by Katrina
LINK: 2 Corinthians 10
BACKGROUND
Paul's authority had been challenged by others who were teaching in the church at Corinth. These men were apparently Jewish Christians (11:22) who claimed they had higher authority than Paul. They lorded over the church. But Paul told the church that they were only considering outward appearance of these "false apostles" and forgetting that all believers are servants of Christ. In fact, Paul could claim higher authority than they, but he didn't want to seem too forceful and frighten the believers. So Paul reminded them not to be boastful about ministering the gospel. Rather, let the Lord commend whom He chooses to commend.
REFLECTION
Paul argued that although he lived in the flesh of a human body, he did not live according to the flesh of the sinful nature. He desired to destroy anything that was contrary to the knowledge of God. And he was taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
APPLICATION
How do we "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ"? This is a disciple all believers should develop. Our thoughts become our actions. Our sinful thoughts are just as sinful as sinful actions. Our tendency is to keep sinning because of our sinful nature. So if we are to follow Christ, we must make an effort to do so. We need to examine our thoughts in comparison to the teaching of Christ.
If you've been following along this Bible Book Club (or otherwise spending regular time in the Bible), you've been getting to know God's word better and gain a better understanding of His teaching. The next step is to compare your life to what you learn from God's word. Then adjust your thinking and actions (not God's word!) accordingly. This takes practice and discipline. Nobody said it would be easy. ;-)
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us the Bible and revealing so much of yourself to us through it. Help us learn to align our lives with your word to bring honor to you. In the name of Jesus, amen.
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