1. Walking the walk: Integrity and Consistency
2 Corinthians 1:12 – 2:4
Walking the walk:
Integrity and Consistency

2. Overview Background Paul’s conduct towards the Corinthians
Paul’s plans and changes of plan
God is faithful and consistent
The real reason for Paul’s change of plan
So what?

3. 2 Corinthians Lots of scholarly debate How many books
Were some combined?
How many visits?
What sequence

4. What do we know that will help us in our study?
A difficult history
Pain on both sides
Paul had changed his plan to visit
Some people were openly opposing Paul:
questioning his integrity and love for them
We can guess what criticisms were made
Look at what Paul says
Paul is seeking healing & restoration

5. Paul’s conduct (12-14) Paul had a clear conscience (12) Consistency:
Clear, honest, unapologetic but gentle tone
Consistency:
“In the world and especially toward you” (12)
Holiness and sincerity toward God (12)
Set apart for service by God himself
Good and godly behaviour
Open & honest actions and motives

6. Paul’s conduct (12-14) Walk in God’s grace (12)
Not according to worldly wisdom
Clear and understandable words (13)
Paul’s hope (13-14)
Partial to full understanding
They will have confidence in him
Assures them of his confidence in them

7. Paul’s change of plan (15-17)
Paul’s confidence:
in this truth and their response
influenced his thoughts and actions
Paul had changed his plans
Did not do so lightly
Not in a worldly manner
Thoughtfully and prayerfully
Did not keep changing his plans
Not accommodating people or dodging issues
for personal ease or advantage

8. God is faithful and consistent (18-22)
This has been clearly seen in:
Their past and present relationship
Their ministry and their lives (18-19)
All God’s promises are “yes” in Christ (20)
By God’s spirit we stand firm
Are consistent and do what is right (21)
Anointed, sealed, deposit, guarantee (22)
They should have known better
Their past experience of Paul
Paul will explain why he changed his plans

9. The real reason for Paul’s change of plan (1:23-2:4)
Wanted to spare them
This is not avoidance
Paul did not lord over their faith
If present would have to confront and rebuke
Wanted to give them opportunity to sort it
Paul wanted to work with them to:
bring joy not pain
Encourage them to stand firm in faith
Paul wrote to instruct not visit to discipline
Paul wrote with tears
deep love and compassion

10. So what? Do we make decisions in a godly or worldly manner?
Do we act with integrity and have a clear conscience?
Do we make decisions in a godly or worldly manner?
Are we peace makers who speak the truth clearly?
What strategies do we use to get our own way?
Are we relying on the Holy Spirit to help us stand firm and be consistent?
Do we look for the good in people or assume the worst despite past experiences?
Are our actions driven by godly motives?
Do we do what is right rather than what is easy?
Do we have such deep love for each other and the church?