Through The Bible - English - 50 (2 Corinthians-1) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The quality of a church's life depends heavily on the inner life and godliness of its leader. True ministry is not just about spiritual gifts or anointing, but about the life lived through trials, as exemplified by Paul. To have a genuine ministry, one must combine deep study of God's Word, fervent prayer, and fasting, culminating in an 'education of trial' so that one can share the strength received from Christ's sufferings.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Second Corinthians and the leader of the churchWhile 1 Corinthians addresses outward church matters, 2 Corinthians focuses on the inner life of the servant or leader who plants and leads the church.
The earthen vessel and the golden cupSpectacular gifts without inner spiritual life leave people spiritually thirsty, whereas an ordinary vessel filled with living water nourishes souls.
The comfort and strengthening of GodGod's comfort acts as a fortress, strengthening believers through trials so they can share that same strength with others facing afflictions.
Trials as the education of a servantStudy and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are necessary, but God also takes His servants through an education of trial to build a true ministry.
Burdened beyond strength to learn trustPaul shares how he was burdened beyond his strength so that he would learn not to trust in himself, but solely in God.
Restoring the offended brotherPaul urges the church to forgive and welcome back the disciplined brother who has repented, ensuring he is not overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
The danger of unforgivenessFailing to forgive others gives Satan an advantage and can lead to spiritual ruin, because God expects us to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Viewing offenders with compassionSeeing sin as a spiritual sickness helps deliver believers from bitterness and anger toward those who mistreat them.
Led always in triumph and the fragrance of ChristGod leads His servants in triumph everywhere, manifesting the knowledge of Christ as a fragrance of life to some and death to others.
Not peddling the word of GodTrue servants of God speak with sincerity in Christ, unlike those who peddle or commercialize the word of God for financial gain.
Old covenant versus new covenant servantsWhile old covenant priests studied and preached laws, new covenant servants speak out of a living, experiential relationship with God and derive their sufficiency from Him.
The ministry of righteousness over condemnationNew covenant preaching brings liberty and hope, leading people to righteousness and glory, unlike old covenant preaching that only condemns.
The fading glory of Moses versus the increasing glory in ChristMoses put a veil over his face to hide the fading glory of the old covenant, but in the new covenant, the Holy Spirit transforms believers from one degree of glory to an ever-increasing glory.
The ministry of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit brings liberty from sin, traditions, and human opinions while revealing the glory of Jesus in the Scriptures to transform us into His likeness.2 Corinthians 3:17–18
Renouncing hidden shame and craftinessTrue servants of God renounce hidden shameful things, craftiness, and dishonesty, maintaining a transparent and open life before God.
Treasure in earthen vesselsGod places the glorious light of the gospel inside weak, unimpressive earthen vessels so that the surpassing power belongs to Him.
The breaking of the vessel like Gideon's pitchersJust as Gideon's soldiers had to break their earthen pitchers for the light to shine, God breaks our outer self-life through trials so His light can shine forth.
Carrying the dying of JesusBy daily taking up the cross and dying to human honor, prestige, and self-will, the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh.
Light and momentary afflictions producing eternal gloryBelievers look away from seen troubles to unseen eternal realities, knowing that present afflictions are working an eternal weight of glory in their lives.
