VI. The Evidence of Authority Presented. 2 Corinthians 11:5 – 12:13

Paul built a case for his authority and integrity with the following evidence and arguments and throughout he identified those were falsely accusing him as the deceivers that they were. He began with the presentation with his –

A. Financial accountability. 2 Corinthians 11:5-12 He set forth his –

1. Position. 2 Corinthians 11:5-7

a. His calling as an Apostle was genuine. 11:5

Paul compared himself to the false teachers who claimed to be ‘the best of the apostles, above even them’. He mocked their claim and contended he was only less than them in their own minds!

Paul had the confidence of the Apostles and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem –

Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

b. His communication of God’s Word was complete. 11:6

1 Corinthians 2:3-4 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Paul used every method of speaking he could to teach the people the Word of God that they might know the will of God – to be saved, baptized, and taught.

Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

He preached to them –

Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

He taught them –

Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

c. His conduct among them was blameless. 11:7

1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

2. Practice. 2 Corinthians 11:8,9

Paul had not demanded that his provision be supplied by the Corinthians. His depended upon the Lord to meet his needs –

a. Through his own labour.

1). His work in Corinth.

Acts 18:2-3 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

2). His work in Ephesus.

Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Acts 20:33-34 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

b. Through the support of churches. “…the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied…”

As the churches were established, they began to send money to the missionaries to supply their needs and give them more time for the work of the ministry of the Word of God.

3. Plan. 2 Corinthians 11:10-12

Paul had determined that he had been faithful in his service unto the Lord and he would not change just to please men! He challenged the false teachers to serve God as he and the other missionaries were serving!

In conclusion, we should note –

4. The Pattern that is set forth in God’s Word is that which we follow today.

a. The Churches Serving – reaching and teaching their cities.
b. The Call of God in His churches Sending – responding to the call of God.
c. The Cooperation of His churches Supplying – relying on God and one another.

Therefore according to the commands of God – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15

Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly and simply to the lost
Praying for the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon their lives that they may ask “What must I do to be saved”? Once they are saved –
Present the step of obedience to the Lord in baptism, being introduced into the membership of the church
Provide them with the Word of God, preaching and teaching, that they may learn and do all that the Lord commands us to do. Sunday preaching service, Sunday School, Bible Study, Prayer meetings …
Protecting them with the truths of the Bible that they may know the difference between the truth and a lie! (We will see more about this next Sunday)

I ask you today –

Has God called you to serve Him? You may say to yourself – “I am serving God here in this church”. Just remember that God does not call a man to send Him out from a church who is not already serving in his church”!

Acts 13:2-3 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.