When is it ok to be jealous!? Only when we are jealous to keep Jesus as the love of our lives for ourselves and for others. In our passage, Paul wrote with divine jealousy wanting only one thing for the Corinthian church, sincere and pure devotion to Jesus. This devotion was being distorted and corrupted from false influences within the church; influences tied to Satan himself. When a church holds fast to sincere and pure devotion, such a church (both communally and individually) is lifted up, loved deeply, and protected from corrupting influences.2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Tomball Bible Church

A Pastor's Deepest Desire for the Church

Our boast in who we are and what we do is shaped by who Jesus is and what He has uniquely done for us. The problem for us is that our enemy and our sinful hearts lead us to boast in ourselves rather than Christ. This, in turn, leads us on the unsatisfying chase of a self-satisfied life rather than a Spirit-led pursuit of Jesus and His calling on our lives. Keep Jesus and His work for you the boast of your life, and therein, you will find His satisfaction and yours.2 Corinthians 10:7-18

The Unsatisfying Chase of the Self-Satisified Life

Manipulation and deceit should find no home at Tomball Bible Church or in our hearts. These “carnal weapons” were what Paul’s opponents in the churches of Corinth used in their false, underhanded ways. When we resort to deceit, coercion, and manipulation, we no longer represent Christ but rather a twisted, graceless, and spiritually void image of ourselves. This is not the way of Christ. Rather, we are called to wage spiritual warfare relying on the power of God through the “spiritual weapons” given by the Holy Spirit to rightly represent Christ and fight against evil schemes in the external and internal war zones of our lives. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Waging War Within and Without

Giving generously should be a cheerful part of our lives as Christians. We have been given eternity by God through faith in Jesus Christ. This indescribable gift of life in Christ is to be reflected in every aspect of our lives. 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 teaches us why we should give decidedly and cheerfully because of four overflowing outcomes of godly generosity.

The Overflowing Outcomes of Godly Generosity

How we steward resources as a local church really, really matters. Our stewardship is a direct reflection of our desire to honor and worship the Lord as well as to demonstrate fiscal integrity in the sight of people inside and outside the Church. All of us are accountable to steward God’s gifts with faithfulness and integrity. 2 Cor. 8:16-24 provides Paul’s example and biblical guidance in aiming at what is honorable in the sight of God and man.

Aim at What's Honorable

Summary: Generosity is a mark of a Christ-centered church. Over the next three weeks we will explore the central NT teaching (2 Cor. 8-9) on the expression of generosity in and through the local church. Our generosity is directly tied to our gratitude for the gospel work of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

How is the Cross Shaping Your Generosity?

When we sin, God the Holy Spirit brings His correction to us through the Scriptures—sometimes as we read our Bible and sometimes as other believers speak into our lives. We, then, are faced with a choice—we can, in our self-focus, chose to respond with worldly sorrow, which leads to death … or we can respond with godly sorrow, which leads to repentance. And repentance, which is to turn from our sin and self-salvation efforts to God Himself, leads to maturity and joy.2 Corinthians 7:2-16

The Road To Maturity And Joy Runs Through Repentance

We are easily influenced. Jerry Bridges wrote in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness, “Many Christians have what we might call a ‘cultural holiness’. They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them.” The same is also true how we can adapt to the values and behavior of unbelievers, and as a result, see subtle shifts of our affections for and worship of God to the things of this world. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 will expose the danger we face and provide the Truth our hearts need to keep God as the only focus of our love and worship.

Excuse Me, What's In My Soup?

"Come further up, come further in!" This cry was written by C.S. Lewis as one of his Narnia characters (the Unicorn) experienced Lewis&apos; version of eternal life in his book, The Last Battle. This cry resonates with the heart of Paul in 2 Corinthians. He longed for the church to live in unity with God, himself, and one another. There is an invitation that stands for us in the Church, and that invitation is open our lives as we share in similar circumstances and sufferings because the day of salvation has come! We want and need to be a church that goes "further up and in" in how we love another, stand in unity, and grow deeper in Christian maturity together.2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Come Further Up, Come Further In

God makes His appeal of rescue and reconciliation through His people, the Church. And as His ambassadors, it is essential that we regard everyone from a spiritual perspective, reconcile relationships, and represent Christ in any circumstance. We have the incredible privilege of being the conduit through which the living God is rescuing and reconciling those who are lost.2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Ambassadors for Christ

How can you be sure that your life in Christian ministry will be rewarded by God? Is it possible to be certain? In 2 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul wrote that there will be a reckoning before Christ of the deeds we did in this life. Some of our deeds will result in reward and some will be burned up in judgment. 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 provides believers with two motivations that we can be certain will result in rich reward by our King.

Two Motives for Christian Ministry

After Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to lose heart and to consider the unseen, he reminds them of the unseen future hope of believers: heaven and the resurrection. But even in this encouragement, he reminds the believers again to live by faith, not by sight, in light of the judgment seat of Christ that comes after death.2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Future Hope & Future Judgment

 "We do not lose heart" can be the creed for everyone in Christ. Even though we always face trouble, God has provided us with a sure and certain hope both for the future and for the present. And we can access this hope at all times if we remember the precious promises found in 2 Corinthians 4:13-18.

We Do Not Lose Heart

It is no secret that we face hardship in life. Our text today focuses on the kind of hardships that are directly linked to following Jesus. Suffering for the name of Christ is one of God’s chosen methods to help us experientially discover Christ, His surpassing power and hope, and the life-giving impact He makes in the lives of others through us. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

This Treasure in Jars of Clay

Paul was radically transformed when he encountered the blinding light and voice of Christ. His ministry was shaped by what he experienced so that he would, in turn, shine the light of Christ by living and proclaiming the gospel. Like Paul, we have the same calling and opportunity as Christ’s “light-bearers”. To do this we must overcome the dimming dangers we all face from internal and external threats.2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Shining the Glorious Light of Christ

Tomball Bible Church Sermon and Message Audio Podcast

hubhopper

Tomball Bible Church

hubhopper