#078 This is our sixth of eight episodes in our mini-series entitled, Paul’s Treatises | Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians. On this episode we’re going to overview the last six chapters of the book of 2 Corinthians in which Paul addresses the collection of an offering and vindicates his apostolic ministry.
Paul was demonstrating for the Corinthians the reality of a New Life in Christ that he taught, preached, and lived-out. Assuring the believers in the church that they too possessed this New Life. And earnestly encouraging them to embrace and live this New Life.
Central to this New Life is freedom in-Christ. Freedom from death, the penalty of sin. Freedom from the law, the power of sin. Freedom from condemnation and the wrath of God. Freedom from the bondage of Satan, and the doing of his will. Freedom to live in the light and do good, accumulating treasures and rewards in heaven. Freedom to overcome evil with good. Freedom to love others, blessing those who curse you. Freedom to live at peace with and in the will of God, being joyful always, praying continually, and thankful in all circumstances.
Key to living this New Life is to recognize the difference between the seen and the unseen. The seen is temporal, experiencing corruption and decay, and passing away. The unseen is eternal and shone in our hearts, giving the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The world cannot see what you know in your heart. Paul puts it this way in 2 Cor. 6:11-13 – We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. Paul is telling the Corinthians their Freedoms in-Christ are being restricted by those things of and in the world they are holding onto. And encouraging them to let go of those things restricting them and widen their hearts also to live out what they have already received.
With that as a seg-way, let us to begin this overview of Chapters 8 to 13.
ShowNotes: https://47d800ed-2293-49f4-b1f4-6964b8bcb082.filesusr.com/ugd/ec4c20_f0fe6de027e04c09b2484ed70f76e9fd.pdf
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