"We speak before God in Christ."
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:19
MUCH MISUNDERSTANDING
There had been so much misunderstanding of the apostle Paul in the Corinthian Church. The false teachers had severely affected the hearts of the believers. Not being very wise and mature spiritually, they were unable to comprehend and appreciate what the Apostle Paul had done for the Church.
“Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you?
We speak before God in Christ.
But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.”
2 Corinthians 12:19
1. “Again”
a) Paul had explained this before.
b) He would try again to explain things clearly.
2. “Do you think that we excuse ourselves to you”
a) The word “excuse” may also be translated “make a defence”.
b) Paul had sought to explain things to the Corinthian Church.
i) Why he ministered as he did.
ii) How he had loved them.
c) But all he said seemed to be “excuses”.
3. “We speak before God in Christ”
a) This was a solemn word of declaration.
b) He invoked the holy name of God.
c) He was conscious that all he said was uttered as if God was present to hear them.
d) All he said was “in Christ”.
i) He was an apostle of Christ.
ii) He was His faithful servant.
iii) He would never be making excuses for anything he did.
4. “But we do all things, beloved, for your edification”
a) Whatever the Corinthians may think.
b) There were a few things Paul wished to reiterate.
i) They were still “beloved” to Paul.
ii) All that Paul sought to do was for their good… for their edification.
iii) Paul could write these words and call upon the Lord as His witness that he was speaking the truth.
iv) His love for the Corinthian Church was genuine and steadfast.