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"Did I commit sin in humbling myself..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 11:7

NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS HUMILITY

The Scriptures teach humility. Arrogance on the other hand is disdained. However, not everyone understands the practice of humility.

“Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted,
Because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.”
2 Corinthians 11:7-8

1. “Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted”

a) This was a rhetorical question.

b) No answer was needed!

c) Deep sadness must have been felt when Paul wrote these words.

2. “Humbling myself”

a) Paul had chosen to emulate the Lord Jesus in humility (Philippians 2:5-11).

b) He had chosen to be a bond-slave of the Lord Jesus in life and ministry.

c) This had not been understood, much less appreciated.

3. “That you might be exalted”

a) Paul showed due respect for people.

b) He gave honour to whom honour was due.

4. “Because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge”

a) This was always Paul’s approach.

b) This was in direct contrast to the false teachers.

i) They had charged high fees for their services.

ii) The higher the fees charged the greater the speaker.

c) This was the underlying problem that Paul had to address.

5. “I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you”

a) The word “robbed” was used sarcastically.

b) Paul was strongly supported by other churches.

c) They loved Paul and appreciated the work he was doing.

d) They were more than glad to give their full support.

e) Paul refused to take anything from the Corinthian church.

f) He was aware of how his detractors could attack him if he received support from Corinth!