2 Corinthians 1:15-22 (Part 7) Paul: Fickle or Faithful?

Why does one not read the Bible?

• Intimidation

• Overwhelmed

• Don’t want to

Suggestions

• Before you read, take time to create a frame of mind that is appropriate for reading God’s Word [I Thessalonians 2:13]

• Don’t worry about all the details in simple reading

• Read the Bible with a good blend (and a translation you prefer)

Paul answers the charge against him—1:15-22

• Three itineraries—they accuse him of being fickle (vacillating)

• They accuse him of changing for his own self-seeking purposes--“it’s all about you, Paul”

• He defends himself two ways . . .1) By interrogation—vv. 17-18—(questions that expect a no answer)—their accusations are: a) Paul is not stable in his planning; b) His change of travel plans are only motivated by self-interests; 2) By elaboration, vv. 19-22: 1) He reasons this way: Since God is faithful and I have been faithful to Him, what seems to be the problem? 2) He moves away from himself to Christ; 3) The faithfulness of God to His promises, v. 20; 4) The faithfulness of God to His Work, vv. 21-22.

Observations from 1:15-17

• Rational thought sees no problem with alternate plans.

• Doctrinal thought doesn’t have problems with alternate plans either.

“Amen”

• Oral response of the people to a statement of truth (it is true)—Example, Deuteronomy 27:15.

• Jesus used the term frequently—“verily, verily”

• The person of Jesus is the embodiment of truth, Revelation 3:14