INTRODUCTION

1. Paul was the founder of the Corinthian Church

2. He spent more than eighteen months developing the Church

3. As the Lord sent Paul to other areas of ministry, the relationship between

Paul and the Corinthian Church was badly strained

4. There were many reasons why the Corinthians had turned away from their spiritual father

a) Wrong teachings

b) Evil influences

c) Factions in the Church

d) Wrong practices

The Church was in deep confusion!

 

ADDRESSING PROBLEMS

1. Problems must be addressed and resolved

2. Paul’s part:

a) He wrote 1 Corinthians to address the problems in the church

b) He sent both Timothy and Titus to Corinth

c) He prayed earnestly

d) He bared his heart to the Corinthians Church

e) He continued to express his love for the Church  2 Corinthians 2:4

i) He wrote out of anguish

ii) He wrote also of love

iii) Paul would forgive their bad behaviour

 

THE LEADING OF GOD

1. Paul sought to teach about God’s leading

a) He had opened a door of opportunity to preach the Gospel 2 Cor. 2:12

b) Paul would always obey the Lord’s leading

2. Misunderstanding

a) Some thought that Paul was insincere

b) Others questioned his promise to visit Corinth, but he did not turn up

3. Paul had to share with the Corinthian Church his understanding of God’s leading

a) God leads

b) God leads in triumph

4. Man’s part

a) To obey the Lord’s leading

b) To serve wherever God sends

c) Human plans sometimes have to be set aside

d) This is not inconsistency but obedience to God’s leading

 

SERVING GOD EFFECTIVELY

1. To diffuse the fragrance of Christ 2 Cor. 2:14-15

2. To maintain sincerity at all times 2 Cor. 2: 17

 

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To note where God is leading us

2. To determine that we obey faithfully

3. To have faith that God will always lead triumphantly