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In this concluding part of the letter, Paul speaks of his love for the church. It’s a love that shines forth Christ’s love. Paul pursues this church with a love like Christ. Paul gives to this church with a love like Christ. Paul strengthens and grieves and confronts this church with a love like Christ. Paul loves this church, and he wants the best for them. He loves them with Christ’s love. He loves them because of Christ’s love. How about us?

By God’s grace, I am not the person I used to be. I am in Christ. And as one who is in Christ, I know that Jesus is always with me. His grace is enough for me. Jesus’ power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, like Paul, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with trials. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul counters the boasting of the false apostles with the truth of his own experience. He pours out his heart to them. And in effect, he says, “Please listen to me! Please hear my heart! Please hear my deep concern for you! Church, I want you to remain close to Christ!”

Paul affirms his work among the church in Corinth. He points out the true measure of his ministry. He wants them to know they can trust him. He wants them to know they can follow him. He boldly tells them to open their eyes and take note of the Lord’s gracious work among them all. And he tells them to see where his true boast goes. Paul boasts in God. Yes, Paul makes his boast in the Lord.

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?