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.” [2 corinthians 10:9-10]
God uses the weak to shame the strong. paul revisits this truth so many times in his letters to the churches. he reminds them he does not speak on his own authority. he reminds them that he was among the greatest of sinners. he reminds them that he carries a “thorn in his flesh.” he reminds them that God’s strength is made perfect in his weakness. he boasts in his weakness. he boasts in the gospel of Christ.
the false prophets in corinth were continually trying to nullify the gospel of Christ by defaming the character of paul. they put to shame his weakness. his physical appearance. his lack of presence among them. so again, paul is redirecting their gaze to his intent. his great love for them to lead them to satisfaction in Christ Jesus.
he has no desire to see them ashamed by his words. only to stir them up in their affection for Christ. he wants the bold truth of his exhortation to lead them to a deep rooted hunger for the things of the Lord, and to stand firm against false teachings of the world. to stand out, to be different. he desires for his pleading to lead to genuine fruit of the Spirit that would lead to the spreading of the gospel to the nations.
so as you sit in the presence of the Glorious One today, here are some questions to ask yourself and ask for him to reveal in your heart…
- when i am presented with difficult exhortation through the Word, the Spirit, or through another believer, do i listen with an open heart? (acts 17:11)
- when i am presented with difficult exhortation through the Word, the Spirit, or through another believer, do i often think of others instead of my own heart? (matt 7:3-5)
- when i am presented with difficult exhortation through the Word, the Spirit, or through another believer, do i become defensive? (1 john 2:4, prov 29:1)
- when i am presented with difficult exhortation through the Word, the Spirit, or through another believer, do i pray for God to root out my idols? (ps 139:23-24)
- when i am presented with difficult exhortation through the Word, the Spirit, or through another believer, do i seek out ways that i lack belief? (heb 11:6)
- when i exhort, do i long for God’s glory, or my own? (luke 11:43-44)
- when i exhort, do i desire to appear more righteous than the hearer? (matt 23:25)
- when i exhort, do i pray for reconciliation? (matt 18:10-14, 1 cor 10:33)
- when i exhort, do i speak the scripture, or merely opinion? (col 2:1-4)
Father, i confess that my view of you is too small. i confess that the teachings of the world have clouded my understanding of your truth. help me to love your truth and the gospel of Christ as my greatest treasure. search my heart, try my thoughts. root out my evil ways, and lead me in your everlasting way. thank you for your faithfulness!! amen.
~arwen eastman