2 Corinthians 10:7-12

                                                                 2 Corinthians 10:7-12

Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.  For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.  I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.  For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”  Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.  Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

 

Ministry is vital to the growth of the church and the well-being of the body of Christ.  Like anything, ministry requires leadership and understanding.  It is not an easy thing to minister to others or to lead others because there is so much room for misunderstanding.  Those who stand firm as leaders in ministry will often be criticized by those who do not want to follow or submit to that leadership.  In Paul’s defense of his ministry, we learn some helpful principles for ministry.

 

CONFIDENCE IS HELPFUL FOR MINISTRY: Those who were being critical of Paul’s ministry were confident that they were in Christ.  Paul wants to remind them that he too is confident of his position in Christ.  If every time we are criticized as leaders, we begin to doubt the work of God in our lives, we will not be effective.  Paul was very confident that his authority as an apostle came from Christ.  Paul was confident that his motives for doing ministry were pure because he was truly seeking to build others up and not destroy them or build himself up.  If God has placed us in an area of authority and we are seeking to serve others in ministry for the glory of God, we can be confident in ministry.

 

CONSISTENCY IS IMPORTANT IN MINISTRY: There was a criticism about Paul’s lack of power or eloquence when he was physically present as compared to the tone of his letters.  Paul wants to make it clear that his message was always consistent.  Apparently, Paul’s outward appearance was not impressive or attractive.  He was described as short.  There is speculation that he had a grotesque eye disease.  His oratory skills may not have been as honed as Apollo or other ministers.  However, despite of these perceptions, Paul was consistent in the content of his messaging.  He said the same thing when he was present as he did in his letters even though they might have been perceived differently.  If our communication is always biblical, it will always be consistent no matter what means of communication we choose.

 

COMARRISON IS DETRIMENTAL TO MINISTRY: Part of the reason that Paul’s ministry was criticized was due to the way the people were making comparisons between ministers and between one another.  God creates people and equips people uniquely.  We are all dependent upon God and have been given all we have by Him and for purposes of His design.  When we compare ourselves against one another, we are being detrimental to the cause of Christ.  Comparison will almost always promote pride and/or discouragement and God does not want us to live in such a way.  We must be thankful for what God has granted us as well as for what He does in others.

 

APPLICATION: Be confident in our position in Christ and assured that the positions of authority He has granted to us and the authorities that are over us have all come from Him.  Base all we say or write on the Word of God so that all our communication will be consistent and biblical.  Avoid the trap of comparison and just serve faithfully wherever God places us.

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