Paul writes about his true purpose in ministry and what it has cost him personally. Can you identify with him.
2 Corinthians 11: Paul and the False Apostles
1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!
2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.
6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?
8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.
9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
12 And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not with the Lord's authority but as a fool.
18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!
20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of---I am speaking as a fool---I also dare to boast of that.
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one---I am talking like a madman---with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me,
33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Things to think about…
1. Money and its use within the church has always been a point of contention. Paul explains in 2Cor 11:1-15 that he preached to the Corinthians free of charge. Not for free however, the Macedonian churches supplied his need, vs 9. Some had tried to undermine Paul’s authority and message, vs 12. The church had been deceived by false preachers and wicked men who had fleeced the sheep. Paul says they, like Satan, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, vs 15. They are also a blight in the modern church. Christians should support ministries that have an open system of accountability.
2. Paul says to the Corinthians that they were tolerating fools, 2Cor 11:19. He gives them a back handed retort by saying “being wise yourselves!: - this is Pauline sarcasm. Paul says if it is about boasting then he asks them to compare brag sheets, 2Cor 11:19-28. True Christianity will bear the resemblance of Christ. If you have not suffered for your faith by unbelievers then your witness is clearly not apparent enough to warrant it.
3. Paul lists out his pedigree as an Israelite and an Apostle in 2Cor 11:22-33. He gives his readers a personal history lesson – he even says he is speaking like a madman, vs 23. Our boast should always be in Christ. This is Paul’s point. False Christ’s and Apostles will rise. They are under the influence of Satan drawing people to themselves but never to a life of self-sacrifice.
4. Paul’s list clearly shows a life and a testimony of Christian service and sacrifice, 2 Cor 11:24-28. What does our list look like and what will it look like at the end of our days here on earth? May we continue from this day forward we honour Christ with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.
5. Paul originally came to Damascus to arrest Christians boldly out in the open. On the way he gets converted, Acts 9:8. He then has to leave under cover being lowered in a basket, 2 Cor 11:32, 33. The proud will be humbled. This is a difficult concept to get in the west. But a loving Lord promises to be faithful to our souls.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson will be looking at the life of Christ in the church.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group after Sunday mornings café time. Open discussion around difficult topics and defending our faith is the focus.
Prayer Points
1. Those who are considering baptism.
2. Church finances to cover all expenses.
3. Pray for of Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
4. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Praise for the peace of Jesus to reign.
5. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More visitors on Sunday, pray that they are encouraged.
2. Very encouraging members meeting yesterday. The Lord continues to bless these with joy as we seek Him and His administration over the church.
3. Continue to pray for Tad to gain strength at home. Continue to pray for Glenys as she now has a splint to gain full use in her left arm. This is very frustrating for Glenys as you can imagine. It has been many weeks and she is desiring relief. Any encouragement you can give will be greatly appreciated.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Life Groups Wednesday night at Church – 6:30pm. New Christians and Young Adults – Sunday after church.
2. Young Adults apologetics Life group after the service – 25th Feb 2024.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 17. Of what were our first parents made? A. God made the body of Adam out of the ground. He formed Eve from the body of Adam.
