Thoughts On 2 Corinthians 7.
Key Verse:
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
In this chapter, Paul continues to appeal to the Corinthians, expressing his deep joy and relief over their repentance.
He encourages them to pursue holiness and reaffirms his love for them.
In today’s RACAD, as Apostle Paul is talking to the Corinthians’ Christians, he is also talking to all Christians worldwide; calling everyone to live a life that is perfecting holiness in the fear of God according to verse one of this chapter.
Lessons:
Why Should We Live A Life Of Holiness?
1. So that the ministry is not blamed as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:3
2. So that we might approve ourselves as ministers of God according to 2 Corinthians 6:4.
3. So that we might be like our Father who is in Heaven as seen in 1 Peter 1:16, Matthew 5:48 and Leviticus 20:26.
Prayer:
Father, thanks so much for bringing us into this year so that we can manifest Your Glory in this world!
Father, help us to live a holy life just as You are so that we may be pleasing in Your Sight in Jesus Christ’s Mighty Name we pray!
Thank You, Jesus!
Thoughts On 2 Corinthians 8
Today, we study the Book of Second Corinthians, Chapter Eight where GIVING is encouraged.
Reflections
“We Pray For The Grace To Give”
Key Scriptures:
2 Cor 8:12 NKJV
“For if there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have”
2 Corinthians 8:7
“But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in love for us- see that you abound in this grace also”
Brethren, Do you catch the Message?
To excel in GIVING is not an ORDINARY MATTER!
How To Be A Giver?
1. GIVING requires FAITH!
It takes Faith to part with “the bird in hand” believing that He that gives Seed can give AGAIN!
We can pray for this GRACE.
2. Giving capacity is ELASTIC: It is possible to INCREASE IN FAITH, IN DILIGENCE & IN GIVING
( 2 Corinthians 8:3)
3. Man is a Free Moral Agent, hence THE WILL TO GIVE IS PERSONAL!
We must be willing!
Giving of Self precedes giving of Substance.Hence, believers that are sold out to the kingdom find giving CONVENIENT
Determination to give attracts DILIGENCE & POWER TO GET WEALTH.
Levels Of Givers
2 Corinthians 8 proposed four categories/ levels of givers:
These are:
* PROPORTIONAL
* POTENTIAL
* PARTNERS
* PARTIAL
1. “According To What One Has”
(2 Corinthians 8:12)
This is “PROPORTIONAL GIVING”
Indeed, the Bible recommends “Proportionate Giving”,
following the principle of the Widow’s mite.
(Mk 12:41-44 &
Luke 21:1-4).
Jesus testified that “the widow out of her poverty put in ALL the livelihood that she had”
GIVING requires FAITHFULNESS!
2. “According To What He Does Not Have”
(2 Corinthians 8:12)
Man/Woman is NOT CONDEMNED for Not having to give!
ALL BELIEVERS ARE ACTUALLY “POTENTIAL GIVERS”
However, POTENTIAL GIVERS must receive MERCY & FAVOUR to upgrade & start GIVING.
There is Hope!
3. “Beyond Their Ability”
(2 Corinthians 8:3)
This is SACRIFICIAL GIVING
There are “RADICAL GIVERS” & PARTNERS IN THE KINGDOM.
This is strongly recommended and highly rewarding.
4. “Not Freely Willing To Give”
Most of us fall into this category of “PARTIAL GIVERS”
We give “BELOW THE ABILITY OF WHAT WE HAVE”!!
This is both UNFAITHFULNESS & UNBELIEF
Hence the need for supernatural HELP/ GRACE for an INCREASE IN FAITH.
We all need Repentance and stop committing ROBBERY & INGRATITUDE.
Psalms 96 verse 8 advises to GIVE TO THE LORD, THE GLORY DUE TO HIS NAME.
GIving is an act of Worship.
Prayers
May the Lord grant us the Power to get wealth and THE GRACE TO GIVE CONSISTENTLY.
AMEN.
Thoughts On 2 Corinthians 9
Key Scriptures
2 Corinthians 9:2 NKJV
For I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.
Isaiah 1:19 NKJV
If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
In today’s chapter, Paul continues his appeal on the necessity of giving as he mobilised collections for the poor in Jerusalem.
A lot has been said about giving and am sure none of us is in doubt about what category of giver you belong to.(For reference, please see the Reflections of 1 Corinthians chapter 8 as shared on this platform yesterday)
However, something to keep in mind from today’s chapter is for us not to stop at expressions of willingness, which is an important ingredient in giving, but to PERFORM.
Paul had bragged to the churches in Macedonia about Achaia’ believers and their readiness to give. This boasting provoked the Macedonian church to do the needful. Now that it was the turn of Achaia, he was hopeful they will live up to his expectation.
One of the gains of fellowshipping with one another as a church is to provoke one another to love and good works (Heb 10:24). Giving is a proof of our love, not only to God, but also for one another and as such, qualifies as a good work.
Opportunities will be presented as the year goes on to get involved in the good works LFF began some 40 years ago. Do not just express willingness (such as making/writing down pledges) but live up to expectation with a performance.
God manifested His love towards mankind by giving. Let’s show up and show forth in our giving. What Paul says to one, he says to all in 2 Corinthians 9:6,
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
In this year of Ebenezer, May God who is able, make all grace abound toward each one of us, so that we may always have all sufficiency in all things, and have an abundance for every good work to reap bountifully in Jesus name. Amen 🙏
Thoughts On 2 Corinthians 10
Introduction
Paul addresses criticisms and challenges to his authority in Corinth. Although his detractors see his physical presence as weak and his speech as unimpressive, Paul asserts that the strength of his ministry lies in the power of Christ, not worldly standards.
He emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare, the spiritual nature of his weapons, and his God-given authority to build up the church, not tear it down.
Corinth And Paul’s Ongoing Struggle
1. Corinth was a bustling port city famed for commerce, culture, and moral laxity. Archaeological digs at the forum and the Erastus inscription confirm its civic pride and competitive spirit.
2. Paul planted the church around A.D. 50 (Acts 18). After leaving, he wrote at least two corrective letters (1 Corinthians, a lost “severe letter,” 2 Cor 2:3-4). Chapters 10–13 likely address a minority still resisting his leadership.
3. Travel from Ephesus to Corinth took over a week by sea. Letters often preceded visits, explaining why Paul’s written tone differed from his in-person presence (10:10).
Paul’s Apostolic Authority: What It Is and What It Isn’t.
1. Rooted in Christ’s personal commissioning on the Damascus road
2. Confirmed by signs, wonders, and changed lives
3. Used to build believers, not exploit them
4. Answerable to Christ alone for final evaluation (1 Corinthians 4:3-5).
His critics relied on letters of recommendation or polished rhetoric; Paul relied on the Spirit’s power 1 Cor 2:1-5.
Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the “Weapons” (10:3-6)
1. Word of God—“the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) dismantles false ideas.
2. Prayer—calling on divine power (Ephesians 6:18; Acts 12:5-11).
3. Obedient living—Christ-like conduct undermines slander (1 Peter 2:12).
Strongholds include:
A. Prideful thinking (Genesis 11:4).
B. Philosophies that deny Christ’s supremacy (Colossians 2:8).
C. Religious legalism that shifts trust from grace to works (Galatians 5:1-4).
Common strongholds then and now
1. Greco-Roman honor culture prized status; Paul’s humility clashed with that mindset.
2. Modern equivalents: celebrity worship, materialism, and academic arrogance. Divine weapons still expose such lies and free minds for obedience to Christ.
Measuring Ministry by God’s Assignment 10:13-16
1. Paul uses the Greek word metron—“measure, boundary.” In Roman surveying, stones marked official limits; going beyond invited legal trouble.
2. God likewise assigns fields. Paul’s was the Gentile world, beginning in Corinth Acts 18:6-11. Peter’s was mainly Jewish audiences Gal 2:7-8.
3. Application: serve faithfully where God places you—family, neighborhood, workplace—without envy of another’s platform.
Boasting that honors God 10:17-18
Jer 9:23-24 warns against bragging about wisdom, strength, or riches. True glory rests in knowing God. Paul echoes this to re-center the Corinthians on Christ. Other echoes:
• Psa 34:2 “My soul will boast in the LORD.”
• 1 Sam 17:45 David boasts in God, not armor, before Goliath.
• Gal 6:14 Paul boasts only in the cross.
Archaeological & Cultural Insights
1. Military language—“demolish strongholds,” “take captive”—reflects Greco-Roman siege warfare.
2. Letters vs presence—Papyri from Egypt reveal that ancient letters often carried stronger tone than face-to-face meetings because travel delayed clarification.
3. Public speaking—Corinth hosted the Isthmian Games, including rhetorical contests. Traveling sophists charged fees for oration. Paul’s refusal to take money (11:7-9) set him apart.
Lessons
1. Spiritual battles are won with truth, prayer, and consistent obedience, not human force.
2. Christian leaders must be both gentle and ready to act decisively for the church’s good.
3. Comparing ministries breeds pride or despair; remaining within God’s assignment brings peace and effectiveness.
4. All boasting should spotlight what God has done, keeping the cross at the center.
Prayer
Dear Father, help me to regularly assess my thoughts and identify any that are not in alignment with your Word and rely on your divine power rather than worldly methods. Equipping myself with your armor as described in Eph 6:10-18 in Jesus name, Amen.
Thoughts On 2 Corinthians 11
Introduction
2 Corinthians 11 is a passionate defense where Paul protects his ministry and the Corinthian church from spiritual deception, using his extensive suffering and sacrificial service as evidence of his genuine apostleship against those who offer a counterfeit gospel.
Key Doctrinal Themes
1. Single-hearted devotion to Christ v. 3 parallels Deut 6:5 and Matt 22:37.
2. The reality of spiritual deception v. 3–4, 13–15 lines up with 1 Jn 4:1 and 1 Tim 4:1.
3. Suffering as authentic ministry proof v 23–29 echoes Jesus’ promise in John 15:18–20 and Paul’s earlier words in 2 Cor 4:7–12.
4. Boasting in weakness v. 30–33 anticipates 2 Cor 12:9, where Christ’s grace proves sufficient.
Teaching Points
Paul’s Jealousy for the Church
Paul expresses a godly jealousy for the Corinthians, desiring to present them as a pure bride to Christ 2 Cor 11:2. This highlights the importance of spiritual fidelity and purity in our relationship with Christ.
Warning Against Deception
Paul warns the Corinthians about being led astray by false apostles, comparing them to the serpent deceiving Eve 2 Cor 11:3-4. This emphasizes the need for vigilance and discernment in spiritual matters.
Paul’s Suffering and Sacrifice
Paul lists his sufferings and hardships as evidence of his genuine apostleship (2 Cor 11:23-27. This underscores the reality that true ministry often involves sacrifice and endurance.
Boasting in Weakness
Paul reluctantly boasts about his weaknesses to highlight God’s strength in his life 2 Cor 11:30. This teaches us that our weaknesses can be opportunities for God’s power to be displayed.
Practical Applications:
Guard Against False Teachings
Be diligent in studying Scripture and testing teachings against the Word of God to avoid being led astray by false doctrines.
Value Spiritual Integrity
Prioritize spiritual integrity and purity in your walk with Christ, striving to be a faithful and pure bride for Him.
Embrace Suffering for Christ
Recognize that suffering and sacrifice are often part of the Christian journey and can be used by God for His glory.
Boast in Christ’s Strength
Instead of focusing on personal strengths, boast in your weaknesses, allowing Christ’s power to be evident in your life.
Summary
The chapter contrasts glittering impostors with a scarred, self-supporting apostle whose life echoes the cross. Holding fast to the simple, pure devotion to Christ is the sure defence against any dazzling counterfeit.
Connections To Additional Scriptures
Gal 1:6-9
Paul warns against turning to a different gospel, reinforcing the need for discernment.
Eph 6:10-18
The armor of God passage, which equips believers to stand firm against deception and spiritual attacks.
Phi 3:7-11
Paul speaks of counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, paralleling his willingness to suffer for the gospel.
Prayer
Oh Lord, i will guide the gospel by testing every teaching against Scripture Acts 17:11 and measure leaders by sacrifice, not showmanship 1 Thess 2:5-9 in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
