2 Corinthians 13:5-14 | Blessed by the Test

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Slides:

The primary test for the church and its leaders should be the standard of the Word, not personal preference.

Romans 9:1-3

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, [separated] from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh…

The costs of leadership:

• You’ll make hard decisions that negatively affect people you care about.

• You’ll be disliked, even by people you try your best to help.

• You’ll be misunderstood and won’t be given the chance to defend yourself.

“Tests” of godly discipline:

• The motive of discipline is to build up.

• Self-correction is preferred.

• Displays of power can be rooted in pride.

• Break glass in case of emergency.

Romans 15:22-28

For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain--for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while-- 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased [to do so,] and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.

Blessed by the test: Intimacy with Jesus

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4(a) who comforts us in all our affliction…

Blessed by the test: Ministry to others

2 Corinthians 1:4(b)so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

Blessed by the test: The power of God seen in you for Christ’s sake!

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.