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"Epistle written in our hearts..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 3:2

ADDRESSING PROBLEMS IN THE CHURCH

Paul had to address problems in the Church. He had written a long letter (1 Corinthians) to the church correcting many serious doctrinal flaws that were promoted by some false teachers! But there were other problems besides doctrinal ones!

“You are our epistle written in our hearts,
known and read by all men.”
2 Corinthians 3:2

1. Non-doctrinal problems addressed

a) Interpersonal relationship problems.

b) These involved emotional ties.

c) These were more difficult to manage.

d) But these problems still had to be addressed!

2. “You are our epistle”

a) A strong emotional declaration.

b) Paul wrote to the Corinthians and declared that they were epistles.

i) He wrote more than just paper-letters.

ii) He had written on their hearts.

c) Paul wrote of how he was attached to the Corinthians.

i) He did not just minister to them professionally.

ii) He ministered to them personally.

iii) The Church was more than just an institution.

iv) It was made of people he knew and loved!

3. “Written in our hearts”

a) This was Paul’s way of saying that he loved the Corinthians.

b) His work among them was done out of love for the Lord and for them personally.

4. “Known and read by all men”

a) Paul was saying that he took pride in the Corinthians.

b) Everywhere he went, he would speak lovingly of the Corinthian church.

c) This was known of all men.

d) If his letters were read properly, his love for the Corinthian church would be clearly seen.

BATTLING DOUBTS

Paul knew that the false teachers had sown seeds of discord and thus the Church at Corinth had doubts as to whether they were loved at all! Paul wrote to battle these doubts! He did love the Corinthian Church!