2 Corinthians 10:12-18
Q.1. Why are human comparisons unreliable? How should we measure ourselves? How had Paul proved his true worth? Whose commendation should we value? – (2 Cor.10:12-18)
If we want to promote ourselves, we are inclined to compare ourselves with those of lower standing in the world’s eyes (c.f. 2 Cor.1:20-21). However, Paul drove home the pointlessness of such comparisons. He wrote -For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding (2 Cor.10:12). Paul recalled that the risen Christ had called him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and that any evaluation should be tied to this divine call – … for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ (2 Cor.10:14 c.f. Acts 9:15-16; Rom.15:20-21; 2 Cor.10:13-14). He trusted that their faith would spread, just as he determined – to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another (2 Cor.10:16). He closed off this teaching about a believer’s value, with two principles:
(i) But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord (2 Cor.10:17).
(ii) For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends (2 Cor.10:18).
There is only one approval we need – the approval of the Lord.