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Verse By Verse Devotional On 2 Corinthians By Pastor Jack #19

March 7, 2016 | by: Jack Lash | 0 comments

Posted in: 2 Corinthians

Thirteen Chapters of Relational Theology

1:12 - 13:10 (obviously too long to quote here)

In 2Cor.1:12 Paul begins the body of his epistle. Everything before this is introduction. Here he begins to respond to concerns that have been voiced about him in the Corinthian congregation. He doesn’t finish with this until four verses from the end of the epistle (with the possible exception of chapters 8 and 9).

Sandwiched in between the expanded greeting of 1:1-11 and the short farewell of 13:11-14 is the richest quarry of relational theology the world has ever known.

The relationship that existed between the Corinthians and Paul had become strained. And this is Paul’s valiant attempt to clear up the misunderstandings and heal the wounds. It is an encyclopedia-worth of divine guidance as to how to deal with other believers when there is a strain in the relationship.

Not only is this letter relational theology at its best, it is a 13 chapter testimony to the importance of relationships in the body of Christ. The fact that this eminent apostle is willing to go to such lengths in order to work on his relationship with a group of Christian folk who are being immature and unappreciative should stop us in our tracks like the tolling of a giant bell.

It shows us to what lengths God wants US to go in order to work out our problems with others in the body of Christ. Relationships with others in the body of Christ are worthy of fighting for. They are worthy of working for. They are worthy of all the hassles, headaches and heartaches. They are worthy of our blood, sweat and tears. They are worthy of much long-suffering. They are worthy of seven-times-seventy forgivenesses.

Why? Why all this fuss over a relationship with another sinner? Because the honor of Christ’s name is affected by the unity and the love (or the lack thereof) that dwells among His people. We make Him look bad when we don’t get along. And making Him look bad is something we ought to be willing to DIE to avoid doing.

Thank You, Father, for this second letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Thank You for loving us enough and caring enough about our relationships and the harmony of Your people that You inspired it and preserved it for us. O Lord, may it have a profound impact on us. By the power of Your Spirit use it in our lives to teach us to live and love like the apostle Paul, who so well imitated Your blessed Son. Help us to give our all to honoring His name. May the world be able to recognize that we are His disciples by the love we have for one another.

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