wreath. Signifying that they had won. Note... Unlike here on earth, this race can have more than one winner. Anyone who accepts, believes and confesses. Are entitled to this uncorrupt, unblemished crown. The Corinthians hosted the Isthmian games. These games were not as prestigious, as the famed Olympian. These games were carried out in Corinth. So they had a particular affinity or interest, for the Isthmian games. Here Paul tells the Corinthians, to exhort the same effort and zeal toward the gospel. As they do to win this wreath.


1 Corinthians 9

24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Run as if there will only be one winner. Though everyone has a chance to be a winner. Act as though they don't. People in search of worldly recognition. Seek something that's only temporal.We as believers look for spiritual things. We are not striving blindly, we know what the end brings. So in spite of persecution and tribulation. We must persist in our faith. We seek a reward only provided through faith in Jesus Christ.


1 Corinthians 10


1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Man's intent and ultimate goal, has always been the same. To be justified in the eyes of God. Every since Eve ate of the fruit,and Adam followed suit. We have struggled to obtain what we already had. Starting with the exodus of Moses and the Israelites. From beneath the bondage, of an unjust pharaoh in Egypt. Where they were required to make bricks without straw. The pharaoh figured if they had time to worship their God. They had too much time on their hands. He decided they could spend it making bricks. As soon as they got the opportunity, they were breaking the rules. Falling prey to all the wickedness and immorality. That had held them captive to begin with. At the first sign of trouble, they fell off the wagon. The Israelites being the recipients, of the original salvation. Through the God ordained guidance of Moses. That wasn't enough to make them faithful. Some of them were very poor examples. Here we can see an example of God's wrath. For the sin of fornication, 23,000 people died in one day. Don't test the waters, they're to deep. You can't go through life sitting on the bank. Half way in, and half way out. If you know it's wrong, leave it alone. If you want to stay dry. You have to get all the way out. If you don't know this. You're still lost.


13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

You won't face anything, that those believers before you haven't. Nothing is new under the Sun. You don't have to worry, that you won't be able to endure the test. God will not put more on you than you can bare.

Next Weeks Lesson 7/16/06

Called to Win The Race

Printed Text * 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

Background Scripture * 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

Devotional Reading * Hebrews 12:1-12