This was our second day of
classes on the book of 2nd Corinthians – the first full day of
classes. We began at 8am and finished up at about 3pm. Our class schedule was
shorter today because I knew we would take less time to cover the material than
will be necessary for the remainder of the week. Several who were unable to be
here yesterday were able to join us today. Rody and Tessie Gumpad were able to
make the journey from Tuguegarao after being delayed by helping brethren in
their area following the heavy flooding that has occurred in the Cagayan
province. Please keep those brethren in your prayers as they struggle with
those trials just as those in southern Mindanao are dealing with the effects of
the swarm of strong eartquakes.
Our studies today began with
2 Corinthians 2:14 and went through 5:10. We started with an excellent
discussion of how we are assured of triumph “in Christ.” We went on to discuss
how our lives must have the “fragrance of Christ” about them, not the aroma of
death when characterized by sin. Paul is an excellent example of one whose life
exemplified the “aroma of life” and he preached the gospel message in sincerity
rather than “peddling the gospel” for selfish benefits. The Judaizing teachers
who denied Paul’s apostolic authority were of the opposite character.
In our studies of the third
chapter, we noted the taking away of the first covenant (the law of Moses) as
all are not under the “ministry of the Spirit” in the gospel of Christ. Jim
Puterbaugh and others have sown must error over here as they have taught the
“One Eternal Covenant” doctrine claiming that there has been no change of law.
We showed how this passage very clearly refutes that false doctrine.
In chapter four, we discussed
the responsibility we have to proclaim the pure truth of the gospel and not
handle it deceitfully. If we try to change the gospel message to more palatable
or less offensive to the sinner, we merely “veil” it from the very people that
need to see it clearly. Instead, we need to teach the pure gospel with all
boldness so that all may see exactly what it teaches without any alterations
and let the power of that gospel have its full work on the soul.
We concluded the day by
studying the first part of chapter five regarding the fact that we must put off
our earthly “tabernacles” or physical bodies at the end of this life and come
before the judgment seat of Christ. As we recognize more of the hardships,
persecution and frailties of this life, the Christian longs more and more “to
be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” It was a great way to
end our day of studies!
