THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE . . . MY WORDS ARE USELESS

April 10, 2014

THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE . . . MY WORDS ARE USELESS

2 Corinthians 12:11–21

Christian Cabal

Central Truth

My actions and words need to be biblically based and not watered down or massaged to make them more palatable to others. The words of God are what build up people and help them, not my words, opinions, or what I think they want to hear.

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. (2 Corinthians 12:19)

Concern for the Corinthian Church

11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.

The church at Corinth had been infiltrated by false teachers, claiming to be "super-apostles" and undermining Paul's authority. Paul defends his ministry, but here in verse 19, Paul affirms that his main purpose is not to defend himself before men. Rather, his main concern is his position before God and that he speak in Christ for their edification. Unlike Paul, I often worry about what others think of me, and how they judge my words and actions. But my main concern must not be managing my image before men; it must be with how I am doing loving and obeying God.

Galatians 1:10 says, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Often when we speak from God's Word on difficult topics, we may not be very popular, or may face opposition.

My actions and words need to be "in Christ." My advice, teaching, and admonitions need to be from the Bible and not from my opinion, which is corrupted by my flesh and its desire to please men. Only the words of God have the power to transform and change people.

I love Hebrews 4:12, which says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." My words and opinions could never have this kind of power. We need this power if we want to minister effectively to each other!

I am part of a community group that is pretty diverse (life stages, interests, cultures, and backgrounds), yet we have "1 John 1:3" fellowship. When we discuss difficult life situations, we make it a point to not give our opinions or what we think the others want to hear, but what the Word of God says. That indeed is true fellowship.

1. In what ways do you find yourself "managing your image" and being more concerned about other's opinions of you, instead of pleasing God? List the areas in which you are most tempted to do this.

2. When you offer advice to someone, is it often from your opinions and life experience, or is it from God's wisdom? Have you "watered down" God's Word because it might be too difficult or offensive to others?

3. Are you plugged into community? Is your community group speaking "in the sight of God," "in Christ," and "for your upbuilding"? Or are you merely tickling each other's ears? (Be careful not to be like 2 Timothy 4:3.)