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 - December 21, 1998

Upper Room Discourse #6

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Moses was a "friend of God" but could not see His face, but we do as a new creature looking in the reflective mirror of The Word (2Co 3:18). Joh 14:21 "Manifest" examples: (a) Jesus will manifest Himself to the eyes of our soul (Eph 1:17-18). (b) Miracles John writes of are analogies (examples) to what spiritual abiding in Christ does to us. Jesus turned common water into the finest wine (Joh 2:11) which is analogous to manifesting power of transformation of our lives and a life of fellowship. The man healed of blindness - "That the works of God might be manifested in him" (Joh 9:3). (c) The Life of Christ was manifested to all (1Jn 1:2) - His life can be manifested in us. (d) Jesus was "manifested to take away our sins, and ... whoever abides in Him does not sin" (1Jo 3:5-6, Gal 5:16). Love is manifested toward us ... that we might live through Him (1Jo 4:9) -- abundant life. "... so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body" (2Co 4:11). (e) Joh 15:1-2 mistranslated "take away"; should be "lifted up" so the vine doesn't send down roots (but puts energy into fruit instead). John 15 manifestations: (1) Union with Christ (Joh 15:4-5); (2) abiding presence of Christ (Joh 15:4, 2Co 13:5); (3) evidence life of fellowship pruning/washing discipline (Joh 15:2, Joh 15:6); (4) productivity - "fruit" (Joh 15:4-5); (5) effective prayer (Joh 15:7, Psa 37:4); (6) God will be glorified (Joh 15:8); (7) inner joy (Joh 15:11); (8) We'll have a reciprocal friendship (Joh 15:14-15) - Jesus has called us friends, but He waits for humility, submission, and obedience (i.e., if we do what He commands). The abiding believer - one who obeys His commands - will "abide forever" (1Jo 2:15-17). The character we become here and now is the person we will be forever. In Heb 12:22-24 we are shown our welcome into heaven.

Scripture References: John 15:7, John 2:11, Hebrews 12:22-24, John 15:1-2, John 15:4-5, Ephesians 1:17-18, John 2:15-17, John 4:9, John 15:6, John 14:21, John 15:14-15, Galatians 5:16, John 15:2, John 15:11, John 3:5-6, John 15:4, John 15:8, John 1:2, John 15:4-5, Psalms 37:4, John 9:3, John 15:1

From Series: "The Upper Room"

Originally given in Tucson AZ in August 2007 this series amplifies the crux of Christian doctrine as delivered by Jesus to His disciples in John chapters 13 through 17 - the Upper Room.

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