2 Corinthians 1:15-24
Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in Him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me–it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. (ESV)
Introduction
There were problems in the church at Corinth and between them and Paul. As you read this passage you find the heart of everything in Christian ministry and life.
Consider Paul’s faithfulness:
- His Apostolic Intentions
Paul declares his intentions to want to go to the Corinthians but then could not go. They questioned his integrity and motivation because he was unable to visit them. He addressed these questions of his integrity through the sincerity of his intentions, namely:
a) To Minister Grace to them (v 15)
This is the only purpose that a Pastor ought to have. Only one thing can heal a broken soul – the Grace of God. Paul was profoundly aware that he was a fallen sinner saved by grace alone.
b) To share in Fellowship (v 16)
c) To show them Mercy (vv 23-24)
We are dangerous when we know that we are right. If you act on it without prayer and self-examination you will hurt people. Paul waited and put the best possible construction on their actions and showed them mercy in not coming to them because of their transgressions – things that shouldn’t be going on in the Church, namely Disobedience (1 Cor. 1:11), Immorality (1 Cor. 5:1) and Divisions (1 Cor. 1:12-13). - His Apostolic Integrity
He affirmed his commitment to the Gospel and to them. - His Pastoral Incentive
a) The cross was Jesus’ ‘Yes’, which is why Paul said ‘Yes’ to the ministry.
b) Jesus is the ‘Yes’ of God’s promises.
c) God has put His seal on believers – a mark of ownership and approval.
d) God’s seal on Christ’s Establishment and Anointing.