Daily Devotions
2 Corinthians
"And being ready to punish all disobedience..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:6
SPIRITUAL WARFARE APPLIED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CHURCH
Paul intimated that he would much rather go to Corinth and display the meek and gentle spirit of Christ in ministry. This would be possible if the church was humble in receiving him and his authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, if there were people who continued to resist apostolic authority, then he would see to it that the rebellious members would be punished for their disobedience!
“And being ready to punish all disobedience
when your obedience is fulfilled.”
2 Corinthians 10:6
1. “Obedience”
a) To God
b) To His Word (His Law, commandments etc.)
c) This has been consistently taught throughout the Scriptures.
2. “When your obedience is fulfilled”
a) Paul looked forward to the Corinthian Church responding positively to his apostolic teaching.
b) He had dealt with many issues (1 and 2 Corinthians).
c) The church had been adversely affected by false teachings.
d) The haughty false teachers had infiltrated the church with all kinds of false ideologies.
e) Paul expected godly repentance and sorrow from true and humble believers.
3. “And being ready to punish all disobedience”
a) What could Paul do?
i) He could expose their false teachings openly.
ii) He could show to the whole church the falseness of their doctrines.
iii) He could rebuke them for their sins in causing division in the church.
b) If there were some who were demonically empowered
i) He could cast out these demons (Acts 16:16-18).
ii) He could inflict punishment on these wicked opponents (Acts 13:6-12 punishment of the sorcerer Elymas with blindness).
c) He could excommunicate unrepentant immoral members (1 Corinthians 5:4-5).
APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
Apostolic authority was given by the Lord Jesus Christ to His Apostles. This was rarely used but the authority was there.
This was also exercised by Peter when Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead when they lied to Peter and the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11).
The Apostles wrote in great strength and authority against all who were false teachers. These were condemned by all the writing apostles (Paul, Peter, John) in their epistles. They were exercising apostolic authority and power in their battles against false teachers!