3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
The Inner Life vs the Outward Appearance - In Reply - 1 year ago
What does 2 Corinthians 10:7 mean?
Paul's legitimacy as an apostle is being challenged in the church at Corinth. This is probably coming from outsiders who are false teachers or self-titled apostles. Those opponents point to Paul's continual suffering, his weakness as a speaker when in person, and perhaps the lack of signs and wonders he performs as evidence that he is not much of a spiritual leader. Some Corinthian believers may have begun to believe these challenges, turning not just from Paul but also from Christ, whom Paul represents.
This passage urges these Christians to look at the evidence right in front of them. In other words, why is there a church in Corinth in the first place? Why do most of them even believe in Christ? They believed the gospel when Paul preached it to them. How could they believe themselves to belong to Christ and not believe that Paul also belongs to Christ?
Some translators read the Greek phrase at the beginning of this verse differently. The NIV, for instance, translates it, "You are judging by appearances," meaning that the Corinthians are sizing Paul up based on his unimpressive physical presentation instead of the spiritual reality in Christ. This translation would also make sense in the context of the letter, as does the idea that Paul is urging them to look around and see the results of his teaching with their own eyes.
Comment: outward appearances mean nothing. It's what's on the inside (our spirit in step with the Holy Spirit), that is to be communicated. The Holy Spirit chooses the message; and sometimes the messenger.
Man looks on outward appearances, but God looks on the heart. If a human will not speak it, He may use a donkey.
Some things are spiritually discerned. Is the Holy Spirit welcomed into your Church Service? Flesh has no life in it. Only the Holy Spirit can breathe life into the message.
amen
2 Corinthians 10:3-7
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
In Jesus name amen
Paul's legitimacy as an apostle is being challenged in the church at Corinth. This is probably coming from outsiders who are false teachers or self-titled apostles. Those opponents point to Paul's continual suffering, his weakness as a speaker when in person, and perhaps the lack of signs and wonders he performs as evidence that he is not much of a spiritual leader. Some Corinthian believers may have begun to believe these challenges, turning not just from Paul but also from Christ, whom Paul represents.
This passage urges these Christians to look at the evidence right in front of them. In other words, why is there a church in Corinth in the first place? Why do most of them even believe in Christ? They believed the gospel when Paul preached it to them. How could they believe themselves to belong to Christ and not believe that Paul also belongs to Christ?
Some translators read the Greek phrase at the beginning of this verse differently. The NIV, for instance, translates it, "You are judging by appearances," meaning that the Corinthians are sizing Paul up based on his unimpressive physical presentation instead of the spiritual reality in Christ. This translation would also make sense in the context of the letter, as does the idea that Paul is urging them to look around and see the results of his teaching with their own eyes.
Comment: outward appearances mean nothing. It's what's on the inside (our spirit in step with the Holy Spirit), that is to be communicated. The Holy Spirit chooses the message; and sometimes the messenger.
Man looks on outward appearances, but God looks on the heart. If a human will not speak it, He may use a donkey.
Some things are spiritually discerned. Is the Holy Spirit welcomed into your Church Service? Flesh has no life in it. Only the Holy Spirit can breathe life into the message.
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