2 CORINTHIANS SERIES
Paul was an Ugly Duck
2 CORINTHIANS 10:1-18
2corandmore
PERSON FROM CONGREGATION READS 2 CORINTHIANS 10:1-18
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. 8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. 9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” 11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. 12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. 17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
FAIRY TALE: THE UGLY DUCK
Once upon a time, on a quiet little farm, a mother duck sat on her nest. One by one her fluffy yellow ducks hatched and came out, but one egg was much bigger than the others. When the bigger egg finally cracked open, out came a gray duck. He didn’t look like the others at all.
The other ducklings stared.
“You’re so gray and weird!” one said.
“You don’t even quack like us,” another whispered.
“My dear, you may not be as pretty as your siblings, but you are just as special,” Momma duck said, giving all the ducks lots of love. The gray duck felt sad. He didn’t understand why he looked different. Wherever he went, the other animals laughed at him. The chickens clucked, the cats sneered, and the ducks waddled away.
“Go away, ugly duck!” they said.
So, the poor duck ran off, looking for a place where he would belong. As autumn came, he found a beautiful lake shining in the sunlight. There, he saw a group of graceful white swans swimming on the water, their wings shining like silver. Enchanted by their beauty, the little gray duckling went closer, but he stopped. He remembered how others had treated him. He was afraid the swans would laugh at him too.
To his surprise, the swans turned and smiled.
“Hello there, little friend. You are welcome to join us,” said the kindest swan.
“But I’m not beautiful like you,” the gray duck said quietly. “I’m just an ugly duck.
The kind swan nodded gently. “You may think that now, but beauty is not just about looks. It’s about being kind, brave, and true to yourself. Come, let us be friends.” With new hope and happiness, the little duck swam into the lake as the swans welcomed him warmly. They played games, splashed in the water, and laughed under the moon.
One morning, the duck looked into the lake and gasped. His dull gray feathers were gone. He now had bright white feathers, a long neck, and gentle eyes. He had grown into a beautiful swan… just like his new friends.
SERIES REMINDER OF 2 CORINTHIANS
The Book of 2 Corinthians, which we have been looking at the past 10 weeks, is a letter that is one part of an ongoing drama between the Apostle Paul and the Church in Corinth. The church in Corinth during the Apostle Paul’s day was a troubled church full of hurting people in a city that was dedicated to immoral living. A simplified outline of Paul’s interaction with the Corinthians goes like this:
First Visit || Previous Letter || Timothy’s Visit || 1 Corinthians || Second Visit || Severe Letter || Titus’ Visit || 2 Corinthians || Third Visit
In 1 Corinthians (second letter to them overall), the Apostle Paul confronted them on all kinds of issues that Timothy had come to him and told him about. Think of Timothy has a tattletale if you want, but he reported to Paul, who started the church, that there were some big issues going on that needed correcting if the Corinthians were going to really follow Christ. They had divisions in their church, some immorality, were overrun with selfishness, and also doubt was a big issue. Unfortunately, after this letter, which we call “1 Corinthians,” the situation in the Corinthian church got worse.
Paul made what he called a “painful visit” to them to try and help which didn’t seem to go well. He also wrote a “severe letter” after that visit which we do not have in the Bible; to try to help them along in their faith. He later sent Titus to them to try and straighten out some issues which did go well. The atmosphere and direction started to change in their faith community for the better. Paul then sends what we are reading… “2 Corinthians” … when Titus comes back to him sharing what has transpired. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians before the visit that is recorded in Acts 19-20.
The Corinthian Christians have a tumultuous and stressful, but solid relationship with the Apostle Paul. That stress and strain is evident I think, in 2 Corinthians 10. In 2 Corinthians 10, we find Paul defending himself like he’s an ugly duck because they are judging him and comparing him to other leaders in the church and in addition, it seems to bother Paul quite a lot.
BACKGROUND OF PAUL’S ISSUES WITH OTHERS
The Apostle Paul, all throughout his ministry, was constantly comparing himself to other apostles and defending himself to the various churches to which he wrote. We see in Acts 9, that Paul, the one who “breathed threats and murder against the disciples” (9:1) is converted to Christianity, but everyone is suspicious and afraid of him (9:26) because he went from hauling Christians to jail to preaching Jesus.
In Galatians 1, Paul defends that what he teaches came from revelation of Christ, not men; and even compares himself to the other apostles in Jerusalem saying he didn’t even need them. He throws a little bit of attitude. In Galatians 2, he doubles down on his attitude saying that he met with the apostles in Jerusalem, but calls them “those who seemed influential” (Galatians 2:2).
Paul defended himself to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 9 by asking: “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” Later in 1 Corinthians in chapter 15, Paul calls himself “the least of the apostles” because of persecuting the church.
All throughout 2 Corinthians, especially in chapters 10-13, Paul defends his authority against rivals, insists on boasting only in the Lord, and claims he is not inferior to the other apostles by recounting his sufferings to prove his authenticity as a Christian and as a messenger of Christ.
In Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians (letters to other churches), the Apostle Paul talks about being set apart for the Gospel to preach to the Gentile churches, proves himself as a servant of God who treats the Word properly, and defends himself as pure, loving, and sacrificial.
Over and over again in the letters of the Apostle Paul, he is writing about being compared with other church leaders and personally feels the pressure of that comparison. He often feels judged. He tends to fight back in his letters against this judgement and comparison with others.
TRANSITION
This emphasis of the Apostle Paul in his life of always being compared to others and always feeling judged got me wondering… is comparing ourselves with others a good or bad thing or perhaps a little of both? What is the impact of comparing ourselves with others?
IMPACT OF COMPARISON WITH OTHERS
There can be negative and positive impacts to comparing ourselves with other people. What are the negative impacts?
First, there is lower self-esteem: We constantly measure ourselves against people who seem more successful, attractive, or capable than us and then we end up feeling inadequate. I also happen to think if we measure ourselves against people who are not so successful, attractive, or capable it also results in low self-esteem because we probably aren’t that much better than the low bar we are comparing ourselves to.
Second, there is envy and resentment. Social comparison, like the kind done on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X often sparks jealousy, which can damage relationships and create bitterness. Envy and resentment are bitter seeds in our lives that lead nowhere good.
Third, and this is a big one, comparing ourselves brings about anxiety, stress, and depression. Study after study after study is now coming out that social media is damaging us in ways that are shifting our society negatively. Don’t forget, this level of comparison is relatively new. We end up feeling like we’re falling behind in career, finances, relationships, or lifestyle which can generate pressure and worry. Repeatedly concluding that we don’t measure up can contribute to hopelessness and depressive symptoms. Trying to “catch up” with others can lead to overwork, unrealistic expectations, and emotional exhaustion.
Fourth, comparing ourselves to others or judging ourselves based on other people results in a distorted self-image. Sometimes our comparisons often rely on unrealistic or filtered portrayals of someone else’s life which leads to a warped sense of what’s “normal.”
We know there are negative impacts of comparison, but are there positive impacts? I suppose it depends on how you look at it. I happen to think the negative side of comparison and judgment far outweighs any positives, but there are positives.
First, comparing ourselves to people who are slightly ahead of us or in a spot in life where we want to be can be motivating which inspires growth, goal-setting, and self-improvement. If you know where you are going and someone is already there, it can be helpful to see where on the path you are compared with them.
Second, seeing others’ struggles may help us appreciate our own progress and blessings as we see the progress we have made in areas where we struggle. This is one of those factoids that I am not so sure is true all the time. Everyone struggles in similar ways, but each of us is different. Comparing struggles might be helpful some of the time, but I’m not convinced it is a 100% truth.
Third, comparisons within groups can give us a sense of where we fit by reinforcing shared values. We get our sense of belonging and often our sense of identity from the groups we are apart of and how we compare with them. Sometimes groupthink can be helpful.
Honestly, as I look, read, and pray over comparing ourselves with others, I get a sense that it is probably more negative than positive. I feel like the comparison game in the Apostle Paul’s life was negative his whole life and always impacted him negatively.
TRANSITION
What specifically does Paul say about judgment and comparisons in 2 Corinthians 10?
THE COMPARISON TRAP (verse 12)
RE-READ 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12 (ESV)
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
When I read verse 12, I chuckle. The Apostle Paul says “not that we dare classify or compare ourselves.” Maybe he is not doing that at this exact moment when he is writing these words, but we know for sure that the Apostle Paul struggled with comparing himself with others and feeling judged. He’s lived this. He’s done it. He’s lived this. It has been done to him. I think Paul is sharing Truth with us that is bearing fruit in his own life. He is sharing a lesson learned.
The Apostle Paul says about human beings who measure themselves by one another or compare themselves with each other… are “without understanding.” What he means is that it isn’t wise to compare ourselves with others. It is unwise, stupid, and leads nowhere productive or holy. Again, I feel like this is a Truth that Jesus could have revealed to the Apostle Paul, but also a Truth he has discovered in his own life as he has matured in the Christian faith.
Comparison breeds pride and insecurity at the same time depending on the day and how the wind is blowing, but it always results in one of those two results. When we compare ourselves to those we think are "less," we become prideful because we think we are better than them. Pride, on one end of the spectrum, makes us treat others sinfully and on the other makes us depend on ourselves and not on God for life. I think about Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 29:23, and 1 John 2:16 among many other passages that warn us about the disgrace and destruction that comes because of pride. If we are looking sideways, we may see ourselves in ways that draw us away from God.
When we compare ourselves to those we think are "greater," we end up feeling inadequate or creating an idol out of a person. Chasing idols leads to emotional turmoil. Inadequacy leads to anxiety, fear, feelings of weakness, and a temptation to conform to something we think will work. I can’t help but think of Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:6-9, 1 John 4:18, Ephesians 6:10-20, and other passages that command us to seek God out in times when we feel inadequate. If we are looking sideways, we may seek out solutions that draw us away from God.
Comparison is a vicious trap.
Judging ourselves by others is an unwise path.
The Apostle Paul criticizes those who “measure themselves by one another” because it is an unwise comparison. It is an unwise measure. I feel like he knows this because he’s lived it.
TRANSITION
So, what is the alternative? What is the answer? Does the Apostle Paul share anything that is applicable for us?
TAKE OUR IDENTITY FROM THE LORD (verses 17-18)
The Apostle Paul directs our view in this passage from looking sideways to looking up.
RE-READ 2 CORINTHIANS 10:17-18 (ESV)
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
Because comparison is a vicious trap and because judging ourselves by others is an unwise path, the standard for good living, success as a person, and what is actually important in life must come from another source. Because human approval is fleeting and self-promotion is a spiral into the proverbial toilet of life, the source of our identity and worth must come from another source.
Our identity and worth must come from God and no other source.
We are not to live for self-esteem, but to seek the esteem of the God of the Universe Who is our Father in Heaven. When you and I live for God, we end up with confidence that cannot be shaken and we end up in the center of the will of God. This is not my idea, but the Apostle John.
READ 1 JOHN 3:21-22 (ESV)
“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. 23 And this is His commandment, that we believe in the Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us.”
Our identity and worth must come from God and no other source.
We are not to compare ourselves with others or people we consider idols, but seek contentment in what God gives and takes away. Be content in what God defines. We are to key our lives off what God terms as success or failure. When you and I key our wants and desires and goals off of what God provides, then there is contentment. Contentment is a word that truly only comes by being rooted in God. This is not my idea, but the Apostle Paul says in Philippians:
READ PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 (ESV)
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Our identity and worth must come from God and no other source.
We are not to allow any other template of living impact who we are supposed to be other than the image given to us by Almighty God. Most people walk around life blind because they don’t know who they are or what life is about. Believers in Jesus know who they are! We know what life is about! Key the image we have of ours lives off of what God says and nothing else. This is not my idea, but the Apostle Paul has already said to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 3:
READ 2 CORINTHIANS 3:16-18 (ESV)
“But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit.”
SUMMARY
Our identity and worth must come from God and no other source.
CONCLUSION: FAIRY TALE: THE UGLY DUCK PAUL REDUX
Once upon a time, on a quiet little planet, Father God sat on His nest. One by one His fluffy Apostles hatched and came out, but one egg was much bigger than the others. When the last egg finally cracked open, out came an ugly, bald, half-blind stuttering tentmaker who was also an Apostle. He didn’t look like the others at all. He didn’t sound like the others at all.
The other Christians stared.
“The things you say are difficult and weird!” one called Simon Peter said.
“You don’t even preach like us,” another whispered.
“My dear, you may not be as pretty as your siblings, but you are just as special,” Father God said, giving all the believers lots of love. The ugly duck felt sad. He didn’t understand why he was different. Wherever he went, the other Christians were wary of him. The Jews clucked, the disciples sneered, and the Pharisees waddled away.
“Go away, ugly duck!” they said.
So the poor duckling ran off, looking for a place where he would belong. As autumn came, he found a place among the Gentiles in the Roman Empire. There, he saw a group of Jews and God fearers swimming on the water and living life. Enchanted by the call of God to preach to the Gentiles, the little gray duckling went closer, but he stopped. He remembered how others had treated him. He was afraid the Gentiles would laugh at him too.
To his surprise, the Gentiles turned and listened.
“Hello there, little friend. You are welcome to speak to us,” said a kind Gentile.
“But I’m not like the other Apostles,” the gray duck said quietly. “I’m just an ugly duck.
The Gentile churches nodded: “You may think that now, but being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not about looks, but the heart. It’s about being kind, brave, and true to Christ. Come, let us be friends.” With new hope and happiness, the little duck traveled all over the Roman Empire planting churches and sharing the Gospel. Many swans… er… Gentiles… welcomed him warmly. They listened, confessed, were immersed in the water, and laughed under the Son.
One morning, the duck prayed and gasped. His dull gray feathers were gone. He now had bright white feathers, a long neck, and gentle eyes. He had grown into an Apostle… what he was supposed to be all along. And he remembered the truth of the day: Our identity and worth must come from God and no other source.
PRAYER
INVITATION
Maybe you’ve felt like the ugly duckling… out of place, unwanted, or not good enough. Maybe comparison and judgment has beat you up. In Christ, you can discover that you are never rejected for you are loved, forgiven, and made new. God doesn’t see you as broken or worthless, but sees the beautiful child He created you to be. If you’re ready to step into that new life, to become who you were always meant to be, then come confess Jesus today. He will make you His own.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
“Good morning, kids! I want to ask you—Who are you?
Some people might say you’re a student, a soccer player, a brother or sister.
Those are true, but the Bible says something even more important.
In John 1:12 it says that if we believe in Jesus, we are God’s children.
“12 But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God,”
That means the most important thing about you is not what you do, or how you look, but that you belong to Jesus. Always remember—you are a child of God, and nothing can change that!”
