2 Corinthians 10:13-18

2 Corinthians 10:13-18

And we will not boast beyond what is expected but according to the measure of the territory that God assigned to us – to come as far as even you all.  For it is not as though we are overextending ourselves while not reaching into you all, for we reached even as far as you all in the Good News of Christ.  While not boasting beyond what is expected in labor that belongs to another, but while having hope while your faithfulness increases that our territory is made larger in you all into abundance in order to proclaim the Gospel beyond you all – not in a territory belonging to another – in order to boast in the things that have been prepared.  And the one who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.  For the one who does not commend himself – that one is judged worthy under a test.  The Lord commends that one.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are not boasting beyond what God had made possible.  If we remember the story of Paul, we can readily agree with this.  Everywhere that Paul went, he was greeted with arrest, imprisonment, rejection, and beatings.  The only reason he was able to continue is because God made it possible.  It is God who has opened and extended Paul’s territory.  Paul went where the Lord made possible.  He did not overreach; he simply followed God.

Are you a natural follower or do you tend to want to overreach?  How can we as human beings become better satisfied with not overreaching?

Second Thought:

If we look at how Paul plans into the future, notice that his future is relying upon the growth of the faith of others.  Paul doesn’t say that his territory will increase through their generous donations.  He isn’t saying that his territory will increase through his fame or reputation.  Paul knows that God increases territory through the increase in faith in people.  As one person grows in faith, people around them take notice.  Some of those people begin to hear God’s call into their life as well.

What does it say to you about Paul that he bases growth in spiritual territory upon person spiritual growth?  Do you follow that same line of thinking?

Third Thought:

In the end, Paul gives us a reminder for a proper perspective.  We do not commend ourselves.  We don’t think ourselves special.  Even if we do, it doesn’t matter.  The only thing that matters in the opinion of Jesus Christ.  We are already unworthy.  We are already sinful.  What matters is if we are in Christ and the Lord commends us to the Father.

Why do we get so wrapped up in our own evaluation of ourselves instead of recognizing our sinfulness and humbly submitting to the Lord?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 11:1-6