and what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. [2 corinthians 11:12]
as has been already mentioned here, paul ends the previous statement with a proclamation of his love for the corinthians–and this is why we press on when there is discouragement, this is why we press on in the face of opposition, it is our motivation. love.
“a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” [john 13:34-35]
when we are discouraged, and feel like we cannot continue on because of sin or the weight of the world, we endure, not in our own strength, but in the strength of Christ, enduring for the joy we have ahead of us.
therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [hebrews 12:1-2]
just as in acts 15, the “super apostles”–like the converted jews in jerusalem to the gentiles–were placing requirements and teachings upon those in corinth that no one could bear–paul also silences these teachers with the truth: that the gospel is not Jesus+, it is Jesus alone!
now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? but we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” [acts 15:10-11]
the truth overcomes and undermines falsehoods. the truth sets free.
so Jesus said to the jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [john 8:31-32]
we boast in the word–we boast in the truth–we boast in Jesus.
Father,
give me love for those who boast in other things, humble me and allow me to boast only in Jesus Christ. let me endure for the joy of worshipping your name. let me abide in the words of Christ. set me free from the entanglements of the world. set me free to truly love you like i was made to do.
amen.
~conor eastman