Apples & Oranges & Truth
2 Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Our text today is from 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 and I have entitled it, Apples & Oranges & Truth. Partly because Paul shows that when the false teachers create straw-men then attack them, there is no way to see if they are right or not, because they are only looking at themselves!
The context for todays text begins in
7 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. 8 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—9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 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. 12 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. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14 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; 15 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, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Measure of a man 12-13, Who We Are 14-16, Commended by Glory 17-18
This section is again, Paul pointing out though these false teachers are absolutely wrong, doctrine is important, but above it all, is the glory of God in the Gospel.
Measure of Truth 12-13
Measure of Truth 12-13
12 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.
Class: judgement about, Paul doesn't make judgment about this in comparison and if he shouldn't commend himself, neither should they. 2 Corinthians 5:12 “For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.”
Paul taught that the word the gospel was the standard for his commendation. These false teachers and them are not even in the same class. And Paul asks them not to judge them by their standards.
Because they are presenting themselves as a standard. Basically they are presenting straw-men as the comparison. If all you compare yourself to for truth is you, then you’ll always be right.
a straw-man is a noun used as far back as 1886 1: a weak or imaginary opposition (as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted 2: a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction
they aren’t wise in doing this because you will never get it right if you make the presumption that every other doctrine that might contradict it is wrong. When you make the standards, the standards become easy for you to meet. They aren’t using Gods word, but mans thoughts. Kinda like today!
A lot of cultists do this, they set-up other faiths with beliefs they don’t really hold to beat their own false argument. Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses, etc. the vaunt themselves and don’t look at anything outside for any measure of truth.
I have had conversations and even when the scripture plainly disagrees with a person, they often reply, “I don’t care because this feels right.” Romans 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” When you only compare yourself to yourself for your measure of truth, even God can get put aside.
13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.
Sphere - Assignment - which God appointed/made - Paul came to present the Gospel, was literally led by God here, prevented from going to other places. 2 Corinthians 10:15 “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,”
Most false teaching and cults, etc. don’t establish their own foundation because their foundation isn't real or based on truth.
Paul specifically says, you are the interloper, I was sent - Galatians 2:8 “(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),”
Which leads us to to Pauls next point -
Who The Truth Is 14-16
Who The Truth Is 14-16
2 Corinthians 10:14 (NKJV)
14 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;
Paul made it plain that he came with the Gospel in mind. Not establishing a kingdom, not wanting to build a mega church, but that people be saved. 1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
this is why confrontation is so hard. Truth needs to be taught but Pauls primary goal is no longer winning the argument, even if you have to imprison them, but that everyone might know Jesus. Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
So Paul, who shared the gospel with everyone at this church, and folks getting saved are being saved by the Gospel that Paul established there (With Apollos help). He is their Apostle, no matter how you want to spin it. 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
Paul and Apollos would and should be able to say, God established you through us. It was all the gospel, not them that saved, it was not something these false teachers could say. Paul would even tell folks that if they change from what they originally taught, to reject them! Turn to: Galatians 1:6–10 “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. 10For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
With Paul his authority is displayed in being a bondservant of Jesus, with these false teachers its getting people to be subservient to them. Jesus even said, John 14:6 “6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
15 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, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
kauchastho - boast, brag, he uses the same word in 17, not the Doxa of other texts we read, but boast about Jesus.
The false teachers established nothing but take everything. Paul is the opposite. We cant always judge what others do, thats between them and God, but we
Paul and others saw the real work of God happening among those they shared and lived the Gospel with, and they were enabled to share with others because of it. Each new church became a FOB (Forward Operating Base) that they could be protected and launched at them
Like we have that sphere of influence, and its the same for Paul and the church in Corinth. Paul however was inspired to only go where someone had already begun a work. Romans 15:20 “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,” and as the body grew - the sphere of authority that Paul had, because it became know through the regions that those churches really followed Christ.
Recommended by Glory 17-18
Recommended by Glory 17-18
17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Glory, translated here as glory, is kauchastho - boast, brag we saw earlier. But he uses a OT ref: Jeremiah 9:24 “But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” this is your God.
We cannot brag about anything of the Gospel, because it is all Jesus. Turn to: Ephesians 2:4–10 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
False brethren compare themselves to themselves and not to the word. Thats why they recommend themselves above everyone else. There was no indication that the false teachers are recommended by anyone other than themselves.
Manipulating people they are the opposite of what Peter said in Acts 5:29 “…“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Paul gave the fact that they had been sent by God by the sphere of authority that God had so obviously given them.
They are guilty of what James said, when they don't see the Glory of God in what they do what they should not. James 1:23–25 “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
if we try to convert people to our form of belief, it often means we never share. We never tell. But if we share Jesus and he converts them, it means we all come together to be a part of what Christ is doing among us.
This is why we are always saying you are the church, you are the source of evangelism. To be sharing the Gospel and bringing folks here to learn the Word or you teach them!
Hudson Taylor told of a Chinese pastor who always instructed new converts to witness as soon as possible. Once, upon meeting a young convert, the pastor inquired, “Brother, how long have you been saved?” The man answered that he had been saved for about three months.
“And how many have you won to the Savior?”
“Oh, I’m only a learner,” the convert responded.
Shaking his head in disapproval, the pastor said, “Young man, the Lord doesn’t expect you to be a full-fledged preacher, but he does expect you to be a faithful witness. Tell me, when does a candle begin to shine—when it’s already half burned up?”
“No, as soon as it’s lit,” came the reply.
“That’s right, so let your light shine right away.”
Shall we spend just a moment to talk about you sharing the Gospel? About introducing someone to Jesus if we have time.
A - B - C
Admit You are a Sinner. Not just that you did some wrong but that you have sinned and are deserving of death. Repent of of your sin.
Believe that Jesus loved you, died for your sins and rose from the dead.
Confess Jesus Lord, that He loves others and died for them and rose from the dead so that they could have eternal life. Then tell others.