My sermon notes for Sunday, Aug 11th as we continue our study through 2 Corinthians. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net
2 Corinthians 10:7–18
Being the real deal in an unreal world
Intro (thoughts / big picture)
- “I am the real deal!” (t-shirt/funny video)
- Paul’s life/ministry in light of his accusations.
- What makes a true spiritual leader?
- People that make an eternal difference.
- Who do we remember? (the fringe folks or the Gospel folks!)
- Living the truth in a false world.
At the end of the day I hope we all want to be people that can and will make a difference in our family, workplace, school, and community. Good news…we can. Paul did and so can we. He was accused of so many things, but at the end of the day he knew who he was and how he lived his life.
Paul knew he had:
- A relationship with Jesus Christ.
- A desire to build others up
- A dependence on the spirit and not the flesh.
- A life of character and influence.
A relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ – v. 7b
- A true relationship with Christ
- Born again. A new creation.
- Different from the world/others.
A desire to build others up – vv. 8-9
- Help others. TRULY HELP OTHERS. GOSPEL HELP. REAL HELP.
- A multiplication life. (Multiplying ourselves)
- Acts 11:23-26
- True discipleship. Our life impacting others.
- Biblical sanctification
- Not an event, but a lifelong journey
- HEALTHY BIBLICAL GROWTH.
- Long term.
- God focused not man focused
A dependence on the Spirit not the flesh. – v. 10
Paul was said to not:
- Be charismatic
- Not a great speaker.
- Weak and wishy-washy
- Not domineering
- How hard is it to be thought of in this way?
- Not the biggest, brightest, or the best.
- But a servant. Matt. 20:25-28
More specifically here, the truth has come into question. So Paul was more concerned not on him, BUT:
- Trust in the Gospel
- Out theology should drive our methodology. (Nothing wrong with methodology as long as good theology drives it)
- Satan does not care what you CLAIM TO BELIEVE. He just does not want YOU TO BELIEVE THE GOSPEL.
A life of character and influence– v. 11-18
- We care about our character and how we exemplify Christ.
- People of Personal Principle (integrity)
- People of Personal Awareness (humility) Matthew 20:25-28
- We know where we stand in light of the Gospel.
- Remember who we are. (A sinner saved by grace)
- How one utilizes their authority is an evidence of their spiritual maturity and character (Warren W.)
- Not comparing ourselves with others
- Content with calling and ministry
- Stay in your lane (do what you can do…do it well)
- God’s sovereign limits
- We cannot do what we are supposed to do because we are worried about what others should be doing.
- Stay in your lane (do what you can do…do it well)
- Rejoices for the kingdom
- Praises others success
- When others succeed. GOD IS GLORIFIED
Scripture References
2 Cor. 10:7-18 – [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 labors 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. (ESV)
Acts 11:23–26 – [23] When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, [24] for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. [25] So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, [26] and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (ESV)
Matthew 20:25–28 – [25] But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. [26] It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, [28] even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)