Contrary to some people’s impression, the overall message of the Bible isn’t impossible to understand. Yes, some parts of the Bible require reading, study, and/or the insight of the Holy Spirit to comprehend. A few specific details might not be clear in this life. However, much of the Bible is straightforward and clear, at least for those who choose to seek answers from God. (Consider, for instance, Jesus’ teachings as recorded in Matthew 7:7-12.)
Resuming the previous article’s review of 2 Corinthians 1, Paul makes a similar point about his teaching as he continues writing to the church in Corinth.
For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:13-14 NIV
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church members in a way that they can understand, and I think that a review of one of his previous letters (the one we call 1 Corinthians) confirms that Paul didn’t just write arbitrarily to this church. He didn’t offer some generic message that the Corinthians had to try and apply to their lives without any help from him. Instead, Paul considered their situation – the culture that they lived in and the specific problems that they were dealing with – as he wrote to help them, specifically.
Also, the way that I read this passage, Paul hopes that they will appreciate the truth of these words to the point that they are proud of him for living and teaching with integrity. They might not “get it” now, but as they understand more, the sacrifice that Paul and others have made for them should become more clear, along with a better understanding of the blessings that the Corinthians receive as a result of Paul’s ongoing commitment to God.
However, this isn’t Paul being selfish. It sounds to me like he wants the Corinthian believers to know how proud he is of them, as well. This is all for their good, to the growth of the Kingdom of God, and giving the glory to God.
So, what about us? Are we Paul or are we the Corinthians? Or, are we neither? We must be careful when studying the Bible not to always think that other people’s lessons apply to us exactly the same way as it did to them. First, we must understand what parts of those truths are specific to their situation, and what principles God is applying to our own lives.
In the ways that we are like Paul, though, where we are teaching and leading others to help them grow in their walk with Christ, let’s agree that we should “practice what we preach”. We must strive to live a life whose actions and words aren’t just aligned with each other, but are also aligned with the truth that God gives us.
The good news is that, as God teaches us about Himself, and as we trust Him more and more, then doing what He tells us should become easier and easier (despite the potential for increased resistance from forces that are opposed to God). After all, as we get to know God, we not only appreciate that He is smarter and wiser than us, but we also see how much He loves us. As a result, we grow increasingly confident that His direction is the best possible path for our lives, along with being the best plan for the good of the entire world.
In the ways that we are like the people in Corinth who received this letter, though, we may need to also reflect upon those in our lives who have taught and served us. Regardless of whether they did so as a part of formal ministry, these people sacrificed for us and committed themselves to our betterment, while also giving themselves to the work and the will of God. They did so not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because they loved us and were proud to see us grow.
As we think of such people whose commitment to integrity in following Jesus has helped us to grow in the same way, may we honor their investment: not just in saying “thank you”, but in living the same kind of life for the glory of God that we saw modeled in them. That is how we can make them proud.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for May 5, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, May 5, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 2 Corinthians, by William R. Baker. © 1999 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 