2 Corinthians 10:1

2 Corinthians 10:1 says, Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:  Paul was now speaking only for himself and not for those with him.  We may identify with a particular congregation, but ultimately, we can only speak for ourselves in matters of faith.  Matthew Henry points out that Paul likely met more opposition at Corinth than he did anywhere else.  Since he was being attacked personally about his faith, Paul wanted to speak personally about his relationship to Christ.  He did not do so with boasting, but with meekness.  We don't need to brag about our faith, but we need to meekly live it for others to see.  Verse two adds, But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.  Paul said that even though he was meek in speaking about himself, that he hoped he could be bold in proclaiming the gospel when he was with them.  He particularly wanted to be bold in defending himself against those who accused him of preaching the gospel for his own benefit.  There were those who claimed that Paul really just walked according to the flesh, or the desires of the world.  There are those today who make the same claim about all preachers or even Christians, but we should live our lives so that we can boldly deny this claim.  Verse three continues, For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  Paul said that there was no way in this world to not walk in the flesh.  When we become followers of Christ, we still have the same human body as before, but our spirit has been changed.  We now live for Christ and the Holy Spirit lives in us.  Paul said that they did not war after the flesh.  The war that Paul was fighting was spiritual.  Verse four declares, (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Paul said that his weapons were not carnal, or man-made things of the flesh, but were spirit powered through his faith in and obedience to God.  We might live totally at ease in the world today, but if we are not living for the glory of God, we are failing as His followers.  Verse five adds, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  Paul tells us that we are not to live by the things that we might imagine are true, nor by those things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.  There are many people today who exalt certain theories, such as the Big Bang theory, more than the creation of the world by God.  Paul warned early in the life of the church to not allow any belief to come between God and us.  Paul said that we are to bring every thought into obedience to Christ.  This implies a deliberate action.  We are not to just let our thoughts occasionally drift to Christ, but we are to keep Him foremost in our thoughts.  Verse six continues, And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.  I don't believe that Paul was telling us that we are to be out to punish those who are disobedient, but that we must correct them if they are not presenting the gospel accurately.  We cannot allow anyone to pervert the gospel, especially those who call themselves followers of Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:6

2 Corinthians 9:6 says, But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Paul was making the comparison of giving to God to a farmer sowing seed.  If the farmer doesn't sow many seed, he is not going to reap a large crop.  If we don't give a lot to God in faith we cannot expect to reap a large crop for Him.  If a farmer hoards his seed, they do him no good.  It is only when he sows them that they are useful.  The same is true with the things God blesses us with.  If we hoard it all for ourselves, it is useless to God.  We must use, or sow, what God gives us for His glory.  Verse seven adds, Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  Paul did not say that everyone was to give a specified amount, but that they were to give what they knew in their heart was right for them to give.  Paul also said that they were not to give grudgingly or out of necessity.  If we give to the church, or even to a fellow Christian, feeling that we must but don't want to, then we cannot expect our gift to be honored by God.  As Paul then concluded, God loves a cheerful giver.  For example, if we are writing out a tithe check and mentally complaining with every stroke of the pen, I don't believe that we are pleasing God.  Verse eight continues, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  Paul said that when we give willingly and cheerfully that God will provide us with a sufficiency in all things.  We do not need to read this to mean that God will give us everything we want, but that He will sufficiently supply all our needs.   Verse nine states, (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.  The verse ten adds, Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)  Since Paul did not divide the verses, then these two verses in parentheses should be considered together.  Paul said that just as God had dispersed the gospel abroad to the poor, He would likewise provide for the needs of those who gave to His work.  We don't work for a reward from God, but we work or give with faith that He will meet our every need.  Verse eleven continues, Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.  Paul stated this in conjunction with giving by faith to help others.  I do not believe that this means that when we give to others that we will become materially rich, but that God will always be bountiful in meeting our needs.  Then, because God does meet our every need, we should always give thanks to Him.  Verse twelve declares, For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;  Paul said that giving to others not only helped them, but it resulted in many thanksgivings to God.  This is only possible when those giving do so with a cheerful heart.  If we give, but hate doing so, there can be no thanksgiving to God on our part.  Verse thirteen adds, Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;  Paul said that the giving to others for the spreading of the gospel proved to others that they were subjected to the gospel themselves.  The way that we use what God has blessed us with shows how much we are subjected to the gospel.  Verse fourteen continues, And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.  Paul said that those who were being helped prayed for the grace of God to be exceedingly great with the church at Corinth.  We should always be in prayer for other believers, but especially for those who are giving freely to those less fortunate so that the gospel might be preached to all.  Verse fifteen concludes, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.  This should always be our declaration, whether we are the giver or the receiver of help.  Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift, which is not material things, but salvation through Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:1

2 Corinthians 9:1 says, For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:  Paul said that the work of the church at Corinth in ministering to the saints, the believers in Christ, spoke for itself.  He said it would be superfluous for him to write about it.  Our work in ministering to the needs of our fellow believers should be the same.  It should be unnecessary for anyone to write about it because the whole world should be able to see our faith in action.  Verse two adds, For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.  Paul said that they had started a good work and that they needed to continue to follow through with it.  I don't believe that Paul was commanding them to continue but was simply stating that what they had done in the past, or started doing in the past, did not mean that they now did not need to continue.  The same is true for us today.  Paul had boasted to other churches about the Corinthians, and he did not want them to disappoint those who looked to them as faithful followers.  I believe that by boasting Paul meant he spoke highly of them and held them up as an example for other churches.  I don't believe that he was boasting to make other churches feel less important.  Verse three continues, Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:  Paul said he sent the brethren to tell them that someone would be coming to collect the donation they were collecting to help other churches.  He did this so they would be ready and not let down his faith in them.  We today need to be prepared to deliver on our promises to God.  Verse four states, Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.  Paul said that if the representatives from Macedonia came with him and the church at Corinth was unprepared that the church at Corinth should be ashamed that Paul had boasted of their faith.  Again, if we make promises to God, we should be ready to follow through on them.  If we don't, others may be disappointed in us, but the shame will be ours.  Verse five adds, Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.  Paul said he wanted them to be ready to give freely without coveting what was given.  I don't believe that Paul demanded that they give and was sending someone to see if they were doing so.  I believe that they had freely promised to give, and Paul just wanted to see if they were following through.  We cannot demand that others give, but we can pray that if they do that they do so with a willing heart, as we must do likewise.

2 Corinthians 8:16

2 Corinthians 8:16 says, But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.  Paul thanked God for Titus, who had an earnest caring for the Corinthians as did Paul.  We should always thank God that we are not alone in our working for Him.  Verse seventeen adds, For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.  Titus was not sent by anyone else but went to the Corinthians because he felt called to do so.  We today do not have to wait for some person or group to send us to minister to others but should do so as God directs us.  Verse eighteen continues, And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;  Paul said that even though Titus began on his own that now Paul was sending him with a brother to spread the gospel.  Even if we begin a work on our own under God's leadership, we still should be open to others helping us and even working through us to accomplish God's will.  Verse nineteen states, And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:  Here, Paul said that Titus was chosen by the churches to travel with them by God's grace.  Paul and Titus were working for the glory of the same Lord.  We should work together with all other followers of Christ for the glory of God.  Verse twenty adds, Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:  I don't believe that Paul was saying that Titus and he and those with him had an abundance of material things themselves.  They did have an abundance of faith, and any material abundance they had was passed on to the less fortunate believers.  Verse twenty-one continues, Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.  Paul said the church at Corinth, which is a group of people and not a building, were honest, not only with God, but with those they had dealings with.  We cannot claim to be honest with God and cheat anyone.  Verse twenty-two says, And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.  Paul was possibly referring to Apollos, though he doesn't identify him by name.  Whoever he was, he was a fellow worker for Christ.  Even if we are not named, we need to be known as faithful workers for Christ by our fellow believers.  Verse twenty-three adds, Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.  Paul was basically vouching for Titus and those that were at work for Christ with him.  Paul did not place himself above these others, because the were all messengers of the churches for the glory of God.  No one Christian today is above any other if we are living up to our particular calling.  Verse twenty-four concludes, Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.  Paul asked the Corinthian church to show to those being sent to them the proof of their love that Paul had boasted about.  We need to be the type congregation today that other Christians can boast about, or hold up as, a great example of a faithful church.

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.