with Elder Elico Manenji
✝️Amongst then Corinthians were the so-called Apostles who questioned the authority of Paul. These so called Apostles accused Paul of trying to make himself appear tough and bold when writing letters to the Corinthians when they said he was weak and a coward when face to face with them. In doing so, they won some to their side. They claimed that he was not a true Apostle but just an ordinary person with ordinary worldly attitudes. The Apostle responded saying that what they mistakenly thought as weakness was really tolerance. He had made every effort to control his feelings in order to show kindness and patience towards the Corinthians. Only when everything else fails will he use with severity the Apostolic authority that is his by right and power. The Apostle says, he is not like worldly people who force others into submission by exercising their power and authority. He as a follower of Christ submits first to Jesus Christ and depend upon His power and authority. Thus by depending upon Christ, he was using a far greater force with which to fight evil. The power of Christ destroys pride and makes even the mind obedient to Christ. So he says that if the false Apostles refuse to join with the rest of the church in submitting to Paul’s instructions, he is ready to use his Apostolic authority to deal with them with authority of Christ. This authority was proof of him building churches and converts whilst the false Apostles have brought only harm, ruin and discord amongst the Corinthians.
*1️⃣2 Corinthians 10:1-11: Meekness and Gentleness is not Weakness but power of God.*
⏹️The standard of appeal to any person is the character of Christ which was shown in His meekness and gentleness. Jesus said, *"Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls"(Matthew 11:29).*
⏭️The gentleness of Christ on the Cross did not mean weakness or helplessness but His gentleness acted out kindness and forebearance so that He could justify and purify a people unto good works. The Apostle Paul says,
*"For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you"(2 Corinthians 13:4).*
⏹️The Apostle also exemplified these attributes of his Master which the false Apostles accused him as weakness and unauthoritative. The Psalmist says, *"You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your right hand has held me up, and your gentleness has made me great"(Psalm 18:35).*
⏭️All who true Apostles show also the character of their Master Jesus Christ of meekness and gentleness which oppose the love of display but rather are patient and persuasive even under afflictions of this life. So these are weapons of our warfare are not carnal but strongholds against sin and evil. The Apostle says, *"We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are despised"(1 Corinthians 4:10).*
*2️⃣2 Corinthians 10:12-18: Apostolic claims are shown in character and Christ power.*
⏹️Character is vital, it is the only thing that we will take to heaven, so mold and build a good character we need to be honest, true, faithful, patient and kind to others. The Apostle James says, *"Take, my brothers, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience"(James 5:10).*
⏭️Never compare your own character with that of others, this is a
false method of estimating your own characters. Compare your character rather with that of Jesus Christ the only perfect character. The Apostle Peter says, *"For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps"(1Peter 2:21).*
⏹️Faith is increased when we hope for better things, when we have opportunity to commend the gospel ministry to others, that will help us to build perfect characters after the similitude of heaven. The Apostle says, *"Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation"(Romans 15:20).*
⏭️The Apostle deprecates such conduct as in interfering in other people’s spheres of labour, inappropriating other ministers’ sermons, glorifying self as one supreme rather than glorying in the Lord which means seeking the approval of the Lord, to please Him which is our highest duty and sublimest happiness. The Apostle Peter says, *"If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified"(1Peter 4:14).*
*🅰️Appeal*
All flattery, worse self-flattery is vain glory, it is self-applause which is self-deceit and at best it is self-commendation, nothing is praiseworthy in it. It is oftentimes foolishness and vainglory motivated by pride. Instead the true gospel minister should not praise or commend themselves but seek should strive to approval from forming a character based on the example of Christ. The wiseman says, *"Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips"(Proverbs 27:2).*
*"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts"(Proverbs 21:2).* Amen!!!
Elico Manenji
(+263712952704)
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