Sermon20140223

Introduction:

2 Corinthians 13:11-14 (NASB)
11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like- minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will bewith you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Review:

Theme: Six distinctly Christian traits that should characterize a local church so we might experience greater intimacy with God and one another.

I. Six Closing Exhortations vv. 11-13

A. Rejoice

B. Be made complete

C. Be comforted.

D. Be like – minded.
E. Live in peace.

F. Greet one another.

II. One Trinitarian Benediction vs. 14

A. GRACE.

B. LOVE.

C. FELLOWSHIP.

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Sermon20140216

Introduction:

Review: Three prerogatives of Christ’s leader:

1. Prerogative to discipline
2. Prerogative to speak for Christ
3. Prerogative to call for testing

2 Corinthians 13:5-10 (NASB)

5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test?
6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.
7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.
10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

Theme: Three core commitments of Christians and their leaders so you will be approved in the faith

Commitment #1 Priority of the test vv. 5-6

A. Christians must take the test and pass vs. 5

B. Christian leaders must also take the test and pass vs. 6

Commitment #2 Practice of the truth vv. 7-8

A. Christians must do right according to the truth vs. 7

B. Christian leaders must do all for the sake of the truth vs. 8

Commitment #3 Purpose of the task vv. 9-10

A. Christians must be made complete in Christ vs. 9

B. Christian leaders must use their authority to make Christians complete in Christ vs. 10

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Sermon20140209

Introduction:

Review: Three prerogatives of Christ’s leader:

1. Prerogative to discipline
2. Prerogative to speak for Christ
3. Prerogative to call for testing

2 Corinthians 13:5-10 (NASB)

5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test?
6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.
7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.
10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

Theme: Three core commitments of Christians and their leaders so you will be approved in the faith

Commitment #1 Priority of the test vv. 5-6

A. Christians must take the test and pass vs. 5

B. Christian leaders must also take the test and pass vs. 6

Commitment #2 Practice of the truth vv. 7-8

A. Christians must do right according to the truth vs. 7

B. Christian leaders must do all for the sake of the truth vs. 8

Commitment #3 Purpose of the task vv. 9-10

A. Christians must be made complete in Christ vs. 9

B. Christian leaders must use their authority to make Christians complete in Christ vs. 10

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Sermon20140202

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Introduction:

Review:

Theme: Three crucial concerns a faithful pastor has for the church so you will understand your part in the body.

2 Corinthians 12:19-21 (NASB)
19 All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
20 For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;
21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.

I. Being misunderstood by the church is the faithful pastor’s Plight. vs.19a-b

II. Building up the church is the faithful pastor’s Priority vs. 19c

III. Besetting sin in the church is the faithful pastor’s Problem vv. 20-21

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https://www.faithbiblechurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Sermon20140112.mp3

Introduction:

2 Corinthians 12:11-18 (NASB)
11 I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.
13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit.
17 Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?
18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?

Review:

Theme: Three marks of a true apostle of Christ so you will understand their pivotal role in establishing Christ’s church.

I. True apostles were commended by those they ministered to vs. 11
1 they were the foundation upon which the church was built.
2. They provided fresh revelation and trustworthy oversight.
3. They directed the mission of the early church.

II. True apostles were confirmed by supernatural signs vs.12

III. True apostles were equally concerned for all the people they ministered to vv.13-18
A. Three ways this concern was demonstrated
1. They endeavored not to be a burden to those they ministered to vv. 13-14a, 16
2. They displayed the love parent’s show to their children vv.14b-15
3. They were assisted by other reliable servants of Christ vv. 17-18a
B. Why this concern matters still today vs. 18b
1. Shows the consistency of conduct
2. Provides and example for Christian leaders today

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Introduction:

2 Corinthians 12:11-18 (NASB)

11 I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.

12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit.

17 Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?

18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?

Review:

Theme: Three marks of a true apostle of Christ so you will understand their pivotal role in establishing Christ’s church.

I. True apostles were commended by those they ministered to vs. 11

1 they were the foundation upon which the church was built.

2. They provided fresh revelation and trustworthy oversight.

3. They directed the mission of the early church.

II. True apostles were validated by supernatural signs vs.12

III. True apostles were equally concerned for all the people they ministered to vv.13-18

A. Three ways this concern was demonstrated

1. They endeavored not to be a _____ to those they ministered to vv. 13-14a, 16

2. They displayed the _____ parent’s show

to their children vv.14b-15

3. They were _____ by other reliable servants of Christ vv. 17-18a

B. Why this concern matters still today vs. 18b

1. __________

2. __________

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2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (NASB)
1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago — whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a man was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I know how such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows —
4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.
6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Introduction:

Review:

Theme:

Three significant consequences of a legitimate boast so you will remain humble in it.

I. The characteristics of a legitimate boast vv.1-6
A. It is a unique and superior spiritual experience vv.1-5.
B. It is a true experience vs. 6a
C. It is properly incorporated into over all Christian experience vs.6

II. The three significant consequences of a legitimate boast vv.7-10
A. Divine humbling vs.7
B. Sustained suffering vs.8
C. Christ manifesting Grace vv.9-10
1. What he will gladly boast about: weakness
2. What he is well content with: weakness, insults, distress, persecutions
3. Why he is content with weakness: Christ’s strength

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Sermon20131110

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (NASB)

1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago — whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a man was caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I know how such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows —

4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.

5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.

6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.

7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself!

8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Introduction:

Review:

Theme: Three significant consequences of a legitimate boast so you will remain humble in it.

I. The characteristics of a legitimate boast vv.1-6

A. It is a unique and superior spiritual experience vv.1-5.

B. It is a true experience vs. 6a

C. It is properly incorporated into over all Christian experience vs.6

II. The three significant consequences of a legitimate boast vv.7-10

A. Divine ________ vs.7

B. Sustained ________ vs.8

C. Christ manifesting ________ vv.9-10

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Sermon20131103

2 Corinthians 11:16-33 (NASB)
16 Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little.
17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.
19 For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly.
20 For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face.
21 To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold — I speak in foolishness — I am just as bold myself.
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.
23 Are they servants of Christ? — I speak as if insane — I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.
24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty- nine lashes.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.
26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;
27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
29 Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?
30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.
31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me,
33 and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.

Introduction:

Review:

Theme: three aspects of a foolish boast so you will understand the extreme measures under which it may be used.

I. The reasoning behind his foolish boast vv. 16-21
A. The appeal for his foolish boast vs.16
B. The nature of his foolish boast vv. 17-18
1. Not as the Lord would
2. Acknowledging its foolish and fleshly nature
C. The need for his foolish boast vv. 18-21
1. They bear with others who are foolish
2. They bear with those who mistreat them

Application:

II. The content of his foolish boast vv.22-29
A. His pedigree vs. 22
B. His privilege vs. 23
C. His persecution vv. 23-25
D. His perils vs. 26
E. His personal hardship vs. 27
F. His pastoral anxiety vs. 28-29

Lessons:

III. The alternative to his foolish boast vv.30-33
A. His preferences to boast in his weakness vs.30
B. A prime illustration of this boasting vv. 31-33

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