"That I may cut off the opportunity..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 11:12
CONSTANT AWARENESS OF DETRACTORS
Paul had suffered much at the hands of detractors. Where they could, they had opposed him. They also resorted to maligning him. If they could, they would seize opportunities to place themselves in the ranks of the apostles. Paul developed an aversion to their vile efforts.
“But what I do, I will also continue to do,
that I may cut off the opportunity from those who
desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are
in the things of which they boast.”
2 Corinthians 11:12
1. “But what I do, I will also continue to do”
a) What I do
i) Minister with authority and power of the Spirit of God.
ii) Attempt and accomplish great things for the Lord.
iii) But he would always walk in honour and integrity
(especially with reference to receiving financial support).
b) I will also continue to do
i) He will maintain these principles he lived by.
ii) He will not compromise or lower his standard of service.
2. “That I may cut off the opportunity”
a) Paul was aware that his detractors were watching him.
b) He would live and minister in such a way that he would cut off any opportunity for the detractors to take advantage.
3. “Those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are”
a) The detractors wanted the fame and honour associated with the apostles.
b) They wanted the same kind of standing as Paul and his team enjoyed.
c) But they would not put in the effort to work and serve as Paul did!
4. “In the things of which they boast”
a) They boast that they are as good servants of Christ as Paul and his team were.
b) That they are more eloquent speakers than Paul.
c) That they deserved the financial support that Paul refused to take from the Corinthians.
d) But they had little or nothing to show for all their boasting.
i) They did not found churches.
ii) They performed no signs and wonders.
iii) They had not proven themselves outstanding in any way (yet they wanted fame and fortune).