Having encountered the risen Christ and been forgiven all his sin, Paul uses the rest of his life seeking to persuade others of the gospel. The love of Jesus has transformed him. He is a new creation in Christ. And as such, he heralds the glorious news of the gospel.

In these verses, Paul shares that to remain hopeful and courageous in the face of life’s trials he actively and intentionally adopts an eschatological perspective on all of life. Because he knows his future eternal state is certain–and infinitely more glorious than this one–he does not lose heart.

Paul does not lose heart in his ministry of suffering because the all surpassing power of God works in salvation.

Paul contrasts the ministry of Moses under the Old Covenant with his ministry under the New Covenant. Contrary to the Old Covenant made at Sinai, the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus, imputes righteousness, brings spiritual life, empowers true transformation within us and is filled with a greater, eternal glory.

Some in the Corinthian church find Paul's life and sufferings appalling and therefore discredited from apostolic ministry. Paul responds by declaring that he has been conquered and commissioned by Jesus. Just as Moses was insufficient for God's purposes, so too, Paul is insufficient in and of himself. But God has made both Moses and Paul sufficient, demonstrating his power and purposes through him. And unlike Moses, Paul has become a minister of God's new covenant, a covenant that brings life to those who receive it.

Paul explains that in his relationship with the Corinthians, he is working for their joy in Christ. And it was his love for them that motivated him to delay his visit. And now that they have been reconciled to one another, he urges them to practice forgiveness and reconciliation within the church.

Paul writes to the Corinthians to explain why he did not visit them when he said he would. Contrary to him being fickle or unfaithful, he delayed his visit because he wanted to bring them blessing. He explains that he is not unfaithful. His life and ministry are spent proclaiming the goodness of a faithful God. However, sometimes things do not go the way we think they ought. Yet, God's promises are sure no matter what. Even when God's promises appear unlikely, they all come to perfect fulfillment.

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series in the book of 2 Corinthians. Central to the book is Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry. Whereas some look at his life and believe his sufferings disqualify his message and ministry, Paul shows that his sufferings are actually the means through which he magnifies the power and glory of Christ. For God manifests his strength in Paul's weakness and comforts him in all his affliction.

In Joshua's final act of ministry to Israel he leads them in renewing their covenant with the LORD. And to this day, there is a continuity of covenant relationship between God and his people. Today, the church regularly participates in a covenant renewal ceremony, whereby we remember God's grace in our salvation and we profess our faith in and commitment to the LORD.