Title: The Right Kind of Ministry
Text: 2 Cor. 10
Tracing: Preached November 15, 1992 AM at SDCC.
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A. INTRO
Paul's ministry was under attack. He faced opposition not only from the
expected source (the Jews), but also from INSIDE the church (the Judaizers).
They opposed his warm acceptance of Gentiles into the church without imposing
upon them the rules of the Mosaic Law. And when their arguments and reasoning
could not prevail, they resorted to personal attacks, ridicule, and slander.
Most of the Corinthian church was, for now, solidly behind Paul (as was
demonstrated by their repentance from the sins mentioned in 1 Cor. and the whole
tenor of 2Cor 1-7). However, there was a pocket of opposition to him which
continued to fester as the false teachers chipped away at his credibility.
As we come to 2Cor. 10, Paul is ready to defend his ministry -- to plainly
set before the Corinthians the FACTS concerning his service to the Kingdom of
God so that they will no more doubt him or heed the false teachers.
As we look at his defense, we immediately see the undergirding principles
of Paul's life in contrast with the attitudes of his opposition. In this, I
want us to see four principles to the RIGHT kind of ministry.
B. BODY -- Following Paul's Example, we should
1. Live by the Right Standards. v.2
Those opposing Paul had no conception of the difference in the lives of
Christians. Though they professed the name of Christ, they continued to live
by the standards of the world (in their morals, motives, and methods we may
assume). In addition, they ASSUMED that Paul operated from the same point of
view! It is a common trick of the mind to impart to others the kinds of
motivations and attitudes that we have -- even though their thinking may be
totally different.
But Paul's constant theme was. . . Rom 8:5 "Those who live according to
the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those
who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the
Spirit desires."
2. Fight with the Right Weapons. v.3-5
All along, the Jews seem to be confused about the nature of the Battle
God had in mind with the forces of evil. In Jesus' day they expected Him to
take the throne by force. But the battle is not physical, nor are the
weapons!
What is called for is not force and power, but reasoning, persuasion,
and leadership! It is a battle for the hearts of men, not for the fate of
their physical bodies! Our weapons begin with the sword -- the Bible. We
use logic, reasoning, and persuasion on the truth it contains to apply that
truth to the challenges of the world and then the Holy Spirit uses all of
that to bring conviction in the hearts of those who will be receptive to God.
It was not the crusades that most dramatically advanced Christianity,
but the Reformation which resulted from the application of the reasoning of
the Renaissance to scripture! That is why it is so important to know the
Word! (1993 -- Year of the Bible II)
3. Look at the Right Reality. v.7
The Jews persistently judged inward righteousness by outward acts. They
looked only on the surface of things! They were seeking an earthly victory
over Paul, ignoring the greater eternal ramifications of things. Their minds
were not set on determining and following the will of God in this matter but
in reshaping the church to look like they wanted it to look. AS LONG AS WE
SEE ONLY THE SURFACE OF THINGS, WE ARE PRONE TO THE SAME MISTAKE! If this
life is all we have, why not shape it the way we want?
But Paul set his sights on the eternal.
Ro. 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed in us."
2Co 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an
eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what
is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is
unseen is eternal."
4. Measure by the Right Comparisons. v.12
The question is not, "How am I doing in comparison to my neighbor", but
"How have I done with my God-given tasks?" How have you done in those things
God has given you to do? In teaching, instructing, and nurturing your
children? In demonstrating your love to your neighbor? In witnessing to
your co-worker? In encouraging your brother in Christ?
Don't allow the failures of others to become your measuring stick --
measure yourself by the perfect will of Christ and keep striving towards
perfection.
C. CONCLUSION
Paul demonstrated the right kind of ministry -- one we should seek to
emulate. But remember that he at first persecuted the church, seeking to kill
any Christians he could find. THAT ALL CHANGED WHEN HE MET A MAN ON A ROAD WHO
HAD ONCE HUNG ON A CROSS! Your life can change too! Come meet that man
yourself!
D. COMMENTS
Prepared by Scott L. Purcell
Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church
1501 Stokelan Drive
Malden, MO 63863
(314) 276-2343
Reproduce, modify, and use freely
for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!
If these outlines are of some benefit to you,
a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!
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Index of Preacher's Help and Notes
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