Introduction to II Corinthians 11-13
These last two chapters express Paul’s deepest passion for this church. He is crushed that this church could be pulled away from Christ due to false apostles diverting them from their walk with Christ. Paul is troubled because there is only one church in Corinth and if this church is lost then the city and surrounding area is as well. Thus, we see his pain and fear at its peak and thatthis is not just a personal loss for Paul but rather a loss for the kingdom of God in the city of Corinth. He believed reaching the urban centers of his day would move the gospel to the rural as well. If this church is lost to the faith the impact in the area is profound.
Chapter 11 :1-6
He argues in this section that he brought them to Christ in a sincere and pure faith. He then addresses their willingness to listen to these false apostles rather than him, which he says is based on their skill in speech and not their knowledge. His understanding of Christ is vastly superior to their own but his rhetorical skill in speech does not compare.
This section easily lends itself to a great sermon: 1. Your devotion to Christ is critical in your life. 2. Men will come and try to remove you from that devotion by appealing methods. 3. Knowledge is always more important than skilled speaking. Does this not fit a
need in our churches today?
Chapter 11 :7-15
In a crazy idea they are angry at Paul because he did not take money from them when he was sharing the gospel. He took money from others which they somehow considered a sign he dd not love them. Yet their criticism does not keep him from continuing this practice. He is a great example of tenacious holiness, despite criticism. There could be a sermon somewhere in there!!
Chapter 11 :16-33
He now begins a section of his superiority to these super apostles. He will argue this from, in his words, a foolish concept. He begins contrasting his suffering with the suffering of these super apostles. The list is long and deep as to his own numerous trials in the service of Christ. He also alludes to his Jewish heritage as superior to their own.
This is a unique passage and reflects his intense concern forth is church and their falling away from the true faith in Christ. The thought of this is so troubling to Paul that he writes this very unusual paragraph. The fact that none of this is exaggerative is what gives it its meaning. It is a reminder of the passage in Galatians 6:17 where Paul tells people to leave him alone for, he has in his body the stigmata of Christ. Certainly, this contrast is unarguable.
It is difficult to navigate this for American Christians as we are the one country in the world that has never known Christian persecution. Hard to know what the future holds for us in this arena.
Chapter 12:1-10
Now he demonstrates his superiority to these super apostles by contrast not with his suffering but with blessing. He begins by sharing his unique insight into heaven. He does not know how he got there but is sure he did. What he saw he was not allowed to repeat which should keep us from being taken in by all those books about five-year-olds who have been to heaven and back. This negates the truth of those writings. However, when you share this, you will have people in your church who will be angered atthis as they have a deep belief in these books. Be prepared for that.
This moment created an arrogance in him which causes God to allow a physical issue, using Satan, which brought about his begging God to remove that. This is answered with a no which leads to the next blessing of the power of God flowing through his life. All of this is still connected to the comparison with these super apostles. They have not been to heaven and are not inundated with the power of Christ.
Obviously, this would make a great sermon. I would simply walk through the text and make deep application on the power utilized in my weaknesses. This will resonate with anyone in your congregation as they all struggle. I would also point out how God uses even Satan in our lives for our good. That is a keen reminder as to who really is sovereign.
Chapter 12:11-20
He reminds them of the miracles that occurred as the proof of his own apostleship. He then moves to the analogy of his relationship to them as his children and thus his deep love for them as their parent. He also mentions Titus as conveying his same concern and love. This is a continual reminder to them of his love even though he may have to correct them when he comes.
It is a reminder to those of us who labor in our churches that we must always combine love and discipline as we lead our congregations. We can neglect neither in this leadership.
Chapter 12:21-13:4
He now comes to deal with immorality in the church. They are still struggling with this morality issue, and he is going to address this when he arrives. This is a church that is continually influenced by the culture around it. They can’t shake the morals of their city and thus their impact is weakened in their evangelism.
This is a powerful section to remind our churches we must always rise above the values and morals of the culture in which we live out our faith. What seems to be an anti-grace life is actually the need for a church to show the qualitative difference between the world and the beauty of Christ. This is a critical need today as so many of our churches look more like the world than our savior.
Chapter 13:5-10
From this argument he moves to them checking out their own life regarding holiness. Maybe the reason they struggle with this is their own relationship is wanting and Paul desires for them to correct that.
Chapter 13:11-14
Closing comments of a general nature comprise this section.
