Read: 2 Corinthians 11:1-13:14; Acts 20:7-12
Paul had the burden of being a spiritual father to all the churches he had began. As he revisited them he found that the church in Corinth had let themselves be deceived by a man who came in and preached false doctrine. Paul explained how false teachers can look so righteous because Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of light. The difference is that these men give themselves the glory and not God. Paul then gave them a picture of his life and how much suffering he has gone through for the gospel. This was his glory, not that he took their money and lived in opulence. Paul reminded himself of what Jesus said about his life of suffering: “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul talked about his thorn in the flesh as being a messenger of Satan. If you look up that word “messenger” this could mean a pastor. It would make so much sense to have another pastor spreading lies about him. We see that in our day and it would definitely humble you.
Paul spoke yesterday about how they complained that he sounded so fierce in his letters but was not a good speaker and lacked charisma. He spoke today of being the least of the apostles yet God chose to exalt him. One thing we can say is that he was no baby to pain and the miracles and power of God followed him. While he was preaching a man fell asleep and fell three stories. Paul ran down and fell on the man and raised him from death.
We don’t have to have the gifts of speaking, or writing to be effective in God’s work. God chooses people in all sorts of packages to use. He is looking for the heart and soul of the person.
Lord, may we lose our lives for the gospel.
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