2 Corinthians portrays strong feelings bearing the circumstances under which it is written: Paul is vindicating his legitimacy as an apostle.

• What Is Paul’s Confidence?
o Our/their confidence is only from God who had given the Holy Spirit as a guarantee/Assurance (v5)
o This gives Paul the courage to press on; it should give us the courage and strength to press on as well.
• What was Paul’s Resolve/ Goal/Aim
o To Please the Lord (v.9)
o Paul admonishes us to try to discern that which in pleasing to God (Eph 5:10)
o In all the circumstances in Life and especially in our suffering we are bound to please the Lord
o The apostles were not trying to please God in the flesh for such efforts would be efforts in futility as (Romans 8:8) would tell us.

• What controlled or drove the Apostles?
The fear of God/ Reverence for God/ The Love Of Christ Controls US! (V14.)

RECONCILIATION:
GOD HAS in Christ
1. Reconciled us (in Christ) to himself
2. Given us the ministry of reconciliation
3. How? By not counting the reason of their alienation against them! i.e., their trespasses
4. Entrusting to recipients of God’s Righteousness with this mystery/wonder/miracle/ the ministry of reconciliation
5. God is doing it.