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Preliminaries
Dedication
These notes are dedicated with gratitude to my loving wife, Anne, whose role as a loving helpmate has enabled me in all my endeavors for Christ during the past forty years. Her constant encouragement, wise input, and helpful assistance have affirmed her full partnership in all of our endeavors.
Publication Notice
Revision August 2007
Copyright 2007, James P. Steel
www.centerforbiblicalministries.com
Unless noted otherwise, all quotations are from the King James version and basic Greek definitions cited are from Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
This material may be freely copied and distributed through any media so long as no alterations are made to the text and no charge of any kind is associated with the distribution of these materials, including charges for web access. All biblical quotations are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted.
These and similar materials represent a work of love added into an already full schedule. Suggestions for improvement and clerical adjustments are always welcomed.
Contact: BibleTrainer@CenterForBiblicalMinistries.com
The nature of this study:
Pastors looking for a deeply exegetical treatment of Corinthians will not find it here. While every effort has been made to respect the Greek and use it when appropriate and necessary, the notes in this text contain a mix of both information and exhortation. They are designed to be read and understandable by adults in general. They are in a format which lends easily for use in preaching and in teaching.
A Word About the Author
Jim Steel has served equally in church planting, missions, and Christian education endeavors. His doctrinal position is available at www.CenterForBiblicalMinistries.com. His ministry has focused heavily on the centrality of Christ and he stands without apology for the full and complete inspiration of the Bible and the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through the sacrifice of our risen Christ. Dr. Steel, who is an instructor at Cornerstone Bible Institute in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is available for personal contact through the web site noted above.
Abbreviated Contents – Chapter Titles – Full Contents at End
Abbreviated Contents – Chapter Titles – Full Contents at End
Abbreviated Contents – Scripture References – Full Contents at End
An Introduction to 2 Corinthians
The Price and Reward of Intervention
New Covenant Dynamics - Part II
What Happens at the Bema? - II
Table of Contents – Full Outline
Abbreviated Contents – Scripture References – Full Contents at End
An Introduction to 2 Corinthians
Intro: Our goal today is just to stick our toes into the water and get just a glimpse of where we are heading in our new study of 2 Corinthians. In any biblical study you will benefit by taking notes. If you are not much of a note taker you may still wish to consider owning a Bible which provides you with a little marginal space on each side of the text. That way, you can at least make some comments adjacent to verses that are being covered. You will be pleased at how productive and helpful it is, years later, to discover these notes and comments.
For today, however - let's just have a little breakfast for the brain by settling in first, on The Setting, and then, on The Servant. Let's talk about:
The Setting of 2 Corinthians
I have spared you from any detailed investigation of the background of Corinthians - but if you would like an excellent discussion of the background and writing of this book, along with a presentation of the issues which are outstanding, don't hesitate to order Colin Kruses' paperback book on 2 Corinthians in the Tyndale Series. This is the first work I have read by Kruse and I have been very pleased with his scholarship.
Even so, for our purposes we will set most of the scholarship aside and just try to get the big picture.
Corinth, itself, was a showcase Grecian city which was the capital of Achaia. For it's time it was a large city which had grown inordinately fast - due, primarily to its ideal location for trading. Corinth had the "best" of everything, a cosmopolitan "New York City" of the Roman Empire. The best of the arts, athletics, education, and iniquity were all to be found there.
Paul first preached the Gospel in Athens and then went to Corinth as we read in our scripture reading today. His church planting period went for a year and a half during which both Jews and Gentiles were saved.
Among the list of famous converts were Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, Erastus (chamberlain of the city) and Gaius - a man of great wealth. As usual, however, most of those who were saved were of the poor and downtrodden.
Do you remember what Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:26? He said:
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: (AV)
God is not interested in our family tree, our wealth, or or the level of our religious fervency. The Bible speaks of those who came to Christ in John 1:11
Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (AV)
This is wonderful, because it means that you have a chance to be saved today.
The day came when Paul left Corinth, ostensibly, to attend the feast at Jerusalem - According to Acts 18:21. He then left Jerusalem and spent an additional 3 years at Ephesus, according to Acts 20:31.
It was during the last part of this stay when reports began coming to Paul about the work in Corinth and how spiritual life had degenerated there. The household of Chloe, for example, reported to Paul concerning all of the division at Corinth. The list of troubles in the Corinthian church can be easily discovered by reading Paul's first letter to Corinth, or 1 Corinthians.
Now, according to 1 Corinthians 16:8 Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote that letter and had planned to stay there until Pentecost. It was probably about the year 57.
The second epistle to the Corinthians was probably written a short time after the first letter and it was probably written from Thessalonica. It had been Paul's intention to visit Corinth once again, but he had been hindered temporarily, so he sent Timothy and Erasmus on ahead. In the meantime, we believe he received a report from Titus on how his first letter had been received. This was a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it had encouraged Paul to see how the Corinthians were seeking to obey his instructions. On the other hand, it required Paul to answer some charges concerning some attacks which were made on his own character and motives. We will see these things as we take the book of 2 Corinthians off the shelf and dust it off. One of the remarkable things you will see as we move to our second point of the study - is how stable Paul is - how capable he is of handling criticism - how well he handled difficulty when it arose. So, having looked at the setting, let's look at the one whom God chose to write this book. Let's examine:
II. The Servant - The Apostle Himself
1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The greeting in front of us is a textbook greeting. First, it is a standard Greek A to B greeting with the usual "From - To" salutation which was common to all letters of the period. But, secondly, it has been enhanced as a Christian Greeting, and that is the key to our understanding. We notice several significant changes to the typical Greek salutation. They are each here for a good reason.
A. Paul has an Agenda.
To begin, instead of just saying, "Paul" or "Paul of Tarsus” we read: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother."
This is because Paul has an agenda. It is clearly Paul's intention to establish his authority as an apostle at the very onset. Later, we will understand why it was necessary for Paul to do this another time with the Corinthians. For our purposes, we will just remind ourselves that the alternative to authority is anarchy, be it in the government, the community, the school, the church, or the home. God demands respect for authority. Pastor/elders, even though not Apostles, must also be willing to assert biblical authority. When they do not; when they "trust the Lord to work things out" and abrogate their duties as leaders, Satan diminishes their effectiveness. Fathers and husbands, even though not apostles, must also be willing to assert biblical authority. Your home is not a democracy. It is an institution chartered by the King.
At the same time, that authority must come from God. Whatever position we fill must be filled according to the will of God. There are many today who are speaking in the name of God who have not been sent by God.
Jeremiah recorded:
Jer 23:21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. (AV)
These charlatans are easy to spot by folks who know God's Word, but they are quick to prey on the young in the faith, their prime target, and those who have not learned to feed on the scriptures themselves. They are all around us. Pastors could name a new one each Sunday from their pulpits. A very popular one right now is Arnold Murray and the Shepherd's Chapel. He was not called to run.
Now, we know that a person's authority does not come from God when his words contradict the Word of God. Isaiah warned:
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (AV)
When someone comes along and tells you that he has new information which supersedes what you have learned in this book you know you are dealing with a false teacher.
Paul, on the other hand, was an Apostle, an apostle sent by the will of God. But, unlike the other apostles, Paul continually had to defend his apostleship because he was the one apostle who was saved after resurrection and ascension of Christ. That's one reason.
Another reason why Paul's authority was challenged was that, I believe, the Apostles had replaced Judas with the wrong man, Matthias. Following Peter's inimitable impulsive leadership they voted in the wrong man, therefore, precluding the right man. It is not that Matthias did us any harm; it is that his selection hindered Paul in filling his rightful position. When churches select pastors they would do well to ask themselves, is this the man God wants us to have at this time? A poor choice may hurt all of the parties involved, the man who was called, his family, the man who was not called, and the church itself.
So, this is not a typical Greek greeting because Paul uses it as an occasion to assert his apostolic authority right up front.
B. This is an atypical greeting, for any letter.
He begins, ”Paul…and Timothy, our brother”. This is not to suggest that a letter could not have more than one author, but it would be unthinkable that an elevated teacher would include his disciple's name on the letterhead, so to speak. We sense in Paul, right at the onset, a spirit of equality. While, he asserted that authority we talked about a moment ago, we see a precious commonality in Paul exhibiting no presumption and no self-importance. We will readily see in 2 Corinthians what we have seen everywhere else; Paul is a team player, but he is not just another team member.
C. The word “grace” is not a typical Greek Greeting.
This is seen in the choice of words which Paul makes. He says in the beginning of verse 2:
2 Cor. 1:2 ¶ Grace be to you.
There is here, another subtle change in the wording which Greeks would be quick to notice. The typical Greek greeting would, in the Greek be chairein. Chairein means ”to rejoice, to thrive well, or salutations!” Now, it is true that James, in his general epistle, does use this work as a Greeting in James 1:1
Jas 1:1 ¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
This "greeting" is also used a couple of times in Acts. But, Paul, in his letters substitutes a word which only the Christians used. It is the Greek charis, or Grace. Grace, grace to you!
Our realization of this doctrine of grace begins at the moment of salvation when the true meaning of Newton's song dawns on us:
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved,
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.
From the momentous instant when we begin this salvation journey until the day we are ushered into the presence of Christ, the word grace becomes sweeter, and sweeter, and sweeter all the time. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! And not only does God provide grace for salvation and grace for dying, but He gives grace for living as well, race for the day, and grace for the hour. Grace!
Now, so that a misunderstanding does not result, it may interest us to know that there is a hint of the word grace in that old Gentile word for greeting, charein, but it is only a hint. It is only in Christ that charein becomes charis, and the lights come on, the bud of life turns into a blossom, and the eyes are opened.
There is one practice, yea there are two, (to coin Solomon) asserted by pagans which grind me to the quick and bring out the worst in my repertoire of responses. They are the fingernails on the chalkboard of my soul.
The first is when TV commercials and TV comedies dare to use the Hallelujah Chorus in their foolish antics. Every time something funny happens some scriptwriter thinks the Hallelujah Chorus belongs there. If these writers had one tenth of an ounce of understanding about the purpose and intent of that sacred piece they would never defile and profane it with their vile, earthy antics. Such characters are thieves, robbing the King of Glory of His rightful place and praise.
And the second nail on the chalkboard practice is when the world strikes up a chord and begins singing or typically, wailing "Amazing Grace!” Why am I so ingratiated by their choice of renditions? I am offended because no one has the right to sing amazing grace that has not been saved by grace. By using the Hallelujah Chorus in their commercials men rob the living God of His glory. By singing Amazing Grace, these unsaved Christ deniers rob the Church of her treasure. These words belong to the redeemed, not to the world and its performers!
So, we see the word grace is more than just a greeting among believers; it is a testimony! It is a rallying point! It is the source of the joy and rejoicing we pray upon others! It is the communal word, the electric word which energizes all true believers everywhere. It is a bucket over the well of forgiveness which freely gives the water of life only to the unworthy, only to the wretches, only to the failures, and only to sinners such as we.
If you, the reader, see yourself as a failure, hopelessly lost in the eyes of God, you, and only you, are eligible for the grace of God. But dare to bring one thing in your hand; bring one offering, one good deed, one good character trait, and you will be turned away empty at the door of grace. Only the empty handed may turn in there. Only the desperate and dying need apply. This same Paul wrote concerning Christ in 2 Timothy 1:9
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (AV)
D. The word “peace,” is not a typical Greek greeting.
It is not that the Greeks did not use this word (eirene, eirene) as a greeting. They too, would wished peace upon one another, but their conception of peace was a classical conception of peace.
The Greek conception of peace was negative. It was a desire for the absence of hostility. Peace, to the Greek mind, was simply the absence of turbulence and trouble. The Christian in Paul's time, used the same Greek word eirene, but he added a new dimension to it. The Christian used this word to translate the Hebrew word Shalom. This meant that the Christian's view of peace carried a much richer meaning. For the Christian peace is not only the absence of hostility, it is the positive idea of wholeness and well being and satisfaction and fulfillment.
Now, what kind of peace do you have today? Is there satisfaction in your inner soul? Is there fullness? Is there a sense of wholeness and well being? It is the Christian contention that, in spite of all you may have read by new age counterfeiters, this kind of pure satisfaction, this kind of wellness and wholeness of the soul, results only as a product of our new life in Christ!
Just as it is with grace, so it is with peace. There is a peace with God which comes at the time of salvation. Paul said:
Ro 5:1 ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (AV)
And then, we can experience the peace of God by learning to appropriate all that we are in Christ. Peace! Real peace! The lost commodity of our age is free for the taking.
Consider the shallow perception of the world. Even by examining a simple greeting such as this we see a stark contrast. We see that where Christianity goes it enhances and enriches the human experience. Wherever the world touches upon Christian terms it deprecates, re-defines, and diminishes them. There is, in Christ, a richness and fullness that cannot even be found in this old world. And, the more the world tries to portray true Christianity the more foolish it looks. True Christians know they have never seen Hollywood portray what a spirit filled Christian as he really is. The world cannot produce our hymns for us, and when it tries it fails utterly to convey anything beyond sentimental gibberish. It cannot fabricate a simple sermon as it is really preached in Bible believing churches. The world sees only the surface, and can’t even replicate that correctly.
In something as simple as the opening greeting to one of Paul's letters we begin to see the great chasm between the Christian mindset and the world's mindset, between imagined grace and true grace, between imagined peace and true peace, and between fool’s gold and real gold. After painting its false impression of Christianity on the canvass of our minds the world does an about face and says, "Look how ugly it is, why would you want that??"
There is a Savior, there is a salvation, and there is a fountain of grace and love and forgiveness which runs so deep one can never dive to its depths. There is a change of heart and mind and perception so profound that one truly coming to Christ you will always look back and ask himself, why was I satisfied with the imitation so long when the real thing was right within my grasp..
Grace and peace, true grace and peace, can be yours in Christ today. You can experience true forgiveness, true salvation, true release, true wholeness and true peace.
What Is The Church? - I
We want to look at the greeting once again, confining our discussion to a single word:
2Co 1:1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace [be] to you and peace from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. (AV)
Paul is writing unto the church of God which is at Corinth. Consider:
I. The Presence of the Church
We have already explained how that biblical concepts and biblical vocabulary always enhances secular words and concepts, never vice versa. For example, the Biblical idea behind the word grace contains far more than a Greek allusion to perfection and beauty in form and motion, it carries us right to the heart of God. The Christian concept of peace is more than absence of turmoil, it is wholeness. Redemption is more than just a purchase. Salvation is far more than deliverance, and so on and so forth.
This is also true. Secularly, technically, the term ecklessia (ecklessia) simply means called out ones or an assembly. In that broadest sense it can mean any group of people. For example, the rioters in Acts were a church. The word assembly which is found in Acts 19 is the Greek ekklesia. In another general context, Old Testament believers were also referred to as the church or assembly. Even idol temples could technically be called churches. When Paul was declared not to be a robber of churches in Acts 19:37 we read:
Ac 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. (AV)
Temple robbers were viewed much like old west cowboys viewed horse thieves. So, we see that the term can be used in a very general sense.
But, then we see that the Bible expands its use of this word church. Our first hint of this expansion comes from the words of the Lord Jesus Himself who said to Peter:
Mt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (AV)
What interests us about this verse is not just the "Peter" discussion, but also the fact that Christ is promising to build a church in the future which has not yet come about. You and I know that we are that church. We are that holy temple. Each of us is a living stone in this great edifice which God is building. Turn to Ephesians 2.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (AV) Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; (AV) Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (AV) Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (AV)
Our point is that we are beginning to see that something new is taking shape; a new definition for the church is beginning to form. A new church whose foundation was only built during the time of the apostles and prophets is now being fabricated.
This is the church we are talking about today. It is the church which the apostles discussed in Acts. They were the first to see it coming. James announced in Acts 15:14:
Ac 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (AV)
God would be taking out a people for His name from among the Gentiles.
These are some verses which help us understand a little about the presence of the church. There are few who deny that the church exists. But it is at this point that the fabrics of our various theologies begin to be woven, or perhaps we should say, unravel!
II. The Properties of the Church
The Savior, who announced to Peter that He would build this church, also said that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. In other words, it would be a perpetual church. It would be ongoing. It is at this very point that the great continental divide in church doctrine occurs.
A. The Universal Church
There is one group of believers who hold that Jesus Christ saw His church as consisting of all those who are in Christ, all of those who know Christ as Savior and all of those who are in the body of Christ. These folks are seen as the bride of Christ. In other words, they believe Jesus was talking about the church universal or the positional church. Such folks believe that this church is in two parts, the church triumphant which has gone on before, and the church militant which remains to carry out her charge. These folks also believe that members of Christ's church are obligated by God's Word to participate in local assemblies of called out believers. We call these assemblies local churches. Therefore we can say that this group believes in a universal (positional) church and that hopefully, local assemblies will be expressions of this one great church. This group would be quick to quote a passage such as Ephesians 4:3-6. [As a technical note, evangelicals and fundamentalists are wise not to use the term mystical church. It has special catholic connotations implying that we can have “mystic sweet communion” with those who’ve gone before.” There is no mystical communion or prayer access to the saints who have died ahead of us.]
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. (AV)
B. “Succession” Churches
There is a second group of folks that takes an entirely different viewpoint concerning Christ's church. This group would reject the things we have just listed. Folks included in this second group, for instance would be the Roman Catholic Church, the Churches of Christ, the Mormons, and many "Independent" Baptists. Obviously, the doctrines in these groups vary widely, but they all have one thing in common regarding the doctrine of the church. They all hold and teach one form or another of succession. These folks teach that Christ ordained and established an ongoing physical church here on earth and that the rights to administer that church have been handed down successively.
While each of these groups have variations on the theme, the case of the "Independent" Baptists will serve as an adequate illustration for our purposes today. Remember, however, that not all Baptists are Independent. Not all Independent Baptists hold these convictions. A surprisingly large group does, however. I do not point out these groups to be critical, only to help you understand the issues which are involved. And, please remember that, just because the church down the street is independent and Baptist does not mean that it shares these teachings.
I have in front of me a tract which is widely circulated as an example of the Independent Baptist position. I want to highlight its points. The tract, written by Bert Craft is titled "What It Means to Be An Independent Baptist,” and it uses the letters in the word Baptist to underscore its distinctives. According to Craft, then,
Bible KJV 1611 is preserved, sole authority.
Alien immersion is not accepted
Perpetuity of Jesus' church & His authority
True, scriptural church is only local church
Imperative of missions belongs to the church
Salvation of grace by repentance and faith
Table of the Lord is restricted to members.
Now, notice that list again - and notice how many of these issues relate the issue of succession.
Bible KJV 1611 is preserved, sole authority.
Alien immersion is
not accepted [by local church]
Perpetuity of
Jesus' church & His authority
True, scriptural
church is only local church
Imperative of
missions belongs to the church
Salvation of grace by repentance and faith
Table of the Lord
is restricted to members.
If this doctrine of succession is true you need to understand what these folks are saying. They are saying that any time baptism, the Lord's Table, church membership, missionary endeavors occur outside of the context of an independent Baptist church those practices they are alien. They are not biblical.
And it goes even further. Because they believe there is no such thing as a universal church, only Christ's church on earth represented by those who hold these views, they are also forced to teach that the local church is the body of Christ and the bride of Christ.
Look at the book of Ephesians and notice how Paul introduces this book. He begins with the words:
Eph 1:1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: (AV)
Now, looking at chapter 5, notice verses 23-25, a part of the familiar passage read at weddings.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The independent Baptist holds that Paul was here speaking of the local church. If your membership lapses, you are no longer a part of this body.
Paul told the Corinthians in 12:13 "Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular." You probably thought you became a part of the body of Christ when you came to know Him as Savior. The independent Baptist says, and I quote Bert Craft, "We are water-baptized into the church of God (1 Cor. 12:13). And again, "Baptism qualifies us for membership in the body (church.)".
Lest there be any doubt in your mind, the independent Baptist does not recognize Bible church baptisms or any other baptism in which the church has not received, and I quote again now, "…authority from a church of like faith and practice." In other words, that authority comes from another Baptist church. He says that even many so-called independent Baptists are therefore unscriptural and their leaders need to humble themselves and be re-baptized with a Baptist baptism and reorganize their churches.
Now, if you believe in apostolic succession (as the Catholics and LDS do) or you believe in baptistic succession (as the Churches of Christ and "Independent" Baptists do, you need to know that you are in an alien meeting in a non-Baptist church, a meeting which, according to these Baptists, Jesus Christ Himself would not attend.
But, is that what God's word teaches? We’ll answer that now.
III. The Principles of the Church
Principles which truly are laid out in the church. Here is just a beginning of things we know to be true.
A. The Holy Spirit which places us into the Church, not water baptism.
We cite the very passage which missionary Craft cited, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:
1Co 12:12 ¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (AV)
How many Holy Spirit's did you count in that passage? There is one.
How many bodies did you count in that passage? There is one.
There is one Spirit, not many pastors, who places us into one body. In other words, it is Spirit baptism, not water baptism under discussion. The Lord doesn't care whether you have sign saying Bible Church, Bible Fellowship, or Baptist Church, hanging over your door. He cares about whether you have been placed into Jesus Christ. If you have not been baptized into Jesus Christ you are not saved.
Paul explains this in Romans 6 when he reminds the local church Rome…
Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: (AV)
If Romans 6 is talking about water baptism then it is water baptism which places you in Christ. It is water baptism which saves you. You belong in the Churches of Christ, in the Catholic Church, or in the Mormon Church if you teach that water baptism saves.
So, the first thing we have learned is that one Spirit baptizes all believers into one body.
B. Individual believers are recipients of the “Great Commission” are In Matthew 28:19-20:
Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. (AV)
Some folks have a notion when they read this verse that makes about as much sense as closing the barn door after the horse gets out. They say, see, the Lord is talking to the eleven disciples only. This command to teach and baptize all nations was only given to them.
Personally, I am certain that more than the 11 were there to receive that command, but the question remains, so what?? Even if the command was given only to the disciples, it doesn’t change the facts. Look at the command. What were they to teach all nations? They were to teach all nations to "Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Any command which was given to any disciple or any apostle is to be given to every new convert!
Was special apostolic authority given to carry out those early tasks of clarifying what the New Covenant was? The answer is, yes! (2 Corinthians 12:12). But those signs related only to the task of confirming that a New Covenant had replaced the Old Covenant, the Law. Beyond that, the Lord did not give any of the apostles or disciples commands that He did not give to the rest of us. All of His teachings are for every believer.
And please, be sure to notice that there is not one single reference to a Baptist church or any other church in this passage.
If the Independent Baptists, Catholics, Churches of Christ, or Mormons where correct the Lord Jesus would have, at the least said He was speaking to the church, and at the most, He would have commanded that the principles of succession be set down. No church is mentioned in Matthew 28, only individuals. And every command given to them was given to believers all believers everywhere.
In conclusion, nowhere in the Bible is any local church vested with any authority or privilege that individual believers are not vested with except in the selection of their officers and exercise of their disciplines. Baptism is not an ordinance (a tradition) of the local church. Communion is not an ordinance of the local church. Communion is practiced in the local church because we come together because that is where we believers are. Wisdom dictates that we celebrate the Lord’s Table in the context of a local church in the context of the ministry of the Word by spiritual leaders, but it is not the property of duly incorporated entities called churches and its privilege is not handed off from one church to another.
Now, you say, why did you devote so much space to this issue?" Why the emphasis?
1. Do not be intimidated by folks who imply that they are more biblical than you are because their standards are supposedly "higher." Don't be blown about by all the hot air and zeal. These preachers prey on folks who fear God and have been ignorantly convinced that their pastor must be right. Many cannot read well and trust godly men to lead them.
2. Do not let anyone rob you. Do not allow anyone rob you of your priesthood in Christ. When Christ said "All authority is given unto me...go ye...,” He gave that authority to you, not to a church, thank God. You are not bound to the opinions of any man or group of men claiming special authority from God. When the Mormon comes to your door he needs to see that you have the authority issue settled in your mind. Eventually, he will ask you what your authority is. Hopefully, you will be able to give a clear answer. No pastor, no church, no group of elders claiming special authority from God should ever be allowed to rob you.
3. Do not rob Jesus Christ of his headship in the Church. He did not leave town. Only His body left. Luke tells us in Acts his book is a record of the things which Jesus began to do, and He is still doing them. He has not delegated his authority to any group of men anywhere. He did not retire when He went to heaven.
4. Do not forget who you are. Your whole spiritual stability in this Christian walk comes from who you are in Christ; your position in the body of Christ. It is not the result of your position in some local assembly, however wonderful it may be. Your position in His body gives you full access to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. If, some day, something goes wrong between you and your pastor and you do end up leaving your church, (perish the thought) you are just as secure in Christ. He does not hold any keys to your soul's welfare in his hands. Jesus Christ does and He speaks through his Spirit. You are accountable to Him. The thought that a pastor could eject you from the body of Christ by removing you from a local church is unthinkable.
5. Do not let others rob this Bible of its authority. That is what this whole discussion boils down to. Does a church have authority over you or this book? If your soul is in the hands of man led church, you are in very deep trouble. This book is the final authority. The Charismatics seem to say their emotions are the final authority. Seeker sensitive movement seems to say results are the final authority. Catholics say the Church is the final authority. Some Baptists say the pastor is the final authority. God says this book is the final authority.
The issue is not "Am I in the Right Church?" The issue is "Am I Right with Christ?"
What Is the Church? - II
Intro: In our last study we focused on 2 Corinthians 1:1:
2Co 1:1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: (AV)
Specifically, we were looking at the words "unto the church of God". We used the occasion to talk about the Presence of the Church, The Properties of the Church, and the Principles of the Church.
As we discussed the Presence of the Church we explained that while the term church may be used in a general sense, it is very clear that Jesus Christ was about to establish a unique church, separate from anything which had gone on before and, as we will see later, separate from anything which will go on after her departure. Very few dispute the presence of the church. The real question is what is her essence? What is her purpose? When did she actually begin and when will her task be completed?
A. While discussing the Properties of the Church we explained that there were two world views concerning church and churches.
(1.) There are those, such as ourselves, who believe that there is one positional church. This is a universal church which is made up of all believers everywhere who have been placed in the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We further hold that all such believers are obligated to be participants in local churches.
(2.) A second group of folks teach the doctrine of human succession. These folks hold Christ ordained and established an earthly church while He was here on earth and that the rights to administer and propagate that church belong only to the select few who can trace their conversion through it. Roman Catholics, Mormons, Churches of Christ, and a great many Independent Baptists hold such doctrines. While their doctrines all vary wildly, they all claim that they are the true church and that all others are alien.
B. We then introduced you to some Principles.
(1.) First, we wanted you to know that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who places us into His Church through the agency of the Holy Spirit, not through the right of water baptism. We used 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6 to clarify this important point.
(2.) Secondly, we showed you that the Great Commission was given to all men. That is all believers are commanded to teach all new converts to obey all things whatsoever Christ has commanded us. The so called Great Commission was a universal command given to all believers, not just to the disciples who were present at that time. None of them lived unto the end of the age. This command is still valid.
So, you see, for you thinkers, what we are really saying is this. The doctrine of succession does exist. It is Jesus Christ Himself who places new members into His church through the agency of the Holy Spirit who baptizes us into Christ. There is no divinely ordained earthly church, not Catholic, not Mormon, not Churches of Christ, not Baptist.
Thank you for your patience in reviewing these things. I want you to know enough about these issues so that you will not be intimidated by folks who think they are more biblical than you are. I do not want to see anyone rob you of your priesthood in Christ. I do not want to see anyone rob Jesus Christ of His proper headship of the church. And, importantly, I want you to see that your spiritual walk and stability come from who you are in Christ, not from your membership in a local church, for from the approval of your pastor.
It is time to add two more issues. We have seen:
The Presence of the Church - she does exist. The gates of Hades will not prevail against her.
The Properties of the Church - There is one positional church, made up of all who are in Christ. Local assemblies should mirror this church.
The Principles of the Church - It is Christ, through the Holy Spirit who places us in it - not water baptism. Therefore human succession does not exist.
We will now add the Priority of the Church and the Perimeters of the Church.
IV. The Priority of the Church
For a change of pace we’re going to cover this point using the metaphor of a map.
On a recent trip we covered significant portions of Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. There were times when we looked at the national map. There were times when we chose to use one large regional map which covered all of the states and provinces we were in so that we could monitor the big picture. There were times, however, when we needed to see the extra detail which could only be provided through local area maps. There were even times when we had to look at the map inset to get the detail we needed.
When Christians talk about the priority of the church, they usually only use their local maps. They go quickly to Matthew 28:19-20, where they read those words we just studied:
Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. (AV)
Every word of the Great Commission is true. And it certainly does speak of our great priority, the only priority of the Church. Your road map is, indeed, correct. The problem is, one is only looking at the local map when he looks at the Great Commission. He also needs the Regional and even the National map in order to get the big picture about the church and her priority. Let me explain by trying to draw a map for you. It's kind of a 3-d map.
1. To begin, let's draw a few clouds at the top of our blank sheet of paper. These clouds are to remind us of eternity. It is enough for us simply to understand that eternity transcends time.
2. Secondly, let's draw the horizon. On the left we will mark the beginning of the human race, and on the right, the end of time.
3. Thirdly, we will mark the most important milestone on our roadmap, the Cross of Christ. The death and resurrection of Christ is the most important event in the history of the world.
4. Now, it is time to place some roads on our map. We will see unimproved roads, improved roads, and roads yet under construction.
5. There were actually two roads which led away from Adam and his family. One road was traveled by the godly line of Seth. One was traveled by the ungodly line of Cain. These roads wound around some interesting landmarks and came together at the flood where there was a wash out. After the flood, the descendents of Noah were soon disseminated at Babel and, we might say that a number of unimproved roads began to appear on the road map of man’s long history. But, before long God called out a man named Abram.
6. While Abram had many descendents we see that God focused His attention on one road in particular, the Jewish highway, and this truly was a superhighway. We shall call this an improved road because this is where God placed His primary focus. The rest of the Gentiles will travel on unimproved highways.
7. As we travel the Jewish highway we approach the mountains and the valleys of the prophets. They were mountains in that they told of the glories of God and His still future dealings with these people. They were mostly valleys, however, as they warned of the impending chastisement and captivity of this people and her beloved city.
8. It is while we are traveling this highway of the prophets that we find some very interesting road signs. They spoke of a road yet under construction, of mountains and hills which would be brought low, and valleys which would be raised up. All of this construction would be for one who would come in the name of the Lord. In our terms, they spoke of a coming Christ.
9. Now, these road signs were of great interest to God's people even though they were almost contradictory at times. It was as though they spoke of two Christs, or Messiahs. On the one hand, they spoke of His suffering and of a day when He would be cut off. On the other hand, they spoke of a day when He would bring justice into all the earth and reign as Israel's great and perfect King. Now, please remember, these road signs did not only speak of Christ, they spoke of the future of both Jews and the nations, and they spoke in great detail.
10. Then we come upon that great milestone of history, the coming of Jesus, the Christ, Jesus, the Messiah. But which Messiah would He be, the one who suffers, or the one who reigns? It did not seem that He could be both because the suffering Messiah had to die in order to fulfill his commission. One cannot rule the world if He is dead. The problem existed because the key had not yet been understood. The key which unlocked the puzzle was the resurrection of Messiah. Oh, there were road signs pointing to this coming resurrection on the Old Testament highway, but we were traveling so fast we missed them. Remember, now, the resurrection is the key to resolving the conflict in the two roles of Messiah, the suffering servant and the reigning King.
11. But there is more. Even though the resurrection of Christ has already occurred our highway has taken a strange turn. The suffering Messiah has been exalted in God's eyes, but He is not yet reigning on earth as the early road signs announced He would. He does not yet rule Israel. Why is this so? It is because Messiah has two great tasks. One is to be a light to the nations. This reaching out to the nations appears to be the special task of the suffering messiah. Secondly, He brings justice in all the earth. This, he will do especially in the context of restoring David's throne. He must first be a light to the nations before bringing justice to the earth (Isaiah 49:6).
Look again at the roadmap. Notice how the highways suddenly change. The Jewish road is closed. The construction barricade stands in front of it. The Gentile road now becomes the paved road. In fact, we read the words of Paul:
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (AV)
Jew and Gentile baptized into the same body of Christ.
12. Some would have us think at this point that these two roads have merged and will remain that way until we get to our destination. This is not the case. How do we know that it is not the case? We know because of all those signs we read when we were back on the highway of the prophets. Those promises have not yet been fulfilled. The Jewish road which is closed will be opened once again.
13. When will the road be opened? It will be opened at the other end of the valley when the Messiah returns to complete His task, this time, of course, to bring justice in all the earth. This time He will return to reign as King of King and Lord of Lords.
We have taken this trip for a reason. If you do not see the big map you will make all kinds of mistakes. If you do not read the big map you will not understand the church, or her priority. If you do not understand the priority of the church you will never be able to see how God wants you to behave in this life. You will not see what your real goal and passion should be.
Here is the secret. Here is the legend which you need to properly read the map. We see the big picture in Colossians 1:24:
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (AV)
Do not skip over those verses as if they are just so many words! Do not look at those Jews as if they were so many simpletons because they missed all those road signs! The church is missing her road signs as well. Paul is talking about suffering in this passage. We will expand this matter of suffering in our next study.
Paul says that suffering is for a purpose! He says it an essential part of the mystery. We have the option of making up the sufferings of Messiah. How can we do this? Paul says we can share in the sufferings of the Messiah because the Messiah is in us!
This is what it means to be in Christ. It means to be in the Messiah! It means that we take up His role and His purpose. We are the suffering servants. We suffer now and we reign later.
That is what this body of Christ teaching is all about. We are in the body of the Christ, the messiah.
What, then, is our priority? Our priority is to reach the nations. No wonder Jesus said to go into all the world, teaching all nations. This is the present task of Messiah.
But, you say, “I know all that. What is your purpose for bringing it up? What is your thrust?” Look at this last point. We are talking about the church. We have seen her priority. In a Word, she carries on the work of the resurrected Christ. She is one with the suffering Christ who is rescuing the nations. Now, look at:
V. Her Perimeters
A. There are many folks who differ about when the church began:
• Some Baptists say it began with John the Baptist. (Some Baptists.)
• Some say it began in the Old Testament or with Christ's ministry on earth. (Some Reformed)
• Some say it began at Pentecost. (Typical Dispensationalists.)
• Some say it did not begin until the end of the book of Acts. (Hyper Dispensationalists.)
I believe that the church began salvifically (in terms of our atonement) the day we were placed in the Christ, the day the Holy Spirit was used by Christ to place us into Himself (Luke 3:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12,13). The church began her in-Christ ministry, representing His absent body at Pentecost. Pentecost marked the first day the church was anointed to carry out her New Covenant ministry. At that time God confirmed outwardly what had already occurred at the cross. The outward manifestations of Pentecost were evidence that the inward baptism of the Holy Spirit had occurred. This outward manifestation was a strong argument to both the apostles and the Jews that a new kind of ministry had been put in place, a New Covenant ministry. The days of the Old Covenant, the law, were over. Later, those outward manifestations of the baptism of the Holy Spirit ceased. It was no longer necessary to show the New Covenant had been put in place.
B. There are many folks who differ about when the church will conclude its task:
• Some say it will be concluded when we have won the last soul to Christ. (Some Post Millennialists.)
• Some say it will be concluded at the end of the tribulation period. (Post Tribulation Rapturists.)
• Some say it will be concluded after the tribulation but before the day of wrath. (Pre Wrath Rapturists)
• Some say it will be concluded before the tribulation and the day of the Lord. (Pre Tribulation Rapturists)
I believe that our special role will be completed when Messiah takes matters in hand in His own physical body, once again. The spiritual body of Christ will have completed its task, when Christ initiates His program in His physical body. When the Son of God reaches out and takes that Seven Sealed Scroll, (Revelation 4 & 5) He will initiate the second half of His messianic task, bringing justice into all the earth through Israel. You see, the most interesting thing about the book of Revelation is that the focus is not on us, it is not on the saints, it is on the Lamb.
Christ personally takes the scroll from the One on the throne. He personally opens those seals. He personally drives all the activities of the tribulation, and He personally returns with his saints who will be with Him forever from that point on.
When does the church age end? There is only one biblical answer. This age ends when the highways shift once again, when the emphasis returns to the Jewish people and the Jewish program and Messiah personally executes His purpose for them.
Will we still be in Christ? Of course! But our role will change. We will become the observers. We will become participants by our presence, but it will be His Sword and His judgment which will bring in His kingdom.
Now, the question of the moment is this, are we once again at the convergence of these roads? Is there a shift in the wind? Are we about to round the curve and see the flagmen? Is the Gentile highway coming to an end?? Is our opportunity to share in the sufferings of the Messiah in gathering the nations over? Is the long day of salvation as we know it drawing to a twilight? Are we watching the road signs?
Saved to Suffer
Intro: Life is full of paradoxes, anomalies, and ironies, not the least of which is the teaching that Christians should not only endure suffering, but should actually look forward to it and even long for it. Such is the substance of 2 Corinthians, in general and the stuff of this study in chapter one.
We have proceeded to verse 3 where we read a eulogy of sorts. It seems to break not only from the tradition of Greek letter writing, but also even from Paul's personal tradition. Normally when Paul begins a letter, he begins with a brief prayer of thanksgiving for the folks to whom he is writing. We do not find that here, perhaps, because he has already expressed his thanks in 1 Corinthians. Perhaps he omits it for other reasons. In any case, our thanksgiving is directed, instead to God Himself for God Himself:
2Co 1:3 ¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (AV)
This is a eulogy, a prayer of blessing. In Jewish liturgical practice, such eulogies were common. There were some 18 of them in a typical synagogue service, “Blessed be God! Blessed be God!” I do not think we do enough of that. I certainly know that, in my own life, when I become slack in offering up those instantaneous words of praise to our God, I see subtle personality changes taking over. The melancholy mood in my soul would prefer to export its bile onto the tissues of my heart and darken my day. But I have often noticed that even the smallest effort to return some praise to the God of creation, a humble offering of honor and blessing to Him, chases the spirits of gloom from my soul.
This is not to say that we only bless God when it is for our benefit. It is simply to say that we cannot bless God without being benefited.
But that is not the thrust of the moment. That is not the focus of our study. We are on the horns of a dilemma. We are confronting an anomaly and Paul, with this innocent eulogy, is salting our interest. He is foreshadowing, as he so often does, the truth he will soon be discussing. Look once again at that verse:
2Co 1:3 ¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (AV)
I see tenderness in that verse. I see mercy. I see comfort. I see encouragement. I need to see this. I need to hear this. For I have heard that God is a Holy God. I have heard that He is a God of wrath, and I rightly believe it. I have heard that He settles His accounts. I need to hear that He loves me. I need to hear that He cares about me.
I need to know this. It is not that I am selfish; it is that I feel so alone I need to know He is here.
As I hear the old story about the loaves and the fishes repeated, there is a small fact which comes to my mind. When the Savior produced all this bread and fish He did not produce whole loaves of bread and whole fishes and then have the disciples distributed them en masse. He broke the bread into individual pieces. He broke the fishes into individual pieces. That is because the miracle was not for the group. The miracle was for every person in the group. When I learn that God is the God of all comfort I believe that is what Paul is intimating in part. Not only does He give all kinds of comfort, He provides comfort for all kinds for each one of us. He is the source of strength in our suffering.
But we have not yet touched upon the irony. We have not addressed the real issue which confronts us. The issue is this. If God loves us so much, why does he not simply remove the suffering? The irony runs even and it is found in this seeming contradiction: It is as though the more one tries to do the will of God, the more one sets His heart on serving Christ, the more one receives pain and suffering, and sorrow in return. It is almost as though God would rebuff us for our obedience! The harder we try, the greater the struggle. It would be simple enough if we could fault God for not relieving us of our suffering, but no! Our charges against Him run far deeper! For when we would serve and obey Him explicitly, it is almost as though he heaps even greater struggle and sorrow and suffering upon us. It just doesn’t seem right.
And thus, the irony, there is joy in serving Jesus...or is there? Thankfully, some of the darkness and mist which surrounds this bittersweet discussion of the joy of suffering can be cleared away in the following verses. Later, Paul will return to this subject. But, for the immediate, we confine ourselves to three ideas which we find in these next few verses. In these verses we learn a little about how God uses suffering and how God asserts His purpose and plan for us through affliction.
We have associated three key words with God's plan as it relates to our suffering. The first is:
I. Preparation.
God uses suffering to prepare us to be a blessing and comfort to others. This purpose of God is clearly stated in these next verses:
2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
This is preparation for comfort. The word comfort is that precious ”parakaleo.” It is the Bible’s special love word for beseeching and encouraging our brethren. Suffering is preparation for our ministry of comfort.
This is elementary, but it bears restatement as all elementary things do. There are two kinds of people who have never been able to be of much comfort to me.
(a) One kind is the person who has never taken the class. How can he help me with my Algebra if he hasn't studied it? My first few years in the ministry were a real struggle. I hadn't sorrowed enough with mourners. I hadn't struggled enough with the issues of life. Yes, I had the Word of God and, thankfully, that fact and my calling from God kept me in the ministry, but I had no experience, no dipper from which to draw on the well of compassion. Later in time the trials and toils of life took their toll on me. In time, I could be a consolation to others because I had found that Christ was a consolation to me in my dark hours, in my financial nightmares, and in my nights of waiting for a doctor's nod. Some would qualify a man for ministry with books and tests. I would rather think that the scars we bear in our hearts and on our bodies are the best diplomas of all. If we would enrich others we must first be willing to be impoverished ourselves. That will always be the way of God.
(b) There is another person who has never served me well in my hour of need. He is the person who took the class, but never learned the lesson. Yes, he suffered, but his suffering did him no good. It served him no purpose because he did not learn the lesson of the course. He did not learn humility. He did not learn patience. And, importantly, he did not learn to console others in their hour. Instead, this man self righteously announces that no matter how difficult your hour of trial is you may be sure that his has been more difficult. And, in effect, until you have suffered as he has suffered you are not eligible for comfort. For this man, the old days were always worse. I do not even want him around when my tooth is aching. He is of no help to me. He is no consolation.
What about you? What about me? Have we taken the class? Did we pass the class? Did we flunk with a B for bitterness or an S for self righteousness? It’s better to get the T for tenderness. Have you allowed the sorrows of this life to soften your soul and increase your reach? If so, the purpose of God in suffering has been accomplished! God has used suffering to prepare you!
The first key word then is preparation, preparation for comfort. The second Key word is found in verses five through seven:
2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation. (AV)
While it may take a minute or two to arrive at it, the key word here is:
II Participation
Suffering prepares us for participation in the consolation. Let's kick a few stones over before we tie the ribbon on this.
(1) First, let's study the biology of this matter.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ
There is a formula introduced in this verse. Stated as an equation, the greater our suffering, the greater will be our consolation. It is proportional. As suffering abounds so the consolation abounds. In general, the word abound means to exceed measure, to overflow. But the word also carries an image with it. Strongs' notes: “Abounding” is used of a flower going from a bud to full bloom.” Suffering is sort of a fertilizer. It is a growth stimulant. Suffering releases the consolation of Christ into our lives. Even a neophyte knows that a plant without any stress at all will fail to thrive.
(2) Secondly, look at the physics of the matter. Paul says:
And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, [Underline mine.]
That is in interesting law of physics. There is a dynamic at play. Do you remember those stainless steel balls which you have seen hanging on strings, all in a row? Do you remember pulling the first ball back and letting it drop on the other balls? And you remember how the last ball on that string, way down there, experiences the consequence of the first strike? This is what Paul says in effect, "I have suffered for your benefit. Now, you have the opportunity to suffer for the benefit of someone else."
This scenario has been repeating for generations. Everything you are in Christ you owe to the sufferings of someone else who has gone on before you in Christ.
New Agers have some weird idea in their minds that the more they give back to the universe the more the universe will enrich them! Don't you believe it! All the universe wants to do is eat you and all of the laws of nature are working toward your demise. But, if you would really understand what God is up to, take a look at this wonderful reciprocal privilege. Others suffered for you, now you may suffer for others that they may, in turn, suffer for still others!
We see this in the natural world. The mother and the father suffer for their children who rarely understand what their parents have gone through in order to give them life and to provide for them. The day comes, when they, in turn, become the new parents who suffer for their children. In all of it - there is great joy released. There is great reward.
(3) There is also a history lesson here:
2Co 1:7 ¶ And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation. (AV)
Where is the history? Believe it or not, it is hiding behind that word consolation.
Scan verses 3-7 and notice that, originally, Paul used the word comfort extensively in verses 3 and 4. He then adds the word consolation. Now, clearly, the words comfort and consolation mean virtually the same thing. They are both in the same family of Greek words. We'll call that family the parakaleo family of words. But the words are different and the word consolation connoted a different thought to the Jewish Christian.
This is why we said there was a bit of a history lesson in this. Do you remember the story of Simeon? Do you remember what the Bible says about Him in Luke? The Bible says in Luke 2:25:
Lu 2:25 ¶ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (AV)
What was Simeon waiting for? He was waiting for the consolation of Israel. Literally, he was waiting for the consolation. The consolation was associated with the coming person and ministry of Messiah.
The Four Gospels Commentary says:
"For the consolation of Israel". A common name for the era of the Messiah, which was so called because the advent of the Christ would bring comfort to his people (#Isa 40:1). Jews swore by the consolation of Israel, and the phrase, "May I see the consolation of Israel", was common among them. A prayer for the coming of the Messiah was daily used by them. -TFG
Now, if you look again at the words in verse 7 of our text you may rest assured that the Jewish Christians in the Corinthian church knew what Paul was saying:
2Co 1:7 ¶ And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation. (AV)
Paul is beginning to make an association which will grow even stronger before we leave the book of 2 Corinthians. It is the association we began to make last week when we spoke of the doctrine of the church.
This is the Messianic Age. The Messianic Age is in two divisions, the Mystery Period and the Millennial Period. They are separated by the Day of the Lord. During the Millennial Phase the Messiah will reign as King over Israel and over the entire world. He is the reigning King. During the Mystery Phase it is the suffering Messiah who is calling out a people for His name from among the nations.
Simeon knew this. He asserted his prophecy in Luke 2:29:
Lu 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (AV)
Now, there is a sense in which we are still waiting for the consolation in the Jewish understanding of the Word. The words "Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people…" found in Isaiah 40, have not occurred in their truest sense.
Isa 40:2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. (AV)
This pronouncement would have been accomplished if she had accepted her Messiah. But, sadly, Israel would have no part of that comfort. She would not receive the pardon which was abundantly offered unto her. She refused, for the time being, the Messiah.
But there is a consolation which has become available through Messiah to those of us who are part of His body, carrying out His work in this age. Take one final look at verse 7:
2Co 1:7 ¶ And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation. (AV)
Do you remember that we said the second key word was participation? Participation in the consolation?
Paul wants you to know that you are a partaker of the sufferings. It is not just any old suffering but the suffering of Messiah. I am not beating a dead horse when I rehearse this over and again. I am preaching a live Messiah. The word partakers in this verse is the Greek koinoneia . This term carries with it the picture of two oxen struggling together under the same yoke. Such oxen are fellowshipping under a common cause, they are partners.
This partnership belongs only to those who are in the body of Messiah. We are fellowshippers together with Christ. Just as you would never yoke an ox and a donkey together, we must never think of yoking believers with unbelievers together in Messiah's ministry. They are the mission field, not the missionaries!
Most importantly, we are not alone in our suffering for Christ. We are a part of a long line, preceded by a great cloud of witnesses and pressing forward to a grand and glorious day when we will stand with folks of every age, every kindred, every tribe and nation, singing the praises of the lamb. So, we have consolation in our sorrow. We can truly sing, there is joy in serving Jesus! There is even joy in our suffering, because it is for a grand and glorious cause! Notice the third key word in the passage.
We have seen: Preparation for conflict. We suffer that we may console others. We have seen Participation in the consolation. We are partners in the messianic plan. Finally, see that suffering produces:
III. Protection from Complacency.
Suffering and hardship stand as our greatest defenses against our greatest enemies, ourselves. Notice verses 8 and 9:
2Co 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: (AV)
One lesson we learn in these verses is that leadership and rank in service for Christ does not make us immune to suffering. In earthly military movements, the higher your rank, the lower your risk. Foot soldiers and parachutists suffer before Generals and Admirals. This is not so, with God. The evidence that God is advancing a man in His military can usually be seen by the trouble he is facing, by the price he is paying for his service for Christ. That is one lesson.
But there is another lesson which we must all be made to see. The very trials which we face teach us not to trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.
There is so much to be said about this verse which must be left behind. Specifically, note that the true servant of Christ “buys off” on death itself! He says that his hope is not to stay alive; his hope is to trust in the God who raises the dead.
Think on a fi