The Superior Convenant

INTRO

We are wrapping up this section of 2 Corinthians, which is a powerfully personal explanation of Paul’s ministry. Wiersbe lays out for us this “week” that Paul wrote about to his readers.

• In spite of trials, Paul had a triumphant ministry (Chapters 1–2—Monday/Tuesday).
• Paul had a glorious ministry (Chapter 3—Wednesday).
• Paul never thought of quitting, even under accusation (Chapter 4—Thursday)
• Paul’s ministry was based on faith in God (Chapter 5—Friday)

Paul challenged the hearts of the Corinthian believers (Chapter 6) and then gave his conclusion to this section (Chapter 7—Saturday).¹

TEACHING

2 Corinthians 7:1: This was Paul’s natural conclusion to 2 Corinthians 6:14–18. Where Paul wrote about the need to separate from worldly influences so that we can live a close life with God. Basically, let’s get it cleaned up and again have fellowship. Having spent most of his time dealing with problems in the church in Corinth, Paul began to express confidence and joy in the Corinthians to motivate them to faithful service. Wiersbe highlights a threefold encouragement in this chapter.²

2 Corinthians 7:2–3: Wiersbe wrote that Paul encouraged the church in verses 2–4.³ This is probably where we will spend most of our time. The Corinthian Christians believed many bad things about Paul; that God wasn’t using him and that he didn’t have the kind of image, authority, or power an apostle should have. Why is it so difficult to assure people of our love?

Their problem was not an information problem, rather it was a problem with their hearts, which had been open to the world but not to Paul. In the “unequally yoked” passage, Paul told them to close their hearts to the world. Now it was time to open their hearts to him. Paul asked them to trust him—he had never done anything to wrong them. Paul was willing to die for them if necessary; they were in his heart.

2 Corinthians 7:4–7: Paul was boasting about them. This is really a great set of letters that are especially applicable to our times. In his book Paul’s Worst Church: Our Best Model?, Pastor Church Warnock wrote, “I think it’s time somebody came to the defense of the church in Corinth. Okay, so they’re all dead now. But they live on in two of Paul’s letters for all the world to see. I think Corinth, arguably Paul’s worst church, may be our best model for the church today.

They were brand new believers. Phoebe came from Corinth (Romans 16:1–2).

They participated.

They made mistakes, but out of enthusiasm.

Their new faith was relevant to their word. This was a community with false love everywhere. Once they understood what real love was, they were able to communicate and relate with others in their community.

They were a real church. How many times do we put on a mask and hide all our garbage at home? We are called to be authentic and real. That’s when we become a real church.⁴

2 Corinthians 7:5: Wiersbe wrote that Titus encouraged Paul in verses 5–10.⁵ Note these are the churches in Macedonia: Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. It strikes me that the turmoil impacted the God-given rhythm of rest and work. It impacted Paul physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

2 Corinthians 7:6–7: What a huge encouragement! It was not easy for Paul to communicate or travel. We tend to take for granted how easy it is for us to communicate with others locally and around the world. Paul was encouraged by the reports Titus gave of his reception at Corinth. The Corinthians read Paul’s “painful letter,” repented of their sins, and disciplined the members who created the problem. Here is the accountability which we read earlier this year in Psalms and Proverbs—and the impact it can have.

2 Corinthians 7:8: The letter Paul referred to was probably written between 1 and 2 Corinthians. It helps to remember the sequence of events. Things were going badly among the Christians in Corinth, and in an attempt to get them on track, Paul made a quick, unplanned visit that only seemed to make things worse (2 Corinthians 2:1). After the failure of the visit, Paul decided not to visit Corinth again in person, but instead sent Titus to help them with a strong letter of rebuke. Paul was worried about how the Corinthians would receive the letter and whether it would turn them to Jesus or make them angry. Don’t you think Paul was wrestling over Ephesians 4:14–16? In addition to speaking truth in love, Paul gave both correction and encouragement.

2 Corinthians 7:9–10: The letter was stern and had achieved its purpose. The Corinthians repented. This was not merely a passing regret. It was a true Godly sorrow in sin. Wiersbe illustrates the difference by comparing Judas to Peter: “Judas was full of regret and went and committed suicide. Peter wept and repented of his failure (Matthew 26:75—27:5).”⁶ To repent simply means to change one’s mind. Disobedient Christians need to repent, not in order to be saved, but in order to restore their close fellowship with God.

2 Corinthians 7:11–16: Paul recorded that the Corinthians encouraged Titus in verses 11–16. The experience of Titus in Corinth, and his report from there, was sure evidence the Corinthian Christians had a change of mind. I think it is good to slow down and savor this paragraph. Paul spelled out their handling of the matter of discipline. Paul praised the Corinthian Christians, and they seemed to be in a place of victory. But in the “sorrowful letter,” mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:1, there was no praise. What was the difference? The difference was their real repentance reported by Titus and commented on by Paul in this chapter.

CLOSING

This chapter shows how concerned Paul was about his relationship with the Corinthian Christians and that people were just as important to Paul as ministry. He didn’t want to do ministry at the expense of his relationship with people.

One of the most difficult things to do is rebuild a shattered relationship. Unfortunately, there are many shattered relationships today—in homes, churches, and ministries—and they can be repaired and strengthened only when people face problems honestly, deal with them biblically and lovingly, and seek to get right with God. As we examine our own lives, we must determine to be a part of the answer and not the problem. Let us learn from Paul and the church in Corinth and allow God to use us to restore broken relationships.