2 Corinthians - Chapters 1-7 - The God of Comfort

The Apostle Paul had had a painful visit with the church at Corinth, plus then he sent a sorrowful letter to them, and he was anxious to hear from Titus who took the letter, how the Church at Corinth was doing. Once Titus came, and Paul heard that the church had repented and how they cared about Paul, his heart was encouraged. This is why the beginning of the letter stressed that God is the source of all comfort, and the reason for our sufferings is so we can bring comfort to others. He received news that one of the church members had repented from his sin, and so Paul sent word to forgive and bring comfort and love to him. Then Paul compared the way of the law with the way of the Spirit. The law came with glory, but the Spirit comes with "ever-increasing glory!" Paul shared our bodies are our home here, but someday we will live in our heavenly home. "We live by faith, not by sight" (5:7). Since we have the Spirit within us, and with the view of our heavenly home, they fear the Lord because we all will give an account of our lives to God. This fear compels them to encourage people to "Be reconciled to God" (5:20b). Since the Spirit has nothing in common with the flesh, so a believer has nothing in common with an unbeliever, therefore, they should not marry. Instead (7:1) believers should purify themselves from things that contaminate, and seek holiness. This section ended with Paul rejoicing over the church and their concern for him. This made Paul's joy increase, "greater than ever" (7:7).