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 7, 2010

Courage for Conflict - Endurance & Reward - class for adults

2nd Timothy Chapter 2 theme is "getting a mindset". Mindset is a focal point (Rom 8:5-8, Col 3:1-3). The ultimate goal is becoming an overcomer.  Endurance means we'll stand under the pressure (2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 2:10, 2Ti 2:12). We can have peace through difficulty (Rom 5:1-5).



How do you endure?





  1. Be strengthened in Grace (2Ti 2:1);


  2. Keep eyes on Christ (2Ti 2:8);


  3. Remember you are enduring for the sake of others (2Ti 2:10);


  4. Study the word of God (2Ti 2:15).


  5. Stay pure (2Ti 2:21).


  6. Endurance will be worth it at the Bema Seat of Christ (2Ti 2:11-13).




Paul mentions 4 doctrines (2Ti 2:11-13):





  1. regeneration or new birth (2Ti 2:11);


  2. eternal rewards (2Ti 2:12);


  3. loss of eternal reward (2Ti 2:13);


  4. eternal security (2 Ti 2:12).




Crown of life is rewarded for endurance (Jam 1:12, 2Ti 2:12). "If we deny him [endurance], He will also deny us [reward]" (2Ti 2:12). We all have a base inheritance (1Pe 1:4-5). How much do we want to increase our inheritance? The foundation is faith, and the issue becomes eternal reward (1Co 3:11-15). Inheritance applies to those with eternal life (1Co 6:8-10, Gal 5:18-21, Eph 5:2-5, Col 3:23-24). Every child of God will inherit something, but there's also a reward above the basic level. We've already entered the Kingdom of God, but there are other benefits such as righteousness, peace and joy and power (Rom 14:17, 1Co 4:20). Life of obedience enjoys inheritance now. Mature sons are led by the Spirit of God (Rom 8:14-17); we were placed into the family as matures sons so we could immediately begin to draw on the resources of God. If we endure with Him we'll reign with Him. If we are born into the family we are heirs (1Pe 1:4-5), but "joint-heirs" if we suffer with Him (Rom 8:17, Phi 1:29). When you act in disobedience we lose potential position in reigning. The loss of a day by failing to endure has impact in eternity. The greatest reward in eternity are given to people who finish the race.



Scripture References: Ephesians 5:2-5, Galatians 5:18-21, Philippians 1:29, James 1:12, Romans 8:17, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:14-17, Colossians 3:1-3, Romans 14:17, Romans 8:5-8, Colossians 3:23-24

From Series: "Arkansas Youth Camp 2010 - Courage in Conflict"

Given at Arkansas Youth Camp 2010

More Messages from Gene Cunningham...

Powered by Series Engine