Today’s passage: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Helpful thoughts:
- There were some in the Corinthian church who were critical of Paul and his apostleship. It is their claim, written out in verse 10, that Paul’s attitude and words were different in person than when he wrote from far away.
- The content of Paul’s communication was the same, near or far.
- When with the people, he preached and taught the Word of God.
- When away from the people, he wrote these two letters, which were the inspired Word of God!
- The content of Paul’s communication was the same, near or far.
- Evidently, Paul did not practice public speaking in a way some in the church felt appropriate. He wasn’t “polished” enough.
- Yet, the Spirit had obviously used his preaching! Souls had been saved, the church was born, people were growing.
- Christ is the head of the church. We are all His servants. Faith comes by the hearing of the word (Romans 10:17).
- If we rely on appeasing the desires of the flesh (Trying to appease the eyes, ears, etc.) in order to accomplish the work of God, we have missed what God is truly doing!
- “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power…
- If we rely on appeasing the desires of the flesh (Trying to appease the eyes, ears, etc.) in order to accomplish the work of God, we have missed what God is truly doing!
Questions to consider:
- It isn’t wrong to do the things we do with excellence (Psalm 33:3, in fact we should pursue excellence! – 1 Corinthians 10:31), but it would be wrong to assume that because our excellence attracted interest, that was why someone put their faith in Christ. What is the most important thing we can do as a church (What must we believe and communicate)? And, who is the one who makes our ministry fruitful?
- Is a sermon good because we enjoyed listening to the preacher? What makes a sermon, a lesson, song lyrics, etc. effective and fruitful?
- How should verse 18 impact the way we evaluate ministry? How does the Lord commend the service of His people?