Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 10-11
OK Men,
Chapters 10 and 11 covers both sides of the spectrum of the Christian man’s life. I felt motivated to fight and do hard things, then subsequently convicted for having complained about hard things. There’s a wide range of emotions felt in Paul’s writing of these chapters.
Chapter 10:
What’s New: “So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it,” (v8). Paul acknowledges that the authority God has given him is for building God’s church, not tearing people down. Even though the letters written to the Corinthian church have correction in them, Paul is not tearing them down. What good would that do? This is something we can watch for in churches of today. Are they building up the body of believers, or are they tearing down those who are desperate for mercy, grace, and love? This directive from Paul is for those whom God has given authority. Yes, church pastors, but also YOU, simply because you’re a man! He has called you to be the leader of your home and family, a leader within your own church, or at your job. You have God given authority! How are you building people up? Has anger or judgment torn them down? Or has passivity, laziness, or fear of stepping into a leadership role left you caught somewhere in the middle?
Who is God: God calls us to fight, but not in worldly ways. This is where I felt motivated! “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds,” (v3-4). We are fighting a spiritual war. Ephesians 6:12 says, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness,” and our weapon is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Eph. 6:17). These verses in 2 Corinthians 10 tell us we are to fight against spiritual evils, and the weapons God gives us are strong! Are you equipping yourself for this war? Are you ready to fight? Are you willing?
Chapter 11:
What’s New: Paul gives us the details of what he has endured for the gospel of Christ. “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and day in the open sea,” (v23-25). And there’s the conviction! It’s worth pointing out that the “forty lashes minus one” Paul mentions are different than what Jesus received. Paul received his lashings from the Jews, which is still no picnic, but Jesus received his from the Romans, which was far more brutal. Jewish lashings were intended to punish; learn your lesson, be on your way, and don’t do it again. Roman lashings were intended to brutalize and torture. Regardless, Paul endured hardships for the spread of the gospel that we can’t fathom today. My walk with Christ has been cake, and now I feel guilty for ever having complained about anything.
Who is God: Reading what Paul endured reminds me of a verse we will read in the very next chapter, “My power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul also adds, “I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers,” (v26). That covers pretty much everyone and everywhere. Despite that, God plans will not stop. When in danger, God protects. When enduring physical punishment, he gives the strength needed to carry on when giving up seems like the easy and natural choice. Paul is proof of both.
OK Men - We will finish up 2 Corinthians this week! What are you seeing in the Word that is new to you? How are you seeing the characteristics of God on display? Leave a comment!
Our next study will take a break from Paul and his epistles. We will spend 5 weeks studying the end. Stay tuned!
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