“For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—lest I seem to terrify you by letters” (2 Corinthians 10:8-9).
One important aspect of Paul’s relationship with the church at Corinth involved his authority as an apostle. To help prepare the members of the Corinthian fellowship for what was to follow, Paul made certain to call their attention to a primary function of that role: “…this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down” (NCV).
As we read through the remaining chapters of this epistle, we should remember that Paul’s ultimate goal for the Corinthian church involved edification, not destruction. This brief explanation also provides us with an opportunity to consider Paul’s example and make an assessment with regard to our personal lives. For instance…
- How are we fulfilling our role in the positions of authority that God has extended to us?
- Are we executing those responsibilities in a God-honoring manner?
- Do we faithfully utilize the skills, talents, and abilities that God has given us in performing those duties?
The New Testament epistle of 1 Peter touches upon this general concept when it tells us…
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).
Paul also alluded to these twin concepts of authority and responsibility in his epistle to the Romans…
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you…
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:3, 6-10 NIV).
So Paul faithfully exercised his God-given authority to help counter those who were tearing down the members of the Corinthian fellowship through their teachings. In doing so, he provides us with a good example to follow today.