Introduction
Tim Fulkerson | 7.10.22
2 Corinthians 1:1–2
We begin our study of 2 Corinthians by examining both the story of the Apostle Paul, as well as the story of the Christian community at Corinth. Paul wrote this leader because many of these people did not have a proper understanding of the nature and role of true spiritual leadership. Sadly, many American Christians have this same problem! Let us learn what it means to be mature followers of Jesus and seek to discern real spiritual leaders.
The God of All Comfort
Tim Fulkerson | 7.17.22
2 Corinthians 1:3–11
As we go through times of trial and suffering, we must remember that the Source of our comfort is found in God alone. Comfort comes from knowing Christ and being united with Him. Today we will examine six different ways in which we can receive God’s comfort. Let us remember that God is working ultimately for His glory and our good, and that our suffering functions as a primary vehicle through which the truth of the Gospel is mediated to others.
Relying on God’s Grace
Tim Fulkerson | 7.24.22
2 Corinthians 1:12–22
While the Apostle Paul was being questioned by some of the Corinthians about his frequent change of plans, he makes it clear to them that He has learned to rely on God’s grace. While our plans may change, God’s do not. Our aim must be to surrender and submit ourselves to the will of God in every decision we face. Like Paul, we must learn to rely on the grace that God gives for every situation. The itinerary of our lives is not up to us, but up to God!
Let Us Forgive
Tim Fulkerson | 7.31.22
2 Corinthians 1:23 – 2:11
Paul was writing a church in Corinth that had been fractured. One man in particular had been a ring leader for this conflict, however, he had recently repented. Just as Paul reminded them that they had a responsibility to love and forgive him, so we today must learn the importance of forgiving others. We cannot allow the devil to get a foothold in our relationships that would drive us away from God. Let us learn the grace of forgiving others as Jesus calls us to!
The Aroma of Christ
Tim Fulkerson | 8.07.22
2 Corinthians 2:12–3:6
What is the fragrance of your life? Paul declares that as Christians we are both an aroma to God and to those around us. The beautiful fragrance that we must emit, is the aroma that comes from Christ Jesus. In other words, when we surrender completely to Jesus, our lives will be both an act of worship before God and also a powerful example and testimony to others of His marvelous grace. May the fragrance of our lives be pleasing to God!
Increasing Glory
Tim Fulkerson | 8.14.22
2 Corinthians 3:7–18
Paul reminds the Corinthians that he is preaching a message of salvation that is of greater glory than what the false teachers were offering. He was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! While the Old Testament law did serve a purpose for a time, and did have some glory, the New Covenant which was inaugurated through Christ Jesus, is perfect and complete! Let us all see the glory that shines on the face of Jesus!
Treasures in Jars of Clay
Tim Fulkerson | 8.21.22
2 Corinthians 4:1–18
When we go through suffering and trials, how do we keep the eternal perspective? The Apostle Paul reminds us that God is working in us an eternal weight of glory. Though we are weak vessels in the face of difficulties and suffering, we have a marvelous treasure in Jesus Christ. It is only when we look to Christ, that we can find the grace we need in the midst of suffering. It is His life manifested both “in” us and “through” us!
Living By Faith
Tim Fulkerson | 8.28.22
2 Corinthians 5:1–10
Despite all of life’s challenges, Paul reminds us to live with the perspective of eternity. We as Christians must orient ourselves on the things that really matter. Although we are still awaiting the full inheritance of heaven, and our resurrected bodies, we must live by faith each day. We must remember that what we see around us is only temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!
The Ministry of Reconciliation
Tim Fulkerson | 9.4.22
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
God’s love isn’t limited. His love for humankind is proved by the death of His Son Jesus Christ. Through His shed blood, we are now reconciled to God! Because this is true, we are therefore called to what the Apostle Paul calls the “ministry of reconciliation.” Rather than judging people by our former carnal prejudices, we are compelled by the love of Christ to invite others to be reconciled to God.
Commendable Servants
Tim Fulkerson | 9.11.22
2 Corinthians 6:1–13
The Apostle Paul makes his appeal to the Corinthians to be reconciled to God, and to him (as God’s servant). While he has endured much trial and difficulty in ministry, he has learned to rely on the help that God gives. Paul reveals to all of us what it means to be a commendable servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. May each of us learn to follow in this way, that we might learn to glorify God in how we live each day, especially as we go through life’s challenges!
Warning Against Idolatry
Tim Fulkerson | 9.18.22
2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1
As Christians, God has called us to walk in holiness (obedience) to Him! We cannot do this apart from the grace of God in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. Just as Paul invited the Corinthians to cleanse themselves from sin and impurity, so we must do the same! God invites us to be yoked with Christ and His people so that we may faithfully live out this call to holiness.
Sorrow Leading to Repentance
Tim Fulkerson | 9.25.22
2 Corinthians 7:2–16
Godly sorrow leads to godly action! The Apostle Paul delighted in the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Corinthian church, specifically for their willingness to grieve their sins and truly repent! As Christians, we too must come face to face with the reality of our sins before a holy God and humbly repent and trust in Christ. Godly sorrow does lead to salvation, because it drives us to Jesus!
The Grace of Giving (Pt. 1)
Tim Fulkerson | 10.2.22
2 Corinthians 8:1–15
The problem with the Corinthian church was that they were strong in activities that centered on them, but weak on those that were for the benefit of those outside their church. The Apostle Paul reminds all of us that the love of Christ calls us to lay down our personal agendas so that others can be helped. Living generously is a mark of those who have made eternal things the priority. The Gospel therefore should make a difference in how we handle money!
The Grace of Giving (Pt. 2)
Tim Fulkerson | 10.9.22
2 Corinthians 8:16–9:5
As Christians we must live generously as a reflection of God’s character to the world. It is critical that we pay attention to how we come across to people. We as churches, and individuals, must demonstrate complete integrity in how we handle money matters. Paul reminded the Corinthians that the collection for the needy Christians in Jerusalem was completely ‘above board,’ therefore they must give. We too can learn from Paul’s example.
The Grace of Giving (Pt. 3)
Tim Fulkerson | 10.16.22
2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Just as the Apostle Paul challenged the Corinthians to be generous with their money and resources, so God is inviting us to have that same kind of generosity. If Jesus has done a work in our hearts, giving isn’t just a duty, it’s a delight! When we make God’s kingdom a priority, He will supply what we need and we will benefit from a harvest of righteousness and thanksgiving. God wants us not to give reluctantly, but cheerfully!
Take Captive Every Thought
Tim Fulkerson | 10.23.22
2 Corinthians 10:1–6
The Corinthian church was turning into a battlefield. Adversaries of Paul had deceived people within that church away from the Gospel, and Paul sternly warned them to return to Christ. Rather than using natural means, Paul reminds them of the spiritual weapons that he has at his disposal that are able to take down any argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. As Christians we too must learn to use these spiritual weapons to take captive every thought!
Growing In Faith
Tim Fulkerson | 10.30.22
2 Corinthians 10:7–18
Paul warned the Corinthians to not allow false teachers in their midst. God isn’t looking for people who commend themselves, but rather those who walk humbly with Him. It is those who make the Gospel of Jesus a priority, who regularly build others up in faith, and remain humble, whom God honors. Paul is teaching all of us how to discern the Holy Spirit’s true action within a church community and to put out that which is false.
Growing In Faith
Dangerous Deceivers | 11.13.22
2 Corinthians 11:1–15
Just as the Corinthian church needed to have Spirit-led discernment about the dangerous deceivers in their midst, so we need the same discernment in the church today! Because Satan desires to be like God, he dresses up as an angel of light. We therefore must know how to be on alert from false teachers and their teachings. May we never be seduced into sin and unrighteousness, but always be led by the Spirit of Jesus Christ!
Growing In Faith
Boasting In Weakness | 11.20.22
2 Corinthians 11:16–33
As Paul reminds the Corinthians of all the hardships he had endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ, he makes it clear that God’s power is demonstrated in his weaknesses. To glory in our weaknesses, means to glory in the power of God. We today must be reminded that God’s power springs into action through trials and tribulation. Let us therefore come and tarry before the throne of God, and let Him renew our strength.
Sufficient Grace
Boasting In Weakness | 11.27.22
2 Corinthians 12:1–12
All of us experience pain and suffering in this life. How do we make it through tough times, especially when our pain seems to continue endlessly? Just as God promised to supply grace to the Apostle in his weakness, so God will do the same for us as we lean upon Him. We learn from Paul’s example, that human weakness provides the opportunity for God’s Divine power! God is inviting us to give Him our sorrows and depend upon His sufficient grace.
In the Footsteps of Jesus
Boasting In Weakness | 12.4.22
2 Corinthians 12:11–21
Advent is a season where we are reminded of how much God loves us. Our call is to follow Jesus but not only trust in Him but also living in obedience. The Apostle Paul reminds us through his letter to the Corinthians that Christian living involves faithful response to God’s call. We are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who came to this world to die for us. Let us therefore order our lives upon Him!
Final Exams
Tim Fulkerson | 12.18.22
2 Corinthians 13:1–14
The Apostle Paul is finishing up his letter to the Corinthians, and he is giving them a type of final exam that they need to prepare for. As he plans to visit them, he challenges them to undergo rigorous self-examination to see whether they are true followers of Jesus. Likewise, we today must examine ourselves to see if we are living as God would have us. We must beware of self-deception and let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts and minds to bring us to obedience to Christ.