LESSON 682: PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP MEMORY VERSE: ”But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Corinthians 10:17,18) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 10:7-18

SUMMARY (1) From our last study, we learnt the following lessons: Naomi showed concern for Ruth’s marital rest and took practical steps of instruction and guidance to realise it. So must parents and leaders do. Ruth obeyed instruction. Believers should take instruction from their leaders especially as they embark on new ventures like marriage, ministry, etc. Like Boaz was fair to Ruth, believers should not manipulate others but follow the scriptures in their affairs. They should be wise and transparent during courtship. Believers should hold on to the God’s unfailing promises in every area of life. The study of today touches on three points: Proper approach and attitude to the use of spiritual authority True ministers’ contempt for competition and comparison Christ’s commendation: The ultimate goal of a God-honouring ministry

SUMMARY (2) Approach and attitude to the use of authority (2 Corinthians 10:7-11): Paul affirmed and defended his apostleship as he also to performed his pastoral duties. His apostleship was by divine call and grace, attested with signs and spiritual insight. Leadership should not focus on title or privileges but power for edification; it is to preach sound doctrine, to serve as Christ rather than overbearing or too demanding. Leaders should lead by example and doctrine; believers should submit to leadership. Ministers’ contempt for competition and comparison (2 Corinthians 10:12-16): Paul attributed his success to God’s grace; God’s glory was his primary aim, not self. Ministers, ministries and circumstances differ; we should neither compete nor compare. The pride of comparison can rob us of joy in ministry or ruin us at work or at home. The ultimate goal of a God-honouring ministry (2 Corinthians 10:17,18): The believer’s life and ministry must centre on the Lord: aim at Christ’s commendation. As we minister, we should not fall into the trap of complacency or self-commendation.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What were the proofs of Paul’s apostolic minisry? Galatians 1:1 Romans 1:5 2 Corinthians 12:12 Ephesians 3:3,4 2 Corinthians 1:12

QUESTION 2 What should be the believer’s attitude to spiritual authority and leadership privilege? 2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10 Titus 1:7; I Peter 5:1,2

QUESTION 3 What should be the believer’s attitude to his spiritual leader? 1 Corinthians 11:1 Hebrews 13:7,17

QUESTION 4 How essential is strong doctrinal leadership in the church? Galatians 2:3-5 2 Timothy 4:1-5

QUESTION 5 What should be the aim of believers when setting out on church assignments? 1 Peter 4:11

QUESTION 6 Why is comparison wrong? 1 Corinthians 4:7

QUESTION 7 What are the dangers of self commendation? Luke 18:14b Revelation 3:17

CONCLUSION Spiritual leadership is by God’s calling and grace. It is to serve Christ. We should not seek for position or privilege but for God’s approval. We should avoid overrating ourselves and berating others through carnal comparison. We should instead lead by example and give glory to God. Carnal comparison leads to pride, robs us of joy and can ruin our lives. We should not boast of our earthly possessions or spiritual endowment; we should rather rejoice in our knowledge and understanding of God. He should be at the center of our lives. We should avoid self commendation and seek for Christ’s commendation.