II Corinthians, Chapter 2

The child of God and his attitude is discussed in chapter 2.

Paul's attitude toward the Christians at Corinth is found in verse 1-4. He had made a decision not to go to Corinth if that visit were to bring pain to the Christians. (verse 1) He had definitely made up his mind not to grieve them any more through a distressing visit. It was not only the pain of the Christians at Corinth but the pain that Paul would feel that is in view here. The words, "In heaviness" carry the thought of "mutual pain." The true servant of God cannot inflict pain without being affected himself If we hurt those who are the source of our joy, then who is it that shall be our encouragement? (verse 2) These people had been Paul's source of joy as he had witnessed their reception of the Gospel message that God had sent him to preach. The heart of any servant of God is greatly encouraged as he witnesses the power of God in transforming lives. Because of carnality, it had been necessary for him to rebuke them. He had pointed out their divisions, envy, strife, sin of immorality, going to law with each other, etc.

This had brought pain to the local church, but it had also brought pain to the heart of the Apostle. Unless these people could be happy with Paul's visit, he couldn't either. In reality, to see this truth will add a new and maybe much needed dimension to our ministry. Joy is the portion of the servant of God who finds the signs of penitent hearts (verse 3). Paul seems to have in mind here the incestuous person. This incident is recorded in I Corinthians 5. He expressed the confidence that since the wrongs of their lives had been exposed, they would see the need of correction and immediately attend to it. There would be a mutual sharing of joy by the correcting that took place. Though forced to discipline, Paul showed forth an attitude of love (verse 4). Out of (ek) affliction and anguish denotes the heart attitude with which Paul penned the letter. The attitude one has toward others in matters of discipline is all important. "Through many tears" reveals the idea that one will receive discipline if he himself has the confidence he is still loved through the whole experience. For a parent to discipline his/her child in any other manner than love is inexcusable, and this goes for the servant of God as well.

Attitude toward the penitent by God's family is illustrated in verses 5-11. In the first place, Paul points out that the sin of fornication mentioned in I Corinthians 5 was not against his person (verse 5). Paul was grieved by what had happened, but the sin was not primarily against him. Certainly Paul's heart had been caused pain and grief, but its effect had also been felt by the Corinthian believers. Perhaps it would be well to point out here that our warfare is not against flesh and blood. All too often we act as if some fallen brother is our enemy (Ephes. 6:12). Punishment is to lead a brother to repentance, not despair (verse 6). This brother had been put out of the assembly and given over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh (I Cor. 5:5). This, to many, is severe and very harsh, but it was done under the command of God through His servant. The Church as a whole had met together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and administered the discipline. Now Paul says the punishment was sufficient, and the effect desired was now in evidence. When a stand is taken against sin, in love, the desired effect is often the result. A brother is to be restored on the basis of repentance (verse 7). No longer is the fallen brother to be kept outside the fellowship of God's people but should be graciously brought back into the assembly. This implies that the assembly forgives him and now will seek to minister to him (Gal 6:1). In comfort and by encouragement, they are to bring him into the place of sweet fellowship once more. This all is to be done lest he be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow that may lead to despair. One of Satan's tools that is so effective against the children of God is the tool of discouragement and despair. In this place a person will give up, and the battle will be

lost. The whole purpose for discipline is defeated, the purpose being correction. As Christians we are to reassure, in love, those who have fallen (verse 8). Paul begs them, on the basis of love, to bring the brother back to the place of full fellowship and blessing. The word confirm carries the thought of ratification with authority by some public or formal act. The man was publicly denounced and put out of fellowship; likewise, there should be public acknowledgement of his restoration to fellowship of the saints. In this manner he would be assured of their love in his behalf Our attitude toward a brother that has sinned and assumed the place of repentance is a test of our own obedience (verse 9). These believers had received and obeyed the direction of Paul and put out from among them a sinning saint. Now comes the problem; will they be obedient once more and follow Paul's instruction to restore this individual? Some are quick to judge but very slow to forgive and treat the person as if the whole experience was behind them. To pass this test was of great importance, not only to the fallen brother but for the well being of the Church, for obedience is a test of Christian sincerity. Paul had confidence in the Christian of Corinth, and this is as it should be because Paul was their spiritual father. Exhibiting the spirit of Christ toward a sinning brother is illustrated in verse 10. Paul was satisfied with the results of confession of the fallen brother and had, in the spirit of Christ, forgiven the man. Paul acted not on behalf of but in the spirit of Christ. Paul had done this with the approval of Christ, the Messiah. Here is blessed assurance in the life of the apostle as he walked with God. This can be the place of any true servant of God who is totally surrendered to our Blessed Lord. These attitudes toward sinning saints are to be held lest Satan get an advantage (verse 11). Satan is out seeking an advantage over the people of God, and when allowed, will take advantage of any situation (11 Cor. 11:14). A person brought to extreme grief or despair is fair game for the Devil. Grief can blind the senses and dull the spiritual sight. Whenever a sense of sin makes you so sorry, so grieved, and so depressed, it can drive you from Christ; it is not that sense of sin, however, which the Holy Spirit inspires. Despair causes one to give up, quit the fight and lose the battle. We are not ignorant of his intentions, though (I Peter 5:8). Every Christian ought to be aware of the devices of Satan, our enemy, and one should keep track of his foe.

Success through Christ is seen in verses 12-17. Paul's concern for these believers is apparent in verses 12-13. At Troas there was an opportunity for laboring successfully in the Lord's service. Troas was a name given to the whole district around the site of ancient Troy. It had been made a Roman colony by Augustus and was of considerable importance. Despite the opportunity around him, Paul could not relax or get relief because of his concern for the believers at Corinth. Titus had not put in an appearance. This caused even more concern. How human Paul was and how genuine was his love for those to whom he had ministered. Paul left Troas, though the door was yet open, and departed to Macedonia. Often the servants of God find their work hindered by problems that crop up among saints. Through Christ, however, there is triumph (verse 14). So thrilled is the heart of the apostle Paul at the news he receives from Titus that he does not even mention what it was but breaks forth in praise to God for what he has heard. It is God that causes us to triumph through Christ. The triumph refers to the Roman triumph that was voted by the senate to a successful general. A holiday was declared, and the general marched triumphantly into the city. Everywhere the sweet odor of incense filled the city from the censers carried by the captives. To some were given life and to some death (verse 15, 16). As the great Roman generals marched into the city, there were long lines of captives in front and behind them. Those in front were allowed to live, and those behind were put to death. So the sweet fragrance of incense was to some life and to others death. Paul declares "we" are a sweet fragrance of Christ, which to us is life in our Lord Jesus Christ for now and eternity. To

those who are perishing, there is the savor of death. To some, there is the fatal odor, the smell of doom (verse 16). (John 3:18) "We are" is not in the original but implied, referring to those who carry forth the Word of God. To those who believe and receive the message, there is an "aroma of life" and to those who reject, a smell of doom. "Who is sufficient for such a ministry?" (verse 16) The most logical answer to this question at first would seem to be no one. Who then is competent for this work? Certainly, it would not be false teachers who corrupt the Word of God. The answer is Paul and others like him who preach the pure gospel from pure motives. It is so important the worker walks worthy of the vocation wherein he/she is called. (Ephes. 4:1) The mark of the successful servant of God is stated in verse 17. We do not huckster the Word of God for self gain. The thought expressed here is that of a tavern keeper who would water down his wine to make more profit. Paul declares he does not water down the message of the Word of God for personal gain. Sincerely and with the purest motives, Paul carries forth the message of the redeeming grace of God. Paul again and again states the importance of the pureness with which he acted and leaves us who follow a good example. Notice, this is all in the sight of God, yes, in His very presence. If this thought is kept in mind, it has a way of keeping one in the place he/she should be, that of HUMBLENESS.