2 Corinthians 1:12—2:11: Always Yes in Christ
CONTRARY TO WHAT some misguided Christian parents think, affirming children does not make them proud and self-centered. Rather, it meets a fundamental need of the human personality. But often our attempts to affirm each other backfire.
Such was Paul's experience with the Corinthians. Paul had promised to visit them again, twice in fact, first as he made his way to Macedonia and then on his way back. But he changed his plans, delaying his visit and deciding to visit only once. This led his opponents to claim that he was unreliable or fickle. In the process of defending his actions, Paul pointed the Corinthians to the ultimate ground of our affirmation: the eternal yes spoken to us by God in Christ.
Warming Up to God
Recall an experience of being affirmed by another, possibly a parent or a good friend. What made that word or action especially upbuilding for you?
Read 2 Corinthians 1:12—2:11. »
Discovering the Word
- Based on 1:12-22, what do you think Paul's opponents were saying about his motives and ministry style?
- What reasons does Paul give for maintaining that his change of itinerary was not a change of mind about the Corinthians (1:12, 17)?
- Why do you think Paul directs their attention away for his travel plans to the unqualified yes or "amen" of the gospel (1:18-20)?
- What further reason does Paul give for his change of travel plans (1:23—2:4)?
- In 2:5-11 Paul refers to the discipline of a member of the church, possibly because of a gross sexual sin (see 1Co 5:1). How does Paul's handling of this problem affirm his love not only for the Corinthians but also for the man who had sinned?
Applying the Word
- What experiences have you had with church discipline?
- How would Paul's approach to discipline be one that would still allow the person confronted to hear God's affirmation in Christ?
- What have you learned about the conditions of receiving the affirmation Christ wants us to give?
Responding in Prayer
Praise God for his faithful promises and his yes in Christ.
For Further Study
The Message of 2 Corinthians by Paul W. Barrett