Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

 (2Co 1:15) “And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;”  What a wonderful thing (benefit) it is when you can be around truly godly people, whose love is pure. Is your love true, real?

(2Co 1:14) “As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”  “…in the day of the Lord Jesus.”, meaning in whichever day we are blessed to be in His presence, regardless of the dispensation. The giver forth of the Word rejoices in the souls that embrace it; and the receiver of the Word rejoices in the person who gave it.

(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;”   “..what ye read and acknowledge…” : It is important that you embrace the following truth, “The author of every word of the Bible is God. None of it is from man, other than the quotes of conversation.” Such phrases as “Paul wrote” can lead one’s heart to excuse self from obedience to God’s Word.

(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.”