Thrive Ministries International

Paul shows us the heart of the apostle. Doing everything to build up the church. Two areas of fear or concern in the heart of those called to apostlic ministry.

Paul was not a burden to the people he ministered to. Those who were sent by Paul had the same spirit or attitude and walked amongst the people in the same way Paul did.

Paul gives us a description of the heart of a apostle. We can use this to test whether a person is a true apostle or not.

Paul is coming to Corinthians the third time. He will not be a burden to them because he wants them to know he is not wanting what they have. Paul wants them as a parent wants his children.

Paul talks about the signs of a true apostle. He again uses some sarcasm to get his point across.

The Apostle Paul tells us he is content in these thrones in the flesh. He was content because of the grace of God.

Paul tells us what Jesus' response was to his prayer. My grace is strong, my grace is sufficient for you. Power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

Paul talks about his throne in the flesh. What was Paul's throne in the flesh?

Paul was unlike the so called apostle in Corinth. He did not speak of his revelation. He wanted people to see His life and not just hear his words

Paul talks about his revelation or vision. He says that this is necessary but not profitable.

One of the evidences of the call of God on a life is a supernatural experience with God. Paul tells the Corinthians about his experience.

Paul completes his defense of his apostle ministry with one more example of his laying down his life.

Paul is giving a list of things that he suffered as a servant of Christ. A true apostle will be a servant and will lay down his life for Christ and His people.

Paul compares himself to the false apostles. In this comparison, Paul lets us know that being a servant of Christ is what qualifies us.

In these verses Paul uses a great deal of sarcasm and rhetoric. He says if being foolish will get you to receive I will be foolish In verse 20 Paul tells us what a false teacher will do, enslaves you, devour you, take advantage of you, exalted themselves while they slap you in the face.

Paul tells us that false teacher and apostles are servant of Satan but they disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

Paul did not charge the Corinthians for preaching the Gospel. At first he went and built tents and when his partners arrived from Macedonia they lived off the offering of the church there.

Paul continues his teaching with sarcasm He tells them the he is not inferior to the “eminent apostles”. Paul came to the Corinthians in a humble way

Paul tells the Corinthians about those who preach another Jesus, who come in a different spirit and who come preaching a different gospel. Paul is confronting false apostles

Paul states his concern that the Corinthians would be deceived and stray from their devotion to Christ.