Bethel Sunday School 20 DEC 2020
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:15

PAUL’S PLAN TO VISIT CORINTH

1. This was mentioned in his previous letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:5 – 7)

2. There was a change of plan and Paul did not end up visiting Corinth

3. Paul explained his change of plan in this letter that there would be no misunderstanding (2 Corinthians 1:15 – 24)

A GLIMPSE OF HOW PAUL PLANS FOR MINISTRY

1. Confidence (2 Corinthians 1:15a)

a. As he thought about what would be best for the Church

b. As he sought God

c. This is not about self-confidence but reliance on the Lord to minister

2. Intention (2 Corinthians 1:15b)

a. His intention was to benefit the Corinthian Church with his visit

b. This was his desire to bring the Lord’s blessings through his ministry

3. Planning carefully (2 Corinthians 1:16 – 17)

a. Travel plans thought through carefully

b. Not planning lightly

c. Not according to the flesh

d. Not saying one thing and doing another

4. Conscious of God (2 Corinthians 1:18)

a. The example of God the Father

i. He is faithful

ii. His promises are always true and faithful

iii. Paul sought to be faithful in his word too
b. The example of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:19)

i. Paul and his team did not just preach Christ but followed His example!

ii. The words of Christ are not “Yes and No”

iii. His words are “Yes” meaning trustworthy and faithful!

5. Conscious of the work of God (2 Corinthians 1:21 – 22)

a. It is God who establishes

i. He establishes us with each other in the Church

ii. He establishes us in Christ

b. He works in our life through the Spirit of God

i. Anointed us

ii. Sealed us

iii. Given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee

PERSONAL REASONS FOR CHANGES MADE IN HIS PLANS TO VISIT CORINTH
(2 Corinthians 1:23)

1. A solemn vow made

a. Paul called upon God as witness that he is telling the truth

b. Paul was making a solemn oath

2. Not coming to Corinth

a. He must have thought and prayed over this

b. He must have sought the Lord deeply

c. He felt that it would be best for the Corinthian Church that he did not visit

d. He would spare them the shame of having to address all their sinful problems

e. He chose to write to them instead



THE HEART OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
(2 Corinthians 1:24)

1. He does not see himself as having dominion over their faith or anyone else’s faith

2. He sees himself as a fellow worker with the rest to help believers in their faith

a. That they will have joy in their faith

b. That they will stand fast in their faith

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. To cultivate our life well that we may serve the Lord effectively

a. Our faith

b. Our spirit

c. Our mind

d. Our lifestyle

2. To be a fellow worker of the Lord too

a. To encourage the joy of faith

b. To help others to stand fast in their faith

3. To seek the Lord

a. To establish us

b. To anoint us with His Spirit