(2Co 10:9) “That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. (10) For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”  Why say such things? Answer: to hurt Paul, both his person and reputation. How did Paul find out? Some well meaning brother told him. People tell the pastor things that hurt him rather than really help him.

(2Co 10:8) “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:”  Every true pastor desires to build his people up in the Lord. He wishes to spiritual well-being. He desires to love each and every one of his congregation. And…..his people should seek to love him back.

(2Co 10:8) “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:” Addressing the word “destruction”, it is referring to church discipline. It is seldom practiced in churches today, I believe as the result of our rebellious society towards leadership starting as far back as the nineteen-fifties.Individuals are so self-loving rather than Christ-loving they would not hesitate to take their church leaders to court.

(2Co 10:8) “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:”  Speaking of one who has held the position of (pastor) leadership in the church, to speak of these things is hard, for one is afraid others will see it as boasting. First, addressing “destruction”, discipline is seldom practiced in churches today, I believe as the result of our rebellious society towards leadership starting as far back as the nineteen-fifties.

(2Co 10:7) “Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.”  We are so guilty of judging each other. The problem: all we can see is the outward man; not the inward. We forget what God said to Samuel: “…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7b)

(2Co 10:3) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:…(6) And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”   Continuing yesterday’s thought: since the church is the work of God and not man, there is spiritual authority given to the godly pastor; thus, the warning given here by the Holy Spirit through Paul. If repentance did not take place, the Lord would use he whom they despised (v.10) to discipline.

(2Co 10:3) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:…(6) And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”  So often people treat church as a club, a  creation of man for the purpose of worshipping God. It is not. It is a God ordained, spiritual house of spirit-born people brought together for their spiritual instruction and growth in the Lord. They worship while there – yes. More to come tomorrow.

(2Co 10:3) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:….(5)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”  Can you imagine what your walk would be like with our Lord if you sought to practice this? It seems so many are quick to dismiss this for its impossibility. Yet, once you say, “God”, the impossible becomes possible. We can at the very least – try.

(2Co 10:3) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:….(5)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”  Notice that this warfare first begins with battling self, the old nature, the old flesh. This cannot be effective unless one has been seeking to know and please the Lord, putting His Word in the heart.

(2Co 10:4) “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”  Brothers/sisters, there is not a chance of losing a spiritual battle for those who yield their will to the Lord’s. From there it is trusting that He will work your good in the situation, and, most importantly, His glory.