Apostolic Authority – 2 Corinthians 10

Joy:  You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #159.  Today we’ll read 2nd Corinthians chapter 10 together:  Paul stands firm on his apostolic authority.

Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast.  I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together.  Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should.  It’s just easier to do it with a friend.  So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud.  I’m so glad you’re here!

Welcome

I went to mid-week service on Wednesday.  There’s actually no service in the traditional sense at our church on Wednesday nights, but there are adult classes, the youth meet and so do the children.  I assume your church is kind of flying by the seat of your pants as we are with more questions than answers.  The question looming most consistently for me is, when should kids start meeting again?  Autumn is one of my most favorite people in the whole world.  Her parents are the youth pastors at our church and by default, Autumn has been hanging out with them.  

But this week, I got to meet with her.  She has changed and grown so much since our lives were normal.  We talked and talked and talked.  Then I got to make the rounds with the youth as they were ending their session.  Mollie is leaving for college this week and Cassie is starting an entrepreneurial endeavor on Etsy.  I’m happy-sad for Alexis and Caleb as they are moving to a new town soon.  Jonah’s hair has grown long, Wyatt is driving, and something has happened to Dylan’s voice.  As I drove home, I realized I felt all warm and glow-y inside and just how much I miss them all. 

Are you feeling that way too?  Whether about ministry or family or the way you have to do your work, what are you missing?  I would love to hear from you at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

2 Corinthians Chapter 10

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

Now I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are living according to the flesh. For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

Look at what is obvious. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, let him remind himself of this: Just as he belongs to Christ, so do we. For if I boast a little too much about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame. I don’t want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters. For it is said, “His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak and his public speaking amounts to nothing.” Let such a person consider this: What we are in our letters, when we are absent, we will also be in our actions when we are present.

Boast in the Lord

For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding. We, however, will not boast beyond measure but according to the measure of the area of ministry that God has assigned to us, which reaches even to you.

For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we had not reached you, since we have come to you with the gospel of Christ. We are not boasting beyond measure about other people’s labors. On the contrary, we have the hope that as your faith increases, our area of ministry will be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel to the regions beyond you without boasting about what has already been done in someone else’s area of ministry. So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.

Closing Thoughts

Paul has projected an undercurrent and inuendo in the last few chapters – including this one – that we haven’t talked about too much.  But its presence is palpable.  You may recall when Paul was referring to “super apostles” and in case you missed the sarcasm, he didn’t think there was anything super about them.  False teachers had shown up at the church in Corinth, boasting about themselves and calling into question everything about Paul from his teachings to his credentials.  In this part of his letter, Paul kind of fights fire with fire.  He questions their boasting about themselves and claims all boasts should be in Christ.  You have to admit…this makes them look pretty shallow.  

These instigators also suggest that Paul makes big noise in his letters, but doesn’t have any teeth in person.  He assures the Corinthians Christians that he is able to be just as bold in person but hopes he doesn’t have to.  He plans to save this part for those who are stirring up the trouble.  I love the way he ends this chapter by suggesting that it will all come out in the wash.  Will it be those who commend themselves who come out on top, or those who are commended by the Lord?  Let’s pray.  

Prayer

Dear Father, we would do well to remember this chapter.  Help us, Holy Spirit, to be humble and not to boast about ourselves.  We know that if there is any good in us, it is because of You, Jesus.  We pray You would take every thought captive for Your purposes, Lord, and in the end, we want to be commended by You.  Amen  

Thank you for joining me here today.  I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here.  In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort.  Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us.  If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review.  Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  See you right here tomorrow.  Be well!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.