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New Testament LESSON #35
(2 CORINTHIANS) |
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BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD
by Ted L. Gibbons
We are going to do something a little different with this lesson and suggest a couple of ways to look at 2 Corinthians that are different from the outline given in the manual. I will not make a habit of this, because I think the manual is fantastic. If you are teaching Gospel Doctrine, that is where you need to go for your direction. But 2nd Corinthians has intrigued for me for some time because it offers special insights into service and happiness. But first some background.
As was mentioned in an earlier lesson, the church at Corinth has been  polluted by apostates who hate Paul’s integrity, doctrine, and authority. Because he announced a change in itinerary regarding his visit to the Corinthians, enemies now say his work and word cannot be trusted. Chapters 1-7 seem to be his explanation for the change in his plans. These same infidels have claimed that Paul is not really an apostle, and that he has pocketed the money collected in Corinth for the poor in Jerusalem. In chapters 8-9, Paul reminds the believers of his conduct among them and asks them to take that as evidence of his trustworthiness. In chapters 10-13, Paul promises that he will come to the saints in Corinth, he testifies of his apostolic calling, and he expresses his readiness to exercise discipline upon those who challenge the truth and pervert the gospel of Christ.
One day while reading this book, I began to note, and then to mark, the different ways in which this book indicates it is possible to serve others. On another occasion, my attention was drawn to attitudes and characteristics that ought to make people happy. Lesson 35 will focus on those two areas.
> Read the Entire New Testament Lesson
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