II Corinthians 2 Devotional
Pastor Mark Hudson
One of the issues in this chapter is whether or not there was a painful visit after the writing of I Corinthians. I tend to think so but I am going to bypass that issue for some observations about the text. Instead of explaining the entire passage, the following observations might be helpful.
- Paul loves the believers at Corinth v. 3 “that my joy would be the joy of you all” “v. 4,”to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.”
- Paul encourages love between the believers, v 7, “turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.” This may be a sinful brother that was disciplined and then repented. Paul is “calling off” the harsh treatment these believers are meeting out. Enough is enough Paul saying.
- His emotional wellbeing is related to these believers. 1-2 “I made up my mind not to make another painful visit . . . for if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? See verse 3 also. 10, “Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive.
- Paul is sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. 12, “When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there.” So he left an opened door to find Titus. This concern for Titus is really concern over the Corinthians. The church needed Paul’s pastoral leadership. Paul knows that God in in charge of his life and ministry. Paul knew that the Spirit is leading Paul. Not Paul on his own making decisions apart from God’s leading and guiding, but Paul waiting on God for his guidance.
- While it may appear simplistic, Paul sees the distinction between those who know, love, and serve Christ and those who do not (15-16). In fact, those who do not know Christ find His servants unappealing. Unbelievers just don’t like the “smell” of the gospel. While believers rejoice in the presence of true believers and find them encouraging.
- Notice in v 11, Paul claims to know about the designs of Satan and that Satan deceives. Later in chapter 4, Paul clearly says unbelievers are blind. I find it interesting that the world uses this same term for knowing about racism and other evils. They say someone is ”woke” if they understand the evils of racism. Christianity used this term long ago. Behind the blindness is a spiritual battle.
- Finally, notice the responsibility Paul feels in preaching the gospel (17). They are not sellers of the gospel (peddlers), they preach sincerely, remembering that they are preaching primarily to, and for God and they are not just speaking their own words but Christ’s.
- These reasons above are why we can be confident but never should be self-confident or rely on our own abilities. 16, “Who is sufficient for these things?” On our own or relying on our own abilities we can never impart spiritual life or forgive one sin. Yet, if you are gifted in music, humility does not demand you decline offers to play or sing or claim you are not capable. Be confident in God who has equipped you but never lose sight that you are only able to serve Him because of God. God bless us as we reflect and consider these truths.