OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS Paul has told the Corinthians that he himself is addressing these things to them. He is not speaking as a mere representative, but as one who has been commissioned and sent forth by Jesus Christ Himself, according to the will of God the Father. On the surface, it may appear as though all of this has little or nothing to do with our text. However, let no one be hasty to draw such an erroneous conclusion. In this passage Paul is going to plead with the Corinthians not to provoke him, or force him to be harsh with them. He actually threatens them with fighting against them with the spiritual weaponry that has been provided in Christ Jesus. In fact, he will emphatically declare that he is going to do this if those who have conducted themselves toward him in an ill manner do not repent. -- Tomorrow:
"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Cor 10:1-6)
Devotion 5 of 44
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH OUR TEXT?
All of this is not owing to any pride in Paul, or a desire to exalt himself above others. He knows the true exalted One, and will not push himself beyond the Lord. Rather, he knows the truth that Jesus stated concerning how it will go with those who reject His messengers. Such a rejection will be taken personally by both the Father and the Son. It will be counted as a forthright rejection of God Himself and His only begotten Son. Let me call to your minds once again the words of the King. "He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me" (Luke 10:16). It is not Paul's desire that such a confrontation take place. Therefore he exerts all of his ransomed powers to turn the Corinthians to a favorable position.
BESEECHING BY THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST
" . . . beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ . . . "
Paul now begins a fresh plea – seeking in a godly manner to move the Corinthians into a walk that is consistent with their profession, and with their own former desires as well. Among other things, this confirms the total unacceptability of a life that is at variance with a profession of godliness, or of association with Jesus Christ. There is such a thing as denying the Lord in one's works, even though He is professed with the mouth. As it is written, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16).
The prevalence of inconsistent lives within the professed church is staggering. Often there is little or no living evidence that people are "of Christ," or that they know Him. Although such a circumstance is quite acceptable to those who build religious institutions, it is not at all acceptable to God. Of what possible worth can a religion be that allows one to wear the name "Christian," yet requires no evidence that it is proper for the name to be worn? Is membership in an institution, and some form of tangible support of that institution, really sufficient? Is it really possible to be saved without possessing a love for the truth (2 Thess 2:10), a hatred for evil (Rom 12:9), a yielding of one's body as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2), and fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12)? Can it be that heaven will welcome those who did not deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world? Is an eternal inheritance reserved for those who did not "look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:11-12)?
The answers to such queries are quite obvious. It simply is not possible to defend the postulate that a life that remains at variance the truth will be received as though that was not the case.
This is why Paul is reasoning in the following manner – because there were changes that had to take place among the Corinthians. These changes could not be accomplished by an appeal to Law. Therefore Paul will make a higher appeal – one that is in consonance with the nature of the New Covenant.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me to live in complete harmony with Your nature and Your word.