Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

 

   Paul’s opponents questioned his authority. We know, from chapter 7, that the majority of Corinthian believers sided with Paul. However, a minority continued to slander him, saying that he was bold in his letters but had no authority in person. These last chapters are Paul’s response to this charge.

   Paul uses military terminology to describe this warfare against sin and Satan. God must be the commander in chief; even our thoughts must be submitted to His control as we live for Him. 

 

   We, like Paul, are merely weak humans, but we don’t need to use human plans and methods to win our battles. God’s mighty weapons are available to us as we fight against the Devil’s strongholds. The Christian must choose whose methods to use: God’s or the world’s. Paul assures us that God’s mighty weapons, prayer, faith, hope, love, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit, are powerful and effective (Ephesians 6). These weapons can break down the proud human arguments against God and the walls that Satan builds to keep people from finding God. When dealing with people’s proud arguments that keep them from a relationship with Christ, we may be tempted to use our own methods. But nothing can break down these barriers like God’s weapons. 

 

   Some said that Paul’s speaking amounted to nothing. Greece was known for its eloquent and persuasive orators. Evidently, some were judging Paul by comparing him to other speakers they had heard, and Paul perhaps not the most powerful preacher, although he was an excellent debater. But Paul responded obediently to God’s call and thus introduced Christianity to the Roman Empire. Moses and Jeremiah also had problems with speaking (Exodus 4; Jeremiah 1). Preaching ability is not the first prerequisite of a great leader. 

 

   Those who opposed Paul portrayed him as weak and powerless, but Paul reminded the Corinthians that he had been given authority by the Lord. False teachers were encouraging the believers to ignore Paul, but Paul explained that the advice in his letters was to be taken seriously. He had authority because he and his companions were the first to bring the Gospel to Corinth. Everyone knew that because of this service, their faith had been built up. 

 

   Paul criticized the false teachers who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God’s standards. When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel proud because we think we’re better. But when we measure ourselves against God’s standards, it becomes obvious that we have no basis for pride. Don’t worry about other people’s accomplishments. Instead, ask yourself: How does my life measure up to what God wants? How does my life compare to that of Jesus Christ? 

 

   When we do something well, we want to tell others and be recognized. But recognition is dangerous: it can lead to inflated pride. How much better it is to seek the praise of God rather than the praise of people. Then, when we receive praise, we will be free to give God the credit. What should you change about the way you live in order to receive God’s commendation?