Walking Through II Corinthians Todays Message A Life Of Sincerity and Simplicity II Corinthians 1:12-24

A. He Defends His Testimony 1. Sincere and simple Paul’s Defense 1:12-2:4 A. He Defends His Testimony 1. Sincere and simple 2. Not with worldly wisdom 3. All by grace For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity (haplotes- honesty, no pretence) and godly sincerity (heilikrines – judged by the sun’s ray) , not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation ( anestrepho-behavior) in the world, and more exceeding to you. 1:12                          

1. His word was consistent 2. His word was clear B. Paul Defends His Word 1. His word was consistent 2. His word was clear 3. His hope was confident For we write no other things to you, but what you read ( anaginosko) or acknowledge (epiginosko); and I trust you shall acknowledge (epiginosko) even to the end; 14 As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing (Kauchema-boasting, to glory in), even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1:13-14

C. Paul Defends His Plans 1. They had right motivation 2. They were well laid out Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit (Charis) twice (deuteros). 16 I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 When I planned this, did I do it lightly? 1:15-17a

4. They weren’t Yes and Not 3. They Were Not Worldly 4. They weren’t Yes and Not Or the things that I am considering, do I consider according to the flesh, that with me there should be yes yes (nai) , and not not (ou)? 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yes and not. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, [even] by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yes and not, but in Him was yes. 20 For all the promises of God in him [are] yes, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 1:17b-20

D. Paul Defends His Changed Plans 1. To impugn his stead- fastness is to impugn their own. 2. He wanted to spare the Corinthians Now He which establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed (Chrisas) us, [is] God; 22 Who has also sealed us, and given the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth yet to spare you. 1:21-23

3. He didn’t want to come to them in a state of sorrow Not that we have lordship (kurieuo) over your faith (pistis) , but are fellow laborers (sunergoi) of your joy (charas) : for by faith you stand. 2:1 But I made this judgment (ekkrina) with myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow (lupe) . 1:24-2:1

a. Paul wanted them to make him rejoice For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad, (euphraino) but the same which is made sorry by me? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice (Chairein); having confidence (peitho) in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all. 2:2,3 b. Paul wanted them to know his heart of love. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be sorrowful, but that you might know the more exceeding love (agape) which I have for you. . 2:4