A New Measure of Authority

SERMON SERIES:

RENEWAL IN CHRIST

SERMON TEXT: 2 Corinthians 10:7–12

“Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

‌

SERMON SUMMARY:

No matter the situation, one of the most important questions one can ask is, “Who is in charge around here?” Whether at home, work, school or in battle, there is a great deal of comfort in simply knowing who has the final word and who is ultimately responsible. Who is to blame? Who gets the credit? Who does the discipline? Who signs the checks? After a year of being Lead Pastor here at NCF, this question is more important to me than ever before.‌ In this week’s passage, the Corinthians had come a long way and their change was remarkable, but there still remained a loud minority who continued to challenge Paul’s authority as Apostle. Incredibly, Paul’s reaction is not to exalt his God-given authority as leader, but to bring everyone to the center as equal in Christ. A Christian leader is a leader amongst equals… not a dictator amongst servants. As we are called to lead, the church is to be reminded of Jesus’ example of being called to serve and not to be served.