Category: Philippians

Not Repented

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2Corinthians 12:19-21 Again, think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 

‘Think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.’ He asked if they thought that he makes an apology for his conduct and that he sent the brethren to them because he was ashamed to come himself; He declares that God is his judge in this matter and know that this was not his motive. What he has done has been for their edification.

‘I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.’ Paul has been fearful of three things: Lest he did not find them as they should be; lest he found them full of debates: wranglings (Rom. 1:29), envyings: jealousies (Acts 5:17), wraths: indignation (Rom. 2:8), strifes: contentions (Rom. 2:8), backbitings: slanders (1Pet. 2:1), whisperings: murmurs (1Cor. 10:10), swellings: puffed up feelings (1Cor. 4:6), tumults: uproars (Luke 21:9); lest God shall humble him among them because of some that have sinned and have not repented, and lest he has to use his power to judge all such (2Cor. 12:21; 10:8-11; 13:10; 1Cor. 4:18-20)

‘Uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness’ – three kinds of moral sins: Homosexuality, known in the lists of sins under the term “uncleanness” (12:21; Rom. 1:24; 6:19; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 2Pet. 2:10); fornication (Matt. 5:32); lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19).

Same Spirit

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2Corinthians 12:14-18 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? 

‘Third time I am ready to come to you.’ This is the third time he has resolved to come to them. He planned it twice before, but could not make it (1Cor. 16:5; 2Cor. 1:15-16; 13:1-2).

‘But you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.’ He seeks their salvation, not their property. He said he will continue this policy (12:14-16).

‘Being crafty, I caught you with guile.’ Paul’s enemies accused him of using tricks to get what he was pretending that he would not take from them. He answers this charge by the questions of 2Corinthians 12:17-18.

‘Same spirit’ – characteristic of all true ministers. It is the same as being ‘one’ or ‘with one accord.’ With one mind (Acts 2:1, 46; 4:24; 5:12; 7:57; 8:6; 12:20; 15:25; 18:12; 19:29; 24:1-27; Rom. 15:6; Php. 2:2; 1Pet. 3:8). Being of one mind means to believe the same and think the same: we are commanded to do so according to the gospel of Jesus Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) and not what church doctrines, ministers or different teachings ascribe as to the gospel. None will be uninterested, unconcerned, or lukewarm, but all will be in earnest and united in faith and prayer.

In All Patience

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2Corinthians 12:11-13 I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chief apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 

‘I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chief apostles, though I be nothing.’ Paul states that he has become senseless in boasting (11:16), but they have compelled him. They should have vindicated both him and his ministry before his enemies among them, for they know his apostolic power which he used among them (12:11-12).

‘Signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.’ No man is an apostle without these signs. There are two things that constitute apostleship: Faith of God’s elect. [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, pledge of good faith. Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge of the truth which is after godliness (Tit. 1:1). Full and true knowledge are requirements for all apostles as well as disciples (Col. 3:10; 1:9-10; Rom. 1:28; 3:20; 10:2; Eph. 1:17; 4:13; Php. 1:9; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Tim. 3:7; Heb. 10:26; 2Pet. 1:2, 3, 8; 2:20). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature, and of the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

Although discipleship continues as we grow in Christ, apostleship ended with the authors of the New Testament. They were all chosen by Christ Himself. Today, however, there are those who call themselves apostles. One cannot call oneself to an office when God stated in Revelation 22:18-19 that if we add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book [Revelation] and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Thus to ‘add’ or ‘take away’ of the Word of God will cause damnation.

‘Forgive me this wrong.’ If refusing to take support from them is the only thing Paul has failed them in, he asks them to forgive him and clear the record.

 Pleasure in…

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2Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

‘Infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake.’ Five phases of Paul’s sufferings: [1] Infirmities [Greek: astheneia] want of strength; weakness; infirmity, which means a moral, mental, or physical weakness or flaw. Used of the utter helplessness of the body in death (1Cor. 15:43; 2Cor. 13:4); infirmity of the body (Matt. 8:17; Luke 5:15; 8:2; 13:11-12; John 5:5; 11:4; Acts 28:9; 1Tim. 5:23); weakness of ability as a nation to cope with more powerful forces in war (Heb. 11:34); weakness of human nature (Rom. 6:19; 8:26; Gal. 4:13; Heb. 4:15; 5:2; 7:28); weakness of human ability (1Cor. 2:3); Paul’s weakness and helplessness before satan’s angel (11:30; 12:5, 9-10). Paul had a special power to heal diseases even up to the last days we read of him (Acts 19:11; 28:1-9) so his infirmities was not a disease. [2] Reproaches [Greek: hubris] insults; reproaches (12:10); hurt (Acts 27:10); and harm (Acts 27:21). [3] Necessities [Greek: anangke] necessities (12:10; 6:4; 9:7; 1Cor. 7:37; 9:16; Phm. 1:14; Heb. 7:12; 9:16, 23); distress (Luke 21:23; 1Cor. 7:26). [4] Persecutions [Greek: diogmos] persecutions (12:10; Matt. 13:21; Mark 4:17; 10:30; Acts 8:1; 13:50; Rom. 8:35; 2Thess. 1:4; 2Tim. 3:11). [5] Distresses [Greek: stenochoria] distresses (12:10; 6:4; Rom. 8:35) and anguish (Rom. 2:9). These five classes of sufferings constitute the buffeting of Paul by the angel of satan which was his thorn (12:7-10).

‘Then am I strong’ – When Paul was attacked by the angel of satan, then he looks for the grace promised by God (12:9). He gets it and is strong in the power of God (12:10). The power of Christ rests upon him like a tent or tabernacle, affording him shelter and rest (12:9).

In All Things Approving

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2Corinthians 6:1-13 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he said, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. O you Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. You are not straitened in us, but you are straitened in your own bowels. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be you also enlarged. 

‘I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ This is the 1st Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in 2 Corinthians (Isa. 49:8).

‘Offence’ [Greek: proskope] cause of offence. Here it means any scandal that might cause blame on the gospel ministry.

‘Approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses …’ Here are 31 things in which to be approved: Innocence (6:3); patience (6:4); afflictions; necessities; distresses; floggings (6:5); imprisonments; tumults; labours; watchings; fastings; purity (6:6); knowledge; longsuffering; kindness; Holy Spirit; true love; truth (6:7); power; weapons; honour (6:8) and dishonour; evil and good report; honesty; fame (6:9); alertness; preservation; joyfulness (6:10); benevolence; possession of God’s wealth.

‘Armour’ [Greek: hoplon] arms and armour (Eph. 6:11).

‘Our mouth is open’ – a Hebraism for speaking with liberty.

‘Our heart is enlarged’ – our heart is expanded to take you and all your interests into it and keep you in the highest Christian affection.

‘You are not straitened in us, but you are straitened in your own bowels.’ Paul states the following to the believers at Corinth: You do not have a narrow place in my affections. The narrow affections are in your own hearts. I want you to repay me for my affections toward you, as children should a parent. Love me as I love you (6:12-13). ‘Bowels’ [Greek: splangchnon] inward parts. Used figuratively of the seat of affections (6:12; 7:15; Luke 1:78; Php. 1:8; 2:1; Col. 3:12; Phm. 1:7, 12, 20; 1Jn. 3:17). Used literally in Acts 1:18.

Be in Christ… is a New Creature – Part 3

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2Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God. For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

From 1Thessalonians 4:3-18 we see fourteen requirements of the will of God and of sanctification: [1] Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (4:3; Matt. 5:32). [2] Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (4:4). [3] Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (Col. 3:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. [4] That no man defraud his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it is dealing with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen nations (other than Israel). Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. [5] Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (4:7; Rom. 1:24). [6] Do not despise men (4:8). [7] Love one another (4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). [8] Increase in love (4:10; 3:12). [9] Study to be quiet (4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). [10] Be diligent in business (4:11). [11] Work with your hands (4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). [12] Walk honestly before men (4:12). [13] Have a bright hope (4:13-17). [14] Comfort one another (4:18).

‘To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.’ I.e., that is to say: God was in Christ, reconciling people to Himself. God does not impute sin to those who have confessed and are reconciled to Him (Rom. 4:7-8). God has committed to the reconciled the word of reconciliation. God has made the reconciled ambassadors for Christ to reconcile others (5:20; Rom. 5:10). God made Christ a sin-offering, that man might become righteous (5:21). ‘Sin for us’ – as a sin-offering; a sacrifice for sin (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 5:2; 1Pet. 2:24).

Be in Christ… is a New Creature – Part 2

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2Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

‘Old things are passed away’ – two old things that pass away when one is in Christ:

[1] The spirit, nature, and power of sin the old man, which is nothing more nor less than the spirit, nature, and power of the devil working in men of disobedience (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 2Cor. 4:4; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18). This is what the Bible calls: The old man (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9); sin (John 1:29; 8:34; Rom.  6:4-8:2); the body of sin (Rom. 6:6); the power of satan (Acts 26:18); the body of this death (Rom. 7:24); the lusts of the flesh (Eph. 2:3); the lust of the eyes (1Jn. 2:15-17); the pride of life (1Jn. 2:15-17); the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19); the world (1Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4); vile affections (Rom. 1:26, 29); the lusts of the mind (Eph. 2:3); the lusts of sin (Rom. 6:11-12); the motions of sins (Rom. 7:5); the law of sin and death (Rom. 7:7-8:2); the carnal mind (Rom. 8:1-13); the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); spiritual wickedness in high places … rulers of darkness (Eph. 6:12); the lusts of your father (John 8:44); sin that dwells in me (Rom. 7:17); the course of this world (Eph. 2:2); the body of the sins of the flesh (Col. 2:11; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:1-39).

[2] Outward sin or transgression of the law (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 4:15; Jas. 1:13-15). The outward acts are listed in Mark 7:19-21; Romans 1:18-32; 2Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-10).

Both outward and inward sin must pass away or one cannot claim to be in Christ. The theory that only outward transgressions are forgiven and one is still under the control of the old man (the devil) is one of the most erroneous doctrines in Christendom (2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:24; 1Jn. 5:18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

To be continued…

Be in Christ… is a New Creature – Part 1

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2Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.’ Therefore, in view of the fact that we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.

‘In Christ’ – the so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (2Cor. 7:3; Php. 1:7); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn. 2:24); men being in Christ (2Cor. 5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts 17:28); and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach the physical entrance of one being into another.

‘In Christ, he is a new creature’ – ten personal gospel blessings are noted: It brings one into Christ (5:17). One is a new creature (5:17). Old things are passed away (5:17). [Greek: archaios, old, ancient, original]. Such things are no more in one. All things are new (5:17). Life is just the opposite of the old life. All things are of God (5:18). The true Christian does not permit anything in his life which is ungodly and unChristlike (Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26). One is reconciled to God (5:18; Rom. 5:10; Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20-21). He has a part in the ministry of reconciliation (5:18-20; 1:18-24). He has been trusted with the Word of reconciliation (5:19; Mark 16:15-20). He is an ambassador of God in Christ’s stead (5:20; Pro. 13:17). He is the righteousness of God in Christ (5:21; Rom. 3:21-31; 8:4). To be continued…

Be Sober

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2Corinthians 5:11-16 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 

‘Terror’ [Greek: phobos] translated fear 39 times and terror (Rom. 13:3; 1Pet. 3:14). In view of this Paul persuade people to turn to God. They did not preach themselves neither were they “beside themselves” as some said. He said that if they were beside themselves for God and sober, it was for their [the saints of Corinth) good.

‘Sober’ [Greek: sophroneo] be of sound mind (Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; Rom. 12:3; Tit. 2:6; 1Pet. 4:7) as to not fall to sudden destruction. Four conditions are given to escape the sudden destruction of 1Thessalonians 5:6-11: [1] Not sleep [Greek: katheudo] to repose one’s self in sleep. Used of the sleeping, indifferent, careless, and unfaithful virgins (Mt. 25:5); of the sleeping disciples who could not watch with Christ one hour (Mt. 26:45); and of indifferent and backsliding men (Eph. 5:14; 1Th. 5:6,7,8). The warning here is that we do not go back into sin.  [2] Watch. Be always alert and live godly in Christ; do not permit yourself to be overthrown by temptation (Mt. 24:42-51). [3] Be sober [Greek: nepho] to drink no intoxicants; live soberly and righteously (Tit. 2:11-12). Translated be sober (1Th. 5:6, 8; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8) and watch (2Tim. 4:5; 1Pet. 4:7). It was counted a disgrace even among the heathen to be drunk in the day, hence the admonition to live as children of light and of the day (1Th. 5:5-8). [4] Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet — the hope of salvation (1Th. 5:8; Eph. 6:10-18). We are not only to be sober and watch but we are called to fight the fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life (1Tim. 6:12; 1Cor. 9:24-27).

‘Constrains’ [Greek: sunecho] also translated “press” (Acts 18:5) and “throng” (Luke 8:45). Here it means to urge people to accept the gospel.

‘That if one died for all, then were all dead.’ Paul concludes that since Christ died for all, then all were dead and all should live unto Him who died and rose again for them (5:14-15). ‘Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.’ We trust no man’s flesh. We do not even recognize Christ after the flesh.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

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2Corinthians 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

‘Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.’ In view of the fact we leave the body at physical death and go with the Lord, let us labour to be accepted by Him whether we live in the body or die and be absent from the body to be with the Lord (5:8-9). ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.’ The 4th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where, after the resurrection of the saints, we shall be judged for the things done in the body whether they are good or bad (Rom. 2:12-16; 14:10-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; 22:12). Believers will be judged concerning: Doctrines (Rom. 2:14-16; 14:1-23); Conduct to others (Matt. 18:1-35; Rom. 14:1-23). Carnal traits (Col. 3:1-25; Rom. 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23). Words (Matt. 12:32-37; Rom. 14:1-23). Things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (Rom. 1:29-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-25; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33; Rom. 12:1-21; 14:1-23). Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (Rom. 2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-25). Things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (1Cor. 12:1-31; Rom. 12:1-21; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33).