Spiritual authority of Paul
Key Verses: 1, 4, 5, 12, 16, 18
Paul is defending himself against some slanderous charges, and he is uncomfortable doing it. He comes in humility and gentleness, not exactly the normal way of defending yourself. The normal way is with demonstrations of strength and power. But Paul recognizes that we are in a different kind of battle and therefore, we must use a different kind of weapon.
Paul speaks of demolishing strongholds. In our contemporary culture we might talk about destroying an enemy safe house. As stronghold, or safe house, is a place where the enemy can gather, plan, and then launch attacks. They often appear fairly normal and harmless from the outside, but are often booby trapped extremely dangerous for an outsider to enter. They have hidden, unexpected turns and twists to provide cover and concealment for those inside, and hazards for those entering who don’t belong.
These strongholds Paul talks about are both external and internal. They can be the cleaver arguments that people use to excuse their rebellion and sin. They can be attacks leveled without cause at those who believe. Or they can be internal, the dialogue we develop over time that keeps us from obedience. We must take those thoughts and make them our prisoners. We must not become deceived into thinking that cleaver sounding words equals truth. If the end is obedience, truth is near. If the words lead away from Christ, falsehood lurks in the shadows.
Compared to myself, I am the most handsome man in the world. I am also the most intelligent and wise! But when I compare myself to some other people, I am kind of in the middle of the crowd. Comparing ourselves to others does us no good. Comparing ourselves to the call of God on our lives; this can be fruitful. If we have been faithful to God’s call, then comparison can be good. If not, then comparison can motivate us to reexamine God’s call and recommit ourselves to His task.
Paul wanted credit for what he himself had done. He didn’t want to ride other’s achievements. He wanted the Lord’s commendation. He wanted to hear the words of Jesus, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter my rest.” I hope that you too want to be commended by the Lord. I know I do.
The Arnold Journey 