“Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ, but we do all things, beloved, for your edification.” vs19

Everything is to build others up. Paul does nothing for himself. He has learned the SELFLESSNESS of Christ, who gave Himself, so that we might be rich. God was in no need, but to manifest His own glory and to display His love, He created us in Christ for redemption. He poured out His grace to show how gracious He is by how well He treats us forever [Eph 2:7]. He’s made sinners into sons, joint-heirs with Christ, and we have it all.

Now, we learn to go and do likewise! We’ve seen the parable of the Good Samaritan, and now we show mercy, because we’ve obtained it.

Secondly, Paul separates the precious from the vile. True believers on one side and hypocrites on the other. “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish.” This is the work of gospel preaching and leadership. We must be bold and do God’s will, fearing no man. We have to LOVE PEOPLE ENOUGH to demand holiness.

Paul is the chief example of sound doctrine and zeal among men. Let us be like him. Love no man more than Jesus Christ, and love them enough to hurt their feelings. We need boldness, and we need courage, but the reward is great, even God Himself. He says,

“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” --2 Cor 6:17

Nigeria is waiting for a revival of the true gospel in the power of the Spirit. God Himself is our reward!

Thirdly, look at the sins Paul fights against. “That perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” These are sins of religion! The gospel has been received in the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace; it is kindness, meekness, and gentleness! It is not self-seeking, deceit, and vain boasting; it is humbling ourselves. Service is the religion of Christ. He is NOT AMONG US, if the fruit is not produced. The Holy Spirit gives God glory in creed and in conduct, in word and deed! Be about this business, or you have not received the truth.

Fourthly, there is mourning. “Lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned.” True believers mourn over the spiritual condition of the wicked. We mourn the hypocrisy and misuse of Christ’s name. We are not indifferent and careless. We don’t want to see church members turned out and fellowship exposed as false. I don’t rebuke transgressions with joy of heart, if God is in my spirit.

Paul mourned because he loved them and valued the name of Christ. He mourned the rejection of his Savior.

Finally, here is the problem: They have not repented. “Many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and licentiousness, which they have practiced.” When the gospel came to them with much patience… when Paul pleaded in Christ’s stead… instead of receiving the gospel, they despised it! God went through great lengths to save them, but they resist the Spirit like the murderers of Stephen. They don’t want Christ to rule, so THEY thrust Him out of the vineyard. They are fulfilling their own condemnation, ordained unto destruction.