2 Corinthians 5 When I am weak then am I strong

Analysis of 2 Corinthians Paul Defends his Conduct towards the Ecclesia (1,2,7) Salutation (1:1-2) Fellowship of suffering (1:3-14) Reasons for Paul's changes of plan (1:15-2:4) Forgiving the offender (2:5-11) Disappointment and joy at Troas (2:12-17) The comfort Titus brought (7:5-16) Treasure in Earthen Vessels (3-5) The Corinthians – a letter from Christ (3:1-6) A fading and an abiding glory (3:7-16) The message of Christ faithfully delivered (3:17-4:6) Treasure in earthen vessels (4:7-15) The sustaining hope (4:16-5:10) The ministry of reconciliation (5:11-6:10)

Analysis of 2 Corinthians Collection for Poor Saints in Jerusalem Receive not the Grace of God in Vain (6- 9) Their response to the apostle's labours (6:11-7:4) Generosity encouraged (8:1-15) Titus and companions sent to Corinth (8:16 – 9:5) Results of generous giving (9:6-15) Defence against his Opponents (10-13) When I am Weak, then am I Strong Defence of his authority and mission (10:1-18) "Foolish" boastings (11:1 – 12:21) Final warnings (13:1-10) Final greetings (13:11-14)

Paul and his adversaries We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. –(2Co 10:5-6)

Wanting to preach further afield But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. We were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labours of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. –(2Co 10:13-16)

Super-opponents I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. –(2Co 11:5-6)

Dealing with false teachers As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. –(2Co 11:10-13)

Third heaven Acts 22:17-21 – vision in Jerusalem Heavens & earth – rulers and people –Isaiah 1:2,10; 65:17 Paradise – LXX for “garden” in Gen 2:8 –Persian word for “park” cf Rev 2:7 (22:2), Thief on cross (Luke 23:43)

Thorn in the flesh Judaisers – the messengers of Satan –2 Cor 2:11; 11:13-15

The test of truth Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong--not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. –(2Co 13:5-9)

Summary Paul has gained some comfort in his turbulent relationship with Corinth by the effect of his “severe” letter and the work of Titus He sets out the exalted character of our relationship with God in Christ He shows that the weaknesses highlighted by the Judaisers are marks of his apostleship He opens himself to them, wanting to make his next visit a positive and fruitful one

Treasure in earthen vessels We learn every step along the way No gain without pain Fairytale endings are for Disneyland We are called to be “partakers of the divine nature” “The just shall live by faith”