2 Corinthians 12:11-19 | Scheming Shepherds

--

Slides:

Schemes of Satan: Torment

2 Corinthians 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!

Schemes of Satan: Worldly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to [the will of] God produces a repentance without regret, [leading] to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Schemes of Satan: False Teachers

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

1 Corinthians 1:4-7

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 9:11-12

If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more?

2 Corinthians 11:7-8

Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking wages [from them] to serve you;

John 10:11-13

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 "He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters [them.] 13 "[He flees] because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.

Unconditional love desires, but it doesn’t demand or withhold.

Luke 6:32

"If you love those who love you, what credit is [that] to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

Paul’s “scheme” is to use his authority is to build (others) up.

2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,