Thrive Ministries International

Paul tells the Corinthians that he has given them to Christ as a pure virgin. Paul's jealousy is to see them become Christ's bride.

Paul knows that as the Corinthians grow that His sphere of influence grows and he will be able to preach beyond Corinth. He boasts in what God has done through him.

Paul realizes if he will use his authority in a right way it will cause the people to grow in faith and when they grow in faith his sphere of authority will grow.

In these verse Paul talks about the sphere and measure of the authority that God has given him.

Paul answers his critics, I am the same in my presence as in my letters. His critics said he was burdensome and and strong.

The authority that was given to Paul as an apostle was to build the church and not destroy it. Paul was not going to be ashamed of using authority to build people's lives.

We use our weapons to bring every thought to the captivity of Christ., When our thoughts a captive to Christ we experience the enriched life that God has for us.

Paul is making his ministry to the Corinthians different than the false apostles by not taking their money. Paul describes a false apostle.

When someone attacks us with accusation and lie we need to conquer those imaginations and lofty things that are not what God says abut us.

We do not fight with fleshly weapons but with weapons that God has empowers. We do destroy and bring into extinction strongholds with these weapons.

In chapter ten Paul teaches on the subject of spiritual warfare. He begins by describing himself and his desire to be meek with the Corinthians.

We see in these verses a tremendous partnership that will develop between that church in Jerusalem and the church in Corinth.

There were two good things that came out of this offering. First, the needs were met and second proof is given that our confession of the Gospel is real.

Paul talks about having an enriched life because of giving. Enriched to give more liberally. We produce thanksgiving in others.

Paul tells us that the seed and the bread comes from God. He also lets us know that our spiritual life depends on giving. We reap a harvest of righteousness.

In these verses Paul tells us what God does when we give. God causes grace to abound. He satisfies us. He gives us plenty to give some more.

In this podcast we look at the conditions of giving. We give on purpose. We give cheerfully. We do not give grudgingly or out of compulsion.

Giving is like sowing. If you sow much you reap much. Sowing no matter how small, always brings a harvest.

Paul tells the Corinthians to be prepared to give. He also says that their giving stirred up the Macedonians to give.

Paul tells us the giving of the Corinthians is honorable in God's sight and in man's sight. He also inform them more about the two men he is sending.