PAUL'S CREDENTIALS (3)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) One of Paul's biggest problem with the church in Corinth was his concern that they viewed him as no more than a blustering preacher; thus, they were not taking seriously his advice in his letters and on his visits. Paul addressed this attitude in the letter of 2 Corinthians, pointing out his credentials as an apostle of Christ and why the Corinthians should take his advice.
b) Let's look at Paul's credentials below.
1. Tried to live an exemplary life so others would not be kept from God.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:3-4
i) 3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. (2 Corinthians 6:3-4 NKJV)
2. Led a pure life, understood the gospel, and displayed patience with the Corinthians.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:6
i) 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love. (2 Corinthians 6:6 NKJV)
3. Was truthful and filled with God's power.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:7
i) 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. (2 Corinthians 6:7 NKJV)
4. Stood true to God first and always.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:8
i) 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true. (2 Corinthians 6:8 NKJV)
5. Never corrupted or exploited anyone.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 7:2; 11:7-9
i) 2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. (2 Corinthians 7:2 NKJV)
ii) 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9 NKJV)
6. Handled their offering for the Jerusalem believers in a responsible, blameless manner.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
i) 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (2 Corinthians 8:20-21 NKJV)
7. Used God's weapons, not his own, for God's work.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
i) Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6 NKJV)
The End ...
0. Introductiona) One of Paul's biggest problem with the church in Corinth was his concern that they viewed him as no more than a blustering preacher; thus, they were not taking seriously his advice in his letters and on his visits. Paul addressed this attitude in the letter of 2 Corinthians, pointing out his credentials as an apostle of Christ and why the Corinthians should take his advice.
b) Let's look at Paul's credentials below.
1. Tried to live an exemplary life so others would not be kept from God.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:3-4
i) 3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. (2 Corinthians 6:3-4 NKJV)
2. Led a pure life, understood the gospel, and displayed patience with the Corinthians.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:6
i) 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love. (2 Corinthians 6:6 NKJV)
3. Was truthful and filled with God's power.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:7
i) 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. (2 Corinthians 6:7 NKJV)
4. Stood true to God first and always.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 6:8
i) 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true. (2 Corinthians 6:8 NKJV)
5. Never corrupted or exploited anyone.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 7:2; 11:7-9
i) 2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. (2 Corinthians 7:2 NKJV)
ii) 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9 NKJV)
6. Handled their offering for the Jerusalem believers in a responsible, blameless manner.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
i) 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (2 Corinthians 8:20-21 NKJV)
7. Used God's weapons, not his own, for God's work.
a) Text references: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
i) Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6 NKJV)
Comments
Post a Comment