Thrive Ministries International

He tells the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. The faith is the teaching of the apostles, the foundation of faith. We they pass the test Christ is in them. If not, he is not in them.

Paul tells the Corinthians that he is coming in power. He says he is weak but the power of God is in him because he is in Christ. It is this power that will deal with you.

Paul again mentions his third time in coming too the Corinthians. He is warning them of his coming. He will spare those who continue in sin.

Paul tells the people that he knows that God is watching him and that he is speaking in Christ or in the anointing of Christ, or even in Christ's place. Paul admits to being concerned about the spiritual condition that he will find when he comes.

Even though Paul was accused of be crafty in his dealings with the Corinthians he says he never took advantage of them. Neither did Titus and the person traveling with him.

In this verse we see the heart of Paul. Paul would spend and be expended for sake of the souls of the Corinthians. He was not guaranteed to be loved in return.

Paul is planning on coming to the Corinthians for the third time. This time he will not be a burden also. Paul is treating the people like he is their parent.

Paul tells the Corinthians that he acted like a fool for them and that they should have commended him for it. Paul tells the Corinthians that the only thing he did not do for them was be a burden to them.

In these portion of scripture we see the change that has taken place in Paul. Paul said, “I will gladly boast about my weakness so that the power of Christ may work through me.” The prerequisite for having the power of Christ work in you is that you boast in your weaknesses.

Paul tells us what Jesus' response was to his prayer. My grace is strong, my grace is enough for you. Power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

Paul tells us about the throne in the flesh. It came because of Paul's wonderful revelation. Its purpose was to keep Paul from polluting this revelation with his pride

Paul gives us such great wisdom. Do not speak your revelation until you live it.

The apostle Paul tells us of revelation that he has had. He says it took place in Paradise and he cannot speak the words of this revelation Paul is contrasting himself with the false teachers that were in Corinth.

Paul talks about his revelation or vision. He says that this is necessary but not profitable.

Paul explains the inward pressures of ministry. Concerns for the churches, concerns for believers who are lead astray, and those who are in weakness.

Paul compares himself to the false prophet, teacher and apostles In this comparison Paul lets us know that these false people were probably Jewish people who has caused Paul trouble everywhere he went. Paul is more a servant of Christ than they are.

In these verse Paul uses a great deal of sarcasm and rhetoric. He says if being foolish will get you to receive, then I will be foolish. In verse 20 Paul tells us what a false teacher will do, enslaves you, devour you, take advantage of you, exalted themselves while they slap you in the face.

Paul tells us that false teachers and apostles are servant of Satan but they disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

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

Paul is reminding the Corinthians believers how he came to them. He did not take a wage and even though he was in need. He refused to be a burden to them.