PAUL, A TRUE APOSTLE

– SECOND CORINTHIANS ELEVEN –

 

    The self appointed apostles at Corinth wanted to be apostles like Paul but they were not. The false apostles had even managed to gain some followers there. Paul felt that it was folly for him to have to defend his apostleship. He could have used his time in a much better way. However, he felt responsible to see that the church at Corinth was sound in the faith. Brethren must not be lured away from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ.

 

    What was happening at Corinth was a very serious matter. The false teachers were preaching another Jesus and a totally different gospel. The false apostles felt superior to Paul, especially in the matter of preaching style. Paul was not concerned about an entertaining preaching style, but his concern was the faithful proclamation of the gospel of Christ. The false apostles were saying that Paul was not worth hearing because he preached for free. Paul had taken money from other church so that he could preach freely at Corinth.

 

    Satan is responsible for every false doctrine. It was not surprising to Paul that there were false apostles because "Satan himself is transformed  into  an  angel  of  light." Through the years Satan has taken on many forms in his work of deception. Paul's concern was that the Corinthians might not be able to discern the false teachers and their false teachings.

 

       Paul continued his self-defense -- 2 Corinthians 11:1-4: Paul's concern for the Corinthians was tremendous. Therefore, he desired that they would bear with him as he explained and defended his apostleship. He asked them to "bear with me in a little foolishness." Paul was concerned about the church at Corinth just as a man is concerned about his daughter being a virgin on her wedding day. He was concerned that Satan might deceive the Corinthians just like he used that tricky snake to deceive Eve. 

 

       Paul had preached the gospel of Christ that was revealed by the Holy Ghost. Now these same people were ready to receive another spirit and accept a different message. False teachers can do an amazing amount of harm. Paul showed them that the church must not tolerate false teachers nor accept their false teachings.

 

       False apostles and deceitful workers -- 2 Corinthians 11:5-15: There was no way in which Paul was inferior to these false apostles. In fact he was not a whit behind the chiefest apostles. His speech may not have been as good as these false apostles, but his knowledge was greater. Did he commit some sin because he humbled himself by preaching God's gospel to them free of charge? Paul said, "I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you." Paul called upon other churches to support him while he preached the gospel at Corinth.

 

       Paul was in need at Corinth but he did not ask these brethren to help him. Some of the Christians from Macedonia brought Paul what he needed. Paul did not want to be a burden to the Corinthians either in the past nor in the future. God knew that it was not for any lack of love that Paul was dealing with these false apostles. His work would show that none of the false apostles could do the things that he could do. They did not have the power of an apostle. These people were false apostles and dishonest workers. They only pretend to be apostles of the Christ. Such conduct is not surprising because even Satan tries to make himself look like an angel of light. Recognizing that Satan is so deceptive should cause us not to be shocked that his servants only pretend to do what is right. The end for Satan and for all false teachers will be destruction. 

 

       Boasting done with great reluctance -- 2 Corinthians 11:16-21: Paul did not want these brethren to think he was a fool. But even if they did accept him as a fool he needed to boast a little. Paul used his personal liberty to describe his life and his authority as an apostle. The false apostles were bragging about what they had done and Paul decided that he, as a fool, would do a little boasting himself. Many things in Paul's life were unpleasant but he endured them for the sake of the gospel. Paul described what the false apostles were doing and what the faithful brethren were doing. "And since you are so smart, you will gladly put up with a fool. In fact, you let people make slaves of you and cheat you and steal from you. Why, you even let them strut around and slap you in the face."

 

       Paul showed that it was foolish to do so, but that he could boast about anything the false prophets could boast about. Paul admitted boldly weakness but he possessed many qualifications that helped him serve as an apostle. He boasted about enduring many physical hardships for the gospel.

 

       Qualities of the true apostleship -- 2 Corinthians 11:22-33: None of Paul's critics could boast of any advantage over him in a physical sense. He said, "Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? Well, so am I." He also said he served the Christ better than they ever did. He had worked harder and had been put in jail more often than they. He had been beaten with whips and had been in danger of death more often than any of these false prophets.

 

       On five different occasions the Jews had given Paul 39 lashes. Deuteronomy 25:3 said that 40 lashes was the maximum. The Jews always stopped one short just to be safe.  Paul said, "Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. (Acts 14:19, Acts 16:22-23, Acts 27:44) As Paul traveled about preaching the gospel he was "in danger from rivers, robbers, his own people, and foreigners." Paul worked and struggled, spending many sleepless nights, sometimes in hunger and cold in order that the gospel might be preached.

 

       Paul's heart was burdened down daily, as he was concerned about the spiritual condition of the congregations that he had labored with. He sympathized with them and was angry when brethren were tricked into sin. He understood human weakness, but he knew what would happen to the unfaithful. The Christian life had not been easy for Paul. Early in his Christian life, the governor of Damascus had the city gates guarded, so that he could capture Paul. However, he escaped by being let down in a basket through a window in the city wall. He faced such struggles from the start of his service for Christ. But, He never gave up and he never stopped working.

 

    To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) The new life in Christ is a glorious, hopeful, useful and helpful life!

                                        - - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Baptist South: Robert McCann, In Need Of Prayers: Morgan Brooks, Emily Cain, Neomia Collins, Billy Wayne Conway, Tom Conway, Marie Curlee, Bobby Fullington, Danny Gandy, Roy Goodwin, Judy Green, Christopher Hart, Dianne Hoffman, Mary Lawrence, Abby Lee, Bill McCraney, Jo Ann Moorer, Curtis Newton, Pat Newton, Candy Parker, Mary Powell, John Reynolds, Austin Shows, Gladys Warren, Richard Watts, and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, James Alford, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, and Myrtle Perdue. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, Mae Beverly, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. The Lord’s Invitation: Wayne Garlock responded to the Lord’s invitation Sunday. Please pray for him in your personal, private prayers.

 

3. It’s A Boy: Congratulation to B J and Missy Alford on the birth of their son, Branson Ford. He was born Monday, April 9^th. He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 ¾ inches long. Congratulations to proud grandparents.       

 

4. Please Pray For: Pray for Paul Findley and Ben Newton as they serve in Iraq. Please begin now praying for Jason Godwin and Dennis Phillips Jr. as they will be going to Iraq soon.

 

5. Prayer Requested: Please continue to pray for the four churches that the Walnut Street Church of Christ has helped to establish in Guyana; Plaisance Church of Christ, Industry Church of Christ, Wowetta Church of Christ, and Bina Hill Church of Christ.

 

6. Wednesday Night Van Driver: We are in need of a driver for the van on Wednesday nights. Our thanks to Jeff Thomas who has driven for quite a while now. If you can help let Charles know.

 

7. Birthday: Celebrating birthdays this week are: June 17^th Dennis Lowery, June 18^th Kelsey Woodard, June 20^th Lacey Barr and Janelle Capps, and June 21^st Ruth Davis, Alice Padgett, and Bobby Terrell.

 

8. Diaper and Wipe Shower: There is a box in the foyer to put diapers and wipes in for Missy Alford.

 

9. Bridal Shower: There will be a bridal shower for William Phillips and Shana Burnside on June 29th after the evening service in the multipurpose room. Bring finger foods and everyone is invited.

 

10. Thank You: (a) Dear Walnut Street Church Family, Thank you so much for the graduation party, Bible and various gifts. It was all very much appreciated. Thanks for all the love, support, and kindness you have shown toward me over the years. My family and I have been so blessed to be apart of a wonderful church family. Please pray for me as I begin this next chapter of my life and start Faulkner in the fall. Thanks again. In Christian Love, Rebekah Stallings (b) Dear Walnut Street Family, Thank you so much for every thing you did for me while I was in the hospital. The potted plant is so pretty. Thanks for all the visits, phone calls, food and especially your prayers. This congregation means so much to my family. Lydia Ann Raybon (c) Dear Church, Our house fire Wednesday night was devastating but having so many of our church family there giving us support and comfort helped us so much. All the calls, food, clothing, prayers and all other expressions of love and concern the last few days have made it easier. Thank you for caring for us and helping us through this trying time. Our children and family have been and continue to be so wonderful to us. We are so blessed. We love you all. Kenneth & Ann Smith

 

11. Web-Site:  Check out our website: http:\\www.walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org. New material is added each week and you can also access many teaching articles and past issues of The Reporter.

 

12. Fifth Sunday Meal: We will enjoy a meal together on Sunday, April 29^th following morning services. Please enjoy this time of food and good fellowship. (The meat committee will clean-up following the meal.)

A Second Look At The Beatitudes (Part 1)

   Often I find that when I read the Bible I immediately apply what I’ve read, but I realize that I’ve applied it to someone else.  It’s easy to overlook our own spiritual need while realizing the needs of others. Matthew 5:3-11 is commonly known as the “beatitudes.”  It seems that this passage is often read in the manner I just described. I have found it helpful to apply these well-known verses to my life.

   “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3.) We often identify financial condition with spiritual condition, i.e. the poor are blessed while the rich are evil. But this is not implied in scripture (James 2:5; Matthew 19:2), though it is often the case that the financially poor are more receptive to the gospel than the rich. “Poor in spirit” describes one who realizes his spiritual poverty, and therefore, his spiritual need. We are not deserving of an eternity in heaven, yet it is partly through our acknowledgment of that fact that God sees fit to save us.  (James 4:10.)

   “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4.) Certainly, God’s word has comforted each of us in times of trouble. He has calmed us, assured us, and strengthened us according to our needs. But the blessed ones described in this verse are mourning their own shortcomings and the power of Satan. They are souls feeling “godly sorrow,” which produces repentance. (II Corinthians 7:10.)  “God will wipe away every tear” of those who sincerely mourn disobedience and unrighteousness. (Revelation 21:4.) 

   I pray that as we continue this study of the beatitudes it will further our understanding of the way God would have us to be. Let us acknowledge our spiritual poverty. And let us mourn when we fail, to the extent that we would ever turn back to Him, and serve Him as we should.  

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)