Sermon Central
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Vindication Of Paul's Apostolic Authority
Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000 (message contributor)
Summary: THE REALITY OF HIS AUTHORITY (10:1-18) 1.
THE REALITY OF HIS AUTHORITY (10:1-18)
1. His readiness (and reluctance) to exercise his authority (:1-6)
Reply to the charge of cowardice
2. His powerful pesonal presence --consistent with his strong letters (:7-11)
Reply to the charge of weakness
3. His legitimate sphere of authority (:12-18)
Reply to the charge of pride
PRINCIPLES DEMONSTRATING THAT SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY MUST BE JUDGED BY SPIRITUAL STANDARDS
1. Spiritual authority is given by God (:8,13)
2. Spiritual authority cannot be recognized through physical appearance or attributes (:7,12), rather we learn to judge as God judges and commend whom God commends (:18)
3. Spiritual authority is exercised in meekness (:1)
meekness is not timidity (:2,10,11)
spiritual leader must be strong to fight spiritual wars with spiritual weapons (:3-5)
4. Spiritual authority is given for edification (:8)
5. Spiritual authority will not be ashamed (or refuted) (:8)
6. Paul's Spiritual Authority within the field (probably geographical) God has assigned (:13)
7. Effectiveness of Spiritual Leader in a church is limited by the submission and faith of the church (:6,15)