True Measure
Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted
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But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,
so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Intro:
Intro:
AG:
TS: In the midst of defending himself, Paul reveals his hearts desire.
RS:
Paul gives us three questions by which we can measure our ministry.
Am I where God wants me to be?
Am I where God wants me to be?
But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
Paul served in the limits set by God
The Corinthians were in that sphere of influence.
He had planted the church in Corinth
God had inspired him to continue discipling them.
God had made him an apostle to the gentiles
that was his assigned field
He was a pioneer, going where others did not
All of this came from God
God gave him his ministry and set his sphere of influence
The judaizers hadn’t planted the church. They did what all cults do… invade existing churches and try to pervert or destroy them
Paul had reminded them earlier that God requires faithfulness
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
AP: We are not in competition with God’s other true churches
God has a people and a sphere of influence for each of us
The question for us is are we reaching those God has put in our sphere?
We must stop comparing ourselves to others
To tear them down
To make us feel better
We must start reaching those around us in everyday life.
Is God glorified in our ministry?
Is God glorified in our ministry?
We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,
so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
The Judiazers stole other men’s converts
They tried to transfer sheep from one flock to another instead of getting more sheep!
This isn’t the mission Christ gave His churches
Paul stated his hope which also would bring God glory
Their faith would increase
They needed to trust God
They needed to apply His word knowing that His way is best.
His area of influence would be enlarged
They would grow in grace
He would be able to move on
Paul knew that ultimately we aren’t here to compare ourselves to each other.
Ultimately, God gets the glory
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
Are we glorifying GOd?
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Are we bearing fruit for His glory?
It isn’t about building our name and our reputation
It is for His glory!
Can the Lord Approve my Work?
Can the Lord Approve my Work?
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
It is easy for us to be praised be each other
It is easy to praise ourselves
But what is God’s opinion?
God’s approval is all we need
God sorts us and tests us along the way
He measures us 100% correctly
we may use false measures
We will make inaccurate judgments
God doesn’t make those mistakes!
Can God approve our work? How do we ensure that:
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Seek Justice
Treat others right
Treat them as God would
See them in light of God’s word and love
Love Kindness
Being kind like Jesus
When dealing with sinners, he used the most gentle of touches
(Not like when dealing with the self-righteous hypocrites!)
Walk Humbly
Submission to Him
Walking with Him
a life lived His way, abiding in Him, walking by faith
Obey Him
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
If we are living by His word
Conclusion:
Conclusion: