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Read Introduction to 2 Corinthians

 

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.

 

Paul concluded the body of 2 Corinthians with a statement of his purpose in writing to the church.

10 Therefore I write these things being absent,

Paul’s warning in this section served the best interest of the church. This verse is the conclusion to 2 Corinthians.

lest being present I should use sharpness [harshness],

There would be no need for Paul to be confrontational if the church responded to his correction. This would be true if the church would reciprocate positively to 2 Corinthians.

according to the authority which the Lord has given me

Paul received authority to be an apostle from the Lord, not himself.

for edification and not for destruction [tearing down].

The purpose of Paul’s apostleship was to build (edification) Christians into maturity.

The word “destruction” only occurs in 2 Corinthians (2 Co 10:4,8) and here. The Greeks used this word for demolishing a city or building. “Edification” is to build up. Paul’s approach was to build and strengthen the church at Corinth, not to ruin it.

PRINCIPLE:

God judges realities, not appearances.

APPLICATION:

The balance between rebuke and the maturing of the church is the goal of every Christian leader. A pastor who cares for his congregation will not hesitate to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort.” The mature pastor is not primarily concerned about his reputation but builds up his people into a fully developed congregation.

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