(2Co 1:13) “For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;”  True children of God have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. When faced with false doctrine, He presses upon their hearts (and yes, it affects the emotions) that those things are wrong. Therefore the statement, “…I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end.”

 (2Co 1:12) “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”   Notice that the praise for the life Paul had led was not to self (fleshly wisdom) but to the influence and guidance of God (by the grace of God).

(2Co 1:12) “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”   The Holy Spirit had Paul rejoicing that he had been enabled to live before others with a godly sincerity (purity of action; clearness, thus openness). He was not hypocritical of heart. It is possible to unknowingly do something hypocritical; that is ignorance because of the sin nature. Thank God He judges our heart’s desire. May we give others in such a case the benefit of doubt.

(2Co 1:12) “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”   The Holy Spirit had led Paul to live the Christian life with “simplicity”: sincerely lacking of a self-seeking element. Consider that our fallen nature moves us to put self forth in all areas of life, even in the service of God. The Holy Spirit moves our new nature to do just the opposite.

(2Co 1:12) “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”  There is nothing more blessed than to have a clear conscience before our Holy God. Note: one can know they are forgiven but still experience the pain of events in their past. Thank God for the efficacy of our Savior’s blood despite our conscience!

(2Co 1:11) “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” In answer to many of us praying, the Lord responds according to His will. Then we each praise Him for what He has done. Through the trial comes rightful praise to Him that otherwise might not have been given.

(2Co 1:10) “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”  When one is faced with the great trials of life, they need to look back at what God has done in their past: (Rom 5:3) “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

(2Co 1:9) “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:”  While it is important that we keep in mind we are but one breath away from death; we should also remember at death our life will actually begin, free from the hold of sin forever.

(2Co 1:8) “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:”  God’s people are not immune from the troubles of this life. One should even expect it, if they are going to actively share the gospel. The Lord Jesus said: (Joh_16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 

 (2Co 1:7) “And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”  This hope is a confident looking for. The Lord never fails to minister to His own. Yes, He might allow them suffer the affairs of this life, but at the same time ever faithful in walking with them through whatever may come.