The apostle gives inspired and essential conditions for instrumentality in Gospel work.  Beginning with a strong plea to avoid fruitlessness, he stresses the necessity of a consistent life, resilience through all hardship, and five positive qualities which must be exhibited, by the Spirit's help.

Paul is a model for all believers, especially preachers.  Here he lists our weapons, such as preaching and witness, to be maintained regardless of our reception, even despite great violence, and through lows and highs - making many rich, and though having nothing, yet possessing all things.

Fellowship with false teachers nearly ruined the Corinthian church, leading to this passage on the utter incompatibility of believers being united with unbelievers (as churches or as individuals entering into marriage).  Here are God's reasons, and the command to stand apart from apostate churches or denominations.

Believers may, like those of Corinth, make serious mistakes and need to repent and reform.  Here the apostle chronicles the Corinthian readiness to change, highlighting seven distinct components of a believer's repentance, so that restoration to full blessing and fruitfulness may be experienced.

Six graces are listed: faith (conviction), witness, knowledge, diligence (earnestness), love for the cause and stewardship.  Then follow seven aspects of such graces that challenge the heart and show the spirit in which they are exercised.  This passage uniquely defines dedicated spiritual living.

The apostle's instructions for giving have often been found surprising, being chiefly spiritual matters.  The priority of the Gospel is emphasised even in relief offerings, and a precious list of aims and attitudes is given, bringing a reward of spiritual not fleshly enrichment.

Beginning with Paul's apostolic authority, this passage presents his reliance on God's power rather than human schemes, showing how strongholds of human thought void of biblical foundation may be thrown down by the truth.  Here also is the need for true submission to Christ.

How superficial the Corinthians were in letting false teachers get in!  They only had to claim to be Christian preachers and no questions were asked.  When good people lay aside discernment the result is Satanic conquest.  A similar war faces sound churches today.