2 Corinthians 10
John Nelson Darby's sermon on 2 Corinthians 10 emphasizes the importance of obedience to Christ and the challenges faced by Paul in his ministry against false apostles.
John Nelson Darby discusses the character of Paul's ministry in 2 Corinthians 10, emphasizing the importance of bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. He reflects on Paul's humble appearance and the challenges he faced from false apostles who sought to undermine his work without proper authority. Darby highlights the grace in Paul's approach, waiting for the Corinthians to fulfill their obedience while maintaining his authority. He draws parallels between the struggles of the early church and contemporary issues, noting that true power comes from the Spirit of God amidst challenges. Ultimately, he warns against the misconception that the church is merely a reflection of worldly issues, stressing the need for spiritual discernment.
Text
In this chapter we have the character of Paul's ministry, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." I suppose Paul was some poor-looking man instead of being a fine commanding person - "in presence am base among you." In verse 5 I have put "reasonings" for "imaginations." The word has the force of both. In verse 6 "when your obedience is fulfilled," means he waited for them to go with him in all. There is the greatest grace in this, for he comes with authority behind, and has what I may call a rod for them, if needed.
353 In chapter 10, we have a clue to all these difficulties with these false people, and also to what his thorn in the flesh was. "We will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us," v. 13. These people had come and acted as if they were originally authorised, where God had not give them any measure. Paul had had all the difficulty, and persecution, and danger; and then it was all very comfortable for them to step in and try and spoil his work. He had not gone outside his measure. All very right in a good spirit that apostles should water what Paul planted, but that is if it is done in a right spirit. These were coming without being asked, and that to spoil the thing. Paul did not boast of things without (that is, outside) "our measure," things of other men's labour. "Enlarged by you" (v. 15) simply means, they were to help hum to go on to other places.
It all shews how the apostles went through the same kind of difficulties that we do. Suppose we saw all the churches of the country giving up justification by faith, how we should feel it! We should think it was all no use. But God met this at Corinth, and would now. Here were people drunk at the Lord's supper, and puffed up about wickedness, and so on. All these things were there, but power by the Spirit of God met them. Now people try to take an advantage of it in this way; they say, All these churches are just as bad as the Established Church, or anything else now. It is a great mistake, for now we find all is the world, and not the church at all. We have no church to appeal to, no grace or life to appeal to. It is not a question of more or less outward wickedness; they are not out from the world to walk in the Spirit, so that the exercise of the power of the Spirit may come in.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Paul's ministry
- The importance of obedience to Christ
- Paul's humility and authority
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II
- Challenges from false apostles
- Paul's measure of authority
- The danger of boasting in others' work
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III
- The role of the Spirit in overcoming difficulties
- The state of the church at Corinth
- The distinction between the church and the world
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IV
- The necessity of grace in ministry
- The call to support and encourage one another
- The power of God in addressing church issues
Key Quotes
“bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” — John Nelson Darby
“We will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us.” — John Nelson Darby
“It is not a question of more or less outward wickedness; they are not out from the world to walk in the Spirit.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- We should strive to align our thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ.
- Supporting one another in ministry is crucial for the growth of the church.
- Recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit can help us navigate challenges in our faith.