Today’s passage: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Helpful thoughts:
- Paul continues his satire to prove a point. The church “gladly bears with fools,” so Paul is being “foolish.” Though, he would rather be counted a fool by man if he is accurately and fruitfully preaching and teaching the truth.
- The list of sufferings Paul endured should make anyone know with certainty that he is truly committed to Christ and the church. However, many of those whom the people might have considered amazing would have run from those experiences. Or, even called Paul weak or stupid for having endured them.
- If many people consider Paul weak, stupid, a poor speaker, etc. it is of no concern. The Lord knows his heart and his ministry (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Questions to consider:
- In what ways does the visible church in the west (Or in the US) bear resemblance to the church in Corinth? How do these passages we have been reading hit close to home?
- How should we weigh Jesus’ words in John 15:18-20 with what Paul is writing here? Should Christians be surprised when affliction (Perhaps similar to the list Paul presented) comes our way?
- Should the affliction or the lack thereof, all on its own, be the reason a teacher is either good or bad? What makes teaching good? What makes ministry fruitful? In what ways are we prone to measure the quality of ministry in worldly/fleshly ways as opposed to the way God would see it?