Exploring Corinthians #41

Operating in Spiritual Authority

Picking up where we left off a couple weeks ago in we find Paul dealing with spiritual warfare. Expressly in the realm of Spiritual Authority. There are false apostles which we’ll learn about next week, who have crept in and begin to misled the church. In fact Paul was probably referring to these false teachers when he spoke of strongholds and arguments in verses 3-6.

Things aren’t always what they seem

2 Corinthians 10:7–11 NKJV

7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed— 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

2 Corinthians 10:7-

We should never compare ourselves to others.

2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

We should always know our realm of authority.

2 Corinthians 10:13–14 NKJV

13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 10:12-

2 Corinthians 10:12–14 NKJV

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;

Our authority should always be used to increase the Kingdom

2 Corinthians 10:15

2 Corinthians 10:15-

2 Corinthians 10:15–17 NKJV

15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

15, increase others in their faith

16, grow your realm of authority

17, Glory in the Lord

God will always reveal those who have true spiritual authority.

2 Corinthians 10:18 NKJV

18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:18

Joshua prophesied

Korah Rebellion