Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

As Christians, we most certainly recognize the importance of self-examination. It is all too easy to drift into bad habits and attitudes that would lead us away from the Lord. “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).

Especially are we in danger when we have been influenced by false teachers, as had the Corinthians.  They had listened to the Judaizing teachers and had fallen prey to their evil leaven. They had been the victims of a “spiritual con job” and did not even realize it.

This should be a grave warning to us today. Earlier the apostle had written to these Christians, including this warning: “Therefore let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). This is an interesting passage in view of the prominent false teaching in the religious world that one cannot fall from God’s grace. Paul says you can and you need to “take heed” that it not happen.

Paul says that he trusted that they will not find themselves out of favor with God and be disqualified. But, in order that this would happen, they needed to listen to what he has written them in both of these inspired letters and make changes in their lives and their relationship with God. Without those changes, they might easily be disqualified.

He wrote these things to them, not to make a show of his apostolic authority, but for their “edification and not for destruction” (verse 10). We are in the church so that we might gain strength from the encouragement of one another.

Because the same thing could happen to us (that we might be led astray by false disciples), we must be constantly on guard, never forgetting that these false teachers appear as “ministers of righteousness” (11:15).

--Roger Hillis

“This section is the climax of Paul’s defense of his apostleship and his love for the believers at Corinth. He was reticent to write about these personal experiences, but there was no other way to solve the problem. In fact, to avoid exalting himself, Paul described his experience in the third person rather than the first person” (Wiersbe, page 132).

The apostle refers to one who was taken up into the third heaven (the realm of God) and had seen “the abundance of the revelations” from God. He had seen and heard things which it was “not lawful for a man to utter.” He wanted them to judge his faithfulness based on the truth God had revealed to Paul and that he had delivered to them.

He makes a brief reference to his “thorn in the flesh” from Satan that God used to keep him humble. He had pleaded with the Lord to remove it, but God would not, choosing rather to help Paul work through his challenges than to take them away. (That is a hard lesson for all of us to learn, isn’t it?)

Paul tells the Corinthians that he just wants them to recognize him for what he was, an apostle of Jesus Christ . He did not take from them the financial help he had a right to because he did not want them to misjudge his motive for preaching.

Reminding them of his upcoming visit to Corinth, he says that he still will not accept any money from them. Even though Paul was “in nothing,” any less than “the most eminent apostles,” he was not boasting in order that he might receive personal gain or benefit from them. He even asks their forgiveness in this area.

He makes the clear statement, in verse 15, that he had done this to care for their feelings on the matter and, as a parent who loves his children, was willing to spend and be spent for their salvation.

He concludes the chapter by insisting that they needed to repent of all ungodliness so that the trip would not cause him even greater sorrow.

--Roger Hillis

In challenging those who were questioning his apostolic authority, Paul pulled no punches. He wanted the Corinthians to know that the false teachers were messengers of Satan who would destroy the Lord's church.

Of course, they did not see themselves or present themselves in that way. False teachers do not come with a name tag identifying themselves as such. 

The Judaizers had so bragged about themselves that many of the Corinthian Christians had believed them and begun to follow them and their teaching. It has often been said that if you repeat a lie enough times, people will begin to believe it. That seems to be what was happening to Paul’s reputation in Corinth.

Although Paul considered it to be foolishness, he realized that he needed to do some boasting of his own in order to persuade the Corinthians of his credentials.

And so reluctantly, he warns them against being deceived (verses 3-4) by those who would make false accusations against him, with no proof. He was innocent until proven guilty.

He also reminds them that he was not preaching simply for the money (verses 5-10, he had probably been accused of that by the Judaizers). He had not taken financial support for his work in the gospel at Corinth primarily so such a false claim could not be made against him.

Paul gives them a warning against being deceived, not only by Satan himself, but by those false apostles whom the devil had sent into their midst (verses 12-15).

To assure them of his faithfulness to God and not to money, he then recounts the tremendous suffering he had endured because of his devotion to Christ (verses 22-33). They knew all of these great hardships he had gone through for them and the sake of the gospel.

Surely they would realize the truth when they saw it clearly.

--Roger Hillis

Paul begins his personal defense of his apostleship here. He starts out by reminding them that we fight a spiritual battle, not an earthly one and that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

The Judaizing teachers had apparently been accusing Paul of using worldly, carnal tactics. The truth is that they were the guilty ones. They made false accusations and they tried to turn the Corinthians against Paul.

In verse 10, they said of Paul that his letters were weighty and powerful, but they referred to his bodily presence as weak and his speech as contemptible. They were trying to do whatever they could to diminish his apostolic authority.

Paul assures them that the things he taught them and had written to them were for their edification, not for their destruction. He only wanted to do those things that would strengthen the disciples in their commitment to God. The false teachers, on the other hand, were just trying to line up their own disciples and draw them away to their destruction.

Paul tells them that his gentleness with them was because he was dealing with them as a loving parent. But, if necessary, on his next visit, they would see the boldness and courage of this apostle of Christ.

The apostle makes it clear that they were not to compare themselves with other Christians, rather with the perfect standard of Christ. We are always foolish when we try to make ourselves look stronger by trying to make someone else look weaker.

Paul says that he did not overextend his authority when he preached the gospel to the Corinthians. It was his goal to take the gospel of Christ to areas of the world where it had not been preached. His motives were pure and he wants to assure these early Christians that the gospel message is trustworthy.

The criticisms against him were unfounded. He knew he could not convince the false teachers, but he did not want to lose the Corinthians themselves to the devil.

--Roger Hillis

The first section of this chapter deals with some of the details about how the financial gift for others was going to be handled. He simply wants them to have everything ready when he returns so that no collections have to be made then (remember 1 Corinthians 16:2?).

He reminds them that their example has been an encouragement to others in this area of giving. A good example always challenges others in a positive way. He uses words and phrases of praise, like willingness, ready, zeal, and generous to describe their attitude.

A general principle of giving, either in individuals helping others or through what the local church does, is stated in verse 5 when he says that it should be given “as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation” (verse 5). He continues on to say that our giving should not be “of necessity” (verse 7), that is, because we feel like we have to give but don’t really want to. And, it is in that context that Paul states that “God loves a cheerful giver” (verse 7).

This chapter is a living, breathing example of those who understood the attitude of Christ when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Children do not understand this and it is a sign of real maturity in life when we finally catch on to the blessing of helping others and quit caring about what we can get out of it.

“’Give, and it shall be given unto you,’ was our Lord’s promise; and it still holds true (Luke 6:38). The ‘good measure’ He gives back to us is not always money or material goods, but it is always worth far more than we gave. Giving is not (merely) something we do, but something we are. Giving is a way of life for the Christian who understands the grace of God. The world simply does not understand a statement like Proverbs 11:24, ‘There is one who scatters, yet increases more’ and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.' In our giving, our motive is not ‘to get something,’ but receiving God's blessings is one of the fringe benefits.” (adapted from Warren Wiersbe, Be Encouraged, page 97).

--Roger Hillis

“Chapters 8 and 9 of the second letter are given over to a discussion of and an exhortation concerning the contribution which they had promised more than a year before for the relief of “the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” He uses the brethren of Macedonia, who in the deepness of their poverty, had abounded in liberality and given beyond their ability for this same cause, as an example, and exhorts the Corinthians to exercise themselves in the fulfillment of that which they had obligated themselves to do in the grace of Christian liberality and as a demonstration of the sincerity of their love” (Roy Cogdill, The New Testament, Book by Book, page 64).

It is often difficult for preachers to mention the subject of money and giving, because it can appear that they are looking for a raise. (If you will give more, I can be paid more.) But two facts made it easier for Paul to deal with the subject here.

First, he was not paid by the church at Corinth for the work he did in preaching the gospel there. His financial support seems to have come from two different sources. Initially, he worked with Aquila and Priscilla in tent making (Acts 18:1-3). That would have provided some income for him. Also at some point in his work at Corinth, Paul received wages from other churches to help the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:7-8). He did not want anyone to draw the false conclusion that he was “preaching for the money.”

By the way, it would not have been wrong if he had taken wages from the Corinthian church or any other church for that matter. He clearly taught in several places that “those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).  See also 1 Timothy 5:18 and Philippians 4:15-18.

Second, the specific subject of his teaching here about cheerful giving is not preacher support, but what we commonly refer to as “benevolence.” Christians in other places were suffering from famine and deprivation and the disciples in Corinth were determined to help them, “according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability.”

So Paul was not serving his own interests and needs as he reminds the Corinthians of their need to first give themselves to the Lord and then, to use their financial abilities to help others.

--Roger Hillis

As a result of God’s promises to walk with Christians, to dwell among Christians and to be a Father to Christians, as His sons and daughters, we are expected to seek to live pure, holy, godly lives. We do so by getting rid of “all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” That is not always easy for us to do; we have grown accustomed to enjoying certain sins, but with God’s help, we can cleanse ourselves of these sinful habits and desires.

Perhaps the key to success in seeking holiness is true repentance. (There is not really such a thing as false repentance, except when we deceive ourselves into thinking we have repented, when we really have not.)

“Paul’s description of true repentance is one of the most powerful passages in all of the Bible (2 Corinthians 7:8-12). The theme of comfort in suffering which was first introduced in 2 Corinthians 1-2 is fully understood in light of this passage. Often it takes confrontation, conflict, and sorrow to help us come to terms with the sins that are deeply rooted in our characters. Through love, hard talks, and facing such issues, we find God’s power to overcome. We see the damage that the devil has done to us through such sins, and then we work hard because of our love for God to correct our characters and avenge the wrongs done. Evidently, Titus had visited Corinth and had reported back to Paul that the Corinthian disciples had repented of the sins about which he had written them in the book of 1 Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:12-16)” (Preston Shepherd, Manna for the Morning, Book 11, page 35).

The sorrow of the world can lead to an apology or “confession of sin.” But, in reality, this type of sorrow regrets only having been caught doing wrong. Godly sorrow, a proper to response to the Holy Spirit’s conviction in our hearts (John 16:8-11), will cause us to genuinely change our minds (that’s what real repentance is) about our sin. Worldly sorrow will lead us to try and figure out more clever ways to commit our favorite sin without being discovered.

When Titus returned to Paul after his visit to Corinth (verses 6 and13), he convinced Paul that the repentance of the Corinthians was genuine and so the apostle states, “Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.”

--Roger Hillis

As he further defends his reputation among the Corinthians, Paul describes himself and the Christians in Corinth, as workers together with God. Surely such language would stir up in their memories some of the highlights of Paul's work in their midst. 

He reminds us all that “now” is the only time we have and that we must, therefore, serve Him while we can. This is the accepted time and the day of salvation that He extends to us. We have no assurance of anything else. We cannot save up any of yesterday to use today and we have no promise of tomorrow (James 4:14 and Proverbs 27:1).

Paul's next appeal is to their understanding of his personal character. When Paul left the comforts of his Jewish upbringing behind in order to follow Christ, he did so, not because of what he would gain, but in spite of what he would have to pay.

Their awareness of the many sacrifices Paul had endured for the cause would show them again about his trustworthiness.  He speaks of His patience, tribulations, needs, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, sleeplessness, fasting, purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, sincere love, etc.

If they would only recall the open love that he showed them and received from them in return (verses 11-13).

The chapter concludes with a reminder not to get caught up in the sinful activities of the world. As Christians, we must live in the world (1 Corinthians 5:10), but we are not to live like the rest of the world.

In verses 16-18, Paul quotes numerous Old Testament passages referring to a close, personal relationship with God, as His sons and daughters. “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God and they shall be My people.”

--Roger Hillis

Paul describes the future hope of God's people by comparing a common, ordinary tent to a mansion built by the Great Architect.

“This ‘building of God’ is not the believer's heavenly home, promised in John 14:1-6. It is his glorified body. Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:1-3) and here he used a tent as a picture of our present earthly bodies. A tent is a weak, temporary structure, without much beauty; but the glorified body we shall receive will be eternal, beautiful, and never show signs of weakness or decay (See Phil. 3:20-21.). Paul saw the human body as an earthen vessel (2 Cor. 4:7) and a temporary tent; but he knew that believers would one day receive a wonderful glorified body, suited to the glorious environment of heaven” (Warren Wiersbe, Be Encouraged, page 55).

He spends considerable time in this chapter comparing the time we are at home in this body and absent from the Lord with the eternity he sought, being absent from this physical body, but present forever with God.

In the last part of the chapter, Paul gives two motivations for the work we do for the Lord.

One is the coming judgment. Paul never lost sight of the reality that all of us, Christian and unbeliever, will all stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and give an answer for the things we have chosen to do in this life. There will be both a reward for the faithful and an eternal punishment for the ungodly. He says, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…”

The other is the forgiveness we have received in Jesus Christ and the “ministry of reconciliation” we have been given. When one obeys the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) of Christ, his sins are taken away. This is what makes it possible for sinful man to be friends with God again. That is the meaning of the word, reconciliation, to make friends again. After a person’s sins are remitted, we become a “new creation.” Old things have disappeared and all things have become new. This is why the Lord is often called, the God of second chances.

All of this is possible through the sacrificial offering of the sinless Son of God on the cross of Calvary. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Amen.

--Roger Hillis

This chapter opens with a statement of Paul’s confidence in the gospel message and, therefore, in his own ministry. Although false teachers were accusing him of deception and craftiness, it was he who had renounced such duplicity and had openly proclaimed the truth.

He places the blame on “the god of this age” (that is, Satan), who had blinded the minds of many so that they did not recognize the truth when the apostle preached it. Paul had faith that the light of God’s word would penetrate the darkness and be clearly seen by those who had honest hearts.

Paul discusses further the reality of hardships faced by those who would stand up for God and His will. There will always be opposition from Satan and those who serve him. But to a person of faith, there is no choice - we must speak. And when we do, God will be glorified.

This great apostle had been mistreated and abused by false brothers. He describes himself as hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. But he wanted these first century brothers to know that he would continue “carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.”

No matter what the hardship (verses 8-10), we must tell others of what the Lord has done for us. He wants us to understand that, those who have “the same spirit of faith,” would continue on speaking God’s will.

As the chapter ends, Paul reminds them of “the big picture” and encourages them to adopt an eternal perspective, not an earthly, short-sighted one. The things we can see are temporary, but Paul was dealing with things that were eternal. He makes it very clear that he considers the mistreatment he has experienced as “our light affliction, which is but for a moment.” He would press on toward those things “which are not seen,” knowing that God has a reward for the faithful.

--Roger Hillis