II Corinthians – God’s Power Through Pain
“I’M BEING REAL, AND NOW YOU BE REAL.”
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:12-17
WHAT LIFE DOES TO US DEPENDS ON WHAT LIFE FINDS IN US.
1. PAUL SAYS: “I HAVE A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.” VS.12-14
We need to be very careful not to assume that just because a believer is experiencing hardship and pain that this is the result of God’s punishment for sin.
A. Sincerity Produces a Clear Conscience.
Paul says: “We conducted ourselves in simplicity and godly sincerity.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
OPPOSITE OF HYPOCRISY:
1) Singleness of heart, simplicity, sincerity, and mental honesty.
2) The virtue of one who is free from pretense.
3) Not self-seeking, the openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity.
B. Open Relationships produce clear confidence. 13-14a
I Cor. 7:2; I Cor. 11:9
One of the enemy’s great schemes is to cause the church to lose confidence in its leadership. The enemy will use people who doubt the leaders’ integrity, testimony, and doctrine.
C. Eternity proves a clear conscience. v.14
Paul says: You are my boast. He boasted about the work of God in the lives of the people. 1 Thess. 2:19-20
I Cor. 3:9-15(message); I Cor. 7:5 shows his real feelings.
2. PAUL SAYS, “LET’S GET TOGETHER AND BE REAL. “ VS.15-17
Conflicts are common in relationships. Paul’s concern is the conflicts we face in the church. The rule of the church is love. Self-sacrificial love is to guide us in all things. 1 Peter 4:8;
“You will never change what you are not willing to confront.”
Self Preservation will say avoidance will solve my conflict.
IT WON’T SOLVE ANYTHING. It will only delay the inevitable.
1 Corinthians 13:13
A. Let’s be real about conflict in the church. v.15
How, then, do we avoid conflict in the church?
1. We must love each other through conflicts.
Every church has conflicts. If you run from conflict and do not work through it, you stunt your spiritual growth. You in effect, are saying, “I won’t grow any further. I’m stopping right here.”
2. We must stay faithful even when we are hurt.
B. Let’s Be Real About Confronting Conflict. vs.17
How does Paul respond to this allegation? He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t makeup excuses. He gives an honest answer to what had transpired.
When we have a conflict with a fellow believer, sometimes honest answers are all that are needed to clear things up.
What to do: When there is a problem, don’t ignore it. Don’t hope it will just go away. Go to that person. Sit down. Gently confront the issue and honestly tell your side of the story. Then be willing to listen to their side.