2 Corinthians 11
-Paul is again finding himself with the need to defend his
apostleship against the so-called “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5) who
were indeed false apostles, deceitful workmen disguising themselves as apostles
of Christ but really servants of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Paul makes his
defense on the basis of him not being a burden to them in any way, even taking support
from other churches so as not to put any pressure on the Corinthians to give to
him (2 Corinthians 11:7-9). His gospel message came free of charge because of
his great and genuine love for them and his desire to see them grow in the
truth (2 Corinthians 11:11, 21). *Application* We had better check the
motivations of church leadership in this day and age of ear ticklers and
swindlers (2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:10). Paul was different because he
was genuinely concerned for the sheep. He was a good shepherd because he had
the mind of Christ taking advantage of no one (John 10:10-15, 1 Corinthians 2:16).
Make sure you also are following a good shepherd in your local body of Christ
(i.e. your church). Make sure those you place in authority over you do not have
the agenda of the world, but are whole heartedly following Christ and the
teachings in His Word.
-Paul now, for the purpose of persuasion, recounts his
weakness according to the flesh and the incredible ordeals he had endured for
the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). *Application* Paul’s
incredible passion and intense desire to see the message of Christ propagated
should inspire us all. I doubt any of us have gone through the extremes of this
particular list in our spiritual journey and disciple making mission, but we
can certainly identify with some of the persecutions of being a servant of the
Living God. Keep going and boast only in the Lord’s strength to carry you through
to the final completion of your calling. Be real and be sincere. Be tough and
fight for right no matter what it costs you. In the end you will hear, “Well
done good and faithful slave (Matthew 25:21)!”
Verses to Memorize- 2
Corinthians 11:13-14, 30
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