2 Corinthians 1:12 – 2:4

Walking the walk:

Integrity and Consistency

Overview

• Background

• Paul’s conduct towards the Corinthians

• Paul’s plans and changes of plan

• God is faithful and consistent

• The real reason for Paul’s change of plan

• So what?

2 Corinthians

• Lots of scholarly debate– How many books– Were some combined?– How many visits?– What sequence

What do we know that will help us in our study?

• A difficult history

• Pain on both sides

• Paul had changed his plan to visit

• Some people were openly opposing Paul:– questioning his integrity and love for them

• We can guess what criticisms were made– Look at what Paul says

• Paul is seeking healing & restoration

Paul’s conduct (12-14)

• Paul had a clear conscience (12)– Clear, honest, unapologetic but gentle tone

• Consistency: –“In the world and especially toward you” (12)

• Holiness and sincerity toward God (12)– Set apart for service by God himself– Good and godly behaviour– Open & honest actions and motives

Paul’s conduct (12-14)

• Walk in God’s grace (12)– Not according to worldly wisdom

• Clear and understandable words (13)

• Paul’s hope (13-14)– Partial to full understanding– They will have confidence in him– Assures them of his confidence in them

Paul’s change of plan (15-17)• Paul’s confidence:– in this truth and their response

–influenced his thoughts and actions

• Paul had changed his plans

• Did not do so lightly– Not in a worldly manner

– Thoughtfully and prayerfully

• Did not keep changing his plans– Not accommodating people or dodging issues

– for personal ease or advantage

God is faithful and consistent (18-22)

• This has been clearly seen in:– Their past and present relationship– Their ministry and their lives (18-19)

• All God’s promises are “yes” in Christ (20)• By God’s spirit we stand firm– Are consistent and do what is right (21)

• Anointed, sealed, deposit, guarantee (22)• They should have known better– Their past experience of Paul– Paul will explain why he changed his plans

The real reason for Paul’s change of plan (1:23-2:4)

• Wanted to spare them– This is not avoidance

• Paul did not lord over their faith– If present would have to confront and rebuke– Wanted to give them opportunity to sort it

• Paul wanted to work with them to:– bring joy not pain– Encourage them to stand firm in faith

• Paul wrote to instruct not visit to discipline• Paul wrote with tears – deep love and compassion

So what?• Do we act with integrity and have a clear conscience?• Do we make decisions in a godly or worldly manner?• Are we peace makers who speak the truth clearly?• What strategies do we use to get our own way?• Are we relying on the Holy Spirit to help us stand firm and be consistent?• Do we look for the good in people or assume the worst despite past experiences? • Are our actions driven by godly motives?• Do we do what is right rather than what is easy?• Do we have such deep love for each other and the church?