Working For Their Joy 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4

What is your job description? Everyone here has at least one, most of us have multiple job descriptions. If you work for a company, or you own your own company, you and everyone within the company has a job description. If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, you have a job description. If you are a student in school, you have a job description. Now, you may not be able to pull out a piece of paper and go line-by-line through the job description, but you still have a job description, the tasks and responsibilities expected of you as a student. If you are married then you too have a job description. Most people would probably describe the job descriptions of a husband and wife as “roles” to fulfill and “expectations” to meet, but that my friend is a job description. Even in the parent/child relationship there is a job description for both the parent and the child. I don’t know any parent who has actually written out their list of tasks and responsibilities for themselves and their kids, other than maybe a list of chores, but it would be a great idea to put some thought into it and share it within the family. For those who are followers of Jesus, did you know that we also have a job description? If you go through the Bible you can easily find the job descriptions of God’s people throughout history. In Genesis you can read about Adam and Eve’s job descriptions. Noah had one. So did Abraham. When God called Moses, He gave Moses his job description: 

10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:10 NIV)

Pretty straightforward and to the point. God would expand Moses’ job description as time went on, but going to Pharaoh and bringing out the Hebrew slaves was at the top of the list of priorities for the time being. In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus, was struck blind when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. The Lord went to Ananias and gave him a job to do. He told Ananias to go to Saul, who we know as Paul, and lay his hands on his eyes and restore his sight. Ananias hesitated because of Saul’s reputation, 

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." (Acts 9:15-16 NIV)

There was so much more that Paul would do, so many more details as to where he would go, when he would go, and how he would go about proclaiming Jesus’ name “to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel,” but this job description would always be the cornerstone of his life’s work. Back to you and me. Have you ever considered that God has a job description for you and for me? I think the vast majority of Jesus’ followers would fall into one of two categories when it comes to talking about their job description as a follower of Jesus. The first group, I would think the largest group of Jesus’ followers, are those who have no idea what God desires for them to do. They love the Lord, they go to church now and then, but their job description would be blank if they were asked to sit down and put pen to paper. The second group I’ve thought about this past week are those who are so drawn to duties that they have a long list, maybe not the list the Lord would have for them, but a long list of things they must do to keep God happy and to ensure that they are on the right track. The Pharisees were like this as well. God had given Moses the Ten Commandments to give to His people while they were at Mt. Sinai. The Pharisees thought God hadn’t been clear enough with the Ten Commandments so they expanded them into 613 laws the people needed to follow. We can easily fall into the same trap of coming up with a checklist of things to do for God. Jesus was asked one day, by a Pharisee, 

36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV)

“Which of the 613 laws is the greatest? Would you go back to the original 10, Jesus?” Jesus said, “Love God. Love your neighbor.” All of the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in these two line items on the job description. Brilliant! Love God. Love your neighbor. In our Scripture for this morning we find Paul doing everything he can to love his neighbors, his friends, in the church at Corinth. As I’ve been studying and praying through this Scripture this past week there is one specific verse that I got hung up on. Not hung up as in I don’t understand this, but hung up as in I can’t move past this because it is so wonderful, so thought provoking, and so powerful for all of us who are followers of Jesus. Let’s read our Scripture and then we can talk. Turn with me to 2 Corinthians 1 and we will begin in verse 23.

23 I call God as my witness-- and I stake my life on it-- that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. 2 1 So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. (2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 NIV)

We talked last week about how Paul’s travel plans for his trip to Corinth had changed and how those who wanted to undermine Paul’s relationship with the brothers and sisters in the church had used his change of plans to sow seeds of doubt about Paul’s character and integrity. Paul was fully aware of what was going on, so in these verses he tells them why he did not go to Corinth as planned. I love Eugene Peterson’s translation of these verses in The Message. Let me read it to you. 

Now, are you ready for the real reason I didn't visit you in Corinth? As God is my witness, the only reason I didn't come was to spare you pain. I was being considerate of you, not indifferent, not manipulative. We're not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We're partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not ours. That's why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to both of us. If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me? (2 Corinthians 1:23-2:2 The Message)

There’s no doubt that God changed Paul’s plans, but God also used Paul’s own insight and understanding to understand that the visit he had planned would not be fruitful at all…it would only produce more pain. Paul said, “...it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.” From what was Paul sparing the people of Corinth? He mentions “pain” and “grieving,” but what would cause the pain and grief? That’s a great question and to understand the answer we need to understand the word “????????” (pheidomai) which is translated “spare.” The Greek word means, “to save from loss or discomfort,” or “to spare.” Paul uses the word two more times in 2 Corinthians and four other times in his other letters. When you read all of the verses it is easy to understand that “sparing” has to do with escaping punishment or judgment in some way. Let me show you one other place in 2 Corinthians where Paul uses the word so you can see what I’m talking about. Turn with me to 2 Corinthians 13:2.

2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, (2 Corinthians 13:2 NIV)

Paul didn’t make the intended visit to Corinth in order to not have to confront and discipline those who refused to repent. It’s not that Paul was avoiding the issue, but with all that had gone on when he made his visit, how horribly wrong that ended, Paul showed great wisdom in not pressing through with a face-to-face visit. It could not have gone well. There would be an opportunity to address what was taking place, to confront those who were unrepentant, but it wasn’t when he had initially planned. David Garland writes,

His reasons for not returning had nothing to do with any wavering in his purpose or fear of being humiliated again. He wanted to spare them from being humiliated and the severe discipline that might forever alienate them from him and even from faith. If he had come, he would have had to rebuke a certain member, and it could have been quite a nasty confrontation that may have undermined any chance for reconciliation. What he believes to be the most redemptive action governs his decisions (Garland, David. 2 Corinthians. pg. 109). 

Instead of a face-to-face confrontation, Paul sent them a letter, what we know as the “severe letter.” In the letter he addressed the issue, he called for repentance, but he gave the Corinthians time and space so that the Lord might work on their hearts. The love Paul had for his friends in Corinth led him to consider them and this is a wonderful learning opportunity for us. When we have a brother or sister in Christ who is living in a way that is sure to end at the Prodigal Son’s pig pen–we need to be prayerful and consider our brother and sister before we go barging into the room with guns blazing. John Calvin once said to pastors, but it is good advice for all of Jesus’ followers,

It is the part of a pious pastor to weep within himself before he calls upon others to weep, to feel tortured in silent musings before he shows any token of displeasure, and to keep within his own breast more grief than he causes to others. (John Calvin)

It seems like in our day we are so quick to make quick and harsh judgments, to say the most horrible and spiteful things, when love and prayer might very well lead us to weep over the sins of others instead of wagging fingers of condemnation. We are desperately in need of more tears and less temper. Paul goes on to say, in verse 24, 

24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. (2 Corinthians 1:24 NIV)

This is the verse that captured my heart this past week. I have spent so much time reading, thinking, and praying about this one verse. There is so much here for us to learn from in our own relationship with others. As an apostle called and appointed by the Lord Himself, Paul had been given authority in his work with the church, but the question is, “How is that authority to be lived out?” Paul said, “Not that we lord it over your faith…” I love how the Christian Standard Bible version translates this same verse. Listen to this.

24 I do not mean that we have control of your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand by faith. (2 Corinthians 1:24 CSB)

Paul wanted the people in Corinth to know that he had no desire to micro-manage their faith. He wasn’t looking around every corner trying to catch them doing something wrong, he wasn’t second guessing them looking for ulterior motives every time they spoke or did something, and he wasn’t scrutinizing their walk to make sure they were doing everything right. Paul wasn’t trying to control the followers of Jesus in Corinth, but he says, “...we are workers with you for your joy…” I love the Greek word translated “workers with you.” It is the word, “???????? (sunergos) which means, “fellow worker, working together, cooperate, or to assist.” Paul uses this Greek adjective to describe himself among the Corinthians. What is Paul in relation to the church in Corinth? What is his job description? The apostle, the authority for the church? No, Paul says he is a co-worker who has come alongside them to work for their joy. Notice also what Paul is working towards. Is he working to help them build the church, get more and more new members to fill the pews, to make a name for themselves in the city? Not on your life! Paul is working for their joy. I read an article this past week that was based on a study done by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The article was titled, “Why is America So Sad? And Where Do We Find Joy?” As I read the article, it didn’t take me long to recognize that what the study was really asking was, “Why are people so unhappy?” The answer they heard over and over again was that people are lonely and growing more lonely by the day. If you have been around this church or any church then you have probably heard that joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is a cheap imitation of joy that is based on the circumstances of our life. Happiness is a by-product of good things happening for you or to you. You get the big promotion and you are happy. Coach announces the starters for the game and when he calls your name…you get happy! You were concerned when you went to the doctor for tests, but when the results all came back negative, you were happy! You hit the Powerball on a $2 ticket and you get beside yourself…until every long lost cousin shows up on your doorstep wanting a piece of the pie. Joy, on the other hand, is a by-product of faith in Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit that is rooted, grounded, and sustained by our relationship with Jesus. It is our intimacy with Jesus and not the circumstances of life that should determine the level of joy we experience as followers of Jesus. The people of Thessalonica were experiencing “severe suffering” and yet they received Paul’s message with joy. Turn to 1 Thessalonians 1 and let’s read together.

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 NIV)

 I say our joy is not determined by the circumstances of life, but you and I both know that life’s circumstances often get in the way and that is why we need people like Paul to work with us for our joy. Let me put that another way. Look around this sanctuary. You have no idea what some of these folks are going through in life, just like they don’t know what you are going through. What we can do, as brothers and sisters in Christ, is to work together, with one another, for the joy of the other person. Can you imagine being a part of a church like that? What an incredible experience that would be. I’d join a church like that wouldn’t you?Sometimes working together for the joy of the other person is not simply being an encouragement when life is difficult, when the trials of life come knocking at our door. Sometimes working together for the joy of the other person means that you are going to have to do the difficult work, the uncomfortable work of helping me see that I’ve gotten off track. Remember, this is exactly what Paul and the Corinthians were experiencing. Read 2 Corinthians 2:3-4 with me.

3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. (2 Corinthians 2:3-4 NIV)

Paul spared his brothers and sisters in Corinth by not following through with his planned face-to-face visit, but instead he wrote them a letter. In that letter, he must have addressed the issues that were tearing the church apart and needed to be addressed. There were church members who needed to repent and make things right. Sin is a joy assassin and Paul was willing to work with the church to help them recognize where they had gotten off track so that they might experience joy once again. I want to say that far too often we, the followers of Jesus, have been more than willing to talk about the sins of our brothers and sisters in Christ, expose the sins of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but this is not the same as working together with someone for their joy, the restoration of their joy which can only be found in a right relationship with Jesus. One of my old, dead preacher friends, Warren Wiersbe once wrote about Paul’s approach to the situation in Corinth.

He wrote them a stern letter, born out of the anguish of his own heart, and bathed in Christian love. His great desire was that the church might obey the Word, discipline the offender, and bring purity and peace to the congregation. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6). Paul knew that his words would wound those he loved, and this brought pain to his heart. But he also knew (as every loving parent knows) that there is a big difference between hurting someone and harming him. Sometimes those who love us must hurt us in order to keep us from harming ourselves. Paul could have exercised his apostolic authority and commanded the people to respect him and obey him; but he preferred to minister with patience and love. (Wiersbe, Warren. Be Encouraged: God Can Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs)

Before we stop our study for this morning I want to pull back the curtain and show you what was taking place when Paul wrote that painful letter to the church. I can give you vivid details of what was happening in Paul’s heart and mind as he wrote every word, describing what was tearing the church apart and what needed to be done to restore God’s desired joy for the congregation. Read 2 Corinthians 2:4 with me.

4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. (2 Corinthians 2:4 NIV)

Paul uses three graphically descriptive words to describe his experience in writing his letter to the church: It was gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and as he wrote there was a flood of tears that fell on the parchment. Paul found no joy in writing what he had to write, but because of his great love for the church he had to write the letter and address the issues. We have to remember, there were some people in the church who were doing everything in their power to undermine Paul’s integrity and character and cause the whole church to reject Paul, but Paul would never reject them, they were family, and dearly loved by Paul. I would like to think that if and when you recognize that things are out of sorts in my life, when my words and actions fail to reflect the heart of our Savior and the Lord leads you to come alongside of me, that you would love me enough to do the hard, gut-wrenching work of working with me in order that our joy might be restored. Don’t come to me to point fingers and say, “I knew you were a fraud!” Do not come to me if you simply find some kind of perverted joy in pointing out what’s wrong with my life. Do not come to me simply to expose me. I don’t need that kind of help, but I will tell you that I desperately need a brother who is willing to do the hard work of working with me for the restoration of the joy Jesus desires for me. I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with the people of Corinth and Paul in my study of 2 Corinthians each week. I can say with absolute confidence, these people are us and the model we have for Christlike reconciliation and restoration is invaluable. Our relationships get out of sorts, our walk with the Lord is a rollercoaster ride, and we desperately need one another to come alongside of us and help us. Let’s pray that Britton Christian Church would be filled with folks who are willing to work with one another for the joy of the other. Mike HaysBritton Christian Church922 NW 91stOKC, OK. 73114October 30, 2022  11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV)