We are fighting an invisible war. n Every Christian is to be a soldier. (2 Tim 2:3-4)

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We are fighting an invisible We are fighting an invisible war. war. Every Christian is to be a Every Christian is to be a soldier. soldier. (2 Tim 2:3-4) (2 Tim 2:3-4)

Transcript of We are fighting an invisible war. n Every Christian is to be a soldier. (2 Tim 2:3-4)

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

Every Christian is to be a soldier. Every Christian is to be a soldier. (2 Tim 2:3-4)(2 Tim 2:3-4)

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

(2 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV)(2 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV) “You therefore “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ. {4} {4} No one engaged in warfare No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of entangles himself with the affairs of this this life, that he may please him who enlisted life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”him as a soldier.”

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

Our commander is Jesus Christ.Our commander is Jesus Christ.

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

We must have a focus and discipline within We must have a focus and discipline within us to be effective.us to be effective.

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

We must have a focus and discipline within We must have a focus and discipline within us to be effective.us to be effective.

We are fighting in a raging war. We are fighting in a raging war. (Eph 6:12-13)(Eph 6:12-13)

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

(Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV)(Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV) “For we do not “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual spiritual hosts hosts of wickedness in the heavenly of wickedness in the heavenly places. {13} places. {13} Therefore take up the whole Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”to stand.”

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

The foes are invisible, and so is the The foes are invisible, and so is the battleground. battleground. (Lk 17:20-21)(Lk 17:20-21)

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

(Luke 17:20-21 NKJV)(Luke 17:20-21 NKJV) “Now when He “Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation;not come with observation; {21} {21} “nor will “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.””you.””

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

The consequences are real, both in this life The consequences are real, both in this life as well as in eternity.as well as in eternity.

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

The consequences are real, both in this life The consequences are real, both in this life as well as in eternity.as well as in eternity.

If a mighty enemy invaded our land would If a mighty enemy invaded our land would you continue to live life as usual?you continue to live life as usual?

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

The consequences are real, both in this life The consequences are real, both in this life as well as in eternity.as well as in eternity.

If a mighty enemy invaded our land would If a mighty enemy invaded our land would you continue to live life as usual?you continue to live life as usual?

In this chapter Paul is turning his attention In this chapter Paul is turning his attention to battle false teachers among the to battle false teachers among the Corinthians.Corinthians.

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

These men were under the control of Satan. These men were under the control of Satan. (2 Cor 11:12-15)(2 Cor 11:12-15)

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

(2 Corinthians 11:12-15 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 11:12-15 NKJV) “But “But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.we are in the things of which they boast. {13} {13} For such For such are are false apostles, deceitful false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.apostles of Christ.

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

14} 14} And no wonder! For Satan himself And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.transforms himself into an angel of light. {15} {15} Therefore Therefore it is it is no great thing if his no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”be according to their works.”

We are fighting an invisible war.We are fighting an invisible war.

A very real battle was being fought within A very real battle was being fought within the church at Cornith. Whose side would the church at Cornith. Whose side would they choose?they choose?

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6)His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6)

(2 Corinthians 10:1-6 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 10:1-6 NKJV) “Now I, Paul, “Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ; who in presence and gentleness of Christ; who in presence am am lowly among you, but being absent am bold lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.toward you. {2} {2} But I beg But I beg you you that when I am that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the think of us as if we walked according to the fleshflesh

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{3} {3} For though we walk in the flesh, we do For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.not war according to the flesh. {4} {4} For the For the weapons of our warfare weapons of our warfare are are not carnal but not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, {5} {5} casting down arguments and every high casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,to the obedience of Christ,

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{6} {6} and being ready to punish all and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”fulfilled.”

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Paul had a heart that was filled with the Paul had a heart that was filled with the mind of Christ. mind of Christ. (10:1-3)(10:1-3)

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Paul had a heart that was filled with the Paul had a heart that was filled with the mind of Christ. mind of Christ. (10:1-3)(10:1-3)

This mind is the strength of the Christian. This mind is the strength of the Christian. (Phil 2:5-9)(Phil 2:5-9)

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(Philippians 2:5-9 NKJV)(Philippians 2:5-9 NKJV) “Let this mind “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ….….

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Is meekness and gentleness a sign of Is meekness and gentleness a sign of weakness or strength?weakness or strength?

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Is meekness and gentleness a sign of Is meekness and gentleness a sign of weakness or strength?weakness or strength?

MeeknessMeekness - "gentleness of attitude and - "gentleness of attitude and behavior, in contrast with harshness in one's behavior, in contrast with harshness in one's dealings with others - gentleness, meekness, dealings with others - gentleness, meekness, mildness." mildness." (Mt 5:5; Col 3:12; 1 Pt 3:15)(Mt 5:5; Col 3:12; 1 Pt 3:15)

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(Matthew 5:5 NKJV)(Matthew 5:5 NKJV) “Blessed “Blessed are are the the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”

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(Colossians 3:12 NKJV)(Colossians 3:12 NKJV) “Therefore, as “Therefore, as the the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;”meekness, longsuffering;”

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(1 Peter 3:15 NKJV)(1 Peter 3:15 NKJV) “But sanctify the “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always Lord God in your hearts, and always be be ready to ready to give give a defense to everyone who a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”you, with meekness and fear;”

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GentlenessGentleness - "the quality of gracious - "the quality of gracious forbearing - gentleness, graciousness, forbearing - gentleness, graciousness, forbearance." forbearance." (2 Tim 2:24-26)(2 Tim 2:24-26)

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GentlenessGentleness - "the quality of gracious - "the quality of gracious forbearing - gentleness, graciousness, forbearing - gentleness, graciousness, forbearance." forbearance." (2 Tim 2:24-26)(2 Tim 2:24-26)

You cannot be Christ's warrior without You cannot be Christ's warrior without these qualities.these qualities.

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2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV) 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV) - And a servant - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26and they may know the truth, 26and thatthat they may they may come to their senses come to their senses andand escapeescape the snare of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to the devil, having been taken captive by him to dodo his will. his will.

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You cannot be Christ's warrior without You cannot be Christ's warrior without these qualities.these qualities.

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This mind does not judge by outward This mind does not judge by outward appearance. appearance. (Jn 7:24)(Jn 7:24)

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John 7:24 (NKJV) John 7:24 (NKJV) - Do not judge - Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” righteous judgment.”

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Paul's enemies took confidence in Paul's enemies took confidence in appearance. They mistook lowliness as appearance. They mistook lowliness as weakness! weakness!

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Paul's enemies took confidence in Paul's enemies took confidence in appearance. They mistook lowliness as appearance. They mistook lowliness as weakness! weakness!

These men attacked Paul because of a lack These men attacked Paul because of a lack of "flashiness.“of "flashiness.“

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These same men judged Paul on the same These same men judged Paul on the same fleshly basis they lived their lives. They fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were going to be in for a surprise! This was were going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be the way Paul would deal not going to be the way Paul would deal with them. with them. (10:2-3)(10:2-3)

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These same men judged Paul on the same These same men judged Paul on the same fleshly basis they lived their lives. They fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were going to be in for a surprise! This was were going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be the way Paul would deal not going to be the way Paul would deal with them. with them. (10:2-3)(10:2-3)

These evil men are described as "some" in These evil men are described as "some" in this text. this text.

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These same men judged Paul on the same These same men judged Paul on the same fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be the way Paul would deal with going to be the way Paul would deal with them. them. (10:2-3)(10:2-3)

These evil men are described as "some" in These evil men are described as "some" in this text. this text.

God's weapons will accomplish their purpose.God's weapons will accomplish their purpose.

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The worldly mind would not choose these The worldly mind would not choose these weapons because he does not think they weapons because he does not think they will work! (Ex. Those who use arguments will work! (Ex. Those who use arguments that "work" but are false.) that "work" but are false.) (10:4)(10:4)

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The worldly mind would not choose these The worldly mind would not choose these weapons because he does not think they weapons because he does not think they will work! (Ex. Those who use arguments will work! (Ex. Those who use arguments that "work" but are false.) that "work" but are false.) (10:4)(10:4)

God's way will always work! God's way will always work! (Isa 55:8-11)(Isa 55:8-11)

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Isaiah 55:8-11 (NKJV) Isaiah 55:8-11 (NKJV) - “For My thoughts - “For My thoughts areare not your thoughts, Nor not your thoughts, Nor areare your ways My your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For asas the heavens are the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.…11 So shall My word be that goes thoughts.…11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper it shall prosper in the thingin the thing for which I sent it. for which I sent it.

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God wants every thought and imagination God wants every thought and imagination under His control. under His control. (10:5)(10:5)

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God wants every thought and imagination God wants every thought and imagination under His control. under His control. (10:5)(10:5)

Am I conforming my mind? Am I conforming my mind? (Rom 12:1-2)(Rom 12:1-2)

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God wants every thought and imagination God wants every thought and imagination under His control. under His control. (10:5)(10:5)

Am I conforming my mind? Am I conforming my mind? (Rom 12:1-2)(Rom 12:1-2) Are my imaginations under His control? Are my imaginations under His control?

(Gen 6:5, 8:21)(Gen 6:5, 8:21)

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God wants every thought and imagination God wants every thought and imagination under His control. under His control. (10:5)(10:5)

Am I conforming my mind? Am I conforming my mind? (Rom 12:1-2)(Rom 12:1-2) Are my imaginations under His control? Are my imaginations under His control?

(Gen 6:5, 8:21)(Gen 6:5, 8:21) There are also punishments God has There are also punishments God has

commanded. commanded. (10:6; 2 Cor 2:6)(10:6; 2 Cor 2:6)

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2 Corinthians 10:7-11 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 10:7-11 (NKJV) - Do you look - Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he that just as he isis Christ’s, even so we Christ’s, even so we areare Christ’s. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat Christ’s. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—I shall not be ashamed—

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9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10“For 10“For hishis letters,” they say, “ letters,” they say, “are are weighty weighty and powerful, but and powerful, but hishis bodily presence bodily presence isis weak, and weak, and hishis speech contemptible.” 11Let speech contemptible.” 11Let such a person consider this, that what we such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, are in word by letters when we are absent, such such we willwe will also also bebe in deed when we are in deed when we are present.present.

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Our vision must be based on how God sees Our vision must be based on how God sees things. things. (10:7)(10:7)

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What will happen when we see things as What will happen when we see things as God does? God does? (1 Cor 1:10)(1 Cor 1:10)

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1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) - Now I plead - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and thing, and thatthat there be no divisions among there be no divisions among you, but you, but thatthat you be perfectly joined you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same together in the same mind and in the same judgment.judgment.

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There are those who may be in the church There are those who may be in the church who do not have this mind. who do not have this mind. (1 Jn 4:1, 4-6)(1 Jn 4:1, 4-6)

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1 John 4:4-6 (NKJV) 1 John 4:4-6 (NKJV) - You are of God, little - You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak speak asas of the world, and the world hears of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.spirit of error.

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Our vision is based upon the authority of Our vision is based upon the authority of God. God. (10:8)(10:8)

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Our vision is based upon the authority of Our vision is based upon the authority of God. God. (10:8)(10:8)

This will cause us to put God above the This will cause us to put God above the wishes of men. wishes of men. (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)

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Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.would not be a bondservant of Christ.))

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This authority is for the good of others and This authority is for the good of others and not for one's selfish interest. not for one's selfish interest. (Rom 15:1-3)(Rom 15:1-3)

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Romans 15:1-3 (NKJV) Romans 15:1-3 (NKJV) - We then who - We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please each of us please hishis neighbor for neighbor for hishis good, good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, not please Himself; but as it is written, “The “The reproaches of those who reproached You reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”fell on Me.”

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When a man serves himself he wants the When a man serves himself he wants the attention of others.attention of others.

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Our vision will bring a consistency of life. Our vision will bring a consistency of life. (10:9-11)(10:9-11)

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Our vision will bring a consistency of life. Our vision will bring a consistency of life. (10:9-11)(10:9-11)

The false teacher has no principle and will The false teacher has no principle and will seek the advantage of the moment. seek the advantage of the moment. (Rom 16:18; 1 Thess 2:5; Jude 16)(Rom 16:18; 1 Thess 2:5; Jude 16)

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Romans 16:18 (NKJV) Romans 16:18 (NKJV) - For those who - For those who are such do not serve our Lord £Jesus are such do not serve our Lord £Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. hearts of the simple.

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1 Thessalonians 2:5 (NKJV) 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (NKJV) - For neither - For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God God isis witness. witness.

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Jude 1:16 (NKJV) Jude 1:16 (NKJV) - These are grumblers, - These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words,words, flattering people to gain advantage. flattering people to gain advantage.

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The Christian will be consistent! The Christian will be consistent! (Mt 5:37)(Mt 5:37)

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Matthew 5:37 (NKJV) - But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

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2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (NKJV) - For we - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. which especially includes you.

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14 For we are not overextending ourselves 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though (as though our authorityour authority did not extend to did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15not boasting of the gospel of Christ; 15not boasting of things beyond measure, things beyond measure, that is,that is, in other in other men’s labors, but having hope, men’s labors, but having hope, thatthat as your as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, enlarged by you in our sphere,

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16 to preach the gospel in the 16 to preach the gospel in the regionsregions beyond you, beyond you, andand not to boast in another not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. 17 But man’s sphere of accomplishment. 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”“he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.approved, but whom the Lord commends.

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We desire the praise of God! We desire the praise of God! (Jn 12:43, Rom 2:19)(Jn 12:43, Rom 2:19)

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John 12:43 (NKJV) John 12:43 (NKJV) - for they loved the - for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.praise of men more than the praise of God.

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Romans 2:19 (NKJV) Romans 2:19 (NKJV) - and are confident - and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,light to those who are in darkness,

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Many seek the short cut of seeking men to Many seek the short cut of seeking men to praise them. praise them. (2 Cor 10:12, 18)(2 Cor 10:12, 18)

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Many seek the short cut of seeking men to Many seek the short cut of seeking men to praise them. praise them. (2 Cor 10:12, 18)(2 Cor 10:12, 18)

If we do this we will have a shallow reward. If we do this we will have a shallow reward. (Mt 6:2)(Mt 6:2)

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Matthew 6:2 (NKJV) Matthew 6:2 (NKJV) - Therefore, when - Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.to you, they have their reward.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

When we seek the praise of men we will When we seek the praise of men we will "compete" for it. This will lead to lies "compete" for it. This will lead to lies and gossip to cripple the "competition.“and gossip to cripple the "competition.“

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

When we know our limits we will be When we know our limits we will be blessed! blessed! (10:13-16)(10:13-16)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

13We, however, will not boast beyond 13We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14For we are not especially includes you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves (as though overextending ourselves (as though our our authorityauthority did not extend to you), for it was did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; Christ;

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

15not boasting of things beyond measure, 15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is,that is, in other men’s labors, but having in other men’s labors, but having hope, hope, thatthat as your faith is increased, we as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,sphere,

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

There is a realm where we "ought to think." There is a realm where we "ought to think." (Rom 12:3)(Rom 12:3)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

Romans 12:3 (NKJV) Romans 12:3 (NKJV) - For I say, through - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think among you, not to think of himselfof himself more more highly than he ought to think, but to think highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.measure of faith.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

The Corinthians were living proof of the The Corinthians were living proof of the work of God through Paul! What did these work of God through Paul! What did these "others" do?"others" do?

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

What made Paul fulfilled? When the work What made Paul fulfilled? When the work of God was accomplished in others. of God was accomplished in others.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

What made Paul fulfilled? When the work What made Paul fulfilled? When the work of God was accomplished in others. of God was accomplished in others.

These are the kinds of men we should be These are the kinds of men we should be following. following. (10:15; Phil 2:17; 3 Jn 4)(10:15; Phil 2:17; 3 Jn 4)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

15not boasting of things beyond measure, 15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is,that is, in other men’s labors, but having in other men’s labors, but having hope, hope, thatthat as your faith is increased, we as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our shall be greatly enlarged by you in our spheresphere

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

Philippians 2:17 (NKJV) Philippians 2:17 (NKJV) - Yes, and if I - Yes, and if I am being poured out am being poured out as a drink offeringas a drink offering on on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. glad and rejoice with you all.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

3 John 1:4 (NKJV) 3 John 1:4 (NKJV) - I have no greater joy - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.than to hear that my children walk in truth.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

Nothing can compare to the praise of God. Nothing can compare to the praise of God. (10:17-18)(10:17-18)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

17 But 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”Lord.” 18 For not he who commends 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.commends.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

Whose battles are you fighting?Whose battles are you fighting?

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

Whose battles are you fighting?Whose battles are you fighting? God's battles are costly but we are sure to God's battles are costly but we are sure to

win! win! (1 Cor 9:25-26)(1 Cor 9:25-26)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)His Mighty Victory (10:12-18)

1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NKJV) - And - And everyone who competes everyone who competes for the prizefor the prize is is temperate in all things. Now they temperate in all things. Now they do itdo it to to obtain a perishable crown, but we obtain a perishable crown, but we forfor an an imperishable imperishable crown.crown. 26 Therefore I run 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as as one whoone who beats the air. beats the air.