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2 Corinthians Chapter 10
Commentary by Ron Beckham
Verse 1. "Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness
and gentleness of Christ – I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward
you when absent!"
Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Britain, said "Being in power is like
being a lady. If you have to remind people you are, you aren’t. Paul had
been given authority in relation to these people. It was for God’s purposes and
Paul was God’s man. Yet a number of them had rejected the leadership of this
good man.
He was a humble man and was gentle. Yet his letter (1st Corinthians)
strongly answered every one of their concerns. They used this against him and said
insulting things about him. The phrase "meek when face to face with you but
bold…when absent," was a quote. He was quoting from the letter they sent
to him.
Verse 2. "I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the
confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we
walked according to the flesh."
"I don’t want to hurt you" Paul is essentially telling them. Yet
there were some among the Corinthians that he WOULD come against. Specifically it
was those who called the work of the Holy Spirit in him, to be "according to the
flesh."
Jesus encountered similar objections, as in Matthew 12:22-37, where He healed a demon
possessed, blind and mute man. The Pharisees said He did this by
"Beelzebub" when in fact it was the Holy Spirit in Him, Who healed the man.
That’s slander against God. He called it "blasphemy
against the Holy Spirit" and said their sin would "not
be forgiven" (Matthew 12:31). It wasn’t precisely Paul who was
attacked here. It was the Holy Spirit in him, and He would call them into account
for what they had done.
Verse 3. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the
flesh,"
It’s dangerous to come against the work of God. Those who came against the
Holy Spirit in Paul, are dead, just like the rest of us will be dead at some time or
other. The next stop after death is to encounter God. Jesus said "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men (mankind) but the blasphemy
against the Spirit will not be forgiven men" (Matthew 12:31).
God is infinite in power and is well able to defend Himself. To come against a
true prophet of God is to come against the Holy Spirit, and will place you in extreme
danger. The man of God is just a man, but God is in him, and the weapons he uses
will not be according to the flesh but are wrought in the heart and might of God.
Verse 4. "for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely
powerful for the destruction of fortresses."
You are a fortress. You have defenses to keep others at a certain distance and
emotional weapons to attack them when they get too close. You formed these
mechanisms at an early age and they are human in origin. God intends to bring your
walls down, just like He did the walls of Jericho. He wants your fortifications and
weaponry to be Divine (of Him), rather than human (of the flesh).
Your human defenses are inadequate. They will not be sufficient when we receive
life in prison or living death in a hospital ward. His weaponry is available to us
in Christ and He is "divinely powerful", in and for you. The armies of
hell or another human being will not be able to stand against us, when we put on His armor
and trust in Him.
Verse 5. "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up
against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of
Christ,"
God wants more than just your outward obedience. Those who teach that some kind
of religious "works" can satisfy Him, make that mistake. He knows our
thoughts (Psalm 139:2) and He will change the way we think. Two areas of our
thoughts which need correction are listed in this verse. They are:
"speculations" and the "lofty thing."
Theologians have been speculative and argumentative for literally thousands of years,
about the Bible and about God. During a recent TV show, it was said "only
15%" of the New Testament was accurate in its’ statements about Jesus.
Here were "theologians", 2000 years later, saying (in a lofty manner) that they
"see" more than the eyewitnesses of that time. The Bible stands every test
of archeology and such "theologians" should be careful, lest their speculations
be destroyed and they literally go to hell.
Verse 6. "and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your
obedience is complete."
There is going to be a time when the Church is brought to a place of obedience to God.
I have been fascinated that that the mainland Chinese Christians have been praying
for American Christians for many years. They feel we are too soft and are in need of
persecution, in order that we might come close to God. They have a point. I
think, however, we should choose to repent and give up our superficiality now, rather than
waiting for an answer to the prayers (for persecution) of our Chinese brethren.
Note that as a man and as a Christian, Paul was not a physical or spiritual coward.
He was ready to do battle at any time. The longer I am in Christ, the LESS I
see of any correlation between humility and avoiding a fight. The "armor of
God" (Ephesians 6:10-17) should be a tip-off that we are to be soldiers in a war (and
not merely aesthetics in a monastery).
Verse 7. "You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone
is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself,
that just as he is Christ's, so also are we."
The Old Testament contrasts between people are fascinating. David and Saul, Jacob
and Esau, Cain and Abel – often the differences are subtle and can only be explained
that one of them merely "sees" with his senses and the other learns to
"see" through the eyes of God. The man of this world can only perceive
outwardly and can never truly understand. We must think about more than the outward
evidence; we must turn to the Spirit of God.
There is a confidence in Christ. For years, I looked only at the outward
evidences and questioned my salvation. I should have looked to God. The
Christian may be poor or rich, healthy or in a hospital bed, successful or not.
Assurance of salvation can only come from abiding in Christ (John 15:4). Paul
had the same assurance which is available to you and me, and people can say what they
want, because we belong to Him.
Verse 8. "For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which
the Lord gave
for building you up and not for destroying you,
I will not be put to shame,"
We are each given spiritual gifts and are each given authority in the body of Christ.
These gifts are granted so we will be equipped to help one another. I am
given to you and you are given to me, and the whole purpose is for the glory of God and
the good of all. Paul tended to get very excited about the people "given"
him in Christ. He referred to it as "boasting" but it actually was an
expression of his love for them. The husband boasts of his wife out of love, just as
the loving parent speaks highly of his little (or big) children.
All authority is of God and is not for our destruction but is to build us up.
There is no shame in the body of Christ, for no matter what men do to us, it is only
GOD’s opinion of us that truly matters. You can smile at "defeat"
because it is God who has the victory in you.
Verse 9. "for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my
letters."
"It is not my intention to frighten you with my letters." Through Paul,
the Church learns we don’t need to be afraid of God, or those that God sends to us.
All that God does and God allows, is done in love. Don’t be afraid –
He loves you.
In our culture, we are resistant to "criticism" and assume it is always
negative when someone corrects us. Actually correction can be an excellent thing,
because we all need to be changed. A good section of Scripture to underline is
Hebrews 12:5-13, particularly verse 10, where we see that God "disciplines us for our
good, that we may share His holiness." The section in Hebrews is actually a
commentary on Proverbs 3:11-12.
Verse 10. "For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his
personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.’"
This verse does suggest Paul was NOT a great looking guy, which is consistent with the
material I researched for a term paper on him in college. The references agreed he
was short and not particularly imposing in appearance. It is interesting they found
his speech "contemptible", because he had been a widely-respected public speaker
for a long time.
His sermons tended to be somewhat long, which is evidenced in relation to Eutychus at
Troas, who went to sleep while Paul was talking, fell from a third story window, and was
killed. (Through prayer and the touch of Paul, Eutychus was brought back to life
– Acts 20:6-12).
But those who called his speech "contemptible" likely did so for another
reason – they probably did not know our Lord. God chose an "earthen
vessel" in Paul (ALL His selections are earthen vessels, by the way) – We are to
SEE that God’s man is empowered by the Holy Spirit and not by himself. God
chooses ordinary people to DO extraordinary things. The fact they did not
understand, implies they did not know the God who sent Paul.
Verse 11. "Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by
letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present."
To Paul’s detractors he was writing, "Watch out, because I’m going to be
just as tough in person this time as I was in my letters." Paul had answered
their attacks and concerns in his previous letter (1st Corinthians) but he had
been gentle with them in person.
Jesus Christ was much the same. Apparently He was not imposing physically (Isaiah
53:2) but His life here on earth was FILLED with the Holy Spirit. In the written
Bible, we find we are sinners (Romans 3:23), and because of our sins, we have a death
sentence on us (Romans 6:23). Yet when Jesus came to us, He was "gentle and
lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). We should receive Him now, because the next
time He is here, He will be our Judge (1 Timothy 4:1).
Verse 12. "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of
those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare
themselves with themselves, they are without understanding."
We should not compare ourselves with other persons. Comparisons are unfair and
misleading, because we are not physically or mentally the same. Each one was
carefully built by God, complete with both our abilities, and also our limitations.
The purpose (of who we are) is to bring us to God. The limitations you see in that
other guy, are there for God’s good purpose in him. The abilities you think you
have, are for the glory of God, and are given so you can help that other person.
Our true comparison is always with God, and therefore we all fall short.
"Pride" can be defined by the phrase "delusions of grandeur", because
we have nothing to be proud about. To be arrogant and think we are something when we
are not, shows a lack of understanding. To be proud is to be ignorant, and in danger
of judgment.
Verse 13. "But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure
of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you."
Paul was well aware there were limitations on his life and ministry. This is seen
in places like Galatians 1:1, where he starts his letter by stating his ministry is not
from man (such as a Church board, or even from himself) but through Christ and the Father.
He only did what God led him to do. In this verse, he refers to the
"measure" or limits on his ministry, specifically including the Corinthians
within the sphere of his authority from God.
He will not "boast" or glory about someone else’s ministry (as though it
was his) but he absolutely DELIGHTED in those he ministered to. That included the
recipients of this letter, and Paul, who viewed them like his beloved children, would
SERVE those people.
Verse 14. "For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to
you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ;"
He is not overstating his case by reminding them he (and his ministry team) was the
FIRST to come to them in the Name of Christ. They were now treating him practically
like a stranger, as though he did not come to them at all. It’s very hard to
honestly try and help someone, and then be treated as an outsider by them.
1 Peter 1:18-19 is interesting because it shows we are not saved by anything of this
world, such as by our money. And we are not saved by keeping some kind of conduct we
received as tradition from our fathers. But we ARE saved by the precious blood of
Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He came, He was perfect
(God’s precious Gift), and we killed Him. Just as Paul was rejected, so was our
Lord – The one sent by God will strangely find rejection from many people.
Verse 15. "not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men's labors,
but with the
hope that as your faith grows, we will be,
within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,"
We have a CERTAIN hope in Christ, as we see in places like Titus 2:13, were we are
encouraged to look for the "glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus
Christ." Our hope in Him is absolutely certain. But the "hope"
in this verse is slightly different than the hope we have in our Lord. Paul hoped he
could serve the Corinthians more.
We are to be "the light of the world" (Matthew
5:14) and Paul certainly brought light to this people. He loved them and many had
(incredibly) responded by rejecting him; the gift God had sent. He knew he was sent
to them and the fact they did not like him, would not stop him. He wanted to be
accepted by them (enlarged in their thinking), so he could serve them more (impart more
faith to them).
Verse 16. "so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and
not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another."
Paul was also called to other regions and peoples beyond Corinth. God was leading
him and he was sensitive to that leading, just as we should be. The Corinthians
should have fully received him as the man God had sent to them. But they were
looking to other men and were accusing him (who first brought Christ to them) of usurping
the ministry of others. There was no "sphere of another" here – Paul
was the one sent to them.
Paul saw the situation and knew God sent him to them. He understood their hearts and
recognized that their rejection of him would bring harm to them. In Hebrews 4:13, we
are taught "there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and
open to whom we must give account." God sees your heart and knows your motives.
He also often reveals you to those who are sent to help you.
Verse 17. "But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord."
This verse is from Jeremiah 9:24, which says "‘Let not the wise man glory in
his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his
riches. But let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the Lord exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight’, says the Lord."
People boast, often in subtle ways (like "name dropping"). Our wisdom,
strength and money are temporary, and are gone in a moment of time. If we boast in
such things, we are fools and will be disappointed in life. Youth goes quickly, and
suddenly our ability to make money just isn’t there anymore. The stuff you
consider valuable is likely not as important as you think it is. (But you can have
something much better). Turn to the Lord; love Him – Your trust in Him will
last forever!
Verse 18. "For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he
whom the Lord commends."
We often see the one who "commends himself" in Church. This is the
person (or Church) who thinks their "creeds" (doctrines) are better than anybody
else’s way of believing. Yes we must believe in Christ but no, we are not all
to be the same. Oswald Chambers said "the Christian must be consistent to the
life of the Son of God in him, not consistent to hard and fast creeds. Men pour
themselves into creeds, and God has to blast them out of these prejudices before they can
become devoted to Jesus Christ.
So it is not that we commend ourselves but it is important that GOD commends you and
me. How do we please Him? How are we commended by Him? Jesus told Paul
"My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness" as we will find in 2 Corinthians 12:9. We are to
give up doing it ourselves and start trusting in Him. By receiving the grace offered
in Christ, we can please God the Father. There is no other way.
Ron Beckham
Senior Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
Ron@fridaystudy.org
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