TEACHING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2023
10:30 AM (kids! + communion) Second Corinthians Series with Shel Boese HOLY FOOLERY: Part 1: Comparison and Assumptions 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 Comparisons and assumptions are dangerous ways to miss God's work and the Spirit happening now in the people around us. This reduces us to consumerist judges. Can we discern quality from only the surface finish or a performance but miss the most important part—players centred on Jesus? There is a reason the judgement of God is coming on the shiny show church in North America.
Opening Tale
Back Story (Paul’s Context)
Our Stories (Our Context)
Big Idea (The difference it can make):
Restatement Slow Walk Through the Passage 1. We don’t engage in carnal comparisons (outline: Baker Exegetical) 2 Cor 10.12 For we would not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. V.12> 2. We don’t overstep ministry boundaries 13 But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you. 14 For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ. 15a Nor do we boast beyond certain limits in the work done by others, V.13-15a> 3. We hope to extend the mission 15b but we hope that as your faith continues to grow, our work may be greatly expanded among you according to our limits, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area. V.15b-16> 4. We boast in the Lord 17 But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not the person who commends himself who is approved, but the person the Lord commends. V.14-18> Final Word For Discussion and Reflection(NT Wright, Moyer V. Hubbard, Others)
Many people today find Paul's boldness worrying. They don't like thinking of a Christian teacher being so confrontational. But we can’t have it both ways. Paul has been accused of being weak and insignificant. He boldly shows how they are mistaken (44).
Prayer: Thank God for the ways you can boast in him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern which thoughts and ideas are getting in the way of people coming to know the true God, and to enable you to capture them so that they can serve Christ instead. |