2 CORINTHIANS 1:12-24 – ANSWERING THE CRITICS
- The Apostle Paul had more than his share of critics, especially among false teachers.
- A person who is opposed to us, will pick at the littlest things we do and criticize.
- In this situation, Paul had changed his plans for a visit to Corinth, and the critics used this to accuse him of waffling and being unreliable.
FAITHFUL PRACTICES – Vss. 12-14
- Paul had a clear conscience. Vs. 12
- Paul had no hidden agenda, or ulterior motives. Vs. 13
- Paul was further confident that when Christ returns, that he and the Corinthians would be mutually proud of each other. Vs. 14
FAITHFUL PLANS – Vss. 15-18
- Paul was being criticized because he changed his plans. Vss. 15-16, 1 Corinthians 16:3-6
- The implications suggest that Paul was dishonest, speaking out of both sides of his mouth. If, his plans could not be trusted, nothing he taught could be trusted. This, of course, was not true. Vs. 17
- As sure that God was faithful, Paul was not vacillating between two statements. Vs. 18
FAITHFUL PROCLAMATION – Vss. 19-20
- The proclamation of the Gospel by Paul and his companions did not vacillate. Vs. 19
- All the promises of God in Christ are reliable and do not change. Vs. 20
- When the Gospel of Christ is preached, God is glorified.
FAITHFUL PRIVILEGES – Vss. 21-22
- As Christians, we are:
- Established
- Anointed
- Sealed – Ephesians 1:13-14
- Reserved – The Holy Spirit inside of us is God’s down payment or earnest money, guaranteeing that He will finish the job of making like Christ in our glorified bodies.
FAITHFUL PURPOSE – Vss. 23-24
- Paul shared the reason for delaying his visit. He had the best interests of the Corinthians in mind. Vs. 23
- Paul was not trying to “boss” the Corinthians. His goal was that they would have joy through their obedient faith. It is in this faith that we stand.
