There's nothing that causes us to question motives like when money gets involved. Ulterior motives, questionable financial practices, and under-the-table dealings can compromise the character of those who handle financial matters. Paul shows us how he protects his ministry and his integrity regarding money.

Continuing to reflect on the grace of Jesus in relationship to our giving, Paul begins with something we often forget. Giving is good for you. In a world dedicated to personal individual accumulation, Paul upends our self-focus by taking us back to God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness. In short, everyone always has enough for everyone.

Paul begins the next major section of his letter by discussing how giving works in the church. What should our priorities be? What motivates righteous giving? How should we think about stewarding what God has put into our hands? With broad sweeping strokes and the example of other churches to emulate, Paul roots giving in the grace of the gospel.

How do we repent well? What should the result of godly repentance produce in us? Returning to the beginning of the letter, Paul shares his concerns over the outcome of the severe letter he wrote. This time, however, he is relieved at the news of their obedience. Paul demonstrates a model of hope-filled faith that a certain God is at work in the lives of the Corinthians.

The testimony of Paul's life has shown us his heart. With a flurry of rhetorical questions, Paul illustrates how little the church has in common with false teachers. Rather than take their departure from right doctrine personally, Paul encourages them. Exhorting spiritual purity as a result of their position, Paul urges the Corinthians to pursue lives of holiness and reverence.

In this passage, Paul is going to untangle some beliefs that the Corinthians have about Christian ministry and show them the unfiltered truth about what it looks like to follow Christ and do the work of reconciliation. We will see that the work of reconciliation is costly on many levels yet entirely worth it.

With an eye on judgment day, Paul returns to the pressing nature of his ministry to the Corinthians. With his heart laid bare to his motives, Paul shows the sweeping impact of the gospel. The reality of forgiven sins and the love of Christ has changed how he sees himself, how he sees others, and how he guides his ministry mission: Reconciling people to God.

As Paul continues to share the power of the resurrection and our future eternity in glory, he turns to consider the contrast between our earthly and heavenly homes. How should we live in light of our impending death? While we groan with the knowledge that this earth is not our home, God assures our hearts with precious promises. The certainty of our future eternity with God, the pledge of the Spirit, and our desire to be pleasing to him give us the strength to pursue a courageous life of faithful obedience.

This week, we’ll see how Paul is able to endure and not lose heart in the face of adversity. He testifies that God’s power is displayed in his weakness, knowing that he will be resurrected and that God will be glorified. In light of eternity, it is all worth it.

This week, we'll see how Paul returns to the theme of his calling as a minister of the new covenant. He shows us how the new covenant, rooted in the mercy of God, shapes his convictions and unites the preaching of Christ with the very first words of God.