Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• How does this relate to me?
  • God's word always has something to teach us
  • We see the passage in context
• 3 questions:
  1. How do I judge?
  2. How do I see myself in relation to others?
  3. What motivates me?

How do I judge?

• We have seen how Paul has been unfairly and harshly judged
  • Paul has to defend himself - examples
• The people had come in stealthily but became people of influence
  • They said Paul was domineering in letters but weak in presence
  • That he was double-minded
• Who were these people?
  • "Super apostles"
  • Trained in eloquent speech / gift orators
    • Paul preached in the power of the Holy Spirit
  • They lifted themselves up
  • They sought to destroy Paul by defaming him
  • 2 Cor 11:13-14 - false apostles, deceitful, workers of Satan
  • 2 Cor 11:22 - sophisticated Jews
  • 2 Cor 11:5 - eminent apostles
  • 2 Cor 11:3-4 – they could dupe the church and remove the clear focus of the gospel message - Christ
    • Churches can shift over time
    • It can begin with people teaching errant doctrines
• Do not look at the outward appearance (v7)
  • John 7:24 - "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
    • Be discerning
    • See their fruits
    • Know them
  • Example of the 3 crosses - the Saviour of the World
  • Example from Luke 16:19-31
• Are there any superior Christians?
  • No - we all belong to Christ
  • We have stages in our growth - but there is not a two tier Christianity
  • This is a false teaching
  • Be aware of those who seem super spiritual
• Paul has authority over the Church (v8)
  • But he is not to beat them with a rod but to build them up
• Paul could not be impeached on his character
  • 2 Cor 1:23-24 - he came to edify
  • 2 Cor 11:11 - he loves them
  • 2 Cor 12:15 - he is willing to be spent for them
  • Not against doctrinal issues but against him personally
• Paul is helping them to make a right judgment about him
  • 2 Cor 11:12
• Application - how to judge with righteous judgment:
  • We need a gracious spirit - examples
  • Be careful with hearsay ... and gossip - examples
  • Be careful of wolves in sheep's clothing
  • Do not be nullable - test all things

How do I see myself in relation to others?

• Do we compare ourselves? - examples
  • Paul did not compare himself to others (v12)
    • Example
  • It is foolish and unwise to live like this
  • Paul only lived before God - 2 Cor 5:9-10, 1 Cor 4:3-4
• Do not compare yourselves to others - but live for God
  • Pride is carnal
    • Pride is a cause of division - examples
  • Encourage one another
  • Do not trample on others (v13-14)
    • John 4:38 - God gives the increase
  • Work in your own sphere
    • Example
    • Do not have rivalry or take credit from other's work
  • Think about your relationships with others
• What about ourselves?
  • Work - examples
  • Home - examples

What motivates me?

• The motivations of the super apostles (examples) - 2 Cor 12:21
  • May things be a long way from us
  • Quote from Stuart Olliet
• What do we boast in?
  • A difference between being thankful and showing off
• Jer 9:23-24
  • Boast in God
  • Paul boasted in the cross of Christ
  • Let us magnify the Lord together
  • Give God the glory - Quote from John Newton