It Starts Small

In today’s scripture Paul turns his attention back to the Corinthians. Because of all of this, he writes. He and his co-workers stay motivated. They aim to persuade others to believe the gospel. He insists that God knows they have no other agenda. He hopes the Corinthians who know him are convinced of this, as well. That knowledge will embolden them. It will help them answer Paul’s critics. These critics are judging him by the outward appearances of his circumstances. Some may have suggested that Paul’s mental health was questioned. He continued to preach the gospel despite continually suffering for it. Paul, though, emphasizes again that he can do nothing else. Christ’s love compels him to keep telling everyone that Christ died for all so they, too, can live for Christ 

Knowing the fear of the Lord

Paul feared God. It doesn’t mean he lived in terror of God. Rather, he recognized God’s authority. In the first part of 2 Corinthians 5, we saw Paul believed he would face God. He was convinced this meeting would happen one day. Specifically, he believed that he would one day come before the judgment seat of Christ.

That belief changed how he lived. Because he knew this, he desired to please God in all that he did. Paul was motivated to live his life knowing that God is the beginning and the end. He is the Creator who gives the standards and the judge who keeps us accountable. The evangelism and discipleship he engaged in were a direct results of his fear of the Lord.

We persuade others

It was this recognition of God’s authority that led Paul to preach the gospel, to persuade others. He wanted to be ready to face the judgment seat of Christ. He also wanted to make sure others were ready as well.

What we are is known to God and I hope also to your conscience

Some individuals in Corinth dared to question Paul’s true motivations. Among them were the false teachers, intent on undermining his credibility and launching relentless attacks on him over trivial matters. Throughout 2 Corinthians, we witness Paul passionately defending himself and his devoted team. With fervor, he clarifies his motives, ensuring they understand the driving force behind his actions. Ultimately, his unwavering desire is to glorify God.

We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us

Paul craved no accolades or admiration. He did not want to draw their gaze just to hear them exclaim, “Wow, Paul is a spiritual giant!” The essence of his letter pulsated with the urgency of clarifying his true motives. Once they recognized the sincerity behind his words, they would embrace his apostleship and authority wholeheartedly. This clarity would empower them to stand firm, ready to confront those who boast about their superficial appearances.

False teachers in the church fiercely opposed Paul, launching their attacks with cunning precision. One of their insidious strategies revolved around appearances, preying on the superficial. They may have been Judaizers. They fervently advocated that everyone must adhere to the Old Testament law. They believed this would make individuals seem virtuous and righteous on the outside. Alternatively, they could have maliciously pointed at Paul’s afflictions, attempting to twist them into evidence of weakness. Paul acted with powerful conviction. He reminded the Corinthians of his true motives. This empowered them to confront his critics. By doing this, their faith in the Lord could flourish. As a result, the voices of God’s adversaries would be silenced.

Outward appearance versus the heart

⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

Many false teachers care about outward appearance. And many churches focus on outward things instead of the heart of the sheep. Here are a few outward things that some churches may focus on:

• Numbers – How many members does the church have? (David incurred God’s wrath because of his focus on numbers: 2 Samuel 24)
• Offering – Some churches measure success by the amount of offering received.
• Facilities – Some churches focus on large, beautiful buildings (The disciples also did this in Mark 13:1)
• Respectability – Wearing nice clothes and nice greetings (Matthew 23:7)
• Likes, retweets, or subscribers on social media.

How can church focus on the heart?

If we are beside ourselves, it is for God

The word in Greek means something like being insane. Paul’s devotion to the Lord would be viewed as insanity by many. And in fact, believers who are faithful to God are often viewed as “mad” or “fanatics.”

If we are in our right minds, it is for you

Paul behaved reasonably and sober-mindedly toward the Corinthians. In these two phrases, we are reminded that Paul acted for God’s glory. He also behaved for their edification.

The love of Christ controls us

Whatever Paul did, he did because he loved Christ. This was the underlying motivation for his life.

Can you say the same thing about yourself?
Does the love of Christ control you?
What motivates you?
What guides your major decisions?

Think about an area of your life where the love of Christ is not controlling you. Perhaps it is your relationship with your spouse. Maybe it is your words. Or maybe it is how you react to your children when misbehave. Ask God to help the love of Christ control you in that area. In the next week, make a conscious effort to grow in love in that area.

He died for all that we might no longer live for ourselves

Remember what God has done for us. We were totally depraved and on our own. We had no hope and were destined for His wrath. Yet, He called and justified us because of His choice. It was His initiative, not ours, His grace not our work. Jesus gave us life for us.

We must recognize the fierce course of action we should undertake in response! This calls for bold and transformative steps; it’s not merely about giving a small donation for earthquake relief. It’s so much more than just purchasing blankets for those in need. It’s about expressing heartfelt gratitude through our actions! It goes beyond the occasional visit to church or wearing Christian jewelry. We must commit unwaveringly and show true compassion for our fellow human beings!

It doesn’t have to involve grand ministry feats! You don’t need to uproot your life and journey to Afghanistan to make a difference among the impoverished tribes. You aren’t obligated to translate the Bible into ten different languages or lead a congregation of thousands. While those achievements are commendable, God desires so much more from us. He seeks not just our resources—our money, our belongings, our time—but our very lives! We are called to be living sacrifices, wholly dedicated and surrendered (Romans 12:1-2).

How can you live for God in the coming week?

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Cross-References:

• Ecclesiastes 12:13
• Matthew 10:28
• Proverbs 14:27
• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Matthew 7:15
• Jeremiah 9:23
• Galatians 2:20
• Galatians 1:10

Reflective Questions:

• What is the fear of the Lord? How is it different than fearing a war or disease?
• Paul says in verse 11 “what we are is known to God.” What were they?
• How had Paul already commended themselves to the Corinthians?
• Who are the ones who may have boasted about outer appearance?
• What types of things may they have boasted about?
• What kinds of “outer appearances” may a church focus on rather than the heart?
• What does verse 13 mean?
• How can the love of Christ control you?
• In what way have “all died?”
• What are some ways that a person lives for himself?
• What are some ways that we can live for God?
• Since Jesus died for you, what should you do for Him?

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