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The false apostles had been doing their fair share of boasting. So, Paul, even though he would prefer not to, is required to act foolish and boast of his own accomplishments. But the purpose of this is not to build himself up, but rather with frequent exclamations of the foolishness for this exercise, it is to undermine the validity of the false apostles boasting. But even in his boasting, Paul boasts of his weaknesses primarily instead of his strength. The truth is, God moves in our weaknesses where there can be no doubt that it is Him working.

The Corinthians had been easily deceived and led astray by false teachers. These teachers came in and boasted of their own abilities all the while cutting down Paul. But Paul is now going to take an aggressive stance with these false teachers. By the end of this message, we will know exactly what Paul thinks of these false apostles.

With the last couple of chapters dealing with gift the Corinthians had promised to prepare for the Saints in Jerusalem but had not yet, this chapter switches gears. Paul once again begins to defend his ministry from the false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church and have relentlessly attacked him and his ministry.

Paul continues in chapter nine addressing the gift the Corinthians promised to give for the Saints in Jerusalem, Then, he begins to teach basic principles of giving. God loves a cheerful giver, and the result of our giving is thanksgivings towards God.

At some point, maybe when he delivered the first letter, maybe before, Titus had started a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. In this part of the letter, Paul is going to encourage them to finish what they started, completing this act of the grace of God.

The Corinthian church had caused Paul no shortage of heart aches. But, in spite of this, he loved them very much. The first part of this letter has been about defending his ministry and restoring his relationship with them, and today, we finish with Paul encouraging them once again to open their hearts to him. In addition, he spends a great deal of time encouraging and commending them on how they responded to his first letter.

As we read 2 Corinthians, it seems the Corinthian church did not really appreciate Paul and what he had done for them. When they should have been defending Paul to his opposition, they were instead listening to them. Today, we are going to see a continuation of Paul's defense and proof of Paul’s love for the Corinthians. In addition, he will round out the chapter with a very important lesson about making sure that we are not yoked (partnered) with unbelievers.

Paul continues in his thoughts on the eternal verses the temporal as we begin chapter 5. We live in earthly bodies, but we groan to be clothed in our heavenly bodies. But whether in this body or our heavenly body, our aim is to please God. And while we are here, we are ambassadors of Christ and we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. And our goal should be to share the gospel and persuade others of its truth.

Paul was no stranger to difficulties, hardship, and persecution, but, because of the importance of his ministry and the power and strength of God, he didn't lose heart. Instead of complaining about hardships and what he didn’t have, he keeps his focus on what He does have in Christ. We should do the same.

Moses came with the ministry of death carved in letters in stone, but Paul presents the ministry of the Spirit which brings life. And where once men were left with a veil over their heart, we, with unveiled face behold the glory of the Lord and are being transformed!

In the days of Noah, they were unaware until the flood came and swept them away. It will be the same way when Jesus returns. That is why it is so important to share the Gospel so others are not swept away.

Paul's decision to not visit the Corinthians was made in great pain and anguish. Today we see Paul explain in greater detail why, in order to not cause them any additional pain, that he didn't visit as expected. He also encourages forgiveness to the one who seems to have caused this painful situation.