Athey Creek: Audio Podcast

Paul makes a short statement of thanksgiving and rejoicing in 2 Corinthians 9:15 that carries profound eternal significance. As we consider God’s gift – so great that Paul can barely describe it – we learn who can receive it, how it must be accepted by faith, and how this gift changes everything, now and for eternity.

A Bible teaching titled “Through the Bible | 2 Corinthians 8” from 2 Corinthians 8 by Brett Meador.

The Corinthian church had good intentions, but when they failed to follow through, Paul was compelled to address the issue in 2 Corinthians 8:10-11. In much the same way, believers today often desire to obey what God has called them to do but struggle to carry it out. As we study, we learn to identify the root of this problem, see how our lack of follow-through affects us, and find out just how God desires for us to obey His commands.

A Bible teaching titled “Through the Bible | 2 Corinthians 6-7” from 2 Corinthians 6-7 by Brett Meador.

In 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Paul explains that while he regretted causing the Corinthians sorrow through a painful letter, he was also glad because it caused them to repent and change their behavior. So just what does repentance truly mean, and how does it differ from mere regret? As we look at examples from both the Old and New Testaments, we learn whose repentance was sincere, see the outcomes of their acknowledgment of sin, and discover why love is the key.

A Bible teaching titled “Through the Bible | 2 Corinthians 5” from 2 Corinthians 5 by Brett Meador.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul warns the Corinthian church against allowing the values and narratives of the world to shape their theology. Sadly, this struggle remains as relevant today as it was then. As we study this passage, we see how Paul’s call to avoid mixing the world with the church echoes throughout Scripture, why this matters in God’s economy, and where believers are most vulnerable to allowing contrary worldviews to creep in.

A Bible teaching titled “Through the Bible | 2 Corinthians 4” from 2 Corinthians 4 by Brett Meador.

Almost everyone will wonder at some point, “What makes me valuable?” In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul answers this as he reveals who we truly are apart from Christ, what God desires to do with our lives as we submit to His shaping, and how the light of Christ within us gives purpose, endurance, and lasting value in trials and tribulation.

In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul reminds the Corinthian church that his credentials for ministry come from God and the evidence is found in their transformed lives and spiritual fruit. He goes on to contrast the law with the Spirit, showing how their glory manifests differently over time and how the New Covenant brings life, freedom, and an ever-increasing radiance as believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ.

As Paul explains to the church at Corinth why he wrote a painful letter rather than visiting them in person in 2 Corinthians 2, we see that his defense reflects a loving and compassionate approach to ministry. Through his example, Paul teaches us how to speak truth in love, why forgiveness is essential when repentance is genuine, and how following God’s Word in faith leads to a triumphal victory in Christ.

As we begin Paul’s follow-up letter to the Corinthians, we find that not much has changed within their church, as they continue to question Paul’s authority, openly rebel, and level criticisms against him. Yet, he responds as lovingly as possible in 2 Corinthians 1 by reminding them of God’s love, demonstrating his own sincerity in writing to them, and explaining why their accusations lack substance.

When the Corinthian church accuses Paul of changing his travel plans, he seizes the opportunity to remind them of the faithfulness of God’s promises. As we study his teaching in 2 Corinthians 1:20, we learn about the conditions of God’s promises, how to tap into the fullness of their benefits, and why they are entirely trustworthy.

As we wrap up 2025, we also bring our study of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church to a close by reflecting on his final words in 1 Corinthians 16. From guidance on giving and ministry to personal plans and final exhortations for Christian living, Paul leaves the church with a reminder of God’s grace and love that we can carry with us into the new year.

In one of the most theologically significant chapters in the Bible, Paul lays out the Gospel message by declaring that salvation is only possible through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection – a concept that the Corinthian church still struggled to grasp. As we study his message in 1 Corinthians 15, we learn about the power and absolute necessity of the resurrection, see why it is one of the most provable events in history, and discover what it means for us as we face our own death.

Paul introduces a new topic to the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 by speaking of a future event known as the Rapture – a subject that continues to cause great debate, confusion, and controversy to this day. As we explore this topic, we clarify what the Rapture entails, address key questions and disagreements surrounding it, and examine how it is supported throughout Scripture.

Church services in Corinth had devolved into chaos with people speaking in tongues without interpretation, talking over one another, and abandoning any sense of order. As Paul steps in to correct these practices in 1 Corinthians 14, we learn why structure in worship is essential and how we can ensure our own churches operate in a manner that benefits the body of Christ and reaches unbelievers.

As one of the most famous, poetic, and frequently quoted passages in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13 teaches us about the greatest spiritual gift believers can pursue. As we delve deeper into “The Love Chapter,” we learn what this truly means, how we can put it into practice, and who our ultimate example is to follow.

Paul begins his teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 by explaining the diverse ways God works through His people to bring unity and order within the church. As we study this passage, we learn about the Holy Spirit’s role in distributing the gifts, define the ones Paul lists, and examine some of the differing viewpoints that arise in the church today.

One of the problems Paul had to address in the Corinthian church was their limited understanding of how the body of Christ was meant to function together to form a healthy and unified church. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, he provides a spiritual anatomy lesson that helps us examine our own calling within the body of Christ and how we can contribute to keeping all members functioning as God intended.