2 Corinthians 8:7

2 Corinthians 8:7 says, Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.  Paul now begins to speak of the abundance of the church at Corinth.  He said they abounded in everything.  Paul was speaking of spiritual things, faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, and love for Paul and those with him.  He said that since they abounded in these things, he hoped that they would abound in grace as well.  I believe that Paul was asking that they would show their love for God by helping those that were less fortunate.  Verse eight adds, I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.  Paul said he could not command the church at Corinth to give to help others, but that he could ask based on the example of others and so that they might prove their faith.  When we allow conditions to determine our giving to God, in time or resources, we are failing to act in faith.  Though no one person, nor one church, can command that another person or church give to the ministry of any other person or church, we can ask that they give by faith.  To state it more simply, we cannot command anyone else to give, but their faith should lead them to give.  Verse nine continues, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.  Paul then cites the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If He is not our Lord Jesus Christ, then what Paul is saying has no meaning to us.  Christ gave up the riches of heaven to become a poor human being so that through His poverty we might become rich in our spiritual relationship with God.  Christ did not come to make us rich materially.  Verse ten states, And herein I give advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.  Paul said that he could not command them, but he could advise them.  Paul also said that beginning a good work was not enough, but we must follow through as well.  Verse eleven adds, Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.  Paul instructed the Corinthians to carry through with their promises, especially to God.  This still applies today.  Paul said they were to do this out of what they had.  When we are blessed materially, we need to use all that we have for the glory of God.  Verse twelve continues, For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.  I believe that Paul was saying that the things we propose to do should be consistent with what we have.  We cannot give more than we have, nor should we allow what we don't have to keep us from doing anything.  We are to work with what God has blessed us with.  Verse thirteen says, For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:  Paul also tells us that we are not to sacrifice so that others may live at ease.  We are to help others as much as we are able, but we are not to do so in order for them to simply live without attempting to provide for themselves, or that they might become rich at our expense.  Verse fourteen adds, But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:  Paul said that our giving should be a equitable thing.  When we can we are to help others in need.  When we are in need, they should help us.  Verse fifteen concludes, As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.  Paul said that God's plan had never been for one to be rich and another destitute, but that all should have their needs met.  God will supply, but He expects His followers to be obedient in using what He blesses them with for the good of all His children.

2 Corinthians 8:1

2 Corinthians 8:1 says, Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;  Paul said that even though he had great faith in the church at Corinth, he wanted to share with them what was going on in the church at Macedonia.  I don't believe he was attempting to make the Corinthians feel obligated to outdo those at Macedonia but was simply sharing what they were doing for spreading the gospel of Christ.  Verse two adds, How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  Paul said that the church at Macedonia was suffering affliction and poverty, but that they were looking to help others.  We may feel that we are members of a small congregation with troubles of our own, but we should never stop looking for ways to help those Christians who are suffering even more than we are.  Verse three continues, For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;  Paul said they were willing to do more than was in their power to do.  When we act in faith, and not on what we see going on in the world around us, God will always provide for us in our liberality toward those less fortunate.  Paul did not say that God would make us materially rich if we helped those less fortunate.  I believe that as God enriches us He expects us to help others and not just ourselves.  Verse four states, Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  Paul said that the church at Macedonia, though poor themselves, prayed that Paul would receive their gift so that they could be a part of the ministry to the saints.  Paul was pretty independent, but he allowed them to help other Christians.  Verse five adds, And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.  Paul said the Macedonians exceeded his expectations, and this was due to the fact that they first gave themselves completely to the will of God.  When we purpose to give to God, we should do so based on the power of God, not our own limited ability.  Verse six continues, Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.  Paul said that he hoped that Titus would be able to complete the work that he had started, I believe due to the generosity of the church at Macedonia.  This wasn't to enrich Titus but was to help in the ministry of Christ.  We should never ask churches to give to us, even if we are witnessing for Christ, so that we might be made richer.

2 Corinthians 7:10

2 Corinthians 7:10 says, For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  Paul said that there is a difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.  Worldly sorrow does not work repentance to salvation.  Worldly repentance, directed toward people and not God still leads to spiritual death.  Verse eleven adds, For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  Paul said that the actions of the church at Corinth in the matter that needed correction brought them a clear conscience, as it were.  There were several stages to their restoration.  They had a Godly sorrow.  It is not enough to just be sorry for our actions in worldly terms, but our sorrow must be directed toward God.  They were careful in clearing themselves, again in their relationship to God.  They had a vehement desire to correct the problem.  Then Paul said they approved themselves clear in this matter.  When we allow sin into our lives, we must have a zeal to deal with it so we can be restored to complete fellowship with God.   Verse twelve continues, Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.  Paul said when he wrote to them that he was doing it for no other reason but that they might be restored to a right relationship with God.  Paul was not just condemning the one who had done wrong, nor was he uplifting the one who had been wronged.  Paul wanted both to have the right attitude toward God and themselves.  Verse thirteen states, Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.  Paul said that those with him and he were comforted by the fact that the church at Corinth was comforted, or at peace. He was even more comforted by the fact that the church there had refreshed Titus.  We as followers of Christ should uplift one another and should especially offer comfort to those who are going to other places to witness.  If they come to us, they should leave refreshed.  Verse fourteen Paul adds, For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.  Paul said he was not ashamed of boasting, or speaking highly of the congregation at Corinth, because what he said was the truth.  I believe that Paul was boasting of their faith that had endured through the problems they had.  Verse fifteen continues, And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.  Paul said Titus remembered them with affection because of the way they had received him.  Titus remembered their obedience, not to him, but to their faith in Christ.  Even if we have certain fears about the world around us, we need to still openly receive and spiritually support our fellow believers that they might be refreshed in their faith.  Verse sixteen concludes, I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.  Paul may have had concerns about the church at Corinth at one time, but he now had complete confidence in them.  If a congregation, or an individual, has a problem in their faith and repent and follow God in faith, we cannot allow their past failure to prevent us from having faith in them again.

2 Corinthians 7 :6

2 Corinthians 7:6 says, Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;  After writing about all their trials and tribulations, Paul says, Nevertheless God.  When we are suffering from trials and tribulations today, we need to be ready for the Nevertheless God.  God will be with us through it all.  Paul said God comforted those who are His who are cast down.  I believe that he was referring to the who put their faith in God.  In Paul's case, God comforted him by sending Titus to him.  Paul traveled constantly to proclaim the Gospel, and often was persecuted because of it.  Having someone come with good news about other Christians had to be a real blessing.  Verse seven adds, And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.  Paul said that what Titus had to say about the church at Corinth caused him to rejoice the more.  Knowing that they were fervently praying for him and mourning for his sufferings let him know that he had been effective in his work in Corinth.  Sometimes, just having a fellow believer come to us when we are down or even being persecuted and let us know that others are fervently praying for us can uplift us and give up us the strength to go on.  Verse eight continues, For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.  Paul said his former letter which contained words of correction had made them sorry, but only for a season.  At times, we may have to offer words of correction to a fellow believer, but we should always make sure we are doing so under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and out of an attitude of love.  Paul only repented, or felt bad, that his letter had made them sorry.  He did not take pleasure in having to write to them about the problem.  We cannot rejoice in having to speak words of correction to others.  Notice that Paul, nor we, could really correct anyone.  The correction must come from the person by that person's actions.  Verse nine concludes, Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  Paul said that he rejoiced, not because they were made sorry, but that they sorrowed to repentance.  Anytime someone repents we should rejoice in their repentance and not remind them that they had needed to repent.

2 Corinthians 7:1

2 Corinthians 7:1 says, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.  I believe that the promises that Paul referred to were that by our faith in Christ we would have the Holy Spirit living in us and that we would be the sons and daughters of God.  Paul said this should lead us to remove all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, which I believe would be our thoughts or motives, from our lives.  We need to remember that Paul did not divide his letter in to chapters and verses, and that this verse follows God's saying we would be His sons and daughters.  Verse two adds, Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.  Paul asked that they be accepted by the church at Corinth because they had neither wronged, corrupted, nor defrauded anyone.  Hopefully, as followers of Christ, we can have the same testimony today.  Verse three continues, I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.  Paul was not writing to them with an attitude of condemnation, but with an attitude of love and concern.  If we today feel the need to point out something that is wrong in the life of another believer, or even in a congregation of believers, we must be certain that God is directing us and that we do so out of love.  Verse four states, Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.  Paul said he had a great boldness in what he said to them, because he was writing what God directed him to write.  Paul said he was full of comfort, not because of his physical state, but because of his relationship to God.  He was joyful in all their tribulations.  We need to be bold in our witnessing today, even being joyful in our tribulations, because they are but temporary.  Verse five adds, For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.  Once more, Paul spoke of the trouble they had in Macedonia, which left them with no rest.  There were fightings without and fears within.  Still, he was grateful.  Too often when we have fears and doubts, we grumble and complain or live in fear, but we need to rejoice in our salvation instead.

2 Corinthians 6:11

2 Corinthians 6:11 says, O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.  Paul said that they were speaking the truth of God to the Corinthians, and they were doing it out of love for them.  Verse twelve adds, Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.  I believe that Paul was stating that even though those with him and he himself witnessed to the Corinthians out of a great love for them, that they could not make the Corinthians right with God.  The Corinthians had to do it themselves though faith in Christ.  Verse thirteen continues, Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. Paul asked that the Corinthians share that same love for others.  He said he spoke to them as little children, because they should have already know these things and that they might grow in faith.  Verse fourteen states, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  Paul said that a believer in Christ should not marry an unbeliever.  I know that sometimes the believer may reach the unbeliever, but more often the believer is pulled away from an active faith.  Paul said that righteous and unrighteousness had no fellowship and light and darkness had no communion.  I believe this means that the believer and unbeliever cannot truly become one.  Verse fifteen adds, And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  I believe Paul was continuing to point out that the believer represents Christ, and the unbeliever represents the devil.  We either belong to Christ through faith or we belong to the devil.  Verse sixteen continues, And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Paul said that believers, followers of Christ, were the temple of God.  The Holy Spirit lives in us, and since we are His temple, we are to do nothing that would bring dishonor to Him.  Verse seventeen says, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  I believe that this is a command that we live by a different standard than the world and that we are to be set aside to live for God.  I don't believe that this means that we are to avoid all contact with sinners.  We cannot reach people if we do not go into the world.  As believers though, we are to be separated from sin, but not from sinners as we witness to them.  Verse eighteen adds, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  As followers of Christ, we are the sons and daughters of Christ.  This is what separates us from the rest of the world.

2 Corinthians 6:1

2 Corinthians 6:1 says, We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  Paul said that all believers were workers together in Christ.  We are called by grace to the free gift of salvation, but we then are called to be laborers for Christ.  I believe that the only way to receive the grace of God in vain is to not truly accept the gospel.  A person might claim to believe for their own benefit, but Paul said that those who really believe will be at work for Christ, reaching out to others with the gospel. Verse two adds, For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)  Paul said that God heard those who had cried out to Him for salvation, and when the time was right, He sent Christ to redeem mankind.  Since the death of Christ, every day is the day of salvation for the lost, if they only accept Christ as their Savior and Lord.  We do not have to wait until we think everything is right, because Christ made all things right between God and us.  Now is the day.  Verse three continues, Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:  Paul said that he would live in such a way as to give no offense to others, that his ministry might not be blamed.  Do we live the same way, or do we allow our own self will to get in the way of our witnessing?  Verse four states, But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,  Verse five adds, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;  Paul listed many bad things that were happening to them but said that they lived in patience to approve themselves as ministers of God.  We often hear people today say that God wants us happy, but He really wants us to approve ourselves in the gospel, no matter what.  Verse six continues, By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,  Then verse seven adds, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  Paul stated how they were able to live for Christ.  They did it by all the things that are good about belonging to God, pureness, knowledge of God, longsuffering, kindness, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and by love that did not fail.  Paul continued adding that they relied on the word of truth, the power of God, and by being surrounded by the armor of righteousness.  In the next three verses Paul states how much differently they were viewed by people.  Verse eight says, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;  Verse nine adds, As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; Then verse ten concludes, As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. Paul declared that no matter what happened to them in this world, nor how they were viewed, that they would do everything to approve themselves as ministers of God.  So must we today.