Paul wants the church in Corinth to complete the gift, the blessing, they began a year prior. And so, he appeals to them on the basis of God’s grace among them. Let’s take a look at what Paul says to them, and how we can learn and apply these words, God’s word, to us. Let’s abound in good works by God’s surpassing grace.

In the passage before us, Paul gives two clear examples of giving. Paul gives these examples in order to spur the church in Corinth to complete the gift they began. He wants them to prove that their love is real. He wants them to excel in this act of grace. He wants them to abound in the grace of giving. Let's follow the examples we see here and abound in the grace of giving.

Do we have great joy in God? Does our joy overflow? As we look at this passage, let’s consider the ways God is working in our midst. Let’s see His love. Let’s marvel at His grace. Let’s stand in awe of Him. Let's grieve our sin. Let's turn from our sin, and let's turn to God. Let’s have great joy in God's great work.

Here Paul urges the church to live holy lives in the fear of God. So, what does all that that look like? As those who are in Christ, they will pursue godly relationships that honor God. They will refuse to adopt the lifestyle of unbelievers. They will guard their heart. They will stay alert. They will keep focused on God. They will run to God. They will stand in awe of God. They will cleanse themselves from every defilement in the fear of God.

All this is from God; He reconciled us to himself through Christ. If you are in Christ, then you are a new creation. The old is gone. The new has come. If you are in Christ, then your outlook, in fact, your relationship with God, yourself, and other people is new. By His grace, God is transforming you for His glory. What does this life in Christ look like?

Here Paul reminds the church that since they are in Christ, then they should make it their aim to please the Lord. Paul reminds them why and when and how they please the Lord. Paul urges them to live in light of eternity: knowing the fear of Christ, held by the love of Christ, living for their Lord who died for their sake. How about us? Do we have a deep awareness of eternity? Does Christ’s love for us move us to live for Him? Do we make it our aim to please Him now and forever?

What do we talk about these days? Paul reminded the church of Corinth, "What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." Over and over, Paul took them to the gospel, the life-transforming, hope-bringing, mercy-giving, good news of the glory of God in the face of Jesus. That's what Paul talked about: "we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." So, what do we talk about most?

Paul writes that the new covenant is even more glorious than the old. Paul asserts that God transforms those who are in Christ from one degree of glory to another. Paul affirms that as God turns our gaze to His glory, God makes us more like Him. Does such hope in God through Christ make you bold? Does the glory of God leave you overwhelmed? Are you awestruck before God? Do you long to know God more fully? Do you turn your gaze to God more completely?

Where is your trust? In the passage before us, Paul reminds the church that God is their trust. God is able, and God makes them who they are in Christ. God leads them. God works through them to spread the gospel. God makes them sincere. God gives them life. God makes them all ministers of a new covenant. And when they begin to waver, by God’s grace, they can all stand in awe of God, remembering that He is their trust. Who is sufficient for all these things? In Christ, we are!