Bringing
Thoughts Into
Captivity To Christ
–
Second Corinthians Ten –
There were some at
The Devil works
to get just a small entrance and then he can take over. At
As long as a man only compares
himself to himself and to his peers and not to the Christ there can be no limit
on his high opinion of himself.
What we must realize is that no man is indispensable. The
world does not revolve around us or depend on us for its continuation. Paul
wrote, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every
man that is among you, not to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of faith."
(Romans 12:3) Some want to brag about what they have done even if they
are building on another man's foundation. Paul's view was that he would
speak only of that work that God was able to do through him. Paul's prayer for the brethren at
Paul stated his apostolic
authority – 2 Corinthians 10:1-6:
False teachers at
In answer to the charge that Paul was acting
out of some fleshly desire he wanted it known that he lived in the world, but
that he did not
act
like people of the world. His activities were
spiritual instead of being after the flesh. The battle Paul was fighting
was not with carnal weapons of this world. He used the word of God given to him
by divine power to destroy strongholds. We must likewise use the word of God to
attack sin and pull down the strong holds of Satan. Every argument and every
lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God must be destroyed and brought
into captivity to Christ. In this spiritual battle we must capture people's
thoughts with the gospel and bring then into obedience to Christ.
Paul reasoned with the Corinthians – 2
Corinthians 10:7-11: Paul's critics were
saying that you could just see that they belonged to Christ. He wanted it
understood that he belonged to Christ just as much as any of them. He could
even boast about his apostolic authority. He wanted to use this authority for
their edification and not for their chastisement. His motive in writing was to
bless the people and not just frighten them in some way. The critics attempted
to belittle Paul by saying, "His letters are weighty and strong,
but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account."
Paul wanted these critics
to understand that what he promised he would do. These people should know that
when Paul was with them that he would do exactly what he said in his letters. His teaching and dealing with error would be the same
whether present or absent. This was true because as an apostle he spoke as the
Spirit guided him. It was not his message but he spoke for God.
Seeking the glory of God – 2
Corinthians 10:12-14: Those that criticized Paul were inclined to
think highly of themselves and praise themselves. He said, "But
when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one
another, they are without understanding." Their
standard of conduct was other people and they were content if they were as good
as others. They should have measured themselves by God's word instead.
Paul would never brag about
himself or about anything that he had no right to brag about. He would only
brag about God and the work that He sent him to do. All of the brethren at
Seeking to be approved of God – 2 Corinthians
10:15-18:
Paul did not brag about the work others had done in the
kingdom. He did not try to take credit for their work. His desire was that
these brethren increase in the faith in order that both he and they might
influence others with the gospel. Paul's attitude was that he wanted to preach
the gospel in other lands also. However, he would not take credit for
work someone else had already done.
Paul said, "Let the one who
boasts, boast in the Lord." That is the way it should be, "If you want to
brag, then brag about the Lord." Give the Lord
credit for any and all good works that might be accomplished. We should never
be happy unless what we are doing glorifies God and brings honor to His name.
"You
may brag about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord's
approval."
Will you
allow Jesus to control your thinking and thus control your life completely?
Will you love Him and serve Him with your whole heart? To become a Christian
you must hear the gospel (Romans