2 Corinthians 10

There a shift in tone from the first 9 chapters which seemed to be an encouragement and thankfulness to the Corinthians. Apparently chapters 10-13 seems to target the minority in the congregation that were still influenced by the false teachers. As Paul purged out people in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:19-20), he was ready to do the same to those within the congregation who were infesting the body with a manipulated gospel. Once the congregation would be obedient to Paul (because of his authority), people will more clearly see who was truly repentant for Christ. They still accused him of him of not just being timid in leadership but also as a fraud. They continued to discredit him by their standard of what was valued in Corinth which was his lack of charisma, his presence in the church and eloquent language. Paul's in person impression was apparently considered very meek and mild (which I did not know). As a result Paul is forced to brag as a means to defend his authenticity as an apostle. Unlike Paul, the false teachers had started no churches, suffered no persecution and had no witnesses supporting that they were commission by God (Paul had first hand witnesses from those who travelled and received him from the road to Damascus). 

I believe what's important to point out is that Paul was a missionary to preach and boast in the glory of God. He wouldn't give credit to his own accomplishments neither would he give credit to anyones accomplishments. He only boasted in God and what He approved. How do I know what God approves of and therefore boast of? How do I know if I'm a Christian? The Bible's answer is itself, scripture. The study and application of it (2 Peter 1:21, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 15:4, Deuteronomy 4:2, Psalm 119:11). Comparing myself to what scripture points to Jesus is how I'll know whether my character is approved by God. Instead of comparing myself to other Christians who compare themselves to other Christians who compare themselves to other Christians I must compare myself to King Jesus!

Prayer/response:
- Compare myself to Jesus over any spiritual leader
- Remain consistent in my devotional life, help Josh 
- Help Josh Azar remain consistent in his
- Thank you for bringing pastors and missionaries out of MS-13 to preach the gospel to those in prison and to their former gang members
- God please look after your vision team. Keep them in reliance and labour for you