2 Corinthians 10

 Good morning= later than usual. 8AM dentist appointment! What a great way to start the day!

Gentle reminder- lunch with the pastor at noon (until 1:30PM) and then ice cream tonight (6:30 until 8)...you are all invited!!

Paul begins this chapter with a different tone than most of the letter we have read. Some theologians suggest that chapters 10 through 13 are from a different letter and just added to this one. Regardless, he is changing his attitude as he draws this letter to a close. He dose say some rough and seemingly negative words to the Corinthians in the next few chapters- but he is doing it in meekness and with the love of God (v 1). Paul brings up a common thought among the Corinthians- he is mean in his letters, but nice to us in person (vv 1-2). Aren't we like that at times- more aggressive about something when nobody is around, but we lighten up when we are gathered together? Paul seems to set up a challenge in v 3, "I hope I don't have to be angry when we are together..." (my words, not his). 

One big part of their mistrust was that Paul was "walking by the flesh" rather than walking by God (v 3), and Paul doesn't want this argument to rear its head during his visit. Paul admits that he (like us) is human and in that respect- does "walk according to the flesh", but that his war is against "carnal" or human things (the things of this world, sin, etc). He is using his God-power (v 4) to help in his mission. Divine weapons include: breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shoes of the gospel... Paul is using these divine weapons to fight against the things that go against God and the gospel (v 5). Carnal and worldly ways go against God; Paul is trying to fight these things.  Paul is ready to confront those that practice the ways of the world until they walk by the way of the spirit (v 6). 

Paul is described as a short man, bald head, crooked legs, large (portly), thick bushy eyebrows and a large crooked nose. People would look at the surface and think negatively of him. Do we do that? He continues with, don't loot at the outside- look at the inside (v 7). We tend to lose sight of the inner being don't we? Most of us do not want to be judged by our outer appearances, but by our inner beings...that's what Paul is saying here.

Paul seems uncomfortable writing about his authority (which was questioned by the Corinthians). He was humble and godly, and continues to remind the Corinthians that his authority is from God (v 8). Do we question authority- either Biblical, political, or social? The people that were against Paul used his letters as an example (vv 10-11). They seemed harsh and too powerful and too aggressive. Paul rebuts with- We are doing God's work trying to keep you on track! I can be tough in person if you want me to be (v 11)!

Paul's critics in the Corinthian church must have felt very highly of themselves and Paul says that he will not stoop so low as to compare himself with them (v 12). They are carnal, worldly people- Paul isn't anything like that. Paul will continue to boast about himself and the work he does though. He will boast about it because he is doing the work God wants him to do (vv 13-18). Paul reminds them he came to them when they were a fledgling church, was there through their growth, and is there now for them as they falter. He does love the Corinthian church and he does want it to be successful and regain their faith-- hoping that as their faith increases they will influence their neighboring communities. It is hard for a church leader to watch their faith community lose hope, lose faith, begin to fall apart. A good church leader really does love their church and will do what they can to help the church regain what they had. Paul is that model and illustration for someone who really loves their church. 

The next several chapters are like this- Paul on the defensive. It is obvious he cares about the Corinthians. If he didn't care, he wouldn't be so passionate in his writings. 

Have a good day...stop by for lunch or ice cream!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul