SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 2
Paul wrote a letter to express the depth of his love for the Corinthian church. He had confidence that they would all share his joy.
FORGIVENESS FOR THE SINNER (vs. 3-11)
Paul advised the Corinthian believers not to put severe punishment on the sinner. Instead, they should forgive and comfort him so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. He urged them to reaffirm their love for him. He wanted to see if they would be obedient in everything.
MINISTERS OF THE NEW COVENANT (vs. 12-17)
Paul wanted to go to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ because the Lord had opened a door for him. But he had no peace of mind because he did not find brother Titus. So he left and went on to Macedonia.
Paul spread the fragrance of the knowledge of God by the triumphal procession that Christ was leading. They became the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. Some considered them as the smell of death while others, the fragrance of life. Paul and his companion did not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, they spoke before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
THOUGHTS:
Paul reprimanded the Corinthian believers for their wrongdoings because he cared for them. He showed love by honestly sharing his concerns to help them walk in the right path.
Regarding church discipline, Paul explained that they have to forgive the man who had been punished by the church and had subsequently repented. He needed forgiveness, acceptance and comfort. Church discipline should seek restoration not separation. There are 2 mistakes in church discipline: (1)- Being too lenient and not correcting mistakes. (2)- Being too harsh and not forgiving the sinner.
Church discipline is necessary to help keep the church pure and help the wayward people repent. But those exercising discipline must not become proud of their purity and cause the person who is being disciplined to become bitter and leave the church. The purpose in discipline is to restore a person to fellowship, not to destroy him. Be cautious that personal anger is not vented under the guise of church discipline.
Our adequacy is always from God for He has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to preach the gospel with Christ’s power. When we realize that God has equipped us, we can overcome our feelings of inadequacy. As we serve God, we must focus on what He can do through us, and not on what we cannot do by ourselves.
Paul said that many peddle the word of God for profit. They preach to earn money without caring about their listeners. Preachers must preach God’s Word in sincerity and integrity without selfish motives.