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Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of 2 Corinthians “From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”
Chart adapted from *Dr. Michael Williams Book |
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Title for 2 Corinthians |
2 Corinthians: Theme |
2 Corinthians 2:17 |
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“Self-Giving” |
God directs Paul to explain and vindicate his apostolic authority while encouraging the generosity of the Corinthian church. |
“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” |
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Christ-Focus in 2 Corinthians |
Implications from 2 Corinthians |
Hooks from 2 Corinthians |
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Jesus gave Himself completely for the welfare of His people. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9
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God will provide for our needs as we give ourselves to others. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 |
Is it really better to give than to receive? What if giving involves giving up comfort, safety, or even your life? Why would anyone give like that? Is it possible for you to give any more than you have already received? What have you already received from God?
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About the Author:
Michael James Williams in his own words: “After my conversion in the U. S. Navy (in a submarine beneath the North Atlantic!), I entered Columbia Bible College, where I received a B.A. (1985). This was followed by an M.A. in Religion at Westminster Theological Seminary (1987) and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (1999). In 2000, I was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, and since 1995 have been teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. I have also taught courses at Westminster Theological Seminary, the University of Pennsylvania, and brief stints in Limuru, Kenya; Donetsk, Ukraine; and Warsaw, Poland. In addition to articles on Old Testament topics in various reference works and academic journals, and contributing to and editing Mishneh Todah: Studies in Deuteronomy and Its Cultural Environment in Honor of Jeffrey H. Tigay (2009); I have authored Deception in Genesis: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Unique Biblical Phenomenon (2001); The Prophet and His Message: Reading Old Testament Prophecy Today (2003); and, most recently, How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture. Grand Rapids, Zondervan (2012). My amazing wife, Dawn, and I enjoy hiking and all things outdoors.”
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