Through The Bible - Tamil - 52 (2 Corinthians - 2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon warns against unequally yoking oneself with unbelievers, emphasizing that fellowship between light and darkness is impossible because God and the devil have different aims. The speaker stresses that true Christian life requires being born again and living by the values of the light, not compromising with worldly views. He also addresses the necessity of perfecting holiness through the fear of God and critiques the modern practice of ministers soliciting money from congregations.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God commands believers not to be unequally yokedThe instruction against being unequally yoked pictures the Old Testament law prohibiting plowing with an ox and a donkey together, signifying that a child of God and an unbeliever have fundamentally different aims and values.2 Corinthians 6:14
Perfecting holiness in the fear of GodTrue holiness is perfected not in the fear of man to impress others, but in the fear of God by focusing on the inner life that only God can see.
The apostolic pattern of financial supportThere is no biblical precedent for men of God asking for financial support for their ministry; true servants trust God completely without begging or borrowing.
The biblical definition of being richUsing Christ's example of becoming poor and the warning to Laodicea, true wealth is defined not by a large bank account, but by having need of nothing because God provides.
Giving sparingly and reaping bountifullyGod treats us as we treat others, wanting cheerful givers who do not approach giving as a business contract with God.
The weapons of our warfare and destroying fortressesSpiritual warfare is fought by destroying carnal thoughts and speculations in our minds that justify sin, bringing every single thought into obedience to Christ.
Paul's unimpressive presence and the Corinthians' carnal standardsThe Corinthians despised Paul because his physical presence was unimpressive and his speech contemptible, preferring false preachers who took advantage of them.
Why Paul had to defend his apostleshipPaul reluctantly defended his apostleship not for self-glory, but so the Corinthians would take his authoritative teachings seriously and avoid being deceived away from pure devotion to Christ.
Self-support as a distinction from false apostlesBy refusing to take money from the Corinthians and working to support himself, Paul cut off the pretext of false apostles who preached purely for financial gain.
Paul's true credentials through suffering and humilityInstead of boasting of degrees or titles, Paul listed his genuine apostolic credentials through imprisonments, beatings, dangers, and finally being lowered in a basket like a weak man.
Visions, revelations, and the danger of prideThough Paul experienced great heavenly visions, he kept them hidden for fourteen years because he knew he was in danger of becoming proud.
The purpose of the thorn in the fleshGod gave Paul a painful physical sickness as a messenger of Satan to keep him from pride and force him to rely completely on God.
My grace is sufficient for youWhen Paul prayed for the sickness to be removed, God answered that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in human weakness.
Testing your faith and walking in humilityJust as Jesus chose weakness over asserting His own power, believers are called to test themselves to see if they possess this same faith and humility.
