Validating Paul's Ministry
Notes
Transcript
INTRO:
As we enter the closing verses of chapter 11, we see Paul break from his normal character and pattern and spend time talking about himself. He once for all lays his credentials and evidence to his sincerity.
Paul had endured much and gained little of earthly value from his ministry. IN fact, he had thrown away a promising career among the Jewish elite when he was born again. After examining this text, there can be little doubt of the genuineness of Paul’s faith.
RS: While I pray that we never face the testing as Paul did, I also pray that we will be as dedicated to God regardless of the circumstances.
PAUL’S CREDENTIALS AND THE CHURCH (2 Cor. 11:16–22)
PAUL’S CREDENTIALS AND THE CHURCH (2 Cor. 11:16–22)
A. The Judaizers and their false credentials (11:16–21a):
A. The Judaizers and their false credentials (11:16–21a):
I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool.
Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!
For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.
These foes of the church use their credentials to harm believers.
Notice again v. 21
They enslaved them to religious ritual and robbing them of the freedom they had in Christ
They devoured them
prey upon the believers in Corinth
probably referring to demanding financial support
They took advantage of them
trying to catch them through deceit
They put on airs
thought they were above the other believers
Insulted (strike the face)
sign of disrespect and contempt
What a contrast to Paul’s credentials.
B. The apostle and his valid credentials (11:21b–22)
B. The apostle and his valid credentials (11:21b–22)
To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
This friend of the church uses his credentials to help believers.
Sarcasm: I was too weak to take advantage of you!
Paul helped them, not hurt them
Paul sought to strengthen them, not devour them
He had already reminded them in previous passages of his faithful service and personal sacrifice
AP: Check the credentials of any who lead/teach you.
Yes, their documents like ordination and church letter etc.
It is of even higher importance to check their behavior!
Talk is cheap!
Do they devour or feed you?
Do they strengthen or weaken you?
Do they build you up or tear you down?
Do they insult or cherish you?
It is easy to be deceived today, but remember the words of Jesus, by their fruits you will know them.
Do
PAUL’S SUFFERINGS FOR THE CHURCH (2 Cor 11:23–33)
PAUL’S SUFFERINGS FOR THE CHURCH (2 Cor 11:23–33)
The pain and persecution Paul endured are almost inconceivable.
His willingness to endure all of that for the benefit of the name of Christ and His Churches validates his sincerity.
It is one thing to be a con artist and take advantage of others
They can often get away for quite a while
It is easy to claim to be a good employee by drift through every shift. Move jobs frequently and nobody may catch you.
BUT nobody would endure the things Paul did for the privilege of getting nothing but chains.
Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me,
but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Look at the hardships:
Emotional attacks
narrow escapes
constant attacks on authority
Pressure and anxiety for the churches
He was rightfully concerned for the churches
Physical attacks
beaten, stoned,
Natural disasters
shipwrecked
Persecution
5 times he received 49 lashes
1 less than a death sentence!
He wrote this while under house arrest.
AP: Endure
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
It has a higher purpose!
Tests our faith
Strengthens our faith
Generates steadfastness
each cycle through makes us even stronger!
As for us: Keep doing right!
Follow Paul’s example
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Have no fear
Nor be troubled
Be ready to answer for the hope
gently and respectfully
Conclusion: