2 Corinthians 10:1-6

                                                             2 Corinthians 10:1-6

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.  For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

 

It seems inconceivable to us that anyone would criticize Paul’s ministry.  We stand in awe of his life and testimony as a minister of the Gospel.  He didn’t enjoy such recognition while ministering in many places during his day.  There is much to learn about ministry from his example as well as his defense of his ministry.

 

MINISTRY REQUIRES GENTLENESS AND BOLDNESS: There is a time when the work of the Lord requires that we be gentle, meek, and humble.  There are also times where great boldness and confrontation is needed.  Pride will stand in the way of any ministry and cause a minister to be ineffective.  The problem is that pride is constantly rearing its head in our lives as it come so naturally to fallen man.  God works in our hearts to allow us to love one another, be kind to one another and walk in humility.  When Paul was present with the church, he demonstrated patience but that should not be mistaken as weakness.  He was also courageous to confront sin and call the people to obedience.

 

MINISTRY WALKS IN THE FLESH BY THE STRENGTH OF THE SPIRIT: Some people in the church were accusing Paul of walking according to the flesh.  This is giving into the desires of the flesh and being controlled by the flesh.  Paul vigorously fought against such and accusation.  However, he admitted to walking in the flesh.  We all have no choice but to walk in the flesh.  We have bodies that are weak and limited.  Our flesh is weak and prone to sickness, being tired, and sinful desires that must be constantly kept in check.  The only way to accomplish this is through the power of the Spirit of God who allows us to overcome the strongholds of our flesh.  There is a spiritual warfare that is going on and Satan is seeking to enslave us to the lusts of our flesh.  The Spirit has come to set us free from this enslavement.

 

MINISTRY CONFRONTS SINFUL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS: The work of the ministry is to confront that unbiblical thinking that surrounds us.  We also courageously confront acts of disobedience that are affronts to the Word of God and the well-being of the body of Christ.  Bad doctrine will always result in bad behavior.  Unbiblical thinking will always lead to unbiblical actions.  The ministry requires that we be ready to take on the pride and arrogance in our own lives as well as in the lives of the people around us.  The knowledge of Christ is what we need to be promoting in one another’s lives so we can all walk in obedience before Christ and live for His glory.

 

APPLICATIONS: Strive to find the needed balance that allows us to walk in gentleness as well as boldness without giving into pride.  Recognize the weakness of our flesh and so depend on the Spirit of God to break down the strongholds of sinfulness that seek to enslave us.  Think according to the Word of God so that our actions will be in line with Scripture.  Earnestly contend for the doctrines of the faith so that the testimony of believers will be marked by obedience.  

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