I am going to use the first bits of the first line of our next passages as my introduction. We are not contesting with those who desire to commend themselves, while they compete and compare notes with one another and by this completely miss the point of this gospel! It is not that we consider ourselves better or anything like that no not at all! It is only this, it is part of my own calling that drives me on. My call, of autumn of 1971, of the LORD, is seen best in 2Timothy 4:2 of 1-4 where we have this in the ESV; "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." This caused me to withhold from any seeking to be among those who build churches and denominations. Instead I waited and waited for the LORD to do as he promised.
2Corinthians 10:12-18 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare(G4921) ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach(G2185) even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. But "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (taken from Jeremiah 9:34) For not he that commendeth himself is approved(G1384), but whom the Lord commendeth." (KJV)
2Corinthians 10:12-18 "Not that we dare to classify or compare(G4921) ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach(G2185) even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (taken from Jeremiah 9:34) For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved(G1384), but the one whom the Lord commends." (ESV)
2Corinthians 10:12-18 "We are not contesting with those who desire to commend themselves! While they compete and compare with one another they competely miss the point; they fail to [1,G4921]comprehend our joint I-am-ness! To the denying their own righteousness! (The word, [1,G4921 from G4862 and G2476] suniemi, means a joining together like that of two streams; a fusion of thought.) Why boast in something you can take absolutely no credit for! The only valid measure that defines our lives and explains why we have [1,G2185]arrived on your doorstep with the gospel, is the one wherewith GOD has measured us in Christ. (One cannot measure temperature with a ruler. The word, [1,G2185 from G1909 and a cognate of G2240] ephikneomai , is from (G1909) epi, continual influence upon, and (G2240) heko, to have come, to have arrived, to be present. Look at Romans 6:14, "Sin was your master while the Law was your measure; now grace rules." [The Law revealed your slavery to sin; now grace reveals your freedom from it.] Also Romans 3:27, "The law of faith cancels the Law of works, which means there is suddenly nothing left for humanity to boast in. No one (or religion based on faith) is superior to another. Bragging only makes sense if there is someone or something to compete with or impress. "Through the righteousness of GOD we have received a faith of equal standing." Look at 2Peter 1:1 (RSV) "The OS (operating system) of the Law of works is willpower; while the OS of the law of faith is Agape. Galatians 5:6, Agape set faith in motion. The Law presented humanity with choices; grace awakens belief! Willpower exhausts, agape ignites! If choices could save us we would be our own Savior! Willpower is the language of the Law, Agape is the language of grace and glory that ignites faith that leads to romance; falling in love beats all "making a decision to believe in Agape!" Look at Romans 7:19.) Our ministry to you is proof that there are no geographic limitions that could possibly exclude you from the gospel of Jesus Christ! We are not competing with others for your membership; our vision for you is to see your faith mature into full harvest; this is our standard rule, we have no other expectation! To the same degree that your faith matures, our field among you is greatly increased! So if you desire to boast about anything, boast in the LORD! (Even as Jeremiah wrote in 9:23-24, "The LORD says: 'Let not the wise glory in their wisedom, let not the mighty glory in their might, let not the rich glory in their riches; but let the one who glories glory in this, that they have understanding and know me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast Agape, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things i delight, says the LORD.'" ) The true [1,G1384] recipe for authentic ministry is not in clever marketing schemes; let the LORD promote you, he beats the best! (The word, [1,G1384 from G1380] dokimos means test, proof, accepted, particularly of coins and money.) (The Mirror)
Well we have completed this chapter so what lays ahead? More foolishness? I don't think so. Until our next visit may the LORD develop within you and yours an inner knowing of his grace and glory.
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