2 Cor 4 teaches that it is by God's mercy and grace that we are able to continue serving as ministers and stewards of the Lord's work and not lose heart. Paul says that by sharing openly and sincerely the truth of the light of our faith, others will be sure that we can be trusted. But, the minds of unbelievers are blinded, even if there is nothing hidden about our message. Though God shines in our hearts to let others know his glory, our hearts are frail and weak so that there can be no confusion that the glory is from God.... that "the excellence of the power working in us may undeniably appear to be of God" . Paul says that "outwardly we are wasting away, but inwardly we are being renewed day by day". There is hope in knowing that one day all the stress and heartache of this world will end and we will enjoy rest and rewards in Christ. Therefore, Paul says to live above the pain, knowing our daily troubles and trials are "getting us ready for an eternal glory". So, keep our minds focused not on what is seen, but on this unseen future hope, which is eternal.

2 Cor 3 answers the question posed in chapter 2, " Who is adequate for such a task" of representing Christ?". Paul says, "not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant". Next, Paul compares the new covenant of grace with the old covenant of the law. He explains that living under the new covenant of grace is much more glorious, since it is "not of written laws" that condemns and ends in death, but "of the Spirit" giving life and making us right with God. Paul says the new covenant gives us "such hope" and confidence, "that we can be very bold". We also receive liberty and freedom from the Spirit under this new covenant, by which He enables us to live for him, "so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord". Paul concludes by explaining that "as the Spirit works within us", we are "being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord", becoming more and more like Christ.

2 Cor 2 has two topics of discussion. First, Paul describes the heart-brokenness that we share with those in the body who are experiencing consequences of their sin. Confronting wrongdoing, though vitally important, is not the end. There comes a time after the difficult discussions "to forgive him and comfort him". Paul says, "otherwise he may become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover". After confrontation, conversation, and course correction, then there must also be restoration, comfort, and encouragement. As Paul says, "now show him that you still love him".

Second, Paul teaches us to give thanks to God for leading us into victory wherever we go, using us "to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume". Paul describes our lives as a "fragrance presented by Christ to God". But the "fragrance of the knowledge of Him" that is spread everywhere through us depends not on our competence. Paul asks , "who is adequate for such a task as this?" Paul explains that we are not like those "hucksters", who probably had terrific speaking abilities and marveled their audiences with their fancy talk, but instead we speak "with sincerity and with Christ's authority" and as "like men sent from God".

In 2 Cor 1, Paul reminds us that God "is the source of every mercy and comfort". In speaking about the hardships that he has endured, Paul explains that "for just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." Paul says this process produces patient endurance, "that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God". Therefore, we will set on Him our hope and confidence, "that He will continue to deliver us". Next, Paul boasts in God as the power enabling him to conduct himself in holiness and sincerity in his relationship with the church. Paul says he has depended on God's grace, not on his own earthly wisdom. Paul concludes by clarifying his instruction of "standing firm". Paul explains that God (the author and perfecter of our faith)is He "who makes you stand firm in Christ" and "it is by faith you stand firm". This seems so simple, yet so many people get it backwards. Our faith is a gift from God that allows us to stand firm. Paul says this instruction is "straightforward and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you cannot understand". Amen !

In 1 Cor 16, Paul offers five final thoughts of encouragement and instruction: 1) Be watchful, on the alert, and guard the truth. 2) Be fixed in and stand true to the faith. 3) Be courageous and keep your ground when faced with temptation. 4) Be strong and act like men (yes-that's exactly what Paul said). 5) Do everything with charity, kindness, and love. No problem, right? How are you doing?

In 1 Cor 15, Paul provides instruction and clarification regarding bodily resurrection. The current Greek culture of Corinth ( and some even in the church at that time) believed that only the soul had any existence beyond death. Paul reminds the church of Corinth how important it is to "hold firmly" (=believe wholeheartedly ) the Good News which their faith is built on, namely "that Christ died for our sins, ... was buried, and was raised from the dead"(v.4). Paul explains that there were numerous witnesses , including all twelve apostles, more than 500 of His followers, James, and even Paul himself. All of these people were eye witnesses of Jesus resurrection to life. Paul is very extensive in providing historical facts and evidence of the truth of Jesus' resurrection, since faith in Jesus is futile otherwise. Paul says it is the power of His resurrection that "works through me by His grace". "Whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me. I have worked hard(er), yet it was not I but God who was working through me" (v.10). For further emphasis, Paul concludes by reiterating the importance of believing wholeheartedly in the truths of the Good News and to continually present yourself for the work of the Lord.

1 Cor 14 deals with the use of spiritual gifts, specifically tongues and prophesy, in the church. Paul again says that acting with love is a vital part of employing spiritual gifts. Throughout this chapter, Paul repeatedly makes reference to the purposes of these gifts: so that the church may be edified(v.5), to build up the church ( v. 12), to instruct others (v.19), to demonstrate God's presence among you and to convince unbelievers of their sin so they will fall down and worship God (v. 24-25), for the strengthening of the church (v.26), and that everyone may be instructed and encouraged (v.31).

There seems to be a current problem that Paul is addressing regarding disorderly conduct in the use of spiritual gifts in the Corinth church. Paul gives extensive guidelines as to the use of spiritual gifts in the church ( v.26-40). Paul says in summary, "When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord." (v.26). Paul calls for orderly conduct in the church to facilitate the effectiveness of the Spirit's manifestations, saying "God is not a God of disorder, but of peace"(v33) and "everything should be done in a proper and orderly way"(v40).