By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
- 2 Corinthians 7:13-16
In this short section of this letter to the first-century church at Corinth, Paul shares more about his relationship with Titus, and both Paul and Titus reflect on their feelings for that congregation.
In verse 13, Paul expresses his deep sense of encouragement. The "all this" refers to the positive response of the Corinthians to his previous “severe” letter, which had been filled with admonishments and corrections. Paul wrote about that response in the previous section of this letter. The Corinthians had responded well, showing repentance and a willingness to change, which greatly encouraged Paul.
In addition, Paul is not just encouraged by their repentance but he is also delighted by Titus’s happiness. Titus, who had been sent to Corinth to observe and report back on their behavior, returned with good news. His spirit was refreshed by the Corinthians, indicating their genuine repentance and positive reception. This highlights the reciprocal nature of Christian encouragement; Paul's joy is multiplied by Titus's joy, which in turn is a result of the Corinthians' actions.
In verse 14, Paul refers to his previous boasting about the Corinthians to Titus. Before sending Titus, Paul had spoken highly of the Corinthians, confident that they would respond positively to his letter and instructions. This verse highlights the trust and confidence Paul had in the Corinthians, despite the issues that had arisen.
Paul's confidence is rewarded; the Corinthians did not embarrass him or make his boasting seem unfounded. Instead, they lived up to the positive expectations he had set. This reinforces the idea that Paul's teachings and expectations were based on truth and a deep understanding of the Corinthians' potential for growth and repentance. It also underscores the importance of trust and positive reinforcement in leadership and mentorship within the Christian community.
Paul speaks to the increased affection Titus has for the Corinthians in verse 15. Titus’s love for them grows as he remembers their obedience and respectful reception. The phrase "with fear and trembling" indicates the profound respect and seriousness with which the Corinthians approached Titus and his mission.
This respect and obedience not only validated Paul's confidence in them but also endeared them further to Titus. It shows that genuine repentance and respectful behavior can strengthen bonds within the Christian community. The Corinthians' actions demonstrate a sincere desire to align with Paul's teachings and, by extension, with God's will, which greatly pleased Titus and deepened his affection for them.
Paul concludes this section with a powerful statement of confidence in verse 16. Despite the previous challenges and the need for correction, the Corinthians have shown that they are capable of true repentance and growth. Paul's joy and confidence are a testament to their transformation. This verse demonstrates the theme of reconciliation and trust. Paul's complete confidence in the Corinthians signifies that their relationship has been restored and strengthened through mutual respect, repentance, and love. It is a hopeful and encouraging message for any Christian community facing challenges, emphasizing that through genuine effort and God's grace, relationships can be healed and trust restored.
How should we as followers of Jesus Christ today apply these verses? We’re not directly dealing with Paul and Titus, of course, but there are multiple relevant points for us.
First, Paul's encouragement reminds us of the power of mutual support and positive reinforcement in the Christian community. Just as Paul and Titus were encouraged by the Corinthians' actions, we too can find joy and encouragement in the growth and positive changes within our own communities. This joy builds stronger bonds and a more unified body of Christ.
Paul's boasting about the Corinthians to Titus reflects the importance of trust and positive expectations in leadership. Leaders within the church can learn from Paul, understanding that expressing confidence and setting positive expectations can motivate and inspire others to live up to their potential. Trust is a cornerstone of effective leadership and mentorship.
Respect and obedience within the Christian community are shown to be important. The Corinthians' respectful reception of Titus and their obedience to Paul's teachings strengthened their relationship and deepened mutual affection. This teaches us the importance of approaching our leaders and mentors with respect and a willingness to learn and grow.
Finally, we see the joy and peace that come from restoring confidence in each other. Paul's complete confidence in the Corinthians is a testament to their transformation and the healing of their relationship. It serves as a powerful reminder that through genuine repentance and effort, trust can be rebuilt, and relationships can be renewed.
We should strive to apply all of these truths in our own lives and our own Christian communities today, so that we continue to bring God the glory for all that He has done for us.
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To go along with watering down the Gospel, to dilute it so much as to make it utterly powerless, there is another severe problem with modern evangelicalism, especially in the apologetics realm. I won’t forget watching a clip of William Lane Craig, the man who is often deemed the “face” of Christian apologetics, openly declaring to his audience that his purpose is to lower the bar so as many people can accept Christianity as possible. He seeks to lower the standards necessary to become a Christian. I knew this was going on, but for him to so openly declare that is what he was doing just floored me. My response was: “Heresy! You have no right to do that!” Many, both believers and unbelievers alike, were stunned at this statement, but surprisingly, I did not hear about it till just recently.
With the approach that so many take regarding the Gospel, to water it down and reduce it to sets of doctrines and lower the bar so as many “get in” as possible, we have seen the results: one Scottish minister said, “You Americans! Your doctrine is 3000 miles wide and six inches deep.” A Chinese man came to the US and said, “When I look at a Buddhist monk and I see his practice and his devotion and his study, I think, ‘holy man.’ When I look at a US preacher, I think, ‘businessman.’” These guys would only be wrong if they were under-representing the case, not exaggerating.
What has happened is not only pathetic, but it has literally redefined what it means to be a Christian. People are no longer capable of recognizing that what much of what they are hearing today is totally un-Christian. The sting of the Gospel has been taken away. The focus of the Gospel has been taken away. The standards for Christian living have been removed and therefore anyone and everyone can proclaim to be a Christian; yet only 6% of them, according to recent polls, can even get the basic doctrines right. The church is so full of goats and wolves that the tiny group of genuine sheep who are left are being starved to death. Only one thing can happen when God looks at this: judgment.
Rob Bell opens his book Velvet Elvis complaining about doctrines and how they are “brick walls” that “keep people out.” He instead suggests that these doctrines should be treated more like springs to a trampoline that will stretch and mold according to the weight of the person jumping. What is he saying? He is saying that doctrine has no place to divide people and if people want to come and play Christianity, let them come play. And he mocks those who stand for truth and calls it “Brickianity.” Like William Lane Craig, the goal here is to lower the bar so anyone who wants to get in can get in.
I see this mindset in origins debates, too. The way that those who believe in millions of years approach young earth Creationists is much akin to one on the outside asking the gatekeepers to get in. The whole thing is “open-door policy,” “let everyone in,” all the while seeking to get the benefits of heaven and of God for nothing without surrendering self in the process.
What did Jesus say and do about such things? He didn’t lower the bar, knowing not a single person could carry out the Ten Commandments. He raised the bar. It wasn’t enough to not physically murder someone; just hating them in your heart and wishing them dead was enough to count as the deed. It wasn’t enough to restrain self from engaging in sex outside of marriage to break the commandment on adultery; just looking at someone else with lust and longing for such a person counts as doing the full deed. When it comes to Christianity, the bar is set so high that literally no human being can meet it. That is the point of needing a Savior. You can’t do it, and you don’t cut it.
But that offends people. Tough. We accept it in sports to some extent. Every sport has cuts. There are cuts to make the team, and there are cuts for playoffs. But now we don’t offer championship trophies; we offer participation trophies. And when the boys simply can’t compete with other boys, they just need to declare themselves a girl and play at the girl level and suddenly they can win. There is so much worry about hurting someone’s “self-esteem” that they don’t know how to handle loss or a defeat, and that is why they throw fits as adults when they don’t get their way.
In Christianity, we have actually LED the culture in this insanity because we have stopped preaching the Gospel and catered to feelings long before the culture did. The culture saw the church catering to feelings, so they took that green light and what we have seen is the full fruit of that sin.
But let’s face reality here. The church in each culture and age does not determine what reality is; God determines what reality is. The church is sent to proclaim that reality, and we have chosen to conspire against God and proclaim a message God did not say. There is nothing wrong with wanting to see people saved, but when the message changes and the standards are lowered, no one is getting saved. The standard for getting into heaven is absolute perfection just as God is the standard of absolute perfection. And yes, NO ONE can do that. But that’s the standard.
So how can God hold us accountable to a standard that none of us can meet? How is that fair? Who said being able to meet the standard is necessary to be fair? In baseball, a pitcher has to be able to throw a ball over a 19 square inch home plate. Those who cannot do that will not last long as pitchers. So what do we do? Do we change the plate size so those who can’t throw the ball accurately can play? No. They simply don’t have the talent to be a pitcher. They don’t get to make the cut and they don’t get to play. It’s tough, but those are the rules. And they are fair rules because they apply to everyone the same way.
But in Christianity, God did something that makes the objection to fairness null and void. He sent Jesus to be perfection for us. Not only did He pay the penalty for our sin, but He imputes His own righteousness onto us. Going back to baseball, this is like having a ringer. Instead of us, who cannot throw a ball or hit a ball, we get the absolute best player ever to not merely play for us but to play with us, and His score counts as our score. It is like Jesus taking our hand and carrying us through the motion of pitch or gripping His hands around ours on the bat and swinging with us. He does all the work, but the stats go to our name. THAT is not fair, but it is allowed in the rules. God wrote the rules, and it was His plan for this to be the agenda all along.
We need to stop trying to change the rules on God. God set the rules, and we have no right whatsoever to change them or play with them. We are to proclaim them as they were given – nothing more, nothing less. And then we need to play by those rules. But one thing I have noticed in sports is that when one knows the rules and plays by them appropriately, it is a fun game, even if I lose. There is strength in order and structure that enables you to do above and beyond what you could do otherwise. Don’t try to lower the bar. You can’t do it and God will not honor any “contract” which was not authorized to do such things. No one will be able to stand on Judgment Day and say, “I wasn’t told.” And when God deals with those who do lower the bar, it is not going to be a time of rejoicing. Don’t do it. Just preach what God said as God said it or get out of the way.
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Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-12
Previously in 2 Corinthians, Paul had talked about his “severe letter” that he wrote to them. This is not referring to 1 Corinthians but rather another letter that we no longer have. It was evidently written after 1 Corinthians and delivered to them by Titus. Paul brings up that letter again here to explain it a bit more.
In verse 8, Paul acknowledges the pain his words caused but clarifies that this pain was temporary and necessary. His initial regret reflects his pastoral heart; he does not enjoy causing pain. However, he recognizes that sometimes, correction is needed for growth. This tension between regret and recognition of the necessity of rebuke is a common experience for pastors and Christian leaders, and it should be common for all who disciple others. Paul's approach teaches us the importance of addressing issues directly, even when it may cause discomfort.
Paul expresses his joy in verse 9 – not in the sorrow itself, but in the result it produced. The Corinthians' sorrow led to repentance, which is the ultimate goal of Godly correction. This distinction between sorrow and repentance is crucial. Sorrow alone can lead to despair, but godly sorrow leads to repentance and life transformation. Paul emphasizes that this sorrow was "as God intended." This implies that their pain was part of God's redemptive plan. When we face correction or discipline, it can be comforting to remember that God uses these moments for our growth and to make us more like Him.
Paul contrasts godly sorrow with worldly sorrow in verse 10. Godly sorrow brings repentance, leading to salvation and leaving no regret. This kind of sorrow is productive and life-giving. It motivates us to change and align ourselves more closely with God's will. In contrast, worldly sorrow brings death. This type of sorrow is destructive, often characterized by regret, shame, and hopelessness. It doesn't lead to positive change but drags us deeper into despair. Understanding this distinction helps us evaluate our responses to correction and strive for a godly perspective.
In verse 11, Paul lists the positive outcomes of godly sorrow in the Corinthians. Their repentance was evident through their actions and attitudes:
- Earnestness: They were sincere and diligent in addressing their wrongs.
- Eagerness to clear themselves: They wanted to make things right and restore their integrity.
- Indignation: They felt a righteous anger toward their sin.
- Alarm: They were disturbed by their behavior and its consequences.
- Longing: They had a deep desire for reconciliation and righteousness.
- Concern: They showed genuine care for those affected by their actions.
- Readiness to see justice done: They were committed to making amends and ensuring justice.
Paul affirms that in every aspect, the Corinthians proved their repentance was genuine. This comprehensive list serves as a model for true repentance, showing that it involves both internal transformation and external actions.
In verse 12, Paul clarifies his purpose in writing the previously-mentioned severe letter. It wasn't solely about addressing the wrongdoer or comforting the injured party, though those were important. Instead, his primary goal was to reveal the Corinthians' devotion and integrity before God. This reveals a key aspect of Paul's ministry: his focus on the spiritual health and maturity of the believers. He wanted the Corinthians to see their growth and dedication to God and their leaders. By addressing the issues head-on, Paul helped the Corinthians strengthen their faith and community.
This passage helps us today live as followers of Jesus Christ. Like the Corinthians, we should be open to correction, recognizing that it is a tool for our growth and maturity. When we receive rebuke or discipline, we should seek to understand and learn from it rather than become defensive. We should pursue genuine repentance, which involves both an internal change of heart and external actions. We should strive to exhibit the qualities Paul lists—earnestness, eagerness, indignation, alarm, longing, concern, and readiness to see justice done.
We should prioritize our spiritual health and the health of our communities. Addressing issues directly and lovingly can lead to deeper relationships and stronger faith, even when it may cause short-term pain or sorrow. But then when we see transformation in ourselves or others, we should celebrate it. Paul's joy in the Corinthians' repentance reminds us to find joy in the process of growth and change.
By embracing correction, pursuing genuine repentance, focusing on spiritual health, and rejoicing in transformation, we can grow in our faith and live out the gospel more fully.
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The Gospel has been watered down to at most 4-5 doctrines and at the least, “Jesus loves you and you are going to heaven.” In the best-case scenario, this is not the Gospel. It is a summary of the Gospel. The seven posts I wrote to open this series were not the Gospel; they were a more detailed summary of the Gospel. The plan of salvation is not the Gospel. It is a central, key part, but it is just a part of it. The moral lifestyle that is expected out of believers is not the Gospel; it is supposed to be fruit of the Gospel having done and doing its work. Yet today, the most people can give are the four major parts of the Gospel: creation, original sin, Jesus and the cross, and the consummation of all things. There is nothing wrong with that, as long that is not the limit of your understanding of the Gospel.
The Gospel is so big and so deep that it can never be exhausted in a lifetime of preaching or writing, let alone in the span of a single sermon or book. But we have to be able to preach it in order to fulfill one of the key commandments given to believers: to go and make disciples. But most have lost sight of that and confused it with “make converts.” To make a disciple is to teach someone how to follow Jesus on their own. To make a convert merely gets someone to agree to some teachings. The whole world is about making converts, whether it be Islam, Hinduism, Communism, Evolution, Science, or whatnot. These false teachings only want a few disciples because the deeper you go into a false teaching, the more blatantly wrong it shows itself to be. They want the masses to know just enough to believe it, but only the most dedicated to be full disciples. But few are making disciples, teaching people how to pursue and go after Jesus. One reason why is because we stopped preaching the Gospel and instead started preaching doctrines instead. And instead of making disciples who follow and pursue Christ, we seek to lower the bar to bring in as many people as possible.
It's not just the reducing the Gospel to a bare bones structure with no substance to it and no relation to reality that is a problem. It’s a literal changing of the message that is even worse. Instead of a message that calls for “repent and believe” that we see throughout the New Testament, we get a message of “Jesus loves you and want to help you accomplish your sinful, selfish dreams.” Instead of a message of denial of self and taking up of Christ in our place, we are giving a message of adding Jesus as final accessory to complete our lives.
The drive in all this is to take the sting out of the Gospel. Yes, the Gospel has a sting, and to wear the name Christian (as it is supposed to be worn) gives us a stigma in our culture that we are not like them, we are not of their kind, and we bring a message to this culture that it will burn in judgment. That’s not a popular message. Newsflash: the United States is not heaven. It may be, or was, the closest we could have gone on this sin-cursed earth, but the US is going to burn in ashes, along with every other nation and ideology. It will all be destroyed. All that will remain is what God allows to remain. So why are we, who are supposed to be looking forward to true paradise, so concerned with what God-hating sinners think about us? We are no longer part of their world. Or are we? I think that’s one of the real factors going on here.
Most who proclaim Christianity have not died to self, have not died to the lusts and desires of this world, and simply want a free ride ticket to heaven where they can enjoy utopia without God. Take notice of that statement. Most professing evangelicals today will talk about heaven as a glorious paradise but God, if there at all, is just a secondary character that lets us all in. Listen to all those who boast about having been to heaven and come back. How are they talking about God? And how are they talking about actually how to get to heaven? It’s nearly absent from their presentations. They only talk about the perks of heaven and God is just a “figure” that opens the door. He’s not their focal attention and any attention given is extremely casual and nearly if not actually irreverent. And that’s not the heaven that the Bible describes where heaven is about God and about the worship and loving and enjoying God forever. Our purpose, as mankind, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Due to the fear of man, evangelists, apologists, and pastors will do anything they can to keep their congregations happy, and they may never preach a real word from God as a result. For fear of offending certain congregants who could easily rally the “troops” to remove the pastor, many messages are watered down, the tone made easy, and the message soft-peddled. Fortunately, there are still a few pastors who are not concerned about that and have surrounded themselves with sound elders who know their job is to protect the sheep.
The church never had permission to lighten up the message of the Gospel. Paul, when he is absolutely livid about what happened in Galatia, tells this church that for him to seek the praise of man he would cease being a servant of Christ. That’s a serious point that need to be emphasized more. Those who are seeking the praise of men are not serving Christ. It’s one or the other. We are commanded to give the message that God gave and not something that will make the people happier. If the message is judgment, then it is judgment. If the message includes mercy, then it includes mercy. But it must be the message God gives as He gave it. It is not unfair to call giving something less than that to be cowardice. It is also not unfair to call giving something more to be presumptuous. In both cases, God treats them as grievous sins.,
God has a fierce judgment for those who speak for the Lord and say what the Lord does not say. That is why those who preach have to take that pulpit very seriously. Don’t ever water down the Gospel. You may get more people liking you, but if you give them the wrong Gospel, you have done them no favors and have reserved condemnation upon yourself in the process.
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Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn —conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
- 2 Corinthians 7:2-7
In this passage, Paul returns to the thought he started earlier in chapter 6, after taking a diversion from that in the previous section. Paul is again appealing that the Corinthians strengthen their relationship with him and the other apostles, explaining how his actions encourage this.
Paul starts out in verse 2 by appealing to the Corinthians to accept him and his companions. This plea comes from a place of vulnerability and honesty. Paul insists that he and his fellow workers have conducted themselves with integrity. This verse sets the tone for the following verses, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and openness in Christian relationships. Paul's defense of his integrity highlights a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry: the need for trust and transparency. Leaders in the church must be above reproach, ensuring their actions do not harm others. This verse also encourages believers to be discerning and to make room in their hearts for those who have demonstrated genuine Christ-like character.
Paul reassures the Corinthians in verse 3 that his previous words were not meant to condemn them but to express his deep love and commitment. He reiterates the strong bond he shares with them, indicating that he and his companions are willing to face any circumstance, even death, alongside the Corinthians. This verse teaches us about the depth of Christian fellowship. It is a call to deep, sacrificial love for one another, reflecting the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Paul’s willingness to "live or die" with the Corinthians serves as a model for the type of unwavering commitment believers should have towards each other.
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians is marked by honesty and pride as he shares in verse 4. Despite the challenges and troubles he faces, he finds immense joy and encouragement in his relationship with them. The honesty that Paul emphasizes here is crucial for healthy relationships within the church. Speaking the truth in love is essential for growth and maturity in Christ. Paul’s ability to find joy amidst trials is a testament to the strength that comes from supportive Christian relationships.
There is a bit of a transition in verse 5, where Paul goes back to explaining about their travels that he had previously discussed in chapter 2. Paul shares the struggles he faced upon arriving in Macedonia. He describes a time of unrest and external conflicts, coupled with internal fears. This transparent confession of his struggles provides a backdrop for the comfort and encouragement he later receives. Paul's openness about his difficulties serves as a reminder that even the most devoted servants of God face challenges. It encourages believers to be honest about their struggles and to seek support within the Christian community. This verse also highlights the importance of resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
In the midst of his struggles, Paul experienced God's comfort through the arrival of Titus (verse 6). God often uses people to provide comfort and encouragement. The presence of a trusted friend or fellow believer can be a powerful source of support during difficult times. God is attentive to our needs and often works through others to meet them. This encourages believers to be available and willing to be used by God to provide comfort to those who are struggling. The role of community in God's plan for our comfort and support is emphasized here.
Titus not only brought comfort by his presence but also shared the encouraging news of the Corinthians' affection and concern for Paul (verse 7). Their longing, sorrow, and concern deeply moved Paul, bringing him immense joy. It is important to express love and concern within the Christian community. The Corinthians' genuine care for Paul significantly impacted his well-being and joy. It serves as a reminder that our expressions of love and concern can profoundly affect others, providing encouragement and strengthening relationships.
In this passage, Paul opens his heart to the Corinthian church, expressing his integrity, commitment, and the mutual joy and comfort found in their relationship. This passage shows us the importance of integrity in our relationships with one another, deep commitment to the faith, joy in the midst of trials, being honest about our struggles, allowing God to use us to comfort others, and expressing love and concern for one another. Our Christian relationships and communities should be marked by these qualities, and we should all strive to live these out in our daily lives. This not only builds relationships with one another but strengthens our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
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One of the heresies that has deeply infiltrated the church is the notion of “just get saved and everything else is a secondary issue.” It comes in different flavors, but the form I see the most is: “Is believing that particular doctrine necessary to be saved?” It’s a very nasty question because it puts those who stand on Scripture in a tight position. I deal with origins often, and this is an excellent topic for this issue. If believing what Genesis says as written is necessary to be saved, then that means believing a 6-day creation and a recent creation (roughly 6000 years ago for the 21st century) is a doctrine that must be believed to be a born-again Christian. I don’t know of anyone who would truly say that is the case. But when they say, “No, it is not necessary,” the immediate follow up is: “So why draw a line on this point? I can believe what I want on that topic and still get into heaven.”
We must be careful here because this is a trick of the enemy. It’s a very sly tactic and my response is, “That’s the wrong question to ask.” It is the wrong question to be asking if this doctrine or that doctrine is necessary to be saved. Anyone who is asking this does not understand the Gospel as well as they think they do. How can I say that? Because those who are asking this are treating the Gospel as a set of statements to believe, not a PERSON to believe. And they are trying to pin the doctrinal claims on those standing for sound doctrine to let themselves off the hook.
My other response to this is: “The BELIEF in a 6-day creation is not necessary for one to be saved, as one can be wrong on many things and still be saved. However, the FACT of a 6-day creation is necessary for salvation to even be possible. Because unless God created in 6 days as Genesis records, then the status and nature of the creation is not what it was for Adam and Eve. If Adam and Eve’s sin did not affect and curse the world as Genesis describes, then there is no salvation to be had because there is nothing to be saved from.”
The issue can expand to many different things, not just origins. What about infant baptism? What about divorce? Homosexual relationships? The role of science and/or politics? The style of worship? The list goes on and on. Some of these can very well be primary issues. Some of them should not even be on the debate list. But behind all of it is a fundamental mishandling of Scripture and the Gospel. The entire approach with all these questions boils down to: “Can I believe what I want to believe and still be considered a Christian?” Or “What I can get away with and still be considered a Christian?” It is like those who ask for what the minimal requirements are to be saved. Those who are taking that line are completely missing the point.
The Gospel is not about a set of doctrines, though we absolutely do need those doctrines to set up concrete markers to what we are and what we are not. There are doctrines that absolutely draw a line as to who is in the faith and who is not. But there is more than that. The Gospel is about a person; it is about Jesus. Here is the other problem. Many people agree with that, but then treat Jesus as some ethereal, out-there figure. Or more realistically, they have made a “false Jesus” that fits their personality, their preferences, and their likings. Their “Jesus” is themselves. Man has been doing this since the beginning – putting ourselves in the God position, thinking we can make God do what we would have Him do.
In Biblical Christianity, we are not given space for our opinions or our preferences. In Biblical Christianity, the first thing that is dealt with is self. Self must be denied. So let me spell it out: “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!” The Gospel is not about you. It’s not about me. While we are involved, we are not the focal point. Jesus is. So when dealing with these kinds of questions about which statements are necessary to believe or not, the real question is: Are we following Jesus or following our own ideals?
Most people who ask these questions KNOW that their position is wrong, otherwise they would not be asking for permission to keep it. I have never once heard someone who believes in a six-day creation ask if they could believe that and get into heaven. I only hear that from old-earth creationists and theistic evolutionists. Why is that? Because we do not need permission to believe something the Bible explicitly teaches and still call yourself a Christian. That is supposed to be automatic. It’s simply amazing and astonishing that Christians gape at other Christians for actually believing what their book says. I’m reminded of those who see people praying and getting answers, and they tell that person to stop praying because they are making the mediocre look like mediocre. What happened to actually believing the Bible in Christianity today? And we wonder what happened to our strength and power to influence culture.
The Gospel has been watered down and reduced to where you only need to focus on four or five verses and the rest don’t matter. Who thought that was even thinkable? If we are Christians, we are to believe the ENTIRE Bible, cover to cover. Not interpretations of it. Not broken down into primary and secondary categories, but the whole thing. Because the whole thing is about Jesus, the whole thing is primary. While it may not be necessary to believe certain things to be saved, if one IS saved, they eventually will come around and believe the whole thing. You will not find an authentic, born-again believer openly questioning the clarity or the intention of the text. You will find false believers and satanic plants seeking to sow discord doing so. But the born-again believer is going to eventually stand on the holistic Word of God and not be swept aside by the winds and waves of our culture. But the compromised will, and we’ll see what that looks like over the next few weeks.
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Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
One of the most common tools Paul uses in his writing is contrast. He often compares two opposites to show his readers the stark differences between the ways of God and the ways of this world. Paul employs multiple contrasts in this passage, showing the Corinthians and us how to live out our faith and the things that can easily distract us from that.
Paul begins here in verse 14 with a powerful metaphor, urging believers not to be "yoked together with unbelievers." The imagery of a yoke, which is a wooden beam used to join two animals for plowing, implies a partnership or close relationship. Paul warns against forming such bonds with those who do not share the Christian faith, as it can lead to conflicts and compromises in values and beliefs.
The rhetorical questions that follow emphasize the stark contrast between the values of believers and unbelievers. Righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, represent opposing forces. Paul’s use of these opposites underscores the inherent incompatibility between the ways of God and the ways of the world. The underlying message is clear: believers are called to live in a way that reflects their faith and should be cautious about relationships that might hinder their spiritual growth.
Paul continues his list of contrasts in verse 15 by presenting another pair of contrasts: Christ and Belial. "Belial" is a term that signifies worthlessness and is often associated with Satan or evil. The implication is that just as there is no harmony between Christ and Satan, there can be no true spiritual harmony between believers and unbelievers. The repetition of these contrasts serves to reinforce Paul’s point. The relationships and partnerships that believers form should reflect their commitment to Christ. By aligning closely with those who do not share their faith, believers risk compromising their own values and being led astray. This is not at all saying that believers should not associate with unbelievers, but that we should be careful how closely we align with them.
In verse 16, Paul invokes the imagery of the temple to highlight the sacredness of believers' relationship with God. The temple of God represents a place of worship, holiness, and God’s presence. Idols, on the other hand, represent false gods and impurity. This contrast emphasizes the incompatibility of worshiping God while engaging in practices or relationships that do not honor Him.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that they themselves are the temple of the living God. This statement draws from the Old Testament – Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 32:38, and Ezekiel 37:27, The implication is that believers are not just individuals; we collectively form the dwelling place of God. This divine presence requires a commitment to holiness and separation from anything that would defile it.
Loosely quoting from Isaiah 52:11, Paul calls for separation from impurity in verse 17. While the direct prophecy in Isaiah was for Israel to leave Babylon and its corrupt influences, now it represents distancing ourselves from practices, relationships, and environments that lead to spiritual compromise. The phrase "touch no unclean thing" emphasizes the need for purity. It is a call to avoid not just overt sin but also any association with practices that can lead to impurity. The promise that follows—"I will receive you"—offers assurance of God’s acceptance and presence when believers commit to living according to His standards.
In verse 18, Paul wraps up his section of contrasts with a comforting promise, quoting from 2 Samuel 7:14 and Isaiah 43:6. God’s assurance of a familial relationship—He is the Father, and believers will be His sons and daughters—highlights the depth of His love and commitment. This relationship is not based on mere observance of rules but on a deep, personal connection with God as a loving Father. The title "Lord Almighty" underscores God’s power and authority. It serves as a reminder that the call to holiness and separation is not a burdensome command but an invitation to a relationship with the all-powerful and loving God who desires the best for His children.
The first verse of chapter 7 could either be a conclusion to the end of chapter 6 or the beginning of a new thought. It provides a call to action based on the previous points he has made. Because believers have the promises of God’s presence, acceptance, and fatherly love, they are motivated to pursue purity. The encouragement to "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit" encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects of life. It is a comprehensive call to holiness, urging believers to examine their lives and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God.
This passage offers a powerful message about the importance of spiritual purity and separation from influences that can lead believers astray. Paul’s exhortations, grounded in the promises of God’s presence and love, call believers to a life of holiness. This passage challenges us to evaluate our relationships, commitments, and practices, ensuring they reflect our faith and draw us closer to God. As we strive to live out these principles, we can find assurance in the promise that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us in our journey toward holiness.
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When we preach the Gospel, we need to understand that while it is great good news for the salvation of man, it is also a grave scandal. Many people trip over the Gospel, and they DO understand the scandal. They know they are sinners, but for Jesus to die for them is unfathomable. And it’s not merely Jesus dying out of love for us that trips them, it is more specifically Jesus taking on the wrath of the Father for sin upon Himself that trips them. If it was merely Satan carrying out the execution, some may not object, but the actual executioner of holy judgment is by God the Father.
This gives rise the argument of “Cosmic Child Abuse.” Dad got mad at his kid and took it out on the dog. That’s what some have said. How can God be called good and kind and loving if He takes out His anger on His own Son? The Gospel is a scandal. In order to save mankind, there had to be a substitute who had no sin Himself, because the righteous justice of God has to be met. God is not going to let any evil go by without dealing with it. And that is what many objectors to Christianity do not like; they know their deeds are evil, and the mere mention of a righteous and holy God offends them because it means that their judgment day is approaching.
This message is very unpopular. Emile Ramos, James White, and Paul Washer did a 30-minute joint video titled “Unpopular” emphasizing that the Gospel message is not going to please many audiences, because the core of the Gospel message is that man is sick, depraved, and completely helpless. And after salvation, man is still useless, weak, frail, and completely and wholly dependent upon Christ. People mock Christianity because we “use Jesus like a crutch.” I correct them: “No, it’s not like a crutch. It’s more like life-support.” The Gospel is because we are dead without Jesus. That’s not going to win over many crowds.
Paul was given an opportunity to speak to the intellectual of intellectuals at Mars Hill in Athens. If he were interested in winning a crowd over and getting people on his side, there was no better opportunity. He had just been driven out of two consecutive towns in Thessalonica and Berea for preaching the Gospel and was sent ahead to Athens to try to cool down and let the people cool down. And Paul, alone, waiting for his team to come join him, got provoked. He saw the idolatry in the streets, and he could not wait for backup. He began preaching. When he gave his famous defense at Mars Hill, Paul did the last thing he could have done to win the crowd over. While he did reference the religious idolatry of Athens, he basically went in and said, “You are doing everything wrong and don’t even know who you are worshiping or why. Here is the true God and how His worship should be done.” Paul had to sweep the rug from under them and plant a new foundation so he could go to his destination: Jesus and the cross. And the audience lost it the moment Paul spoke of the resurrection. Most mocked, some wanted to hear more, and only a few individuals believed.
The Gospel is not going to be well-liked. If you want approval, praise, and the rapport with men, that may be all you will ever get, and you will have renounced Christ in doing so. Most won’t like the Gospel message delivered correctly. Our job is to preach the Word, even if no one receives it. As Christians, our job is to share the faith, even if no one will hear it. And the church took a major turn off the main road when they decided that their numbers were not good enough and so they decided to pursue “seekers” instead of pursuing God. Instead of giving the unpopular message that God gave us to give, they chose to go for popularity and the approval of sinful, wicked men. There is a severe problem with this: sinful men do not want God, not as He truly is. So to keep sinful men around, they church had to change God. Instead of being the sovereign, righteous king who is coming back to judge the wicked and rescue the righteous, “God” became just a nice, fuzzy blanket to keep you warm in front of a fire. It’s truly blasphemous what most have done in their depiction of God.
And when Christendom as a whole goes that direction, when the few people who still stand for the true God and the true message, we are the ones who get ostracized for rocking the boat. I see it happening very often. I’ll say the hard thing and the backlash is quite sharp. It does not matter how much “love” or “tact” I give it. It is rejected, and the problem is “me” because what I say is not letting “them” play this game they call “Christianity,” a game that God does not play.
There is one detail about the Gospel message that drives it to such an unpopular level: the denial of self. When we receive the Gospel, we are admitting that we have nothing in and of ourselves that is good that we can bring to the table. Getting us to that point requires us to acknowledge that we never had anything or ever will have anything good in us. Before Christ, we had nothing to start with. After, any goodness we have comes from Christ, not us, even in our regenerate spirit. And even harder to receive is that to be a Christian, it is going to cost us everything – not merely our sinful lifestyles of doing bad things, but everything. Jobs, finances, family, friends, hobbies, entertainment, sports, your education, your reputation, everything is secondary or less compared to Jesus.
Paul was the intellect of intellects, the Benjamite of the Benjamites, the most zealous upholder of the law, and when he met Christ, he saw everything he was pursuing as total dung, worthless, rubbish. He scrapped everything and started over with Jesus as the #1 and as the center. He still learned and knew many other things, but they had a new focus and a new place in their value. His faith in Christ cost him a LOT, and throughout his missionary journeys, his greatest enemies were the Jews – those who knew who he was and deemed him a total traitor. There is a cost to being a Christian. There is also a cost to proclaiming the faith. And one thing you cannot have with the truth is friendships with those who oppose it. Something has to go; it is your choice which.
The Gospel is an unpopular message. Next week, we’ll look at different ways the Gospel has been watered down and diluted so it will be more “acceptable” to sinful man.
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We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children —open wide your hearts also.
- 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
For quite a while now in this letter, Paul has been discussing various aspects of being an apostle. In this passage, he shares more about the hardships he endures, emphasizing the integrity and perseverance required in the Christian faith.
Paul begins here in verse 3 by addressing the importance of integrity in ministry. He and his fellow workers strive not to cause others to falter in their faith. This commitment to avoiding actions that might lead others astray is crucial for maintaining the credibility of their ministry. It is not at all surprising that Paul was accused of various things, but his main concern was that any of those accusations would not be based in the truth. As a minister of reconciliation, he should keep a clean conscience and do what is right as a good example for those to whom he was sharing the gospel message.
In verses 4-5, Paul provides a list of adversities he and his companions face. The mention of "great endurance" suggests that these challenges are not occasional but ongoing. Paul highlights physical and emotional sufferings, such as beatings and imprisonments, which were common experiences for early Christian missionaries. This vivid depiction of their struggles serves to illustrate the depth of their commitment and the high cost of their ministry. They did not just face a little social discomfort but rather many physical adversities, including beatings and imprisonments.
He continues his list in verses 6-7, but here it has a more positive spin. Rather than simply focusing on the negatives, Paul and his team remain steadfast in their virtues. They exhibit purity, understanding, patience, and kindness—qualities that reflect the character of Christ—even in the face of the adversities listed previously. The mention of the Holy Spirit and sincere love highlights that their ministry is not merely human effort but is empowered by divine presence and genuine compassion. Their truthful speech and reliance on God's power are crucial for combating the challenges they face, depicted metaphorically as "weapons of righteousness" that they hold in both hands, reminiscent of the armor of God we see in Ephesians 6.
In verses 8-10, Paul brings up contrasts that they face in ministry. They experience both honor and dishonor, positive and negative reports. Despite being genuine, they are sometimes seen as impostors. Known to some, they are obscure to others. These contrasts highlight the paradoxes of Christian ministry, where external appearances often give a false representation of deeper spiritual truths. Despite facing death and sorrow, they live with joy and spiritual richness. This section underscores the resilience and inner strength that faith provides, not only for Paul and his companions but for all believers throughout time.
Paul concludes this section in verses 11-13 with an appeal to the Corinthians. He emphasizes the openness and affection he and his colleagues have shown, urging the Corinthians to reciprocate. This plea for mutual love and understanding reflects the relational aspect of ministry. Paul’s use of paternal language ("I speak as to my children") underscores his deep care and concern for their spiritual well-being.
There are several key points that Paul makes here that we need to apply to our lives as followers of Jesus today.
First, have integrity and avoid causing others to stumble. Paul’s emphasis on not placing stumbling blocks before others challenges us to consider how our actions impact those around us. In our own lives, this might mean being mindful of our behavior, ensuring it aligns with our professed values, and avoiding actions that could cause others to falter in their faith.
Second, be prepared to face adversity and endure it. The list of hardships Paul endures serves as a powerful reminder of the perseverance required in the Christian walk. Today, while we might not face physical beatings or imprisonments, we encounter various trials that test our faith. Paul's example encourages us to endure these with steadfastness, knowing that our struggles are part of a larger spiritual journey.
Third, live out Christian virtues. Paul and his companions exemplify virtues such as purity, understanding, patience, and kindness. In our own context, these qualities remain essential. They not only reflect our faith but also serve as a testimony to others. By relying on the Holy Spirit and demonstrating sincere love, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and truth.
Fourth, realize that there will be paradoxes and things that won’t make worldly sense in our faith. The paradoxes Paul describes—glory and dishonor, sorrow and rejoicing—mirror the complexities of our faith journey. These contrasts remind us that external circumstances do not define our spiritual reality. In moments of sorrow, we can find joy. In times of lack, we can experience spiritual abundance. Embracing these paradoxes allows us to find strength and hope in seemingly contradictory situations.
Finally, focus on the relational aspect of ministry. Paul’s heartfelt appeal to the Corinthians highlights the importance of relationships in ministry. His openness and vulnerability set a model for how we should engage with others. Building genuine, reciprocal relationships based on love and trust is crucial for fostering a supportive and nurturing faith community.
By internalizing these teachings from Paul’s message here and applying them in our lives, we can navigate our faith journey with resilience and grace, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in all that we do.
This forum is meant to foster discussion and allow for differing viewpoints to be explored with equal and respectful consideration. All comments are moderated and any foul language or threatening/abusive comments will not be approved. Users who engage in threatening or abusive comments which are physically harmful in nature will be reported to the authorities.
