The Church at Corinth had proved itself to be full of spiritual gifts toward God and indeed a great love towards Paul (2 Corinthians 7:7). They had also purposed, with a gracious and generous spirit, to give a certain amount to struggling believers and to set some aside each week (1 Corinthians 16:2). But the situation in Corinth had changed and they reneged on their purpose. Their drawing back was perhaps a lack of money or more likely as a result of the strained relationship that had developed with Paul (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:8). Paul, therefore exhorted the Corinthians to “stay the course” that they had chosen in the will of God (Vs. 5), regardless of changing circumstances. Things change in life—family circumstances, Church life moves and fluctuates and friendships come and go. But our spiritual course, our ethics and morals, our service for Christ and His people, our commitments, our personal disciplines etc. should be constant and consistent.
We are not responsible for the changes that occurs around us but for how we respond to a changing world. When the cross winds of adversity blow, how sure are we of the right course and how committed are we to that course? Are we easily diverted and do we take the path of least resistance? When changes occur, and when difficulties come how response-able are we in our commitments—how “able to respond?”
After hearing of their desire to draw back—Paul congratulates the Corinthians for their desire and zeal at the beginning; He challenges them not to give up so soon; and he seeks to convince them that consistency in their purpose would be advantageous to them and to the cause that they had espoused.
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Aaron Dunlop, who is originally from Northern Ireland, graduated from the Geneva Reformed Seminary, SC. He pastored for ten years in Victoria, British Columbia and is currently preparing to move to Kenya with his family to work with the FAME Reformed Theological College.
