2 Corinthians

Theme 1: Christians are witnesses for Christ who face challenges in life which make them more like Christ and allow them to be more effective witnesses for him. Paul told the Church of Corinth that they would endure trials but could have hope in these circumstances as they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit. ( 1: 20-22). As followers of Christ we are to live lives that are different from the world as our actions serve as an aroma that attracts other people to Jesus and allows us to witness about him. ( 2:14-17). Paul discussed how trials we faced allowed us to be witnesses to the power of Christ in us . (4:7-12). He further stated that as Christ followers we functioned as ambassadors for him and through testifying about him and sharing the gospel through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit share the news of salvation to the whole world. (5:16-20). Paul further stated that having received the grace of God and been given heaven through Christ’s death and resurrection , we are to be witnesses to God’s grace and tell of this salvation to other people. (6:1-13).

Theme 2 : As a result of Christ’s mercy we are to have an attitude of gratitude to him and living a life dedicated to serving Christ and caring for people. Paul told the Corinthians that they could have confidence of their salvation and in the good things the Lord has for those who love him. (7:12-16). Serving and loving Christ is based on giving of our resources ( time , talents, money / talents and abiliities , to help other people. (8:1-12). Paul stated that he was pleased that the Corinthians had helped those in need in Macedonia which made them aware of their need to give.(9:1-5). He also stated that generosity allowed us to experience God’s goodness in our lives. (9:10-13).

Theme 3: Christians need to make sure their focus is on Jesus Christ and loving others as he did . Paul stated that Christ was the one who approved their work and thus they needed to focus their attention on him and not their works. ( 10:12-18). He discussed how it was Jesus who made them strong and allowed them to be a witnesses to the mercy they had been given by him. Therefore our confidence was based on Christ and not out own good works. ( 11:12-30). Paul explained how the Christian life also involved helping others and that focus was on bearing the burdens of and encouraging them. In doing so we are fulfilling the purpose of Christ. ( 12:13-19). Paul concluded his second letter to the Corinthian Church by urging them to live in peace and with the love of God as if they did so God would be with them. ( 13:11). Thus part of Christian witness is caring for other people and in doing so showing the loving of Jesus Christ.