“June 28, 2024 - The Sphere God Has Assigned Us”

Thursday, June 27, 2024

The Sphere God Has Assigned Us

Reading:  2 Corinthians 10:13-18
    
    It is hard to miss Paul’s critics in the background of this section.  He defends himself against charges that he and his fellow-workers are “overextending ourselves”(2 Cor 10:14) by claiming them as his converts.  He insists that he does not “boast beyond limit in the labor of others”(2 Cor 10:15) and refuses to commend himself (2 Cor 10:18).  These critics have grown territorial, arguing that Paul has no right to claim authority among them (despite the fact that Paul helped start the church in Corinth) because this is not his sphere or “area of influence”(2 Cor 10:13, 15-16).  Perhaps these opponents also claim their own authority as apostles (2 Cor 11:5, 12).

    So Paul pushes back:  “But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach 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”(2 Cor 10:13-14).  Paul has a sphere of influence God has assigned him which most certainly includes Corinth.  He reminds them that he was, by the work and assignment of God, the first to teach them about Jesus.  He also contends that he enjoys preaching in completely untouched places (see Rom 15:20).  But he also has a broader rebuke:  this is not about building a resume or gaining followers for himself.  “‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends”(2 Cor 10:17-18).  Jesus’ approval is what matters.

    Paul only boasts in “the area of influence God assigned to us.”  We have limits.  We cannot fix every problem, meet every need, and convert every person.  Yet God is not disappointed in our limits; he merely wants us to serve in the sphere he has given us.  In our homes and neighborhoods, in our workplaces and churches, with our friends and family, there is sufficient work to occupy us forever.  Rather than comparing with others or seeking to impress others, we must learn to accept our sphere and boast only in Jesus.

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One Thing to Think About:  What “sphere” has God assigned me?

One Thing to Pray For:  Freedom from the desire to impress others
 

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