2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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OVERSTEPPING AUTHORITY?
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
2 Corinthians 10:12-18
Numbers 16:1-50
“Not boasting of things
without our measure.”
OVERSTEPPING AUTHORITY?
Another accusation levelled against Paul in 2 Corinthians 10 was that of overstepping authority. The power-hungry adversaries of Paul set themselves up as their own standards (2 Cor 10:12), and then proceeded to measure everyone else according to these standards. Alas, these standards were man-made, carnal criteria designed to promote self rather than the glory of God.
As Paul had failed by the self-imposed standards of his critics, they proceeded to accuse him of overstepping the boundaries of his ministry. Paul denied this, saying that he had always ministered within the limits set by God. God was the one who called Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, therefore he did not build upon other men’s labours (2 Cor 10:15), but laboured to preach Christ where He was not named (2 Cor 10:14, cf. Rom 15:20). Paul was just being true to the duties of his call.
In a twist of irony, by assuming they were superior to Paul and taking on greater authority on themselves, the accusers of Paul were the actual ones overstepping their authority. They were acting just like Dathan, Abiram and the sons of Korah in the times of Moses who rose up against Moses and Aaron, saying, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?” (Num 16:3). Moses rightly replied, “Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?” (Num 16:9). It was the sons of Korah who had taken too much upon themselves, not Moses (Num 16:7).
Therefore, let every man serve Christ humbly in his calling. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think (Rom 12:3).
THOUGHT: Read Romans 12:3.
PRAYER: Father, teach me to respect authority and abide in my calling.