Within One’s Proper Measure

Summary:Paul challenges the Corinthians to look beyond outward appearances and recognize that those who belong to Christ—including Paul himself - have legitimate authority from the Lord. He explains that his authority was given not to tear the church down but to build it up, and he will not be ashamed to exercise it when necessary. Paul rejects accusations of inconsistency between his letters and his personal presence, affirming that his actions will match his words. Unlike his opponents, he refuses to boast beyond proper limits or compare himself with others. Instead, he limits his boasting to the sphere of ministry God assigned to him, which rightly includes the Corinthians. Teaching:If we do not truly know the love, mercy, kindness, and patience of Jesus, we either do not understand what it means to live in Christ or we fail to live it with earnest struggle and devotion. The work of the church is the work of winning people, and Paul takes pride in this. Both those who preach the Word and those who learn the Word must go through the same process of pain, sorrow, and deep conviction in Christ. If we avoid this process, our faith will not grow, no matter how long we attend church. When Paul speaks of “measure” or “limit,” he means the boundary of responsibility that God has assigned. Each of us must keep our proper measure and do the work that fits it. In this sense, the Corinthian church must listen to Paul’s gospel and exhortation. You also should read Scripture diligently and listen carefully to sermons. If there is no serious issue with the one who teaches the Word, do not quarrel or pick fights. Even if there are points of contention, take hold of the Word itself. To live according to the portion God has given, we must know God’s will. Do not judge by what appears before your eyes, but become holy people of God who discern and judge according to God’s will. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Jan 22, 2026 2 Corinthians 10:7-13