We are more than conquerors with the victory we have in Christ. Paul reminds us this is our boast.
2 Corinthians 10: Paul Defends His Ministry
1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ---I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!---
2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.
8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.
10 For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account."
11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.
12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labours of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,
16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence.
17 "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Things to think about…
1. What makes us strong? Paul’s opening lines in 2 Cor 10 remind his readers that though we are in the flesh, our spiritual weapons are mighty. This is a small echo of what he wrote to the Ephesians in Ephesians 6. Paul says here “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds”, vs 4. But encouraged by this truth as you start your day.
2. Paul wants to build his hearers up, 2 Cor 10:8 even at his own expense. But even though he uses weighty words in his letters, this is not the case when he is with them face to face. Vss 9-11. This should be the case with us. Though we have words of strength backed by the Holy Spirit, our bodily presence should be meek and humble reflecting Christ.
3. In 2Cor 10 Paul says his authority comes from God and God’s power is mighty to destroy strongholds., vs 5. Every argument is destroyed, and every thought (not just ours) is held captive to Christ. We get a lot of ‘sound bites’, that are simply humanistic, illogical and frankly offensive to Christ. Let’s not accept them, but boldly speak out against them. To ignore them makes the church ineffective and its message impotent. Today Scott Morrison is giving his final speech. He is reminding Australia of its Judaeo-Christian heritage and to turn away from secularism that is weakening our nation. We must stand against strongholds that are anti-Christian. This is the real battle going on in the west.
4. What do we commend, what do we boast in, 2 Cor 10:12-18? Paul initially brought the gospel to Corinth. He wants them to grow in their faith so he can present the gospel to other places, vss 15, 16. Some were boasting in themselves, vs 12. Paul’s point is that we don’t exalt ourselves, but the message. Christ’s servants are nothing, but Christ the suffering servant is everything. We are exhorted to boast in Him, 2Cor 10:17.
5. .
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.
