"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 6

January 11, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode we continue a Bible class through 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 4 and 5 with an emphasis on ministry (diakonos) and Christian leadership. The class explores why Paul frames his defense of ministry as a larger treatise on service, answering accusations from false apostles and explaining who God can use for service. Key topics covered include the biblical meaning of ministry and the qualities God uses in servants: integrity of character, humility (recognizing adequacy comes from God), durability (perseverance under pressure), and spiritual stability expressed as faith. Practical applications to church leadership and everyday personal leadership are discussed throughout. The episode also examines the rewards and perspective God gives to faithful servants. Using Paul’s contrasts between the temporal and the eternal, the class traces three primary blessings: (1) a promised new body and eternal home beyond our "tent" of flesh; (2) present courage and hope supplied by the Spirit as a pledge, enabling believers to walk by faith, not sight; and (3) confident standing before the judgment seat of Christ, knowing deeds will be recompensed and that a life lived to please God matters. Illustrations and pastoral application pepper the teaching — from tent‑camping imagery to references to Job, James, Ephesians, and other New Testament passages — all aimed at helping listeners reframe suffering as "light and momentary" compared with eternal glory. The class closes by previewing the next session’s topic (motives for sharing Christ) and reiterates the call to persevere in faithful service.   Duration 41:44