A Bible teaching titled “Through the Bible | 2 Corinthians 8” from 2 Corinthians 8 by Brett Meador.

The Corinthian church had good intentions, but when they failed to follow through, Paul was compelled to address the issue in 2 Corinthians 8:10-11. In much the same way, believers today often desire to obey what God has called them to do but struggle to carry it out. As we study, we learn to identify the root of this problem, see how our lack of follow-through affects us, and find out just how God desires for us to obey His commands.

In 2 Corinthians 6-7, Paul reminds the church of their role as ambassadors for Christ and shares how his own trials and troubles empowered him for his ministry. He goes on to explain that while speaking the truth in love through his previous letter was difficult, it ultimately produced genuine repentance and restoration, bringing Paul great joy as he received the good report from Titus.

In 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Paul explains that while he regretted causing the Corinthians sorrow through a painful letter, he was also glad because it caused them to repent and change their behavior. So just what does repentance truly mean, and how does it differ from mere regret? As we look at examples from both the Old and New Testaments, we learn whose repentance was sincere, see the outcomes of their acknowledgment of sin, and discover why love is the key.

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul presents a series of “we” statements that describe the confidence believers have in their future hope, their calling to good works that please the Lord, and the motivation they should have to share Christ with others. Compelled by his love for Christ, Paul encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective and faithfully carry the message of reconciliation to the world.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul warns the Corinthian church against allowing the values and narratives of the world to shape their theology. Sadly, this struggle remains as relevant today as it was then. As we study this passage, we see how Paul’s call to avoid mixing the world with the church echoes throughout Scripture, why this matters in God’s economy, and where believers are most vulnerable to allowing contrary worldviews to creep in.

In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to faithfully shine the light of Jesus with sincerity and boldness so that the eyes of those living in spiritual blindness may be opened. Using his own suffering as an example, Paul shows how God brings life through affliction, provides inward renewal despite outward trouble, and calls believers to maintain an eternal perspective amid suffering.

Almost everyone will wonder at some point, “What makes me valuable?” In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul answers this as he reveals who we truly are apart from Christ, what God desires to do with our lives as we submit to His shaping, and how the light of Christ within us gives purpose, endurance, and lasting value in trials and tribulation.

In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul reminds the Corinthian church that his credentials for ministry come from God and the evidence is found in their transformed lives and spiritual fruit. He goes on to contrast the law with the Spirit, showing how their glory manifests differently over time and how the New Covenant brings life, freedom, and an ever-increasing radiance as believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ.

As Paul explains to the church at Corinth why he wrote a painful letter rather than visiting them in person in 2 Corinthians 2, we see that his defense reflects a loving and compassionate approach to ministry. Through his example, Paul teaches us how to speak truth in love, why forgiveness is essential when repentance is genuine, and how following God’s Word in faith leads to a triumphal victory in Christ.