2 Corinthians 2:9-11 (WEL) 9 I also write for this reason so that I might test you to see whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I forgive also, for if I forgive anyone anything, it has been for your sake in the presence of Christ. 11 Fearing that Satan would take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
V9 I also write for this reason so that I might test you to see whether you are obedient in everything.
The principle is to teach, then test. God did so with Adam. God taught him (Genesis 2:15-17). God allowed Adam to be tested (Genesis 3:1-11). Paul follows the same principle. The Lord Jesus also. He was taught (Luke 2:46-47), He was tested (Luke 4:1-13 and Hebrews 2:18), and passed the test (Hebrews 4:15).
V10 Anyone whom you forgive, I forgive also, for if I forgive anyone anything, it has been for your sake in the presence of Christ.
Paul had Apostolic authority to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18).
Barnes: “The meaning of this verse is, whatever you shall do in the discipline of the church shall be approved by God or bound in heaven. This promise, therefore, cannot be understood as extending to all Christians or ministers, for all others but the apostles may err.”
Henry Morris: “The commission to bind and loose was for all the disciples, not just Peter.”
I believe that binding and loosing refers to the authoritative words of the New Testament to know truth from false.
Principle: Since God has forgiven us, we must forgive others. We turn them over to God to deal with. We do not seek revenge ourselves.
V11 Fearing that Satan would take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
If we do not forgive or receive others’ forgiveness, we might be taken advantage of by satan who comes to destroy and kill (John 10:10). His main tactic is to cause doubt and lie in every way conceivable ( John 8:44).
We learn:
- About forgiveness.
- Warned about satan’s tactics.
- The authority of the Scriptures.
Questions:
- Do you forgive?
- Do you have spiritual situational awareness?