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:

How do I judge?
How do I see myself in relation to others?
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