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Verse By Verse Devotional On 2 Corinthians By Pastor Jack #20

March 9, 2016 | by: Jack Lash | 0 comments

Posted in: 2 Corinthians

Godly Self-Defense

1:12 "For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you."

Our proud hearts are prone to defend ourselves whenever we are accused. Like anger, most of the time self-defense is sinful - but not always. There is a godly time and way to defend oneself against false accusations. That is exactly what Paul is doing in this passage and in much of this letter.

The Corinthians had two main complaints against Paul. First, they complained that he was irresolute and indecisive because he had failed to visit them as he said he would (he had instead sent them a severe letter). They felt that this meant Paul was operating on his own instead of being led by God. (See 1:17ff.)

The second complaint (that we know about) had to do with Paul’s refusal to accept payment from the Corinthians. Some were claiming that this was a sign that Paul was crafty, rejecting his claim that it was for their sakes he had refused it. (See 11:7ff.)

Here in verse 12 Paul begins his defense. His opening statement is that he has a clear conscience in all the matters he is being accused of. He has acted with godliness and sincerity in his ministry, especially toward the Corinthians. He has been guided not by his own human wisdom but by the grace of God.

There are two points I think need to be made here:

1- Even the most godly of men, even the ones who live in what God Himself calls “holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God ” are prone to be criticized, not just by the world, but by God’s people. Just because a man is criticized by Christian people doesn’t mean he’s doing anything wrong. And Christian leaders in particular should expect to be criticized by the very people they are trying to help. Even Jesus experienced this. It is part of the cross each is called to bear in following Him.

2- There is a time defend oneself. It may sound proud and egotistical for Paul to say these things. But remember that the Holy Spirit inspired him to say what he said. Certainly, we must be very cautious when it comes to defending ourselves. The human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer.17:9). Only fools are quick to trust it. HOWEVER, there is a time when defending oneself is the godly (and most loving) thing to do (we’ll talk about when that time is later on). (And that means that when someone else is defending themselves against our accusations, we shouldn’t just assume that they are being defensive.) But notice that Paul does not retaliate or write them off on account of their accusations. Rather, he comes appealing to them and pours his soul out in this letter in order to work toward reconciliation.

Forgive me, Father, for how quick I am to justify myself when confronted. The wise man loves correction, and too many times I act like the fool who despises wisdom and discipline. Please humble this proud heart of mine. Please help me to receive correction with gentleness and openness, and help me to defend myself only when it is the right and loving thing to do, and even then only with grace.

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