2 Corinthians 10

Thursday, 5 November 2015

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10:3

It is of note that Paul says, “For though we walk in the flesh…” Walking in the flesh is a term used several times to indicate living in a worldly way. For examples, see 2 Corinthians 1:17, Romans 8:12-13, 1 Corinthians 1:26. And yet, the same term is also used to show that we are simply temporal beings with limited human capabilities and with all of the associated frailties. A few such verses are Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:22-24, and even 1Timothy 3:16 which is speaking of Christ.

Therefore, unlike the previous verse, here he is not equating a “walk in the flesh” with sin and worldliness, but with the frailties we possess which can lead to sin and worldliness. In this body of infirmity, “though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.”

The Greek word from which the idea of waging war comes from speaks of a soldier executing his duties in battle. This is a common theme that Paul uses in his writings. He will continue with this line of thought and explain it in the verses ahead. There is a real battle going on, and it is a battle in which we are engaged. However, it is not a battle that is waged on a worldly, fleshly level. Rather it is one that is waged in the Spirit.

This battle is spoken of by Paul in Romans 8 –

“So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰ And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:8-10

Life application: We cannot deny that we are in fallen bodies and those bodies have frustrating limitations, some of which cause us to stumble. But God gives us more grace. We have been saved by the blood of Christ and are already seated with Him in the heavenly places. When we stumble, let us get up, brush ourselves off, and get back into the battle. We are in a war until we are called home. Therefore, as soldiers under authority, we need to conduct ourselves according to the word of our Leader.

Heavenly Father, we can’t deny that we’re in weak and frail bodies that easily stumble in times of temptation, stress, or distress. But we also know that You give more grace. Help us to not get stuck on the ground, but to re-gather our strength and reengage the battle set before us. Thank You for having already forgiven us for the times we have or will fall. Thank You for the immeasurable love You have shown us in the giving of Jesus to reconcile us to You. Help us in this daily battle to wage the good war until the day You call us home. Amen.

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10:2

Paul just noted that his attitude and demeanor is considered “lowly” when he is present, but “bold” when he is not. In this, the assumption was made that when he came again, he wouldn’t be bold when it was necessary. Now, to correct that deficient assumption, he shows that he can be bold when necessary. The implication is that he has restrained from being so in the past, but the future may be different. This is evidenced by the word “but.”

Contrary to their perceptions, Paul begs for them to consider his authority and his ability to exercise that authority. He does this by saying, “…that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some.” There is an obvious tension between Paul and some in the congregation. He has restrained from calling them out, but should they continue with their negative attitude towards him, he fully intends to highlight it and bring his authority against it.

And the cause for the tension is that those he is referring to “think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.” Albert Barnes notes that –

“They suppose this; or, they accuse me of it. By the word “us” here Paul means himself, though it is possible also that he speaks in the name of his fellow apostles and laborers who were associated with him, and the objections may have referred to all who acted with him.”

Whether this is only Paul who is being accused of this, or whether it is he and his associates, some were saying that he or they “walk” according to the flesh. The word “walk” is an idiom for one’s way of life and conduct. Therefore, they are saying that Paul (and others possibly) were not walking appropriately, but were living their lives in one way while speaking and teaching in another.

Paul will show them in the coming verses that “walking in the flesh,” which we all do while living in this fallen human body, is not the same as “warring in the flesh.” There is a distinction to be made and it will correct these troublemaker’s faulted accusations against him.

Life application: Unfortunately, even the most humble elder or pastor must at times take off the gloves and speak firmly and forcefully in order to silence those who would disturb the fellowship. Paul’s example here, along with many others in Scripture, shows that when a heavier hand is necessary, it is to be brought out and used.

Lord God, help us to walk in harmony with one another to the greatest extent possible, overlooking the faults of others. But also give us the discernment, courage, and ability to see when a stronger hand of correction is needed. When such a time arises, help us to enforce Your standards rather than caving into the wiles of those who look only to divide and cause dissension. Help us Lord to be wise in this way, holding fast to the truths of Your word above all else. Amen.

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 Corinthians 10:1

In beginning a new subject, we read an emphatic expression, “Now I Paul.” It is an expression he uses several times elsewhere in his epistles to indicate particularly strong emotions. After this emphatic introduction, he says to the Corinthians that he is “pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.”

The intent is that in his plea he desires not to be thought of as an authoritarian ruler, but to rather be an emulation of the Lord. Those in Corinth, like all people who are saved, were granted gentle mercy. Instead of a rod of iron, they received meekness and tenderness. Paul’s plea to them is in hopes of emulating that example rather than requiring him to be harsh towards them.

To show that he can be either, he says while still speaking about himself, “…who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.” This will be further explained in verse 10, but the intent is that the impression of those in Corinth is that Paul’s attitude when present with them was not one of a strong leader. Rather, they looked at him as timid and not capable of enforcing discipline.

However, when he was absent from them he was bold toward them. Though not stated yet, this implies that his letters represented him in his absence as to who he would be when present. And so the thought this verse is conveying is as follows –

1) He is pleading with the Corinthians in the spirit of Christ, which is one of “meekness and gentleness.” This is in hopes of the Corinthians responding to his appeal without him requiring him to be bold and harsh.
2) He has demonstrated a lowly, humble attitude among them in the past and so they would expect him to be the same when he returns.
3) Even if his letters are bold, it is just a letter and his actions won’t match his words.
4) Therefore, they have nothing to fear concerning him being bold and harsh.

Life application: We should remember Paul’s careful explanation of himself here and realize that just because an individual displays an easygoing character, it may be that there is a point where that will change. Moses was noted as the most humble man ever, but he also demonstrated boldness when needed. The lesson is that we should never “push the buttons” of another and assume that their gentle demeanor is all we will see of them.

Lord God, the stresses of life can well up in us and change us from who we normally are into a different person. Sometimes the change may be a good one and allow us to do great things that we normally wouldn’t do. But sometimes the change may not be good and we may do something we would otherwise regret later. Moses lost his patience, acted contrarily, and lost his right to enter the Land of Promise. Help us to learn from such examples and give us the ability to withhold our dark side from taking over and causing irreparable harm to our relationships with others. Help us in this, O Lord. Amen.