2 Corinthians - Ministers of a New Covenant

2 Corinthians - Ministers of a New Covenant

Restoring Relationship

Over many years, the apostle Paul and the Corinthians had experienced a rocky relationship. In today’s passage we see some of the elements of how that relationship was restored, primarily through loving reproof and wholehearted repentance. We will look at what genuine repentance looks like and how it has power to resolve relational conflict.

Ministry Partnership

Christ followers are called to walk in pure devotion to the Lord in our faith and actions. God’s appeal to us for this way of living, as shown in the Apostle Paul’s heart, is through his loving, fatherly relationship with us, his children in Christ.

The Marks of a Minister + Q&A session

As a minister of the New Covenant, Paul gave his heart and life to the proclamation of the good news about Jesus. He demonstrated his authenticity by his perseverance through great affliction and through his sacrificial, loving, and Spirit-filled actions. As we look at Paul’s life we can have confidence that Jesus really did appear to him, radically transforming his life. And, along with Paul, we should wholeheartedly believe in what God has one in Jesus Christ and give of…

The Marks of a Minister + Q&A session

As a minister of the New Covenant, Paul gave his heart and life to the proclamation of the good news about Jesus. He demonstrated his authenticity by his perseverance through great affliction and through his sacrificial, loving, and Spirit-filled actions. As we look at Paul’s life we can have confidence that Jesus really did appear to him, radically transforming his life. And, along with Paul, we should wholeheartedly believe in what God has one in Jesus Christ and give of…

Ministers of Reconciliation

When we become a Christian, God gives us a task: “the ministry of reconciliation.” Not only does he reconcile us to himself, but he makes us into coworkers with him in his plan to reconcile his people to himself from all over the world. This week we will discuss a core component of our new relationship with God through Christ: becoming ambassadors for the most high God to a lost world.

The Great Exchange

We will be spending the next two weeks (Lord willing) on the last part of chapter 5. In it we find a glorious two-part truth: God has reconciled us to himself, and we have been given a ministry of reconciliation. This first week we will be focusing on what God did, how he did it, and why he did it. Come be encouraged in the glorious truth of the core Gospel message!

Motivation for Ministry

Eternity. As Christians we believe in “forever,” not just as cute words in a love song, but as our future reality in the kingdom of God. The challenge we face is, do we live every day like “forever” is true? Is it on our minds? Do we see people in light of eternity? The Apostle Paul had deep, deep convictions about such things, and these convictions motivated him in his ministry for Jesus Christ. He walked by faith, not by sight. Future judgment, the fear of the Lord, and the love of Christ—all such things compelled him to speak of Christ to the church and the world, and to persevere in this life of faith.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

A walk of faith is a life that is truly convinced of certain things about God and eternity. Such a confidence transforms us, strengthening us from the inside out and changing our perspectives on life here on earth and beyond. While Paul’s role as an apostle has some differences from our roles in the church, the principles remain unchanged. Paul fully intends that what he believes with all his heart will be passed on to us, and that we, too, will live our lives fully devoted to Jesus for the sake of his people, all to the glory of God.

Reflecting His Glory

When God made a covenant with Israel, He revealed Himself so clearly and gloriously to Moses that the skin on his face shone. The Israelites were afraid, so Moses covered his face with a veil. Fifteen hundred years later, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant with even more glory. As we fix our gaze on Jesus, we will be transformed into the image of God, boldly living and speaking and reflecting His glory to the world around us, bringing healing and hope to all who respond

Our Sufficiency for the Task

Christians can have confidence for this ministry when they realize that God’s Word is sufficient for accomplishing the task, and so speak it with sincerity and boldness.

Saints on Parade

The message of the gospel of Christ is perplexing: God offers life forever and ever through his Son, yet mankind reacts against it so commonly and strongly. How could this be? Our Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and millions of Christians since then have contended with this gospel, a message that smells good to some but stinks to others. Similarly, this is our assignment from God, to spread this fragrance everywhere with God as he parades the glorious message of life, and he calls us to join him.