Gary Miller Ministry

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

This summary of the book of 2 Corinthians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Corinthians.

Author

Paul is the author of this letter (see 1:1; 10:1). It is stamped with his style and contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings.

Date

The available evidence indicates that the year a.d. 55 is a reasonable estimate for the writing of this letter. From 1Co 16:5-8 it may be concluded that 1 Corinthians was written from Ephesus before Pentecost (in the late spring) and that 2 Corinthians may have been written later that same year before the onset of winter. 2Co 2:13; 7:5 indicate that it was probably written from Macedonia.

Recipients

The opening greeting of the letter states that it was addressed to the church in Corinth and to Christians throughout Achaia (the Roman province comprising all of Greece south of Macedonia; see map, 2288).

Occasion

It seems that Paul wrote as many as four letters to the church at Corinth: (1) the letter referred to in 1Co 5:9 (see note there); (2) 1 Corinthians; (3) the "severe" letter (see 2Co 2:3-4; see also below); (4) 2 Corinthians. After writing 1 Corinthians Paul continued his ministry at Ephesus until he heard that his letter had not completely accomplished its purpose. A group of men had come to Corinth who presented themselves as apostles. They were false teachers who were challenging, among other things, Paul's personal integrity and his authority as an apostle (see 11:4; 12:11).

In the face of this serious situation, Paul decided to make a quick trip to Corinth (12:4; 13:1-2) to see whether he could remedy the situation. The visit turned out to be painful and did not accomplish its purpose. So when Paul returned to Ephesus, he wrote the Corinthians a severe letter "out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears" (2:4), probably sending it by Titus (12:8). Some identify this letter with 2Co 10-13. Others think it has been lost.

After writing the severe letter, Paul had second thoughts. He was deeply concerned about how the Corinthians might react to it. So after the riot caused by Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths (see Ac 19:23-41), he left Ephesus and set out for Macedonia by way of Troas. He expected to meet Titus in Troas to get news of the effect of his severe letter on the Corinthian church, but Titus was not there (see 2Co 2:12-13). Still deeply concerned and despite the fact that the Lord had opened up an opportunity to preach the gospel at Troas, Paul said good-by to the believers there and moved on to Macedonia, where he met Titus. To his relief, the news from the Corinthian church was basically good. The severe letter had brought its intended results (7:5-16). The encouraging report of Titus of the improved situation at Corinth is the immediate occasion of the writing of 2 Corinthians.

How, then, does one explain the harsh tone of chs. 10 - 13, which is so different from the rest of the letter? Some think that when Paul had just completed writing the first nine chapters, a report came to him that a strong and vocal minority was still causing trouble at Corinth. So before sending off the letter he added the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. Others hold that chs. 10 - 13 were written some time after Paul had sent the first nine chapters and that they constitute a separate letter. There is, however, no manuscript evidence that warrants splitting 2 Corinthians into two parts.

Purposes

Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind:

To express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had responded favorably to his painful letter (1:3-4; 7:8-9,12-13).
To let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia (1:8-11).
To explain why he had changed his travel plans (1:12 -- 2:4).
To ask them to forgive the offending party (2:5-11).
To warn them not to be "yoked together with unbelievers" (6:14 -- 7:1).
To explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry. This is the so-called great digression, but it turns out to be in some ways the most important section of the letter (2:14 -- 7:4; see note on 2:14).
To teach the Corinthians about the grace of giving and to make sure that they complete the collection for the poor Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8 - 9).
To deal with the minority opposition in the church (chs. 10 - 13).
To prepare the Corinthians for his upcoming visit (12:14; 13:1-3,10).

Structure

The structure of the letter relates primarily to Paul's impending third visit to Corinth. The letter falls naturally into three sections:

Paul explains the reason for the changes in his itinerary (chs. 1 - 7).
Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection in preparation for his arrival (chs.8 - 9).
Paul stresses the certainty of his coming, his authenticity as an apostle and his readiness to exercise discipline if necessary (chs. 10 - 13).

Unity

Some have questioned the unity of this letter (see above), but it forms a coherent whole, as the structure above shows. Tradition has been unanimous in affirming its unity (the early church fathers, e.g., knew the letter only in its present form). Furthermore, none of the early Greek manuscripts breaks up the book.

Outline

I. Apologetic: Paul's Explanation of His Conduct and Apostolic Ministry (chs. 1-7)

A. Greetings (1:1-2)

Thanksgiving for Divine Comfort in Affliction (1:3-11)
The Integrity of Paul's Motives and Conduct (1:12;2:4)
Forgiving the Offending Party at Corinth (2:5-11)
God's Direction in Ministry (2:12-17)
The Corinthian Believers -- a Letter from Christ (3:1-11)
Seeing the Glory of God with Unveiled Faces (3:12;4:6)
Treasure in Clay Jars (4:7-16a)
The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian (4:16b;5:10)
The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:11;6:10)
A Spiritual Father's Appeal to His Children (6:11;7:4)
The Meeting with Titus (7:5-16)

II. Hortatory: The Collection for the Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8-9)

Generosity Encouraged (8:1-15)
Titus and His Companions Sent to Corinth (8:16;9:5)
Results of Generous Giving (9:6-15)

III. Polemical: Paul's Vindication of His Apostolic Authority (chs. 10-13)

Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority and the Area of His Mission (ch. 10)
Paul Forced into Foolish Boasting (chs. 11-12)
Final Warnings (13:1-10)
Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (13:11-14)

From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, 2 Corinthians
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Monday, October 22, 2018

1 Corinthians 15-16 NLT

Outline

I. Introduction (1:1-9)

Divisions in the Church (1:10;4:21)

A. The Fact of the Divisions (1:10-17)

The Causes of the Divisions (1:18;4:13)

A wrong conception of the Christian message (1:18;3:4)
A wrong conception of Christian ministry and ministers (3:5;4:5)
A wrong conception of the Christian (4:6-13)

The Exhortation to End the Divisions (4:14-21)

III. Moral and Ethical Disorders in the Life of the Church (chs. 5-6)

Laxity in Church Discipline (ch. 5)
Lawsuits before Non-Christian Judges (6:1-11)
Sexual Immorality (6:12-20)

IV. Instruction on Marriage (ch. 7)

General Principles (7:1-7)
The Problems of the Married (7:8-24)
The Problems of the Unmarried (7:25-40)

V. Instruction on Questionable Practices (8:1;11:1)

The Principles Involved (ch. 8)
The Principles Illustrated (ch. 9)
A Warning from the History of Israel (10:1-22)
The Principles Applied (10:23;11:1)

VI. Instruction on Public Worship (11:2;14:40)

Propriety in Worship (11:2-16)
The Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
Spiritual Gifts (chs. 12-14)

The test of the gifts (12:1-3)
The unity of the gifts (12:4-11)
The diversity of the gifts (12:12-31a)
The necessity of exercising the gifts in love (12:31b;13:13)
The superiority of prophecy over tongues (14:1-25)
Rules governing public worship (14:26-40)

VII. Instruction on the Resurrection (ch. 15)

The Certainty of the Resurrection (15:1-34)
The Consideration of Certain Objections (15:35-57)
The Concluding Appeal (15:58)

Conclusion: Practical and Personal Matters (ch. 16)

1 Corinthians 15 NLT

1 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it.

2It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.

4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve.

6After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.

7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.

8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.

9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

11 So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed.

12But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead?

13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either.

14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.

15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead.

16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.

17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost!

19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man.

22Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.

23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.

25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.

26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.

27 For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his authority.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.)

28 Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.

29 If the dead will not be raised, what point is there in people being baptized for those who are dead? Why do it unless the dead will someday rise again?

30 And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour?

31 For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you.

32And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus —if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

34 Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.

35 But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?”

36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first.

37 And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting.

38 Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed.

39 Similarly there are different kinds of flesh—one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.

40There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies.

41 The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their glory.

42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.

43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.

44 They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.

45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit.

46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later.

47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven.

48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man.

49Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.

50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.

51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!

52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.

53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ”

56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.

57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1 Corinthians 16 NLT

1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.

2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.

4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia.

6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.

7 This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.

8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.

9There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

10 When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.

11 Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.

12 Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.

13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

14 And do everything with love.

15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,

16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me.

18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

19 The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings.

20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

21 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL .

22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!

23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Chuck and Ruthie Live! 10-19-2018 10/19 by Chuck and Ruthie | Entertainment Podcasts

Chuck and Ruthie Live! 10-19-2018 10/19 by Chuck and Ruthie | Entertainment Podcasts: Be Blessed by this amazing couple!

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Gary Miller Ministries - AFWIS # 40

Peace - Teaching # 40

Song:

WONDERFUL PEACE - Don Moen

Scripture:

Colossians 3:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

1 Peter 5:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

James 3:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Song

I Give You My Heart | Hillsong (Featuring Holly Dawson)

Scripture:

Galatians 5:22-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Hebrews 12:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

A Call to Listen to God

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

1 Peter 3:11 New Living Translation (NLT)

11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Romans 14:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Romans 12:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Psalm 85:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

8 I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

Song

It Is Well With My Soul

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 12:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

Proverbs 16:7 The Message (MSG)

7 When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.

Song

Prepare me to be a Sanctuary

Scripture

Psalm 29:11 New Living Translation (NLT)

11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalm 34:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Psalm 37:37 New Living Translation (NLT)

37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

Romans 12:17-21 The Message (MSG)

17-19 Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

20-21 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Romans 12:17-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Song

I won't go back

Scripture

Psalm 119:165 New Living Translation (NLT)

165 Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.

Isaiah 26:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 54:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

Song

Holy Spirit come and fill this place - Beverly Crawford

Scripture

Romans 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:27 New Living Translation (NLT)

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

1 Corinthians 14:33 New Living Translation (NLT)

33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

Paul’s Final Greetings

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

May the God of All Peace, Bless and Keep you, Till we Meet again.

Gary Miller - Ambassdor for Jesus Christ.