2nd Corinthians – Knowing God – 2014 – Northern Virginia

Knowing God—A Study in 2nd Corinthians

Moving Beyond Knowledge into Experience—

Igniting the Tinder of Truth by the Fire of the Spirit

This conference was presented in Northern Virginia February 28–March 2, 2014.

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,

who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge

of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2Co 4:6

Second Corinthians is much more than just a defense and vindication of Paul’s ministry. It expounds the foundation of his life and service in the experiential knowledge of God in all His varied manifestations to Paul. In other words, Paul was who he was, and did what he did, because he continued to grow in his knowledge of God. This knowledge was not merely intellectual or academic. Rather it was essentially experiential, as Paul came to know the living Christ in his daily life.

2nd Cornthians – Knowing God – 2014-Northern Virginia

Gene Cunningham - June 10, 2003

Galatians 6

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Paul admonished the Galatians that they were cursed preaching a different gospel (Gal 1:8-9), then reviews how they came to Christ (Gal 3:1-5), then shows them how they've relapsed (Gal 5:1-9). One of the charges against Paul was that he taught circumcision — he had Timothy circumcised (Gal 5:2, Gal 5:10-12) to not be a stumbling block to others (Timothy's mother was Jewish). Paul reminds the Galatians of the highest goal in the spiritual life, namely love (Gal 5:5-6, Gal 5:13-14); he typically reminds his readers (1Co 13:13, 1Th 1:3, 1Th 5:8, Rom 5:1-5) as the Lord did (Joh 13:34-35). Faith looks to the past — What God has done; Hope looks to the future — What God will do; Love looks in the present — what He's doing now and can doing in and through our lives. Love summarizes the whole Law (Gal 5:14). There's only two options: walk in the flesh (Gal 5:15), or walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17). If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Gal 5:18, Rom 8:4). The question is whether you will follow the Spirit. The works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Paul is talking to believers that chose to live a carnal or spiritual life. Those who chose a spiritual life "inherit the Kingdom" (Gal 5:21b, 1Pe 1:4), that is have rewards in eternity (Col 2:8, Rev 3:10, Col 3:23-25). Rewards in heaven are eternal trophies of honor and credit to Jesus Christ for those who live for Him (2Co 5:14-15, Gal 2:20). As well in time, life, joy and peace are forfeited now if we don't walk in the Spirit (Rom 14:14-17). Fruit of the Spirit: the first three — love, joy, peace — have to do with relationship to the Father (Gal 5:22-23). 2nd three reflect relationship to others — longsuffering, kindness, goodness. 3rd three have to do with ourselves — faithfulnes, gentleness, and self-control. Our life has an impact (Gal 5:24-26).

Scripture References: Galatians 5:22-23, John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 3:1-5, Romans 14:14-17, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:4, Galatians 1:8-9, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:13-14, Galatians 5:18, Colossians 3:23-25, Galatians 5:5-6, Galatians 5:16-17, Revelation 3:10, Galatians 5:10-12, Galatians 5:15, Colossians 2:8, Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:24-26, Galatians 5:14, Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:1-9

From Series: "Galatians - The Truth and Power of the Gospel - Hot Spring AR - 2009"

This series was given at Grace Bible Church of Hot Springs Arkansas in November 2009.

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