About this series

ORIENTING DATA FOR 2 CORINTHIANS

Content: probably two letters (chs. 1–9; 10–13) combined into one, dealing primarily with Paul’s tenuous relationship with the Corinthian church and in the process touching on several other matters as well (Paul’s ministry, the collection for the poor in Jerusalem, and some Jewish Christian itinerants who have invaded the church)

Author: the apostle Paul, joined by Timothy

Date: ca. A.D. 54–55, from Macedonia (2:13; 7:5)—most likely Philippi  Recipients: see 1 Corinthians

Occasion: Titus’s return from a recent visit (7:5–7) and Paul’s anticipated third visit to the church (13:1) in light of (1) the church’s need to have the collection ready before Paul gets there and (2) their readiness to embrace some “false apostles… masquerading as apostles of Christ” (11:13)

Emphases: Christian ministry as servanthood, reflecting that of Christ; the greater glory of the new covenant in contrast to the old; the glory of the gospel exhibited in the weakness of its ministers; the gospel as reconciliation; giving to the poor as an expression of generosity, not of obligation

OVERVIEW OF 2 Corinthians

Reading 2 Corinthians is like joining a complex play midway. The letter presents a new landscape compared to 1 Corinthians, with few recurring issues except the collection (1 Cor 16:1–4/2 Cor 8–9) and possibly idol food (2 Cor 6:14–7:1). The underlying thread is Paul's tense relationship with the Corinthians regarding true apostleship. Four key elements shape the letter: Paul's changing visit plans, the collection, his apostleship, and Jewish Christian opponents.

2 Corinthians 1–9 addresses the first three issues from 1 Corinthians. Paul explains his past interactions (1:12–2:13, 7:5–16) and defends his "apostleship-in-weakness" (2:14–7:4). Chapters 8–9 focus on the collection, while 10–13 confront his opponents with a mix of indignation, sarcasm, and appeals.

The letter's central theme is Strength in Weakness. Paul explores paradoxes like the cross's foolishness and treasures in clay jars. He argues that his suffering and weaknesses validate rather than disqualify his ministry, displaying God's power. This defense responds to false teachers in Corinth who questioned Paul's legitimacy.

Key themes include suffering leading to comfort (1:1–11), Paul's reasons for not visiting (1:12–2:13), and his new covenant ministry (3:7–18). The letter concludes with Paul requesting the completion of Jerusalem's gift (8–9) and asserting his authority to the unreconciled (10–13).

THE CONTEXT OF 2 COR 8-9

Paul requests a gift for the famine-stricken Jerusalem church, viewing it as a test of obedience and heart. He links this giving to the gospel, citing Jesus and himself as examples of becoming poor to make others rich. Paul urges them to complete the collection (8:1–15), sending Titus to assist (8:16–9:5). He outlines reasons for generous giving, promising God's blessings (9:6–15).

Despite their readiness to repent (7:11), the Corinthians still need to complete the collection for Jerusalem's poor. Paul, having boasted of their readiness to the Macedonians, is sending representatives to Corinth (9:1–5). He commends Titus and two others to ensure the collection's completion (8:16–24), appealing to (1) Macedonia's example (8:1–5), (2) the Corinthians' excellence in other areas (8:6–12), (3) the principle of sharing abundance (8:13–15), and (4) generosity as an expression of godliness (9:6–15).

The Why of this series

There are several compelling reasons why our church is going through this series. It shows how 2 Corinthians 8-9

• Connects giving to the grace of God, showing how generosity is a response to Christ's sacrificial love.

• Demonstrates how generosity expresses Christian love and a test of genuine faith.

• Teaches that joyful, purposeful giving reflects trust in God's provision and leads to spiritual growth.

• This is a primer to the generosity initiative coming up in 2025

Each sermon emphasizes the different motivations behind giving—grace, love, and joy—while guiding the congregation through a deeper understanding of generosity in the Christian life.

The hopes of the series are:

1. Deepening understanding of grace: As believers reflect on God's grace and Christ's sacrifice, they'll grow in their appreciation of God's generosity, potentially leading to more grateful and grace-filled lives.

2. Cultivating love in action: By learning to give as an expression of love, believers can grow in their practical application of faith, strengthening relationships within the church community.

3. Developing trust in God's provision: As believers practice joyful, intentional giving, they'll grow in their trust of God's sufficiency, potentially reducing anxiety about material needs.

4. Fostering a kingdom perspective: Learning about sharing abundance can help believers grow in their understanding of Christian community and develop a more eternal, less self-centered worldview.

Grace Driven Generosity 11/10/24

Love Driven Generosity 11/17/24

In 2 Corinthians 8:10-24, after drawing on the example of Christ’s generosity Paul exhorts the Corinthians to complete their pledge as it is profitable for them and assures them that the money will get to the church.

Main point: True generosity flows from a heart transformed by love, reflecting Christ’s gift to us and fostering unity and support among believers. True generosity is sustained by love for God and the recipients

Joyful and Purposeful Generosity 11/24/24

In 2 Cor 9:1-15, Paul tells the Corinthians that they should be prepared to contribute to the ministry to saints out of their hearts which results in the glory of God.

Main Point: True generosity flows from the heart that is transformed by God’s grace, demonstrating that our willingness to give joyfully reflects our understanding of God’s abundance and our role in His kingdom.