August 25, 1999

EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Love with discipline reflects
the true nature of God
___ 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14
___By Mark Bumpus
___First Baptist Church, Mineral Wells
___It was during the time of social unrest and the "Jesus Movement" on college campuses. On one campus, George Wallace, governor of Alabama, was speaking. Afterward, he said he was almost beaten half-to-death by a student carrying a sign that said, "God is Love!" The student was confused about the love and discipline of God.
___Love without discipline leads to maudlin sentimentalism. Discipline without love leads to abject terror. Love with discipline reflects the true nature of God and is descriptive of Paul's approach with the Corinthians.
___ Parental concern (2 Corinthians 12:14-15). Paul saw himself as a spiritual father to the spiritual children of Corinth. His interest in Corinth wasn't financial, but spiritual--refusing monetary assistance (v.14), though he taught vocational Christian ministers should be adequately compensated (1 Corinthians 9:11-14). Paul was avoiding accusations of greed.
___Paul loved the Corinthian Christians unconditionally--even when the more he loved them, the less they loved him (v.15). The reason for their lovelessness was the insinuation Paul was receiving "money under the table" from Titus and others (v.16-18)--the belief that the Jerusalem relief offering was a big swindle to line Paul's pockets.
___ Persistent sinners (2 Corinthians 12:19-21). Paul knew the Corinthians misunderstood his motives (v.19). They thought he was trying to preserve his reputation. Instead, he was seeking to please God and upbuild them (v.19).
___On this third visit to Corinth, Paul was fearful he would have to express the judgment of God on the conduct of the sinful minority involved in church dissension (eight examples--v.20) and sexual sin (three examples--v.21). Although professing Christians, some still struggled with sins of carnality.
___ Warning against impenitence (2 Corinthians 13:1-2). On the third visit, Paul will (1) oversee the Jerusalem relief offering, (2) deal with false teachers and (3) confront the impenitent minority (v.2). Paul will follow the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:16. Discipline will be factual ("two or three witnesses"--v.1), lack favortism (v.2) and be restorative (2:7-8) if accompanied with repentance. The impenitent will face exposure, public humiliation, excommunication and God's discipline. Better to repent before Paul comes!
___ Call for self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5-7). To the sinful minority, Paul says, "You've been testing me--now is the time to examine yourselves! Take a spiritual inventory. Is there evidence of God's work of salvation in your heart and life?" Unconfessed sin sometimes feels like unforgiven sin. Unfaithfulness and disobedience can create doubt of salvation. Paul had examined his life and found evidence of genuine Christian faith. He had experienced forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and had the knowledge of his personal salvation (1 John 5:13). "What about you troublemakers?"
___This great letter ends with three appeals: (1) do no wrong (v.7), (2) do right (v.7) and (3) mature in your faith (v.9). This should be the course charted by the faithful and penitent.
___It appears Paul's third visit was successful (Romans 15:23), the collection was gathered (Romans 15:25-26) and the Corinthians received his loving discipline with a repentant attitude (Romans 15:23). To the extent they did is the extent they experienced the grace, love, fellowship (v.14) and peace (v.11) of the triune God and unity within the church (v.11).

---

Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!