As we continue a series of articles from 2 Corinthians 5, let’s not forget that Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth were addressed to a specific group, in a specific place, at a specific time, and that they had specific issues. It is wonderful that we can learn from the messages that Paul shared with this church, where those same lessons help us today. However, Paul wrote these letters for a reason.
In that light, let’s consider more of what Paul wrote to this church.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
2 Corinthians 5:11-13 NIV
As a follower of Jesus who knows the truth of the gospel and wants to please God, Paul is motivated to do exactly what God has called him to: sharing this good news with others. Paul knows this truth about his own inspiration, and God knows it, but at least some of the people in the Corinthian church seem to be questioning it.
Because he is already right before God, Paul doesn’t even need people to be proud of him for his own sake. However, Paul also understands that an explanation of what motivates and drives him could be used to break down the silos of various groups at Corinth. This may include the factions in this church who say that they follow one teacher or another, or those who question Paul’s integrity and therefore imply that Paul’s teaching isn’t accurate (despite it being the good news about new life in Jesus Christ).
Once Paul shares his heart, and his self-sacrificing motivation for making disciples, the hope is that those who think about ministry as anything else – whether a means to profit or fame or something else that is selfish – will better understand what it means to serve God, instead. Maybe those self-centered church members will never read Paul’s letter (especially if they are already judging him), but there is hope for even those straying church members if the people who do read (or hear) Paul’s letter engage in loving conversation with them, and explain the truth.
No matter what people think of him and his decisions, though, Paul knows that he is following the best way, with God’s direction.
So, if people think that he’s “off his rocker” because of some of his choices, Paul is doing so because he trusts God with his life, even if what God asks him to do doesn’t seem to make sense right away (especially by those who measure everything by mere human knowledge and cultural standards).
On the other hand, when people understand Paul and what makes him “tick”, they will find that he is serving and loving them (because he serves and loves God).
You or I may not be preparing to write a letter to a distant congregation with the specific challenges that Paul’s audience dealt with. We might not be judged by other people in the same way that Paul was. However, I think that Paul’s goal here is timeless for all of God’s people. I might summarize that goal as loving and serving others, starting with God and then extending the love that we find in God to people around us.
No matter your situation, I hope that your choices are aligned with God’s direction (even if some people think that you’re out of your mind), and that those who learn the truth about your behavior discover that you choose to live for the benefit of others.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for May 19, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, May 19, 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 