March 24th,Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 10 - 11

2 Cor 10

Satan seeks to blind minds to God's light. fortify minds against God's truth, and seduce minds from God's love.

Paul gives some practical counsel for victory in spiritual warfare.

1. Be Christlike.

Boldness must be balanced with meekness.

For God's power is experienced in humility.

Satan is our enemy, not people held by his power.

2. Use spiritual weapons.

See Paul may have in mind Joshua's victory at Jericho when the walls came tumbling down because of Israel's faith.

Be sure you're wearing your whole armour.

3. Keep your eyes on the Lord.

That the Corinthians accused Paul of inconsistency gave Satan an opportunity to work in their lives.

4. Accept the sphere of service God gives you.

Every Christian soldier has a place to fill.

If we're all following His orders, the church will win the battle.

5. Remember to seek God's glory alone.

How can we boast in victories that God alone can give?

Well Paul quoted Jeremiah 9:24 to remind us where the glory belongs.

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2 Cor 11

Paul compares himself to a father with obligations to his spiritual children.

There is protection.

Spiritual leaders must protect the church from false teachers, who are like suitors trying to seduce the church from devotion to Christ.

Beware losing your love for Christ and for those who helped you trust the Saviour.

Provision.

Paul had the right to receive financial support at Corinth.

But he laid it aside and sacrificed for them in love.

They did not appreciate it.

But do you appreciate the sacrifices others make for you?

Are you willing to sacrifice for others?

Even when they do not thank you?

Suffering.

Paul mentioned his sufferings only to defend the Gospel and the authority of his ministry.

The false teachers bragged about their triumphs, but Paul boasted about his trials.

William Temple wrote, 'The principle of sacrifice is that we choose to do or to suffer what apart from our love, we would not choose to do or suffer.'

When love is returned, the sacrifice is the most joyful thing in the world and heaven is the life of joyful sacrifice.

But in a selfish world, it must be painful.

And the pain is the source of triumph.