“Christians Dealing With Critics!” 2 Corinthians 10:1-11

“You’ll be disappointed. Rome is overrated “You’ll be disappointed. Rome is overrated. The hotels are horrible; airlines will lose your luggage and the people aren’t that friendly. Better stay home.”

We all are criticized on occasion. Our society is a critical lot We all are criticized on occasion. Our society is a critical lot. We even pay people to be critics…

to learn Biblical principles in how we are to deal with critics Purpose: to learn Biblical principles in how we are to deal with critics

I CRITICISM Will Come (vv 1-2) A. Jesus Was Criticized

Question a Bible School teacher asked of her students after a lesson on the power of God…

I CRITICISM Will Come (vv 1-2) A. Jesus Was Criticized B. Paul Was Criticized

2 Corinthians 10:1 “…I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!”

2 Corinthians 10:10 “…His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and his speech contemptible.”

I CRITICISM Will Come (vv 1-2) A. Jesus Was Criticized B. Paul Was Criticized C. We Must Expect Criticism

John 15:20 “No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also…”

2 Timothy 3:12 “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

1 Peter 4:12-14 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ…”

II Don’t Use WEAPONS of the World (vv 3-4) A. Weapons of the World Defined

“Sir Winton,” Lady Astor said, “I believe you are drunk “Sir Winton,” Lady Astor said, “I believe you are drunk.” Churchill responded, “Lady Astor, I believe you are ugly. Tomorrow I will be sober, but you will still be ugly!”

“Winston, if you were my husband, I’d put poison in your tea,” said Lady Astor. Churchill responded, “If you were my wife, I’d drink it!”

II Don’t Use WEAPONS of the World (vv 3-4) A. Weapons of the World Defined B. Weapons of Grace

“Now I Paul myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:1 “Now I Paul myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…”

“If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39 “If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn to him the other also.”

“It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:9 “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.”

III Be Assured TRUTH Will Prevail (vv 5-11) A. This is a Spiritual War

Ephesians 6:12 “…our wrestle is not against flesh and blood, but against ruler, authorities… powers darkness… spiritual forces…”

III Be Assured TRUTH Will Prevail (vv 5-11) A. This is a Spiritual War B. Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.”

Only Respond to Criticism When Necessary - sometimes criticism needs to be addressed but most the time it’s better ignored… Keep Your Eye on the Goal - building up rather than pulling people down…

Conclusion and Summary Our goal in this church is NOT to make everybody happy… BUT to win as many as possible to Christ or take as many as possible with us to heaven! To do so effectively you and I must know how to deal with criticism in a Christian manner!