Discovery: One of the themes found in 2 Corinthians is Paul having to defend his apostleship. Chapters 10-13 focuses on Paul's defense of his ministry. In our passage, his critics accuse him of being "two-faced" in his relationship with the Corinthian church. v. 8: "For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." Paul alludes to these judgements in the opening verse of his section. v.1: "I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away!"
How does Paul address these slanderous remarks? He is clearly not going to get dragged down to the level of these critics nor is he going to fight fire with fire. In fact, he clearly warns against using "worldly" means in addressing any accusations thrown our way. vv. 3-4: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
Application: Paul speaks of a better way: a Christ-focused way of doing ministry and living life.
1. Christ-focused ministry stems from meekness and gentleness. v. 1: "By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you..." Wow! If I were Paul, this is what I would be tempted to say, "You ignorant, immature, spineless babies! Do you know who I am?!? (or something to that effect...). Instead, Paul begins this difficult section by pointing to the meekness and gentleness of Christ himself. It takes an incredible amount of self-control and maturity to look past the situation and circumstances of people judging you and instead to look at the example of Christ. This is definitely an area that I have a lot of work to grow in.
2. Christ-focused ministry is ultimately about building people up and not tearing them down. v. 8: "For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it." Why is it that the "tearing down of people" seems to be so rampant in the church today? Why does it seem like pastors, ministry leaders, and denominations spend way too much time bashing one another? This is just sad and wrong.
3. Christ-focused ministry is focused on God and not on others. v.12: "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." Comparisons are not helpful. Especially in ministry and unequivocally in the spiritual life. They ultimately lead us into bad places. Comparisons lie at the heart of Christian legalism. A legalist finds validation in the ways that they are "right" and the ways that others are "wrong." Paul will have none of it. Paul goes on to say that while his critics "boast" in themselves, he will only "boast" in the Lord. The word "boasting" is used 12 times in 2 Corinthians, far more than any of Paul's other letters. It literally means to "to glory in." While his critics "glory in" their wisdom, accomplishments, and judgements, Paul will only "glory in" the task that God has given him. v.13: "We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you."
Paul goes on to subtly remind the readers and his critics that the ultimate goal of believers is to see the Kingdom of God expand. While his critics may be wanting to "tear him down" or criticize his speaking abilities and integrity, Paul reminds us that a Christ-focused ministry is all about the gospel going forth into new territories and not about "reworking" something already established. vv. 15b-16: "...Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory."
Ultimately the proof is in the pudding. In the end God's judgement and commendations are the only ones that matter. v. 18: "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
Prayer: Lord help me not compare myself with others. When tempted to fight back and defend myself against the criticisms that inevitably come up, help me practice the gentleness and meekness that you showed, help me practice the "building up of others" that I would want personally extended to me, and help me "glory in" You and You alone and not anything that I can accomplish.
