But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 2 Corinthians 2:1-8

The Church, the body of Christ, is a family not an organization. Like all real families, there are going to be conflicts and problems, the question is how will the Church respond to these problems? Many Christians have this unrealistic idea that there is a “perfect Church” , the perfect Church will never exist because the Church is the people, and people are not perfect.

With that said, the Apostle Paul is grieved and sorrowful over a member of the Church of Corinth, their conduct or behavior , but as Paul says here “that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you” Many people view discipline as hateful, but as the Bible says “God loves those he disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6) Church discipline is for the love of the Church, and we as Christians should appreciate when someone points out something we are doing wrong, even though our flesh really hates it. Paul had great love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, however he love them enough to discipline them also

Notice the spiritual maturity of Paul then, he instructs the members to “forgive and comfort him” Once the member was disciplined , he was then forgiven. We can learn alot from this model Paul is demonstrating here, while we should discipline those in the Church , we should also be willing to forgive them also. Church discipline has become a foreign concept in today’s Church, as most leaders in the Church today don’t shepherd anyone, but as Paul warned “a little leaven (sin) leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:6) When we allow sin to run rampant in the Church, it eventually corrupts the entire Church body, which is what we see mostly today

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11

Notice Pauls warning, Satan will take advantage of these situations to bring more division within the body of Christ, we see this everyday! This is why we need to repent and forgive one another as mature brothers and sisters in Christ. As the Apostle Paul closes here “If there is anything to forgive, I have forgiven in the person of Christ”!

We forgive because Christ has forgiven us first, Amen!

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:15-20

When we put our faith and trust in the world, we will always be let down. But when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we will never be forsaken because God is faithful. The world is fallen with fallen people, many people will make promises they never intend to keep, or make statements that are simply not true. Don’t be surprised when the world fails you, but God will never fail

We as Christians are not to live as the world, but to live as Christ. As Jesus said “Let your Yes be a Yes, and your No be a No”(Matthew 5:37)  We as Christians need to be honorable and truthful, not just making false promises as the world does. Be careful about the words you speak, if you are not sure , then be honest. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. If you want people to see Christ in you, then you must act like Christ

As the Apostle Paul was making his rounds to different Churches, I’m sure at times there was confusion whether he was coming or not , or whether Paul was going to keep his promises. But as Paul said “But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay” We don’t ever have to wonder if God is going to keep his promises, because God can’t lie (Titus 1:2) Every promise by God is a guarantee, its a done deal, we have victory through Jesus Christ!

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in Him was always Yes! Amen! When you look at all other religions , they are all created and featured upon a flawed and sinful human. Christianity is true because Jesus Christ is the sinless Lamb of God. Nobody in the world has ever been able to find fault in Christ or accuse him of a crime, because Jesus is the true living God in the flesh, the Son of God

As Paul says “For ALL of God are in Him (Christ) are Yes! And In Him (Christ) Amen! In Christ we have a guarantee of salvation, eternal life, and victory, there is no question of whether it is a done deal, it is already finished at the cross!  Our God is faithful and we have blessed assurance in Jesus Christ, Amen!

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

 We as Born Again Christians are called to be the Light of the World and Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) With that being said, we are going to be in the world even though we are not of the world. Remember what Jesus prayed “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but you keep them from evil” (John 17:15)

Many Christians try to isolate themselves from the world, or almost hide away, but is that Biblical? How can we be The Light of the world, if the world doesn’t know we exist? This is a fine line we need to walk, because we also don’t want to be too involved with the world either. This is why whenever you get involved in anything, we should pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment and lead to follow

Notice what Paul says here “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom” First notice we as Christians are not being led by worldly wisdom or motives, we are being led by the Holy Spirit, our conscience which convicts us of right and wrong, and when we are good examples for the world in Christ, we can rejoice that we are representing Christ in honor and respect. 

We have conducted ourselves in holiness and sincerity! When you are a true Born Again Christian you will stick out in the world like a sore thumb. Everyone can tell who you belong to by the fruits you are producing (Matthew 7) If the world can’t tell if you’re even a Christian, then there is an issue. How can you be a child of the light, when you live in the darkness?

As Paul goes on to say “We (Church) are rejoicing , even as you also are in the day of the Lord Jesus” Everytime you go out into the world and be a true disciple of Christ, all of Heaven is rejoicing. There is no better feeling, when you go out into the streets and share the gospel with non-believers, you can just feel the joy coming from God. Remember as Jesus said “All of Heaven rejoices over one sinner repenting” (Luke 15:7)

It’s easy for us to be like Elijah and hide in a cave, but Christ has called you to “Go and share the good news with everyone” (Matthew 28:19) Go into the world , in the name of the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit, knowing the Church and the angels are all rejoicing over your life, and serve The Lord in Spirit and Truth, Amen!

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Often people who don’t understand the gospel as “good news”, don’t understand the depravity of their condition and the fate for their sins. When we look at the Ten Commandments, the moral law of God, we see how wretchedly sinful we are, and how far away from God we have strayed. 

When we come to this understanding by the Holy Spirit, we appreciate the love and sacrifice God has made for our souls, even when we didn’t deserve it. Christ has delivered us from our sins, Christ has delivered us from depravity, Christ has delivered us from Hell. Jesus Christ is our great deliverer! Just as God saved the Israelites from the slavery in Egypt, God has saved us from the slavery of sin and death in Christ, Amen

So looking at the Apostle Paul’s words here “Who delivered us from so great a depth” Christ has already rescued us from the pit of Hell, there is nothing to great that Christ can’t deliver you from today! Christ can deliver you from addictions, Christ can deliver you from bad habits, Christ can deliver you from the slavery of sin, in whatever form it may have a hold on you! 

As Paul continues to say “In whom we trust that He (Christ) will yet or continue to deliver us” Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, he will deliver you! God will never leave or forsake you, Christ will never fail you, God can’t fail. You will say How will I ever overcome this addiction? Because Christ will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, God living inside of you, you are the living temple of God as a Born Again Christian

What the Church needs to do also is pray for our brothers and sisters in this spiritual warfare as Paul says “You also helping together by praying for us” Prayer matters, the greatest gift you can give someone is to earnestly pray for them. The world mocks prayer as a cop out or weak, but the intercession of our worship to the Triune God, is more powerful than all the militaries in the world combined

Do you need deliverance? Turn to Jesus Christ, our Lord and great Deliverer, as the Father has called you and the Holy Spirit has sanctified you and the Lord Jesus Christ will deliver you, Amen!

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Jesus said “ In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33) As a Christian you will have problems and suffering. There is no doubt about this, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Some will say, “Whats the point of being a Christian then”? Remember as Jesus said “The rain falls on the just and unjust” (Matthew 5:45) We live in a fallen world, there are going to be tribulation for believers and non-believers

However as a Child of God, as a Born Again believer, you can have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) You might ask “Why or how can I obtain this?” Because when your Born Again in Christ, when you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, it’s doesn’t matter what happens to you in this world, going back to Jesus words “Take heart or courage, I (Christ) have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

The Apostle Paul starts with his teaching “The God of All Comfort” God knows your pain and suffering, but God will provide his peace and comfort. As Paul says here also “Who comforts us in all our tribulation” Think about that , no matter what tribulation you will face, Christ will comfort you! 

But not only will God comfort us, but we can be a comfort for others. As Paul says “That we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble” This is why we as the Church need to fellowship together, we are to be a comfort for each other. How do we obtain this comfort? By the Holy Spirit living inside of us, our Lord and Savior , the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ! 

Now remember, just as Christ suffered we will also suffer as his servant. However our consolation, our comfort will abound with Christ! Jesus said “He will never leave or forsake us “ (Hebrews 13:5) Even though we have tribulation, we have the comfort of Christ , Amen!

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Corinthians 16:13-23

As we come to the end of 1 Corinthians, Paul ends with a strong benediction and a great reminder for the Church! While the race of Christianity gets long and tiring, we need to remind and renew ourselves , of our higher calling and Gods promises for us! It’s easy to get distracted and feel defeated some days, but we have the greatest power living inside of us, the Holy Spirit, serving the living God, who is our Lord and Savior!

1. Watch and Be On Alert– The Church has fallen asleep during the last day, unBiblical doctrines have crept in, straying away many from the truth. We need to remember, Satan is like a roaring lion looking to devour us! This is not a walk in the park or a game, we are in spiritual warfare, Watch and Be On Alert at all times!
2. Stand Fast and Firm- Preserve– As the modern day Church changes the Bible to accommodate today’s culture, Stand Fast! Don’t stray away from the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, the Bible is the Word of God and your foundation. Many will fall away to false teachings and sugar coated messages. Stand Fast to the truth in Jesus Christ, don’t be conformed to the ways of the world
3. Act Like Men– If only the Church listened to this command today, while many men have abandoned their positions in the Church and at home, Paul reminds us to be the men God has created and called us to be! If you want to know why the Church and society are in the condition they are in today, look at the Men of God in the Church. Many Churches you can’t find any of them, put down your video games and movies, and start taking the responsibility of the Man of God you were called to be in Christ!
4. Be Strong– Christians today believe they have to be weak and passive to be “Christ-like” , we need strong Christians who would hold to the truth of the gospel, that are willing to step up and be a spiritual shepherd, that are willing to fight the good fight of faith. We have too many watered down and spiritually weak Christians who are conforming to whatever the world instructs them too

The Apostle Paul ends with a strong statement “If anyone doesn’t love The Lord Jesus Christ, let them be accursed (v22). We always hear people using the phrase “Jesus loves You” to justify their sin, which Christ does love everybody, he demonstrated that on the cross (Romans 5:8) However the real question is Do you Love The Lord Jesus Christ? If so Jesus said “If you love me, Keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Amen!

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54- 56

One of my favorite hymns is “Victory in Jesus” , no matter what mood you are feeling at the beginning, by the time you’re finished singing that song, you can’t help but feel rejuvenated and hopeful. Because the message is true, we have Victory in Jesus Christ! 

Recently John Macarthur did a sermon about “We lose down here”, and I objected to this idea, and received major criticism for that. The scriptures above are my BIblical defense for my stance, but also I think we are not looking at this from an eternal perspective.

When Jesus died on the cross, did he lose? Of course not, Christ willingly laid down his life for us and defeated sin and death forever. From a worldly perspective , it might look like Christ had lost, however we know from an eternal perspective Jesus Christ is victorious, as Christ walked out of the tomb on Sunday morning. As the Apostle Paul said “O death, where is your sting?, O grave, where is your victory? Our greatest enemy death was defeated, there is nothing possible on this Earth that can defeat us when we abide in Christ

Did the Apostle Paul lose while being beheaded? Absolutely not, Paul finished the race, Paul completed his calling and mission from God, and said “To depart from the body, is to be present with The Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) This idea or concept that a Born Again Christ could ever lose makes no sense to me. Regardless of what happens to me, even if I get killed for my faith, I have victory in Jesus Christ, period. Whether I live or die, I have Victory in Jesus, whether I’m rich or poor, I have Victory in Jesus, whether I’m healthy or sick, I always have Victory in Jesus Christ!

Looking at this from the flip side, you can be young, rich, and healthy and still be losing, why? Because without Christ, you have the enemy of death that will always haunt you at every corner. There is no Victory without Jesus Christ, there is no hope without Jesus Christ, there is no purpose for your life without Jesus Christ, in Christ we have everything including Victory!

The Apostle Paul says it best “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen!