BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 1 AUG 2021
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:1 – 3

THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST
(2 Corinthians 10:1a)

1. Paul chose to follow the example of Christ closely in his life and ministry

2. He ministered to the Corinthians with Christ’s example in mind

a. Humility (lowly)

b. Meekness

c. Gentleness

WHEN BOLDNESS IS NEEDED
(2 Corinthians 10:1 – 2)

1. There are times when boldness is needed

2. The Apostle Paul wished to minister to the Corinthians with gentleness and meekness

3. But boldness was necessary to address problems in the Church

a. When he was absent from Corinth false teachers infiltrated the Church
(2 Corinthians 11:13)

b. He received bad news concerning the problems that had plagued the Church

c. He wrote with much boldness to address the problems forthrightly

FACING DETRACTORS BOLDLY
(2 Corinthians 10:2)

1. If the detractors are not dealt with they can jeopardize the work of the Lord significantly!

2. They have caused doubts and division within the Church

3. They thought very little of Paul and his team

a. They think of them as people who “Walk in the flesh”

b. They do not regard Paul and his team as Spirit-filled servants of God


SPIRITUAL WARFARE
(2 Corinthians 10:3)

1. Paul was conscious that the problem in the Church was not just at a human level

a. For though we walk in the flesh (Meaning we are human)

b. We do not war according to the flesh

i. Our battle is not against flesh and blood

ii. Our battle is against spiritual powers! (Ephesians 6:12)

2. Paul was most conscious of a spiritual battle

a. He has engaged in many spiritual battles throughout his ministry

b. He wrote to instruct the Ephesians to be forearmed for spiritual battle (Ephesians 6)

3. What is needed to triumph in spiritual battle?

a. The power of God (Ephesians 6:10)

b. Putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11 – 17)

i. Gird your waist with truth

ii. Put on the breastplate of righteousness

iii. Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace

iv. Taking the shield of faith

v. The helmet of salvation

vi. The sword of the Spirit – the word of God

c. Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)

GREAT CHALLENGES

1. To serve with Jesus as our example

a. Meekness

b. Gentleness

c. Lowliness

2. To cultivate spiritual strength too!

a. To be strong and courageous in the Lord

b. To stand firm in the truth of our faith in the Lord