THE ISSUE OF INTEGRITY
II CORINTHIANS 1:12-2:17
INTRODUCTION: Paul was hated by many. He was constantly criticized and misunderstood. Some called into question his authority, sincerity and integrity. Welcome to the ministry!
In this passage it is evident Paul’s reputation is taking a beating. How did he handle the situation? What’s here for us to learn?
Paul testified to three things he possessed. These three things should be evident, to some degree, in every Christian’s life. These things make up “the issue of integrity”.
I. A Clear Conscience (1:12-24)
Paul had a clear conscience when it came to his:
A. Conduct (12): The conscience is the faculty that approves when we do right and accuses when we do wrong. Note the words “holiness” and “sincerity”. Paul’s conduct had been motivated by God’s grace. He had been honest and open, not doing things for personal profit, pleasure or popularity. He had obtained, maintained and sustained his integrity. How? The God of comfort who walks beside to strengthen (ch.1) is the same God of grace (ch.2) who sustains.
B. Correspondence (13-14): Paul was honest in his writings. He didn’t write one thing and mean something else.
C. Consistency (15-22): What’s this all about? Paul had planned another trip to Corinth, and in good faith (v.16) but when he heard they were opposing him and questioning his authority he decided against a painful confrontation. They accused him of being “wishy-washy”. It was not Paul’s inconsistency that changed his plans, it was theirs! He was only trying to be as faithful to them as God had been to him. Paul did love and care for them.
There is a great lesson here. Sometimes it’s best to avoid a confrontation. Chose your battles wisely. Don’t die on every mountain (v.23).
II. A Life of Love (2:1-11)
Someone in the church had it out for Paul? He evidently was the ringleader. Who was it? It has been suggested that it was the man living with his stepmother (I Cor. 5, II Cor. 2:6). O, the length some will go to get revenge. Notice how Paul responded in love. Look at his:
A. Priority (1-4): He put others before himself. “Anguish” = to press together or imprison. Paul was imprisoned by his love for them. He loved them enough to write to them the truth even though he knew it would be painful.
B. Purpose (5-6): In his previous letter he had prescribed the principles of discipline. It had worked. The privilege and protection of church membership had been withdrawn. It seems, however, in v.6 that some felt he had not been punished enough and didn’t want him back.
C. Pardon (7-11): If he has repented don’t keep heaping guilt on him. Forgive him. Comfort him (remember the God of comfort?). Don’t break him, restore him. He was to be forgiven for his own sake (v.7), the Lord’s sake (v.9-10) and the church’s sake (v.11). The devil’s device is unforgiveness.
III. A Fragrant Faith (2:12-17)
Paul smelled of Heaven. He gave the fragrance of Jesus. Note:
A. His Testimony (12-13): He was willing to go through any door to preach the gospel.
B. His Thanksgiving (14):
C. His Triumph (14): This is the picture of a ticker-tape parade.
D. His Truth (14-17): He describes the different effects the message of Christ has on certain people. The fact is we will either give off the fragrance of Christ or the stench of the world. Why not let Christ splash on you some of His celestial cologne?
CONCLUSION: What makes for integrity? A clear conscience, a life of love and a fragrant faith. Paul had them and so should we.
