As we finish up a mini-series from the first couple chapters of 2 Corinthians, let’s close with 2 Corinthians 2:17
Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV
This almost feels like a wrap-up of what Paul was defending himself from in chapter 1. Paul and Timothy aren’t trying to make a buck (or drachma) off of the gospel, nor are they trying to make a name for themselves. Instead, they are sincerely teaching the truth in Jesus Christ.
Of course, there are people who earn a living from teaching, preaching, and sharing God’s word. In many cases, these are humble servants who are enabled to spend more of their time in ministry through the generosity of others who want to see the good that God’s kingdom brings. There are also some who exploit God’s word for profit, I suppose, just as there were in Paul’s day, but when we understand 1) the value of a relationship with God, 2) the transience of this life (in light of eternity), and 3) the sufficiency of God to take care of our needs, then money falls off the top of our priority list and no longer needs to be a source of worry. (Full disclosure: I haven’t mastered this skill yet, but am learning to trust God for what I need, rather than trusting myself or my savings!)
So, if you’ve been following along (or would like to read the chapters now), what do we do after learning from Paul’s teachings in 2 Corinthians 1-2? I hope that the Holy Spirit has shared insights with you personally and has helped you to apply God’s word to your life, but here are a few thoughts:
Let us not put our faith in people (other than Jesus Christ). People will make mistakes. People will change their mind. People will let us down. People will break their promises. People will be unable to keep their promises for reasons beyond their control. Of course, people are loved by God, so they should be important to us, but we can’t trust anyone other than God Himself for securing our eternal relationship with Him.
And, along the same lines, let’s make sure that we are not even implying that others should follow us (rather than God). Let’s make sure that people observing our words and actions see Jesus in us, instead of imagining that we are somehow worthy of their worship. That way, when we inevitably make mistakes, it will be clear where we shared the unchanging truth about God, versus where our own fallen nature still shows up (which we don’t like, but endure with the confidence that our sins are paid for).
Conversely, let us remember the constancy of God. As we learn more and more of the truth about Him, we confirm that He is unchanging (see Hebrews 13:8), that He is loving, and that He is wiser than us. Unlike anyone else who might want us to follow them, not only is God worthy of being followed – of us giving our lives over to Him – but He also offers a life that is better than anything else that other leaders can offer.
There is great value in following Jesus, trusting God, and obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, this value doesn’t always come in the form of cash. No, the rewards are much greater than that!
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.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 2 Corinthians, by William R. Baker. © 1999 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 