Concerns for the Church part 1

Have you ever been in an argument?

2 Corinthians 5. Signs of an Apostle (12:11–13)

12 supplies the evidence for Paul’s being ‘in no way inferior’ to the superlative apostles (v. 11b) and the reason why the Corinthians should have been rallying to support him

In Acts we read of some of them...Crippled man in Lystra was healed, the girl possessed with the spirit of divination was set free at philippi..

These signs and wonders that accompanied them proved their apostleship greater than the visions Paul had made the earlier reference to, and that these false apostles were their claim to fame and importance...

Don’t listen to people just because they tell you they have had a vision or God gave them a word...watch and see what the fruit of their lives is....test all of them against scripture and then see if they can handle correction or discussion etc.

2 Corinthians 5. Signs of an Apostle (12:11–13)

In Romans (written shortly after these chapters) Paul speaks of his ministry in terms of “what Christ has accomplished through me by word and deed for the obedience of the Gentiles, by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit” (

Signs and wonders proved the unique calling that God had placed on them...the power of Christ that Paul spoke of..

Acts 1:15–26 ESV

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “ ‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “ ‘Let another take his office.’ So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Sermon Outlines on the Epistles: Romans–II Corinthians The Dedicated Christian (2 Corinthians 12:1–21)

II. THE PREACHING—vv. 11–13

1. Writing—v. 11. Tells of sufferings for God’s glory.

2. Work—v. 12. Many signs and wonders were performed by Paul, through the power of God.

3. Wrong—v. 13. Paul preached for nothing. He didn’t make the people responsible for his support.

III. THE PLAN—vv. 14–18

1. Purpose—v. 18. The visit was to help people. Though not interested in money, Christians should support the Christian pastor.

2. Passion—v. 15. So dedicated, that his time and life was given to help man find God.

3. Problem—vv. 16–18. Paul corrects the people, who thought his work was for personal profit.

IV. THE PROBLEM—vv. 19–21

1. Speaking—v. 19. Paul speaking to “build up” the Christian people.

2. Shame—v. 20. Paul fearful there would be arguing, fighting, etc. among the Christians.

3. Sin—v. 21. The Christians had gone back into sin, yet still called themselves Christians.