2 Corinthians 10
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.
8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—
9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters.
10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”
11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.
14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;
15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,
16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
17 But “HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD.”
18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
In the presentation and reception of ministry, there is the challenge of outward perceptions and determination of significance based on how impressive the minister is. This can often have a great deal to do with a level of confidence, charisma, and personality that establish them in authority and influence. Where there is a reduction of respect with regard to the outward impression there can be a reduced response to the truth and directives given, with little effect being made. Paul was experiencing this challenge as the authority of his letters was losing impact over a carnal impression of his appearance and speaking ability. His response to this was an assurance that there was much more to his care for them than what could be observed in the natural. The content of his statements was coming from a power source that would overwhelm any stronghold or argument of the mind, something the self-promoters could never touch. He also assured them that the authority of his letters in his absence would be followed up with the same boldness in his presence. Though attempting to carry the same humility as Christ, he was also uncompromising in the release of power over things that must be brought down for the betterment of the body. Where this may have overstepped another minister’s influence, his vision was to press beyond that overlap with a heart to go where none had yet gone. In this way, there would be glory given only to the One who was shared, with no reliance or confidence in the outward over the Power within.
In our reception and presentation of ministry, it is necessary to be freed from those distractions of carnal impressions and be consumed with the weapons that are mighty through God to pull down strongholds. Rather than being led by those whose glory is in themselves, there can be pursuit of the heart that insists on glorifying Him alone – boasting in what He has done over the manner and vessel used.
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