2 Corinthians 10:13-17

                                                                 2 Corinthians 10:13-17

But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.  For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.  We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence.  “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

 

God is always on mission to bring the lost to Himself.  He gives those whom He calls the privilege of being a part of that mission.  This is what God is doing in the world.  Paul wants the church in Corinth to understand the work that has been accomplished in their lives, but he wants that to respond correctly to that reality.

 

WE MUST REALIZE GOD WORKS THROUGH US: Paul seems to be using sarcasm in his statements about boasting.  Certainly, boasting in not something that he would encourage especially when it comes to the advancement of the Gospel.  His “boasting” is about that the Lord had accomplished through him in reaching the people in Corinth.  Paul wants the people in the church to recognize this fact and to remember that they were the first to take the Gospel to this difficult place in the world.  Others would come after then and serve in other rolls, some of which were helpful but others that went so far as to be critical and self-promoting.  Paul seems to be seeking to emphasize this and call for a change in attitude from those in Corinth who were following that lead.  God does use us to advance His work, but the glory for that work belongs to Him.  We should be grateful to those who were available to be instruments in His hands.  However, no matter how much anyone was used of God, there is no room for self-promotion.

 

WE MUST REPRODUCE GOD’S WORK AROUND US: Paul’s desire in calling out the church in Corinth is for them to become instruments in advancing the work of God in other places.  As they realize that Paul was fundamental to the Gospel arriving in Corinth, Paul wants them to be a part of his support team so the Gospel can be taken to other unreached communities.  When we become members of the family of God, He calls us to part of His mission to advance His kingdom.  We are a result of His mission in the world, so He calls us to join Him in that mission.

 

WE MUST RECOGNIZE GOD’S WORK IN US: At the end of this section Paul makes it very clear that all boasting must be “in the Lord.”  He is the one who has truly accomplished any work and it is all by His grace.  It is an honor to be a part of what He is doing, but we must always remember that the ministry is of His doing and not our own.  There is no room for personal pride or for boasting about what we have accomplished.  All glory belongs to the Lord and He must have our gratitude for working in and through our lives.

 

APPLICATION: Be thankful for those who brought the Gospel to us and for those who continue to advance the Gospel.  Become and active participant in the mission of God to make disciples in all nations.  Give all glory to God for anything we are used by Him to accomplish for the kingdom.

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