1. The statements of this passage (as is frequent in 1/2 Cor) are made to a specific situation (i.e. are non universal).
Situational vs Theological
As most of the Corinthian letters are written in response to specific situations in Corinth, the letters don't say as
many direct things to us like Romans or some other book of universals.
Rather, they say things to specific situations in Corinth.
A. There is a universal idea that can be extracted from the specifics.
There are theological principles underlying every specific conflict...
B. Enjoy the specific situation - these are real world examples.
The specific situations show us how things really work - our only chance to see others experiences.
1:12-14 Paul affirms his innocence
1:12 Paul affirms his good motives
This will happen several times in 2 Corinthians, and this is essentially the point of chapters 1-7 - Paul's values are godly.
v12 "in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves"
1:13 Paul denies any hidden agenda
v13 "we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end"
1:15-18 Paul defends his change of plans
v15,16 I meant to come to you (from you to Macedonia then back to you again)
v17,18 My intentions were honest, and I meant what I said.
1:19-22 Paul defends the truth of 'his' gospel
notice v19 - "Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us...was not yes and no, but is yes in Him"
Paul is arguing that the gospel is true, that Christ fulfills God's promises, that the Gospel and salvation aren't
in question.
1:23-24 Why Paul Changed His Plans
(2:1-4 discuss what Paul did instead)
Paul changed his plans "to spare" the Corinthians.
(review the painful visit)
1. Paul defends his honesty and integrity (v12-14).
v12 "In holiness and godly sincerity...we have conducted ourselves in the world."
2. Paul defends the Gospel (v19-22).
v19 "for the Son of God, Christ Jesus...was not yes and no, but is yes in Him"
3. Paul defends his motives (v24).
v24 "not that we lord it over your faith"
Also, notice Paul's repeated transitions to the Gospel.
Paul seems to be talking about one thing and then to switch over till something seemingly unrelated at several points :
v13 - talking about being 'understandable', then switching to "and I hope you will understand until the end" and v14.
v18 - switching from saying that he's not wishy-washy to salvation...
Someone in Corinth seems to be attacking Paul and the Gospel he preaches.
The Value Of A Clean Conscience
Notice Paul's confidence in v12, stemming from a clean conscience.
Compare to 1 Cor 4:1-4 :
1. Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
3. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
In the face of accusations, recall who you are responsible to.
Take accusations into consideration, but recall that you are judged only by God.
(we'll talk more about this next week)
This is the church that Paul the apostle planted.
What do we expect from our church?
- We shouldn't be easily offended
- We should expect people to be easily offended (including ourselves)
- We should expect the Gospel to come under fire
- We shouldn't necessarily assume good motives from everyone.
- We shouldn't assume that we are always in the right party.
Paul is confident in the Gospel
v20 "therefore also through him is our amen to the glory of God through us"
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the surity of God's faithfulness in Salvation (v21,22)
Bear this in mind!
How does Paul 'experience' God's specific will?
Well...very normally.
A. His motives are biblical
1. He doesn't violate any Biblical commandments (assumed here)
2. He does keep biblical values
B. He decides based on what seems to best fit these motives
"I intended to come to you..." v15
"to spare you I did not come again to Corinth" (v23 and 2:1-4)
What about the "Man From Macedonia"? (Acts 16:1-13)
Paul is making plans, God blocks him and redirects him.
This doesn't answer all my questions - but it's a huge help.