THE PORTRAIT OF A PREACHER
(THE RIGHT KIND THAT IS)
II CORINTHIANS 11:1-33
INTRODUCTION: Chapter 11 may be one of the most personable chapters in the book. Paul pours out his heart. One sees the true heartbeat of a genuine preacher.
I. Study Paul’s Comparison (v.1-15)
Paul compares himself (or contrast) with the false preachers. Keep in mind that Paul is having to defend his ministry because of false reports and rumors. What do we discover about Paul with regards to a genuine preacher? He has:
A. Right motives (1-3): He was motivated by God and good not greed. “Jealousy” = affection, love. He’s like a father caring for his family. He wanted the best for them. He was not “cunning” or “crafty”. How often the genuine gets the shaft while the slickster gets the benefit of the doubt.
B. Right message (4-5): The Corinthians had received false teachers and followed false leadership. They paid more attention to the messenger than the message. They preached a different Jesus, different spirit and a different gospel. Paul’s message focused solely on the Saviour.
C. Right attitude about money (7-11): Every preacher faces three great dangers – power, women, and money! Paul was very careful about all three. He believed a preacher had the right to be paid (I Cor. 9:13), yet he chose to support himself by tentmaking. The irony here is that Paul had preached the true gospel for free while the false preachers peddled a false gospel for profit.
D. Right mentality (12-15): This is one of Paul’s most stinging rebukes (v.13). He took a militant stance.
II. See Paul’s Credentials (v.16-33)
While the false preachers carried a long list of recommendations from church leaders (resumes you know), Paul just listed his credentials. In our day where so much reeks of politics and “cut-throat tactics”, Paul’s words are very refreshing. Most churches are looking at looks, age, personality, degrees and talents when they should be looking for the following.
A. Compassion (16-21): They put up with those who enslaved, used, abused, exploited, pushed and slapped them around but when Paul came along in gentleness and preached free of charge they criticized him (v.11).
B. Character (21-22): The false teachers boasted of their heritage. Brian Harbour said, “Paul could match their every claim, his pedigree was impeccable.
C. Commitment (23-27, 30-33): Paul was equal in status but superior in scars! Some measure success by counting honors, Paul measured his success by counting his scars.
D. Concern (28-29): His greatest burden was not around him but within him. He wanted the best for his children as any father would.
CONCLUSION: There is no better portrait of a true preacher than Paul.
