One Last Loving Defense

In one paragraph

This message was the final study in a six or seven month walk through Second Corinthians at First Baptist Jackson. The pastor closed out the book by working through Paul's last defense of his motives and his pointed warning to the church at Corinth, then sent the congregation out with Paul's benediction. Throughout, the thread was the same: Paul loves these people, and everything hard he says...

Read together

1. 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14 the main passage worked through for the entire sermon
2. Jeremiah 24:1-10 read in full as a framing passage about good and bad figs, exile, and God's promise to build up and not tear down
3. 2 Corinthians 11:3 quoted to show that the word craftiness is always associated with Satan, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness
4. Romans 3:23 paraphrased as part of the simple gospel message: we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
5. Deuteronomy 19:15 quoted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:1 that every charge must be established by two or three witnesses
6. Mark 1:19 referenced to illustrate the Greek word for restoration, noting the disciples were restoring their nets to working order
7. 1 John 1:9 quoted at the close: if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
8. 1 John 1-5 pointed to as a short self-examination tool with tests such as loving the brothers and walking in the light
9. 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 read as the closing benediction about rejoicing, restoration, unity, and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

Talk about it

1. The pastor described Paul's posture toward the Corinthians throughout Second Corinthians as one of love rather than legalism or moral superiority. How does knowing that change the way you hear the hard things Paul says to them?
2. Paul tells the Corinthians he is seeking not what is theirs but them, comparing himself to a parent saving up for children rather than the other way around. What does it look like in practice when someone leads or serves others from that kind of motive instead of from self-interest?
3. The list in chapter twelve includes quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. The pastor said these are probably more of a draw for most of us than the sins we talk about most publicly. Do you agree, and why do you think that is?
4. Paul tells the Corinthians to examine themselves and test themselves rather than sitting in judgment over others. What is the difference between honest self-examination and either unhealthy self-condemnation or a false assurance that everything is fine?
5. The pastor closed by connecting Jeremiah's words, 'I will build them up and not tear them down, I will plant them and not pluck them up,' to the authority Paul says the Lord gave him. What does it mean to you personally that God's stated purpose toward His people is to build and plant rather than to tear down and uproot?