Summary:
A big chunk of scriptures. Paul is writing to Corinth again after having received the message from Titus that they took his last letter to heart and made substantive changes. This letter starts out as much more of a letter of encouragement than one of correction with more emphasis on the spirit and developing into a deeper and more reliant faith. Throughout, Paul also sets his own life and perils as living examples to the church.
Questions
3. a. The uprising of the idol makers
b. Disappointment: Titus wasn’t there (no news), Triumph: Doors were opened, and Joy: Paul was able to help spread the (fragrance) knowledge of God
4. God provides compassion and comfort so Paul can comfort others (it overflows). Paul can’t rely on himself. The pressures and trials are too great. He knows and does rely only on the gracious favor of God.
5. a. Anointed: To consecrate and make sacred. Sealed: to bind with authority, to mark with authenticity
b. Having believed, marked in him with a seal, the promise of the H/S. The anointing you received remains in you. His anointing teaches you about all things and that anointing is real, not counterfeit.
6. a. Because it requires a response. You cannot hear a truth and not react. You either accept it, reject it or ignore it (a form of rejection). Acceptance is new life. Rejection is accepting full judgment for sin and the penalty it requires (death).
b. With a co-worker. He is electing to reject the gospel because he has decided he is in a position to judge God. “I cannot believe in a God who…” The good news of salvation also carries the burden of accepting that God is God and supreme he is not.
Conclusion:
In verses 3 and 4 Paul gets into a lengthy dialogue on God as paraclete. From Wikipedia: Paraclete comes from the Koine Greek word παράκλητος (paráklētos, that can signify “one who consoles or comforts, one who encourages or uplifts; hence refreshes, and/or one who intercedes on our behalf as an advocate in court”).[1] The word for “Paraclete” is passive in form, and etymologically (originally) signified “called to one’s side”
This “coming along side” is a very important element of Paul’s continued ministry. Where before he was positioned as head/leader. He is now showing himself as coming along side the church, teaching, encouraging, uplifting. He encourages them to see his example.
The Notes are Good 