Mistaking Kindness for Weakness

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—lest I seem to terrify you by letters. “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present. For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Context-

Humility in this time in this part of the world was a foreign concept-

Humility was a reproach and Paul’s opponents were using the term negatively.

Leaders who were revered were strong, dominant, and brutal. They allowed no room for other opinions, were quick to anger, and forceful in judgment. They were boastful and quick to remind people of their accomplishments.

Not much different than today’s setting.

We ignore the quiet, self assured and listen to boastful, self lovers who constantly remind us of their accomplishments.

Celebrities have become our moral compass… you are good at entertaining and have many fans, so you must be one to follow.

Dio Chrysostom (greek writer in 1st century ad who wrote much we know about the roman empire’s history) comments: “Certainly foolish persons universally scorn men of no reputation and pay no heed to them, even though they may chance to be giving most excellent advice; but, on the other hand, when they see men being honoured by the multitude or by persons of greatest power, they do not disdain to be guided by them.”

Jesus models for us that men of the call, should strive to be of no reputation.

This presents quite the problem for us called to lead, guide and teach the church if the church is deceived by this notion!

Such was true of the Corinth church. They were being led astray by false apostles… Acting more like the leaders of the world. Aggressive and boastful.

Paul was being accused of being meek in person, but bold in letters. They were mistaking his meekness for weakness.

How do we ensure that we are not acting like the Corinthian Church and not being deceived?

We must allow God to search our hearts for things that attract us, beyond the true Gospel. Some examples may be-

Fame, notoriety- If they are famous, they must be right. (From a famous pastor about charismatic movement, where people believe in spiritual gifts)

“But you have to understand, this other stream of evangelicalism goes back about to 1966, 1966, when the hippies came out of San Francisco, showed up in Orange County, joined Calvary Chapel, and we had the launch of an informal, barefoot, beach, drug-induced kind of young people that told the church how the church should happen, how it should act. Hymns went out. Suits went out. For the first time in the history of the church, the conduct of the church was conformed to a sub-culture that was born in LSD and marijuana in San Francisco, migrated to Southern California.” Quote from John MacArthur

He is more famous than I so it must be true. Right? Wrong!!!

Human knowledge and wisdom-

It’s a completely different stream. That launches the informal, culturally-driven, culturally-defined, give them what they want kind of church that ends up in the seeker-friendly church, takes a branch in the Vineyard, and the Vineyard leads to the excesses of the contemporary charismatic movement. That’s a completely different stream. That’s not our stream. Those aren’t our heroes.Human knowledge and wisdom-

Social aptitude- This one makes me shutter- The pastor should be everyone’s friend. The lack of social aptitude is dismissal of the called man of God. Paul doesn’t strike me as the picture of modern “Church leadership” - Neither did Jesus.

Entertaining- I wish he would tell a story.

Makes me feel good- itching ears…

Human wisdom, educated- We must be educated, but by whom?

What does God look for in a leader we should follow?

Jealous for the church- hyper vigilant to protect from the schemes of the evil one.

Preaches the real Jesus.

Even if that is too simple.

Even is that is not what is going to fill the seats.

Humbles himself-

Loves you- like a father, not a burden as someone you must serve, but someone who extends himself for you.

Edifies you- builds you up spiritually.

Someone who lets God lift him up, not himself-

This is not a recipe for an exciting church. But it is a recipe for a healthy one, one you should submit to and allow to speak into your life and give your life for.

Back to the beginning- humility and meekness.

Those who want to lead- are you willing to become nothing?

“Worm of a man” story.

“Pay the price”

Those who aren’t called to lead, will you be humble enough to follow the real shepherds? The real Apostles and the real teachers?

They couldn’t believe because of his appearance and demeanor. God often calls those type of people to test the hearts of men and women. Will they recognize me wrapped in a paper bag?

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