2 Corinthians 1:1-2

Steve McKenzie February 2, 2020

February 2, 2020

Early Life – a Phariseee, “strictest party of [jewish] religion.” Present as Stephen was murdered (Acts 7). Persecuted Christians (Acts 8).
Conversion – While Paul was still murmuring murderous threats against Christians, Jesus interrupted his plans and brought him to saving faith.
Set- Apart – Paul and Barnabas are set apart for missionary service (Acts 13).

City Reborn – destroyed in 146 BC and then rebuilt by Julius Ceasar in 44 BC
Was known for their debauchery
God claimed people for himself from their midst and told Paul to go out at preach.
“The Church of God that is at Corinth” – NOT Paul’s church or the Corinthian church but the church of God.

Serious problems and division between the church at Corinth and the Apostle Paul.

“Grace to You” – undeserved outward favor, goodwill, and loveliness.
“Peace from God” – (Romans 5:8-11) “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

BEHOLD: How do you understand and describe your personal journey of faith by the will and purpose of God?
REFLECT: Who in your life do you need to extend grace towards? How will you express that grace to them?
MEMORIZE: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4