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1 John 5:1-5: Sunday Sermon: "My Name is Victory

6/30/2013

1 John 5:1-5 Sermon: "My Name Is Victory"

"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our* faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

According to Apostle John… it is through our faith, belief and trust in Jesus Christ, as Lord and Personal Savior that we are both “over-comers and victorious”… There is a “sweet relief” and a “great victory” in knowing that we’ve been delivered …and set free from the “death” wages that sin pays… and given… the free gift … of “eternal life” from God through Jesus Christ our Lord...
Even now at this very moment we are being “victoriously sanctified”. Being”psycologically cleansed” …becoming non-conformist to the ways of this sinful world…We’re being transformed by a “renewed mind” so we can prove that which is good and acceptable, and perfect will of God and then… we are being “spiritually detoxed” cleansed from the poisonous venom of being “born in sin and shaped in iniquity”…we are being loosed from the evil chains that once had us bound….Our name is Victory…

Romans 8:1 tells us “There is therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus”… who walk not after the flesh….but after the Spirit…This means we're no longer doomed and destined to die a tragic “sinner’s death”…immediately…sentenced to a fiery, tormenting hell the second the sinner dies. Hell is an awful place…a place God originallyreserved for Satan, demons, and other fallen angels who left their first estate and are now chained in the underworld..God never intended for any man to go to hell…So tell your neighbor….Neighbor… Please…don’t go to hell.. and stop telling people to go there…. when you get mad at them…

Because we are “victorious” in Christ…we have the "blessed assurance" that our lives can be lived in "total victory"…that “all things” will work together for our good to us who love God…and to us who are the called according to HIS purpose It’s just like the songwriter said:: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of Glory divine... I’m an heir of salvation… purchased by God… Born of His Spirit… washed in His Blood… This is my story… this is my song;…I'm praising my Savior all the day long…

The Psalmist chimes in and lets us know…His name is Victory too…In the 27th Psalm listen to what he says: The Lord is my “light” and “my salvation”, whom shall I fear...The Lord is the “strength” of my life, of whom shall I be afraid...when the wicked, even my enemies and foes came upon me to eat up my flesh they stumble and fell… Though a host shall encamp against me… my heart shall not fear… though war shall rise against me… in this will I be confident. .. “One thing” that I desire and that will I seek after...that I will dwell…. in the house of the Lord forever and ever....

You want to know why? For in the time of trouble ….HE shall hide me… in His pavilion…in the secret of His tabernacle …He shall hide me… and He shall set me upon a rock… And Now…. shall my head… be lifted up …above my enemies round about me… Therefore….in conclusion… I will offer in His tabernacle...in His sanctuary… sacrifices of joy…. As a matter of fact… I will sing …yes I will sing…praises unto the Lord… Because My name is Victory!!

Well…. Why is my name Victory? Glad you asked… I got
a.   Victory over my trials and tribulations. John said in verses: 4- 5 through the new birth, we are “born” of God …and as far as Jesus is concerned, we are now sanctified….set aside that through us …He can be glorified.... You see…The devil might attack us…, politics might oppress us…, society might ostracize us social moral might change on us…but it’s Jesus that sustains us and gives us life and that life more abundantly…Then we have

b.   Victory over demonic forces and all the difficulties they caused in our life Read Ephesians 6:11- 13 and 2 Corinthians 10:4 I and quickly discover that we are in the middle of a WAR..a great titanic struggle between good and evil… and it’s our souls that’s being sought…God wants none of us to perish…HE want all of us to come unto repentance and be saved…Satan…on the other hand cares nothing about you and hates God so much that he attcks us…trying to mess us up with the will of God…

That why… God gave us “war clothes” and war weapons to fight life’s battles with... When we put on our war clothes… the whole armor of God…we are able to stand and withstand against the “wiles” of the Devil” in this evil day. The armor of God is shield of faith…helmet of salvation… Sword of the Holy Spirit… which is the Word of God… breastplate of righteousness… loins girded up with truth…. and feet that are shodded with the gospel of peace with constant and consistent prayer… We’re not wrestling with flesh and blood. We are wrestling against “powers”, “principalities”, “rulers of the darkness” of this world, “spiritual wickedness” in high places and Satan himself...

Every now and then…do a weapons check…make sure you are using the right weapons….because the weapons of our warfare and not carnal,…our weapons are mighty in God…..our weapons are designed to pull down demonic stronghold…Our weapons are designed to cast down arguments …and every high thing that dare to lift itself up against the knowledge of God … Our weapons…… will bring every thought into captivity…. to the obedience of Christ ….and these same weapons… will punish all disobedience ….after we have fulfilled our obedience in Jesus Christ…I’m telling you…My name is “Victory”……

Read Romans 8: 37- 39, here’s something else you will find out …it doesn’t matter how the devil attacks us… through trials and tribulation… -that’s those afflictions from external causes…. Maybe he put us in great distress- that’s when the devil wants you to think ….that he got you boxed in… and completely surrounded…. so much so… you suffer anxiety attacks from too much high anxiety and a whole lot of drama… all those tension headaches from being stressed out in your mind…making you feel like you’re hanging on to your last nerve… the enemy got you thinking…. you have nowhere to go…. and no one to turn to…. On top of that…then… there’s fierce persecution… everywhere you look around….trouble on the left…trouble on the right ….trouble left behind you… and trouble staring you in the face…

food shortages…can’t pay your bills….foreclosure….eviction notices… famine…nakedness…. wars and rumors of wars…. being pierced with the swords of life?

How do you respond to all these things?Well…You look all these things….every single one of them…. dead in the face and say ….In all of these things,… I’m more than a conqueror….I’m victorious through Jesus Christ who loves me….Not only that… all these things work are working together for my good because….I love the Lord…and I am the called according to HIS purpose…. I’m persuaded that nothing …can separate me from the love of God that’s in Christ Jesus … My name is Victory…Then we got

c.   Victory over sin. Romans 6:6- 8 said: when Christ was crucified. the “old man”….our old sin nature died on that cross with HIM… That means… the old you and the old me…that lying me… that gambling me…that drunk and drugged out me..that conniving me and fearful me…that cheating stepping out on my mate me…..that slipping and sliding peeping and hiding me all of that\ got crucified and died with Christ too… God fixed it that way…so that the body of sin might be destroyed… HE did it so we would be set free and no longer serve sin or become enslaved and serve sin ever again …Because death has no dominion on Christ… and we are now covered by the blood of Jesus… we are now dead to sin… but alive in Jesus Christ. My name is Victory…We got

d.   Victory over death. Romans 5:12 told us, sin came into the world…death came by sin and we were enslaved by sin …and doomed …but Romans 6: 3 10 said:… when we were baptized into Jesus …we were baptized into his death…When Christ was resurrected…we were resurected too… Jesus died to sin one time…Because death has no dominion over HIM…sin no longer has dominion over us and because we have a new relationship with Jesus Christ … that death is not end… death is the passage way from “disgrace” to “amazing grace”… My name is Victory

Though we may die physically and we will die…unless Jesus comes back first… we “pass” from death to life through that physical death….We have all kinds of indicators that this world is not our final home… I heard some one say…this old building ( this physical body) keeps on leaning…I got to move to a better home …These old legs of mine keep on aching….I got to move to a better home…...Arms and shoulders keep on hurting…I got to move to a better home..

e.   Victory in judgment. John 3:16- 18, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus said anyone who believes in him as the only begotten Son of God (including the redemptive work of Christ) will not perish (receive judgment of eternal death, that is, eternal separation from the presence of God by being cast in the Lake of Fire) but will have eternal life. God did not send Jesus into this world (the 1st time) as a judge who was to condemn the world, but as a redeemer and a savior to those who would believe in him. The unbelievers both living and dead are already under the judgment of eternal death because of their unbelief in Jesus Christ and will remain under it while they live as long as they remain unbelievers. Those who live and have gone from their unbelief to becoming believers in Jesus Christ no longer are under that condemnation, because they now believe in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ and have transitioned from a spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ Jesus. Finally….finally….My name is Victory because…I got

f.    Victory over fear and despair God has not gove us the spirit of fear …God gave us love…power…and a sound mind…then the Lord gave us peace that surpasses all understanding ….King David said…the Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want…He makes me lie down in green pastures…that’s prosperity….he leads me besides the still waters…that’s peace and serenity…He restores my soul…that’s soul restoration…He lead me in the path of righteousness for HIS name sake…that’s right living….Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shaddow of death…that’s occupational hazzards….I will fear no evil for the Lord is with me….that’s blessed assurance…Thy rod and staff they comfort me….that guidance and correction….He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemy….that’s divine provision…..He annoints my head with oil…that’s divine empowerment….and my cup runneth over…that’s divine overflow….surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…that’s divi9ne companionship….and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever….that’s divine sanctuary…..I got to close now….

Now if you are here and still undecided or wavering in your belief about the Savior…Now’s the time to serve the Lord…You need to get right….get in an hurry and do it now, while the blood ‘s running warm in your veins…. Now I’m not trying to scare you…but I’d be scared to die and not have Christ in my life… Not a scare tactic…but it’s getting late in the evening and the sun is going down…the time is now to give your life to Jesus Christ…the Word said in 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people… who are called by my name… will humble themselves….pray…seek my face…and turn… from their wicked ways…then shall they hear from heaven…and I will come… and forgive their sin…and I will heal the land…

Church…Think about it!  What “greater” victory can anyone have… that can compare to knowing you are saved…..knowing that you have been born again….knowing you’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb… Knowing that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise …knowing… that one day… when your work here is finished and your redemption is complete…,Jesus… our kinman redeemer is coming back to get us and we will spend eternity with the same Lord that saved us… blood washed us…..called us out of darkness… into His marveloius light….paid our sin debt… paid it in full… with the ultimate price… of HIS very life …when HE shedding His precious blood for us….Think about it…..Look, it gets even better

1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 tells us on that day… when Jesus comes back for His spotless…wrinkless church… We’re going to get a "royal escort"… to our heavenly home… Do you hear me? First, there will be a “royal shout” from heaven… then a royal trumpet will sound…. sounding like the voice of an Archangel…the trump of God….and those of us who are dead will rise first …and those of us …who are still alive ….at his coming will be "changed" in a moment…the twinkling of an eye…and together we will meet the Lord in the air…think about it…changed from "mortal to immortality"… pulling off “corruption” and put on “incorruption” and on that day…. we all will be able to say what the Word said... Oh death, where is your sting …grave, where is your victory?...

In a moment of unbridled joy… when you start thinking… about the goodness of Jesus and all that he’s done for you…and your soul looks back and wonder… how you got over…I can see us… look both death and the grave straight in the face and say: Death, I know what happened to your sting ….Sin is your stinger and Jesus pulled your stinger out of me… Grave, I know what happened to your victory...I got it! I got the victory;…as a matter of fact… my name is VICTORY!! "! That's my name Victory. I know who I am…I know my identity....My name is Victory…I know who I am..God wrote it in His Holy plan for me....My name is Victory!

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Bible Study Series: The Continuing Plight of the Corinthian Church Part 13: "Ministerial Integrity" The Hallmark of Paul's Ministry

6/28/2013

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Bible Study: Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 Ministerial integrity- The Hallmark of Paul’s Ministry

I.                   Ministry Accreditation                                                            (verses 1-5)

1.     Paul’s Question:: Are we so lacking of ministerial abilities and divine influence (anointing), in order to be received in different churches, we have to have letters of recommendation from our elders?

A.   Certainly not! God causes us to triumph through Christ in every place we went;

B.   Your conversion is our Evidence. The members of the Church at Corinth is such an evident seal to our ministry. This leaves no doubt that God is with us. (vs. 1)

Note:   Letters of “commendation” were frequent written in the primitive church; to cover the integrity of traveling leaders in the early church who were not endowed with the anointing of the “miraculous” gifts of the Holy Spirit. These letters were necessary to prevent the early churches from being imposed on by false teachers. As we learn from this passage. But these were, in all probability, not used by the apostles; their helpers, successors, and those But when apostles came, they brought their own testimonials, the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.

2.     Paul answer: A Testimonial to the Church                                                      (vs. 2)

A.      You (The Corinthian Church) are our letter.

B.      You’re written in our hearts as a “living” epistle (example)

C.      I talk about you everywhere I go. I talk about your gifts, your graces, and praise your knowledge in the gospel. (growth as Christians)

3.     Paul’s Declaration Concerning the Corinthian Church                                   (vs.3-4)

A.   You are declared an “epistle” (living and active working letter of evidence) of Christ, ministered by us.(You are in our hearts. Christ has written you there; but yourselves are the “letter” of Christ; What the Lord did in your hearts and lives ,the salvation which you have received, is just like Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit dictating His Word and you writing it in your heart and living it your life’s work.)

B.   Not “written” with ink, but by the Holy Spirit of God.

God used me as his human pen. Christ dictated His Word…I wrote (proclaimed His Word) and the mind of Christ was produced in you by the Holy Spirit

C.   Not in tables of stone (what the 10 commandments were written on) but in the table of your hearts.

D.   As a result, our ministry is fully accredited and its integrity is intact.

E.    We are not sufficient in and of ourselves. We are sufficient in Christ

We are simply the human instrument the Lord chose to use to minister to other humans we are lost and need a Savior.

II.                The Ministry Itself: “Spiritual and Glorious” not “Legal” (the Law) (verse 6-18)

A.   God made us “able” ministers of the Gospel (through the Holy Spirit)

“Not according to the Law but by Grace” The law condemns but The Holy Spirit gives life!

B.   Verses 7 through 11 presents a series of contrast between the Old Testament and the New; the Mosaic Law and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit,

Important: God’s Moral Law come from His Righteousness and can never be abolished. The phrase “the law was done away with “does not mean we are free to ignore God’s Laws. (Moral or otherwise) It simply means that God’s higher law (the law of agape love) (TOWARDS God and towards our neighbor) now take its place in this dispensation of Grace, and every believer must operate their lives out of the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. In doing so, we will not consistently live our lives contrary to God’s Laws. God’s love makes us obligated to live according to His Moral Laws also.

III.                         Character of The Ministry                                        (verses 12-18)

A.   We as ministers are to use plain speech ( Don’t be clever…just be clear) (vs.12)

B.   During Moses time, the Israelites lacked full discernment. (vs.13)

Their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil has not been      taken away (Orthodox Judaism) in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil is now done away in Christ.

C. But their minds were blinded By resting in the letter, shutting their eyes against the light that was granted to them, they contracted a hardness or stupidity of heart. And the veil that was on the face of Moses, which prevented the glory of his face from shining out, may be considered as emblematical of the veil of darkness and ignorance that is on their hearts, and which hinders the glory of the Gospel from shining in. (vs.15)

D. The same veil still remains in place (spiritually) (of ignorance, stubbornness, and stupidity) The Orthodox Jews (Israel as a nation) as non believers in Jesus as he Messiah are still ignorant of the spiritual meaning and intention of their own law. They are still operating under to Old Covenant and the Pentateuch (vs. 16)

E. The veil is done away with in Christ.]It is only by acknowledging Christ as our Messiah that the darkness (veil of ignorance) is removed, and the spiritual meaning of the law is correctly discerned.(the Law was our schoolmaster)

(vs. 16)

IV.            Jesus Christ                                      “That Spirit”                           (verses 17-18)

A.      The Lord is ‘that” Spirit                                                 (vs. 17)

‎Jesus Christ is represented as that Spirit, because Christ is the end of the law for righteousness sake to everyone that believes; and because the residue of the Spirit is with him, and he is the dispenser of all its gifts, graces, and influences.

B. Where the Spirit of the Lord is Wherever this Gospel is received, there the Spirit of the Lord is given; and wherever that Spirit lives and works, there is liberty, not only from Jewish bondage, but from the slavery of sin-from its power, its guilt, and its pollution

C. With an open face …The Jews were not able to look on the face of Moses, the mediator of the old covenant, and therefore he was obliged to veil it; but Christians, with face uncovered, behold, as clearly as we can see our own natural face in a mirror, the glorious promises and privileges of the Gospel of Christ; and while we contemplate, we anticipate them by desire and hope, and apprehend them by faith, and are changed from the glory there represented to the enjoyment of the thing which is represented, even the glorious image-righteousness and true holiness-of the God of glory.

D.By the Spirit of the Lord… By the energy of that Spirit of Christ which gives life and being to all the promises of the Gospel; and thus we are made partakers of the divine nature and escape all the corruptions that are in the world..                           (vs.18)

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Bible Study Series: "The Continuing Plight of the Corinthian Church Part 12 Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 2: "Forgiveness, Repentance, and Restoration"

6/20/2013

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Bible Study Outline: Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 2:1-17

“Repentance, Restoration and Forgiveness”

I.   Apostle Paul Urges Forgiveness                                    (Verses 1-2)

A.   Paul made up his mind concerning the “wayward” church         (vs.1)

"I didn’t want to come to you in “heaviness!” (grief and sorrow)

B.   If I (through this letter) made you grieved enough to stop the sins, then you make me glad.. (vs. 2)

"I wanted to rejoice with you when I came to Corinth raher then come there grieved and correcting the gross and sinful behaviors that has continued in the lives of many of you since your conversion from "heathenism" to "Christianity!""

Note:   Paul said he made up his mind that he wasn’t coming back to Corinth, if he had to deal with the same things that corrupted the church, those things which brought grief him as pastor and them as a "wayward" Christian fellowship. Paul was heartbroken and grieved when he got the news of all of the sinful drama that infiltrated and corrupted the membership. It pained him as pastor to have to handle the corruption and corrupt members in the church with such severity to resort to acts of severe discipline, knowing when he did so, it would (and did) also grieve the whole Paul hoped that they would have gotten themselves straight and freed themselves from the bondage the sin by repentance, So before he would visit them again, he hoped they would endeavor to remove these evils before I came, that when I did come, my visit might be mutually agreeable to us both.

II.    Forgiving the Offenders ( Incest between a man and his mother(or mother in law)  (verses 3-11)

A.   When I come. I hoped you would have corrected the incestuous behavior so I would not have to take strong disciplinary action against the guilty and make you sorry for not having ‘nipped ‘ this in the bud . (Put the incestuous man out of the church.)                                          (vs.3)

B. I wrote out of anguish and my eyes full of tears. The hardest part of a pastor’s ministry is when a member must be disciplined for their behavior, especially when that member (leader or lay member must be silenced or asked to leave the church fellowship. Paul wanted to come to them in love and show them how much he loved them, and not come as a disciplinarian bringing more grief upon the church.                                     (vs.4)

C.If any has caused grief, they cause you more grief than they cause me (Paul) it’s not fair for me to blame the whole church for the actions of the few wayward members among the fellowship. ( in reference to the those engaged in fornication (the man guilty of incest) (vs.5)

Note:      The Corinthian church actually dealt with this matter concerning the man guilty of an incestrous and inapproppiate relationship with his mother in law. and set the correct punishment against him (put him out of the church) that ultimately compelled him to repent. A new problem arose when members of the Corinthian church refused to accept his apology and were balking at restoring his membership and restoring all the rights and privledges due him to proper fellowship relations with the church..

III.   Restoration: the Result of Forgiveness                (Matthew 18:15-19)    (verses 6-8)

A. Paul reminded the Corinthians that the punishment handed this man was sufficient because it caused him to respond in the right way by repenting of his gross sin and ask for forgiveness. What did they do?              (v.6)

1.     They withdrew the right hand of fellowship.

2.     They rescinded his rights as a member (took away his voice and his vote)

3.     He was banished from the fellowship and treated as a heathen and a publican.

Note: The church acted in the integrity of what the church was founded for and handed out a discipline that sent the correct message concerning what should not be tolerated among the church fellowship. (the church has to be discrete in how it handles these types of situations, yet stand firm according the God’s mandate for the church).

A. Forgive and restore him to the fellowship (He showed true repentance)(vs. 7)

B. Confirm your love toward them…show them in"loving" action that all is forgiven. (vs.8)

Note:`  According to Matthew 18:15-17, the purpose of any church discipline is to bring that person or persons to repentance and turning them away from the behavior(s) that put them at odds with a person, people,the church in general and with God . It’s important that the committee that is designated to act in behalf of the integrity of church understands the importance of following tghe leading of the Holoy Spirit and the scriptural basis for their actions against the accused.

If we fail to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit "scriptural protocol" concerning repentance and forgiveness and fail to forgive a truly repentant member and restore the right hand of fellowship to them, as well as restore every right and privilege granted to them according to scriptural protocol, and by the church bylaws to them and fully embrace them, we could endanger the repentant and cause that person to go on a life path that will ultimately destroy their lives, simply because we didn’t follow scripture protocol thus revealing that there may have been personal bias in the disciplinary actions taken against the accused.. And the church will have to give in account of it is some way.

D.   Your obedience to pastoral instruction: I wrote this to see if you would do this.

“If you forgive him, I forgive him” Jesus said if we will not forgive those who trespass against us , neither will His father in Heaven (Jehovah) forgive us. (vs.9-10)

E.    Do it so Satan can’t use this act of unforgiveness against you. Satan looks to use any mess ups against us any way he can to try to cause our downfall. (vs.11) Here, he could cause the hardhearted church to do harm to the overall ministry of the church and the cause of Christ.

IV.   Distress over Titus                           (2 Corinthians 7:5-6)               (verses 12-13)

Paul went to Troas to preach the gospel ( an opportunity presented itself)

Paul had hoped to see Titus to get a progress report on the progress of the Corinthian  church. Wanting to stay and finish the work, but having to leave and not getting the chance to meet with Titus, Paul left Troas and went to Macedonia.

V.   Triumph in Christ                                                                   (vs.14-17)
This meant to triumph through the aid of Christ, or in promoting the cause of Christ. Paul didn't possess any joy which was not connected with Christ.As a result, Paul never claimed any success in which he did not trace to Him. Paul saw every soul saved on his missionary journey especially in Troas and Macedonia as triumphing over the principalities and powers which he had spoiled, or plundered; which means that Christ led them in triumph in the same manner of a conqueror who had a sucessful conquest.

A.   Thanks Be unto God                                                (vs. 14)

Thanks be unto God which always giveth us the victory in Christ." Paul refers here to a victory which he had, and a triumph with which he was favored by the Redeemer. It was a victory over the enemies of the gospel; it was success in advancing the interests of the kingdom of Christ; and he rejoiced in that victory, and in that success, with more solid and substantial joy than a Roman victor ever felt on returning from his conquests over nations, even when attended with the richest spoils of victory, and by humbled princes and kings in chains, and when the assembled thousands shouted Io triumph!

Note: Paul also recieved some great news concerning the Corinthain church when Titus met with him in Macedonia.Titus told Paul that the Corinthian Church took heed to his first letter and started their turn from idolatry and debauchery. Paul experienced evangelistic success in Macedonia also.

B.   2 Aspects of a “New Testament Ministry (Chapter 2:24 to Chapter 7:16) (vs.15-17)

1.     New Testament Ministry is both “soul saving” and “soul damning” (vs. 15-16) (The Minister)

a.     The Minister is seen as a sweet savor of Christ unto God the Father whenever a person gives ther life to Jesus Christ as a result of hearing the gospel from the preacher. Roman'10:15 : How can they hear weithout a preacher? and how can they preach,except they have been sent(vs. 15)

b.     We are the odor of death unto death and to the other (unsaved) the odor of life unto life. (to everyone that believes the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Bible Study Series: The Continuing Plight of The Corinthian Church Part 11 Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 1

6/15/2013

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Bible Study Outline: Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 1:1- 24
“Defending the Faith….Defending the Ministry”

Introduction: The Apostle Paul writes this second latter about a year after he wrote the   first letter. Paul was greatly burdened because in addition to addressing the many isms and schisms that crept in the Corinthian church, now he is faced with sharp criticism and scathing accusations of insincerity, with a growing mistrust against him to the point that he apostolic authority is being sharply questioned. Paul uses this second letter to first finish addressing the many issues that plague this church and he takes time to defend his ministry calling and his apostolic authority, given to him by Jesus Christ.

Note the many words Paul uses to express the “suffering” of the mind, heart and the physical body: affliction, anguish, beatings, distresses, fastings, fighting, labors, peril, persecutions, sorrow, stripes, sufferings, tears, tumults, weak and weakness.
Note:
The word “comfort”, used both in the present tense and in the past tense (comforted) is found more frequently in this epistle than in any of Paul’s other epistles. The words joy, rejoicing, triumph are prominent in the epistle as well.

I.      Paul’s Greeting to the Corinthian Church (his and Timothy’s behalf)       (Verses 1-2)

a.     Paul made it a habit to associate a fellow laborer to undergird his apostolic authority and o give those mentioned both his sanction and credibility.

b.     Timothy had recently either ministered in Corinth and was now with Paul, or still was there with Paul in Macedonia and was simply sending salutations.

c.      Grace be unto you and peace (standard Christian greeting)              (vs. 2)

d.     Paul starts the letter by first blessing God and Jesus Christ because they are the source of all comfort.

II.   God gives comfort in all suffering                                                       (verses 3-7)

a.     God (the Father) is the mercies and all forms of comfort.                 (vs.3)

b.     God comforts us in “all” of our tribulation so we can comfort others who are any trouble the same way and with the same comfort God bestows to us. (vs.4)

c.      As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, our consolation also abounds in Christ. (vs.5)

d.     Whether we are afflicted, or we are comforted (for the cause of Christ) it’s for your consolation and salvation which is effective for you to endure the same type of suffering, and experience the same type of consolation.           (vs. 6)

e.      We have a “steadfast” hope for you: As you are experiencing the same type of suffering…(for the cause of Christ) you will receive the same type of consolation from God in proportion to the type of suffering you have to endure for the Lord>

III.           Delivered From Suffering                                                     (verses 8-11)

a.     We don’t want you ignorant of our sufferings: we had trouble in Asia      (vs. 8)

Burdened beyond measure…strength…we despaired even for our lives (thought we would either be attacked by the people of destroyed by wild beast) Remember, Paul expected Christ to come at any time. So they preached as dying men to dying humanity.

b.     We had a “death” sentence in ourselves.                                 (vs.9)

‎Paul felt that he was condemned to die; that he felt as if he were under sentence of death and with no hope of acquittal; he was called to contemplate the hour of death as just before him. The words "in ourselves," mean, against ourselves; or, we expected certainly to die. This seems as if he had been condemned to die, and may either refer to some instance when the popular fury was so great that he felt it was determined he should die; or more probably to a judicial sentence that he should be cast to the wild beasts, with the certain expectation that he would be destroyed, as was always the case with those who were subjected to the execution of such a sentence.

We should not trust in ourselves.

This teaches that in the time to which Paul refers, he knew he was in great danger, People were trying to kill him (Judaisers and other Jewish religious leaders) so certain was a prospect of death, that he couldn’t even rely on himself. All he could do was place his life under the protection of that God who had power to save him even then, if he chose, and would exert power similar to that which is put forth when the dead are raised if needed. Knowing that death was always so near lead him to put increased confidence in God. He believed that God only could sustain him if he should die.

c.      God delivers from death and continues to deliver us even now.                 (vs. 10-11)

d.     We help each other by pray and supplication…rendering aid where it’s needed

(Watching over one another in brotherly love, remembering each other in prayer, aiding each other in sickness and distress) effectual fervent prayer from the righteous avails much.

IV.           Paul Defends His Ministry                                                     (verses. 12-14)

a.     Paul said dhe and we lived a Christian life in sincerity and simplicity, no bragging or boasting of things in fleshly wisdom.

b.      Paul didn’t write anything different to the Corinthian Church than he wrote to the other churches in the region. Paul promoted and taught the Gospel of Jesus Christmno matter where he went and who he was preaching to..

c.      The people had once acknowledged Paul as the prophet of God s teacher sent from Christ. He didn't expect them to do no less when he was writing this letter evn though there were troublemakers who accused Paul of not being sincere and rezally not caring for the coverted Corinthians.

V.               Sparing The Church    (Paul explains his Delay)        (verses 15-22)

a.     My real intentions was to see you before I went to Macedonia, then come back through Corinth again after I left Macedonia but I wasn’t able to. (vs. 15)

(When he didn’t and word got back to Corinth that Paul was in Macedonia, some accused him of “dissing” them and said he had no intention of coming in the 1st place.)

b.     QUESTION: Did I promise more than I could deliver? Did I act like other fleshy men? I wasn’t being rash or inconsiderate toward you when I changed my plans. (vs. 16-17)

c.      He didn’t want the Corinthians to think that he had preached false doctrine to them. The gospel of Jesus as Christ is true (vs. 18-19)

VI.           Defending the Gospel                                                   (verses 20-24)

a.     Our words toward you were not yea and nea.     Paul, Timothy, and others had preached the same gospel to the Corinthians.                           (vs. 20-21)

In other words:

1. They (we)are the promises of the God of truth. God is not like man that he would lie, God’s truth and mercy endures forever.

2. These promises are made in Christ Jesus, the Amen, the true and faithful witness; Jesus purchased and ratified the covenant of promises in his blood, and is the “surety” of the covenant,( Hebrews 7:22.)

3. They (we) are confirmed by the Holy Spirit. It is “He” (the Holy Spirit) that establishes Christians in the faith of the gospel; He has anointed them with his sanctifying grace. In scripture, this is often compared to oil. The Holy Spirit has sealed them, for their security and confirmation; and he is given to the Christian as earnest in their hearts,                     (vs. 21-22).

d.     I didn’t want to come to Corinth in a “rebuking” mindset (vs. 23)

e.      I wanted to give you more time to repent and make the necessary changes needed. I wanted to spare you further rebuke. This is why I sent Timothy before me.(vs.24)

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Bible Study Series: "The Plight of the Corinthian Church" Part 10: "Paul's Final Instructions, Final Salutations and Warning"

6/5/2013

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Bible Study Outline: Outline of 1 Corinthians Chapter 16 " Paul's Final instructions, Salutations, and Warning"
Key Verses: Chapter 16:1-4; 13--14;vs. 22

I.                   Collection For the Saints (in Macedonia) (Missionary offering)       (verses 1-4)

Note: The Christians in Judea were suffering and needed financial help because their goods had been “spoiled”. It was “voluntary” and an “act of love” The early church was generous in their giving. Paul asked the Corinthian church to participate in giving in this Missionary offering. Paul instructed them to gove in the following manner:

a.     The offering was taken up on the first day of the week (Sunday) at worship service.

(This shows us that the Christian designated congregation worship day was Sunday).

b.     Every week the people were to put aside a certain amount of money to be collected for their Mission to the poor. It was to go into the treasury and set aside for the missionary work to the poor. This offering would be sent to Jerusalem either with Paul, or whomever they designated when he arrived.   (vs. 2)

c.      Giving was based on how God had prospered them financially. Everybody was asked to participate, regardless of social and financial status; not for an outside show, but given our of gratitude to God as well as out of a sense of duty and concern for the brethren. Giving was based on principle and not just emotional impulse.

d.     Your giving is to be regarded as sacred as it is a sacred offering. (The “tithe” is holy unto the Lord.)

e.      Paul would send a letter along with those designated to carry the offering and if necessary, he would travel with them.                              (vs. 3-4)

II.                Paul’s ‘Proposed "Future" Visit                                                            (verses 5-9)

Note: Paul was in Ephesus at this time and planned to stay there during the winter until Pentecost. Then he was to travel to Macedonia and spend the summer, then possibly spend the winter with them.

a.     Paul looked to them to help him with his personal expenses, and if they couldn’t, he worked and paid his own way.

b.     Paul planned to spend the winter with them if God permitted.

c.      Paul would spend the winter in Ephesus until Pentecost.

d.     A “great door” (evangelistic) had been opened in Ephesus and that open door brought with it many adversaries. Opened doors bring many adversaries in ministry.

III.             Concerning Timothy and Apollos                                           (verses 10-12)

A.   If Timothy come to Macedonia: Treat him well and take care of his needs. Don’t harass him or perplex him with your divisions and jealousies. He’s doing God’s work and is fully annointed and sanctioned to do so. (Timothy was young and could be intimidated)

B.   Don’t say he does not have God’s full authority to do his work.

C.   When he leaves you, send him along his way in peace so he can meet up with me. (Paul)

D.   Concerning Apollos: (currently was detained in Ephesus) could not be in Corinth at that time but would be sent when it was more convenient for him.

IV.            Paul’s Final instructions and Exhortations                                       (verses 13-16)

a.     Watch (you) Be sober and viligant.
They were to watch, be vigilant, guard against all the evils of which he challenged them to be aware of., This would include the evils of dissension, of allerroneous doctrines, acts of disorder stirred up in the fellowship, and especially of any false teachers,regardless of their rank within the church etc. They were to watch t prevent the ruining of their souls, and they began to question the validity of their salvation. They were warned to constantly be on guard because the enemies of the truth and holiness sought to infiltrate the fellowship and poison their faith in Jesus Christ., They were to watch with the same vigilance that is required of a sentinel who guards a camp, lest an enemy should come suddenly upon them, and surprise the camp when the army was locked in sleep.

b.     Stand fast in the faith. Hold on the right doctrinal position and defend the faith. (vs.13)

Be firm in maintaining and defending the truths of the gospel. Do back down or yield to any enemy of the faith, but always maintain the truth, and stand firm in your confidence in God and the doctrines of the gospel with an unwavering faith and conscience; Be firm, straight foward in maintaining what you believe to be true, and in holding on to your personal confidence in God, regardless of all the "wiles" (tricks) all the arts, insinuations, and teachings of seducers, false teachers and the friends of false doctrine.
c.      Be brave. (Having done all to stand…stand!)
The were to be stroing in the lord and in the power of HIS might. They were challenged to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
d.     Be strong: in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)

e.      Let your things (deeds) done with Charity (love)
Everything that they did was tobe done to the glory of the Lord and in Christian love.
f.       Submit yourselves (give respect to) the helpers of the ministry (vs.16)

V.               Salutations and final Greetings                                                         (verses 17-24)

A.   Other Churches salute you.

B.   Aquila and Priscilla greet you also.

C.   All the other brethren salute you.

D.   Greet each other with a holy kiss.

E.    Paul saluted them. (in writing and in love)

Remember: If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Let him be “Anathema Maranatha” which means:   “They who love not the Lord are rightly objects of loathing and execration to all holy beings; they are guilty of a crime that merits the severest condemnation; they are exposed to the just sentence of "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord." And when He comes, He will judge them who rejected Him.”

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