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Sunday, 05 February 2012
II Corinthians 10-11: Paul's defense of his ministry and against false teachers.
In spite of his efforts, Paul still senses that some members of the Corinthian church are living by 'worldly' standards. Although Paul doesn't mention the specific issue (probably with purpose), he exhorts Christ-Followers to remember that although they live in the world, they do not battle as the world does. "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world," notes Paul in verse four. Christians have access to divine power that is able to demolish strongholds. Paul clarifies in verse five, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Paul intends to ensure that the church is obedient - even threatening punishment if necessary.
Paul explains that the church is only looking at surface matters, alluding to certain false teachers who claim that their words better represent the Gospel than Paul's teachings. For, states Paul, even if I boast about the authority given me by the Lord, I will not be ashamed of it. Nor does Paul seek to frighten the Corinthian people with his (harsh) letters. Yet Paul has heard that some have complained that he (Paul) writes boldly in his letters, yet is quite timid in person. "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." (Tradition holds that Paul wasn't the best orator, unlike Apollos and other colleagues.) Paul notes that such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
Paul writes that he (and his colleagues) do not wish to be compared with some of the trouble-makers who go around complimenting themselves. For, notes Paul, those who compare themselves to each other are not wise. Unlike their self-promotion, Paul claims that he will not boast beyond proper limits, those limits set by the authority God has entrusted in the Apostles. Boasting about one's own efforts is unwise and Paul counsels in verse 17, "...let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (quoted from Jer 9:24) For, concludes Paul, "it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." Can you think of any modern "preachers" who have fallen victim to self-promotion, which in the end have led to their falling away?
Paul provides us with a brief glimmer of the teachings of (at least one of) the false teachers at the beginning of chapter 11. Paul admits a bit of jealousy, having promised the congregants of Corinth to the one Christ and seeking that they present themselves as pure virgins to Christ. But, Paul writes, I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent, you may somehow have been led astray by others. In verse four Paul notes, "For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough." It is likely that Paul is referring to those who teach that salvation requires not only Jesus Christ but also in following the Old-Testament law (Torah). We read in the book of Acts (chapter 15) that some in the Jerusalem church were teaching that Believer's were required to follow stipulations of the law.
Paul asserts that he should NOT be considered inferior to those he calls "super-apostles." Whether Paul is referring to false apostles or to some of the apostles in the Jerusalem church is not clear. Even so, when we read in verse six, Paul clarifies that the issue relates to speaking ability (or lack thereof), rather than knowledge. Paul assures the Corinthian congregants that his knowledge and apostolic authority are sure and that he has made this quite clear to them in every way.
Others perhaps, had complained that Paul had appropriated funds from Macedonia to fund the ministry in Corinth. Paul argued that there was nothing wrong in doing that as he didn't want to be a burden to the Corinthians. For Paul concludes, "As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boast of mine." Why? Because Paul loves the Corinthians and he vows to continue doing as he has done in an effort to undermine certain (unspecified) teachers. Paul claims that such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. Paul explains that this is not surprising since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. They will, Paul assures, get what they deserve in the end.
Paul provides the reader a bit more detail concerning these 'false teachers' in verses 16 and following. He begins by noting that he is speaking in a worldly manner but he is not to be taken for a fool. Paul states to those at Corinth, "What anyone dares to boast about .... I also dare to boast about." Are they Hebrew? Are they Israelites? Are they descendents of Abraham? So am I, notes Paul. This is one bit of evidence that the 'false teachers' are Jews attempting to add aspects of the law into the gospel of Christ. Paul continues, "Are they servants of Christ?" How much more so has Paul. He continues by adding examples (again apologizing for the boastful appearance of his language), "I have worked harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again." Five times Paul received 39 lashes (forty lashes was thought to result in death). Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned (which usually results in death). Three times I was shipwrecked. I have labored and toiled, gone without food or sleep, and been in danger from all sides. And on top of all this physical torture I live with the emotional pressure of my concern for all the churches.....
Why would Paul make this long list of 'foolish boasts?' I think it was to counter the statements made by the 'false teachers' that Paul was conducting his ministry for his own benefit and/or without the blessings of the church in Jerusalem. I think Paul is in effect telling them: look folks, this argument that I'm in this for my own benefit is foolishness! Any fool can see that I have suffered for Christ and have not received even the benefits that other apostles have received. My calling, like the twelve apostles, is from Jesus Christ himself. Where have the 'false teachers' received their calling? What proof do they offer that their teachings are from Jesus Christ? God and his Son Jesus are my witness - they know that I am truthful and my words accurate!
Most Holy God. Your Word tells us that many will come in Your name and that they will claim hidden knowledge. Please help me to stand firm on the teachings found in Your Word and lean not on other knowledge. Help me to live in the world but be not of the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Take Aways:
1) Many will come claiming new knowledge - this worldly knowledge may be enticing.
2) Satan, and Evil in general, appears to masquerade as light or as an angel of light.
3) We are to hold fast to the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that we are not lead astray.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
II Corinthians 8-9: Generosity
Paul provides the Corinthians an update on the situation in Macedonia and it reminded me of World Vision describing modern day ministry. "We want you to know about the grace that God has given to the Macedonian churches," writes Paul. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Paul tells us that the Macedonian people willingly gave to the ministry, giving themselves first to God and then to the ministry - as is God's will. How often do we find that those with little give greater than those living in abundance?
Therefore Paul urged Titus to return to the relatively wealthy Corinthians, and implement a ministry of giving. Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in this ministry, just has they have done in faith, in speech, and in knowledge. Like World Vision, I have no doubt that Paul's message to America would be substantially the same: you have excelled in knowledge, so to excel in generosity.
"I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others." Look at the model of Jesus, who was rich, yet became poor so that through His poverty you might become blessed. And here, states Paul, is my advice about how to give: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to give will be matched by your completion - according to your means. Paul is clearly guiding as to give as a function of our means. We are not to fool ourselves into not giving because we don't have this or we don't have that. Paul's wording is, "...the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (verse 12).
"Our desire is not that others might be relieved, while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality." Right now, your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn (someday) their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality. Paul quotes Exodus 16:18, "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." We in American, live with plenty. The message from God, via Moses and Paul, is to share, to give with a spirit of generosity. What does that guideline mean to you?
Corinthians (and Americans), Titus is coming to you willfully and with enthusiasm. His mission will be to collect your donations for the benefit of the poor. These gifts will be administered in such a way as to bring honor to the Lord. We are taking pains to do what is right not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the (critical) eyes of men. Titus will not be coming to our door this year but World Vision, Compassion International, Feed My Starving Children, and a host of other good (and financially accountable) ministries will be knocking. Please give to the ministries that you believe the Holy Spirit has placed on your heart.
In chapter nine Paul writes that he has boasted to the people of Macedonia about the eagerness of the Corinthian Christians to help. Paul provides them with this message not because they are not generous, but so that they can make plans to give. Paul's wording is, "...so that you may be ready." Like the Corinthians, we are called to make plans to donate. Perhaps this means putting away money each month. Perhaps it means making the decision to forgot certain spending so that funds for donating can be made available. Clearly though, we are called to plan to give - according to what we have have - and with a joyful spirit.
Remember this, Paul exhorts, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Paul assures us that God's grace is able to abound in us, and that in all things, our needs will be met as you participate in good works. As is written in Psalms 112:9, "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." As a finally encouragement, Paul notes that in giving we are not only supplying the needs of God's people but we are also demonstrating thanks to God.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Dear God, I thank you for this passage on giving. I especially seek to give based upon what has been given to me. May your Spirit guide me as I make plans to give. I seek to be a generous and cheerful giver. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Take aways:
1) We are called to give to the poor - over an above what we tithe to our church.
2) We are called to make plans to give, and to give based upon our ability to give.
3) We are called to be a cheerful giver, both as a way to help the poor as well as to give thanks to God.
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