2 Corinthians 5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
Paul is known for his humility, and if someone understands the letters to the Church of Corinth, we see that the greatest thing is the transformation of Paul.
The congregation of Corinth were pulled up for all the wrongdoings, but the level of rebuking by Paul to any Church is the most here. They were not only most corrupt but also most candid. They had publicly touched on Paul’s weak spot, his problem with speech, for he was a bad orator. They went to the extent of comparing him with his own student Timothy, who, being an Evangelist, was blessed as an orator.
Paul had prayed to the Lord thrice with regard to his problem, but the Lord had not hearkened; instead said, ‘My grace is sufficient’.
It I said, a woman gives birth to a child, and it is the child who makes the woman a mother. Similarly, a good teacher makes good students, and it is the students who make the teacher a better teacher.
The Corinthians had a problem, but Paul’s endurance to change also triggered his own change. The problem comes when both are least concerned with edification. When either one seeks change, both change.
Our Churches are suffering not just because of the congregation but also because of the mentors; neither genuinely seeks God. If either one would, then both would change.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. Lord, Your Kingdom is not of this world. The world considers You its enemy, and those who love this world also make themselves an enemy. Lord, we pray; we seek not this world or worldly things but seek You more than anything else. We pray Your Church wakes up from its slumber, do what You need to do to wake them up…
We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Corinthians 11:6 But though [I be] rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Acts 24:1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.