1. 2 Corinthians 2:12 – 3:6 Doing God’s work

2. 2 Corinthians 2:12 – 3:6 Paul is still defending himself – False apostles challenging: His love for the church His authority as an Apostle His personal integrity – God’s comfort in his suffering for the gospel – The reason for Paul’s change of plan – Paul’s concern and love for them – Forgive, comfort, restore and love: For the good of the repentant sinner To honour God & resist the devil

3. Overview Paul’s concern for the church God’s delight in faithful service The gospel spread everywhere Faithful ministry The results of faithful ministry The source of faithful ministry So what

4. Paul’s concern for the church In Troas, God “opened a door” – God moved them on (Acts 16:8) – No sense of neglect of the work Paul had “no peace of mind” – Titus had already visited Corinth (7:13) – Titus planned to return (8:16&17) – He expected to get news from Titus – No sense of “out of sight, out of mind” – Partnership in the gospel

5. God delights in faithful service How does verse 14 square with: – What we read in chapter 1:8 – 11 – Chapter 11:21b-29 The Roman “triumph” God sees, recognises and rewards Are we busy in faithful service – Is God delighting in what he sees in us?

6. The gospel fragrance spreads The fragrance of the knowledge of Christ – Is spread through us wherever we go – Indiscriminate and automatic Reactions to that fragrance – To unbelievers: the stench of death – To believers: the fragrance of life As a church and as individuals: – Are we like this? – How will we know?

7. Who is equal to such a task? This can not be done in human strength Need for pure motives and integrity of life This is a calling from God himself The fruit of ministry: – is evidence of God’s faithful work – is about changed lives not “education” Our competence is from God – Our work is spiritual

8. So what? Are we willing to do God’s work His way? Do we have a godly concern for the Lord’s people? Are we busy in faithful service in which God delights? Are we spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere, as individuals & as a church? – Are we ready for the reactions to this? Are we trusting God for the strength for the task? Are our motives pure and our lives sincere? Are we concerned about spiritual growth? – Do we settle for mere head knowledge? Are we praying for real fruit?