And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

Jesus tells us to “Count the Cost” of becoming a Christian. Jesus said “Which of you , wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if you have the resources to complete it” (Luke 14:28) Christ is not given us home improvement advice, he’s speaking metaphorically to our spiritual lives. If your going to be a disciple of Christ, first you must consider the cost of being a disciple of Christ, because it will cost you everything!

Now this ties into what Paul is teaching here , he’s instructing the Church to finish what they have started. This goes back to “Counting the Cost” of being a Christian. When you start a ministry or serve The Lord , you can’t bail half way through your work. I mean technically you can quit on God, but what does that say about you? What does it say about your faith in Christ? What does it say about all the work you already have done for The Lord?

When we accept a calling by God, we need to count the cost of what its going to take to complete it. And some might say, well its going to take forever to complete it, well there you go, its going to cost you your entire life, are you ready for this? Is your family prepared for this? Approaching ministry like project management is not always a bad idea, examine everything take make sure you are spiritually and physically ready to commit to your calling

Look at what Paul is saying to the Church here “Let me give you advice, it is to your advantage not only  to do what you have been doing, but now you must also complete the doing of it” Paul is saying “You guys are doing great work for The Lord, but its equally important that you finish your work for The Lord”

Did you ever hear the expression “Your only as good as your last” We see this in sports and careers, people have great success, however when their career comes to an end, people remember that one last time, that last failure, it can tarnish an entire career. There is no retirement age in the Kingdom of God, we need to keep working as if today is our first day on the job! Keep the fire burning for The Lord!

Paul also says “For if first there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not one does not have”  This reminds me of when Jesus fed the great multitude (Matthew 14) It’s easy for us to focus on what we don’t have to complete Gods calling in our life, but Christ wants us to give him what we do have! 

Count the cost, give your life to Jesus Christ and God will supply all your needs to complete the mission Amen! 

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

I heard many people twist this verse “He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor” many false teachers will use this verse to promote or justify their prosperity gospel. As we know, Jesus didn’t own anything during this Earthly ministry as Jesus said “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20) Christ literally relied on God the Father for everything during his Earthly ministry to provide for him

So what does Paul mean by this statement “He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor” Well if you understand who Jesus Christ is, it makes perfect sense. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14) the Son of God, part of the Triune God, Christ is the eternal Creator of the world. So how did Jesus become poor? 

The Apostle Paul’s teaching in Philippians 2 gives us a deeper understanding, 

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus, who is God, lowered himself below the angels, to become a man, to die for the sins of His creation (Hebrews 2:7) Think about that, God becoming a human to save us from the wages of our sins. How much do you think God loves us? Well He demonstrated it on the cross (Romans 5:8) if there is any question whether God loves you or not, look at the cross, look at what Christ has done for you!

Through his (Christ) poverty (death on the cross), we might be rich (justified). The only reason we can be justified and inherit eternal life, it because Christ layed down his life for us on the cross, Christ became spiritually poor, and made us spiritually rich, by the gift of the Holy Spirit 

Let’s just meditate on this one verse today and understand what God has done for you, Christ humbled himself and became obedient to the death on the cross, for your sins! For my sins, for our sins, our sins put the Son of God on the cross! But the love God bestowed to us, that he was willing to become poor in spirit to deliver us from the wrath of our sins. 

When you understand , you understand why nothing else in this world matter except the gift of grace given to us by God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 2 Corinthians 8:5-8

When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus replied “Love The Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, this is the greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38) Then Jesus said “The second commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) To put simply Love God and People, of course God should always come first before people

This is a foundation for the entire Ten Commandments, every command hinges on Love God or Love Neighbor. And this should be the foundation for our Church, our ministry, our families, everything we do should be centered around this. This is a radical shift from the Mosaic Covenant, “An Eye for a Eye and Tooth for a Tooth” (Exodus 21:24) Jesus revealed further understanding as we are now to “turn the other cheek”, and even “love our enemies” in the New Covenant (Matthew 5) This takes “Loving our Neighbor” to a new level

Now compare this with what Paul is revealing to us in these scriptures “But first gave their own selves to The Lord” We first see the demonstration of Love God by the Church, their first priority is they dedicated their lives to The Lord. This should be the first step in our walk with Christ, we start by committing our lives to Christ, we were bought with a price by the blood of Jesus Christ ( 1 Cor. 6:20)

Then notice what the Church did according to Paul “And unto us (Church) by the will of God” So first the Church dedicated their lives to Christ, they Love God, and then being obedient to Christ, they loved others, this should be the model for every Church to follow

Then we see the fruits of the Holy Spirit working in the Church, the Apostle Paul says “Therefor you abound in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in diligence, in your love to us” These are fruits produced by the Church, evidence of the Holy Spirit , if a Christian or Church is not producing any fruit, is there any evidence of the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 7)

Notice how Pauls end it here “I’m not speaking by commandment” Paul didn’t have to command the Church to do these things, it’s the Holy Spirit working in them, it’s evidence of fruit. “Prove the sincerity of your love” These were authentic Born Again Christians, why? Because their fruit demonstrates that they truly Love God and Love their Neighbor in Jesus name Amen!

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

One thing as Christians we always need to remember is “God will provide” whether its in our Church, or whether it’s in our family, if it’s God’s will, He will provide! Think back to Jesus feeding the 5,000 with 5 loaves and two fish (Matthew 14) What happened there? God provided for the multitude even when it seemed like there was no way. If you are ordained by God, and if you are in the will of God, you can be assured God will provide!

Look at our scripture readings today, Paul is talking about the Churches of Macedonia, even though they were financially poor from a worldly perspective, they still provided for Paul and his ministry, how is this possible? Again going back to the story of 5 loaves and 2 fish, if its God’s will ordained, God will provide for it!  

Notice the state of these Churches also “that in a great trial of affliction and their deep poverty” These were not “mega-Churches” that had large air conditioned buildings with millions in the bank, these were persecuted Churches that barely had enough money to survive. Yet God used these Churches to provide for others! Why? To bring Glory to God! 

If a mega-Church financially provided for a ministry , would that be impressive? No, not really, since they have private jets and big bank accounts, this would be expected, however a Church that is financially poor still provides for other brothers and sisters in Christ, this is impressive! People look at this and wonder “how is this happening” and it points right back to the sovereignty of God

Paul says here “I bear record, you and beyond their power they were willing of themselves” The Apostle Paul is recognizing their generosity and obedience to God. And God will use this for people to ask “How is this possible, How is this Church doing this”? And it goes back to their faith in Jesus Christ, God will provide Amen!

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 2 Corinthians 7:11-13

As we continue on what Paul was teaching “Godly Sorrow leads to repentance” So the next logical question is “What is repentance” The word Repent is one of the most hated words in the English vocabulary, however it’s a beautiful word when you understand its meaning. The Biblical meaning of Repent is to turn away or turn around from something. For example, if your currently stuck in a particular sin, you need to Repent, meaning to turn away from that sin and turn to Jesus Christ!

Now the beautiful thing about Repentance, we were created by a God who is merciful and compassionate. Even though we don’t deserve forgiveness, God will forgive us because He loves us, but we need to Repent and become Born Again in Jesus Christ. Jesus told us “The Holy Spirit will convict the world of its sin” (John 16:8) So where did this “Godly Sorrow” over your sin come from? It’s the Holy Spirit convicting you of your sin, it’s a sign that God is beginning the salvation process in your life, a fruit of the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul teaches us “After you were convicted with Godly sorrow of your sin, look what it produced in you, a clearing of your conscience, a fear of God, a zeal for The Lord, a vindication of your soul!” Now I know a paraphrased alot there, but if you read the list for yourself, you get the point! If you truly want the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, repent of your sins, be washed by the blood of Christ, be Born Again by the Holy Spirit! Once you are reconciled back to our Heavenly Father, there is no longer a war inside of you!

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. 2 Corinthians 7:13-16

Paul goes back to talking about the arrival of Titus “We were comforted in your comfort” The next part of your salvation plan is find a local Church body to belong to. You will be comforted by their comfort, they will be comforted by your comfort! Bear each others burdens! (Galatians 6:2) This Christian walk won’t be easy, Jesus never said it would be, but you don’t have to walk alone! You are part of the Body of Christ, you belong to a family of God

Godly sorrow leads to true repentance which leads to submission to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father is calling you home!The Holy Spirit is leading you!  Turn around and run to the cross! Amen!\

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10

One of the hard things about evangelizing to people is giving them the “bad news” before you give them the “good news”. Without the bad news there is no need for the good news, right? So you might be asking “What is the bad news”? Well the Bible tells us “We are all sinners, fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

So next question is, what’s wrong with being a sinner? Right, that’s the mentality our culture and world has today, in fact people are proud of their sin today. Well more bad news “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) Well this sort of “rains on our parade” pun intended..right? Nobody probably finds it comfortable or enjoyable to tell them they are headed to an eternity in Hell because of their lifestyle, right? Therefor most Christians neglect to tell the bad news to people when telling them about Jesus. However does the “good news” even make sense to them, when they don’t even know there is bad news?

Think of it this way ,  a medical doctor comes to you and says “I have good news, your going to live”, Even though this is good news, it brings total confusion to the patient as they didn’t even know they were dying! If a medical doctor fails to give a patient the honest status of their medical condition, are they really doing their job? Is that even ethical? Do they really love their patients? If your medical doctor only wanted to give you good news and neglect any bad news, would you trust them?

The same is entrusted with us as “Ministers of God” (2 Cor. 3:6) that includes You by the way! If we know someone’s soul is headed to Hell, we need to warn them! This is not pleasant or desiring, but it is our obligation as servants of Christ. There is no good news without the bad news! 

Notice what the Apostle Paul says here “Even though I made you sorry with my letter, I don’t regret it, for I perceive my letter made you sorry or sorrowful only for a little while” Paul knew giving the Church of Corinth the “bad news” was going to upset them temporarily, however once they realized he was warning them of the state of their soul, eventually they would understand why he was doing it!

Paul goes on to say “I rejoice , because your sorrow led to repentance” So once the Church of Corinth understood there sinful state and condition of their souls, it led many of them to true repentance! Yes, we need to repent of our sins, as Jesus said “Repent or Perish” (Luke 13:3) The gospel without the message of repentance is not the full gospel

Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation! What a beautiful equation, we can receive the good news because we now know the bad news. The wages of sin is death BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen!

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

One major thing unsaved people miss out on in this life is the peace of God. When you are a Born Again Christian, and you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, flows over you. Now with that, I’m not saying you will never have fear, anxiety, or depression, as long as we live in these fallen bodies, we will suffer the curse of sin. However what I’m saying is God will give you the comfort to make it through!

Let’s take a look at what Paul says here “Our flesh had no rest, we were troubled on every side, outside were fighting, inside were fears” Can you relate to this? Do you see trouble everywhere you go? Is there fighting or conflict within your family or Church? Do you have a great fear within you of the future? This is exactly what Paul and the Church was experiencing at the time. However they were able to overcome, how? Because God is our comfort

The Apostle Paul says “Nevertheless God, that comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” Now you’ll say “Doesn’t it say Titus comforted the Church”? Yes,  he did, but how or why did he do it? Because God ordained Titus to comfort the Church of Corinth. You see God uses us to fulfill his Will, when you ask God for help, it doesn’t always come in some supernatural answer, sometimes God sends someone to help you!

We need to remember this as Christians, when we disobey Gods calling on our lives, you may be sidetracking someone’s miracle that God was going to answer through You! This is why the Body of Christ, the Church is important, everyone is important, because we all have a gift or calling we have been assigned with. When someone is disobedient to their calling or gift, they are fighting against God’s will, which ultimately hurts the Church

Just the obedience of Titus to go to Corinth when the Holy Spirit orchestrated it, allowed Gods comfort to reach the Church and Paul. Look at Paul’s response here “I rejoiced the more”! Because everyone was encouraged by the arrival of Titus , the Holy Spirit used to this lifted everyone’s spirit! Titus didn’t have to do anything special, he didn’t have to perform a miracle or have some great revelation, Titus just had to be obedient to God and show up! Many times that is half the battle.

Maybe you or your Church are going through troubled times right now, or maybe there are others around you in need, be obedient to our God of Comfort and His will be done in Jesus name! Amen!

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 7:1-4

 As we continue Pauls theme about being the Temple of God and being Born Again, notice Paul’s instructions here “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”. Now if Paul taught this in most “Churches” today, he would be thrown out. The question is How do we cleanse ourselves of our sins? And why do we cleanse ourselves of our sins?

The Bible says “The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding” (Proverbs 9:10) The problem with most of the world is there is no fear of God, people live in sin with no remorse, people curse the name of our Lord with no regard, however one day everyone will stand face to face with Jesus Christ and give an account for their life, are you ready? Jesus said “Don’t fear the one who can kill the body, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in Hell” (Matthew 10:28)

Notice what the Apostle Paul says “Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God” If we love God, why wouldn’t we strive to please him? Many people will justify their sin by saying “Jesus loves me”, and yes Christ does love us, however the real question is “Do you Love Jesus”? Do you have any fear or reverence for The Lord? As Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) 

So back to the original question “How do we cleanse ourselves from our sins”? The Bible says “The blood of Jesus Christ  His Son cleanses us from all our sins” (1 John 1:7) It’s only by the blood of Jesus we can be cleansed, so we need to be Born Again in Christ to be saved!  As Paul goes on to say “Receive Us, we have wronged no man” As Christians we are to strive to live a Holy life filled with the Holy Spirit, the idea of a carnal Church is a fake Church with no fear of God

Can Paul say this about your Church? “Great is my boldness or confidence of speech towards you” Paul was confident that the Church of Corinth at this point was living for Jesus Christ as their Lord led by the Holy Spirit. Can others say the same about you? Do you have the fear of God in your life?  Amen!

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18

The Apostle Paul continually teaches us that we are the “Temple of God” (1 Cor. 3:16, 2 Cor. 6:19) I think this is an important concept for us to grasp for several reasons. Firstly , because we are Born Again, the Holy Spirit is living inside of us (John 3) Regeneration has been a foundational doctrine I think is missing from todays Church. Secondly , our bodies are not our own anymore (1 Cor. 6:19) If the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, then God is working through you

Notice what Paul is saying here “What agreement does the Temple of God have with idols?” What do Born Again Christians have in common with unregenerated sinners? Nothing! This is why as a Christian, you stick out in the world like a sore thumb, the world doesn’t understand you because the world doesn’t have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. 

Paul goes on to say “God said “I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” The Apostle Paul is talking about being Born Again, God will live and walk in us! Think about how powerful this is! People will always say “All religions lead to the same God, ect” No, no other religion has God transforming and living inside of You! No other religion has atonement and cleansing for your sin! Religion without the Triune God is just works based salvation, period!

So what does God command us to do? The Apostle Paul teaches here “Come out from among them and be separate” This is exactly what the Church is supposed to be. The Greek word Ekklessia , which is usually translated as Church, means “Called Out Assembly” Christians are Called Out and Set Apart from the rest of the world, Christians are not to conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)

We are Children of God through Jesus Christ , we can call God our Abba Father because we have been reconciled by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  2 Corinthians 6:14-15

When it comes to the “Rainbow flag” issue in the Churches, these scriptures provide alot of context and clarity. Many Churches have become divided over this topic, many Christians have left their denominations or home Church. While others will ask “Whats the big deal”?  

Are we not supposed to invite everyone to come to Church? I actually had this argument with a co-worker several years ago. A member of his Church got up on the podium and said “We believe in Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve”  While I probably wouldn’t use this line in a Church, I think we all understood his point. My co-worker thought it was a bad statement because we should invite “everyone” to Church, and I agreed with him at that. However I asked him what is the Church? I think the problem is most Churches use their service as an opportunity for evangelism, however I don’t believe that’s the point of a Sunday service. 

Church is a family, we are the body of Christ, we are brothers and sisters in The Lord. Going to Church, belonging to a Church is being yoked with these brothers and sisters. That’s why Paul says “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” Yes we invite everyone to Church, however that doesn’t make someone a Christian because they sit in a Church  building

This is the core of the whole argument I have against the “Rainbow Churches”, these people are obviously unregenerated, not Born Again (John 3) as Paul stated unbelievers! Until you become Born Again and put your true faith in Jesus Christ, you are not a Christian. You can label yourself a Christian, but without the Holy Spirit, we are still dead in our sins. The idea of having unregenerated people leading a Church is simply blasphemy!

The Apostle Paul makes a very interesting statement here “And what accord or harmony does Christ have with Belial” If you look up this word Belial, the original Greek actually says this is a name for Satan or a demon! Paul is getting right to the point, you are either in Christ or your in Satan, there is no in between. And if someone is not regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they should not be yoked together. For what fellowship does righteous (Born Again) with unrighteous (unregenerated) ? There is a dividing line, yes Jesus ate with the sinners , but Jesus didn’t conform to their sin, No they needed to repent and conform to Jesus Christ!

I’m going to end with a question by Paul “What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” What does the light have to do with the darkness? Don’t be yoked to those who are not yoked to Jesus Christ, Amen!