II Corinthians 11:21-33 Three Qualities Missing From Church Applications

Have you ever been on a search committee to hire a Christian leader? Today you are generally ed the prospect’s resume which shows: 1.The type of position the individual is looking for 2.Formal theological training 3.Different churches or organizations they have work for and years of service 4.Duties performed 5.Accomplishments 6.References

What the resume doesn’t show you… 1.The depth of one’s walk with the Lord (Genesis 17:1) 2.How much wisdom one has (Proverbs 2:7) 3.How much of a servant’s heart one has (John 13:1-20) 4.How much one loves the brethren (John 13:34-35) 5.What one is like when they don’t get their way (I Samuel 19:9-10)

Context… Paul has been grappling with convincing the Corinthians that he is the voice of truth and the false apostles the voice of Satan. In vss: Paul resorts to his unselfish life of ministry.

I. Three More Qualities Which Christian Resumes Exclude But Are Essential In Leadership

6.Boldness – The ability to say and do what needs to be said and done at the right time and place

21 To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold—I speak in foolishness—I am just as bold myself.

Boldness is a spiritual trait 1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28 A Christian leader must be bold for Christ regardless of the consequences.

Boldness done poorly… 1.Does not have to be performed rudely 2.Does not have to be mean 3.Does not have to go after the person’s jugular

What is the number one reason that most have a tough time speaking boldly? Answer: The fear of men rather than the fear of God 28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10

7. The amount of suffering one is willing to endure for the cause of Christ – II Corinthians 11:21-27

John Mark, the novice who was not ready for the battle… 13 Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13 11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. II Timothy 4:11

Paul’s willingness to take it for the Lord… 1.More labors 2.More imprisonments 3.Beaten times without number 4.Often in danger of death 5.Five times received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes 6.Three times beaten with rods 7.Once stoned

8.Three times shipped wrecked 9.A night and day spent in the deep 10.Been on frequent journeys 11.Dangers from rivers 12.Danger from robbers 13.Dangers from countrymen 14.Danger from the Gentiles 15.Danger in the city

16.Danger in the wilderness 17.Dangers on the sea 18.Dangers among false brethren 19.In labor and hardship 20.Sleepless nights 21.In hunger and thirst 22.Often without food 23.In cold and exposure

So how do we and our leaders take it for the Lord today? Willingness to be laughed at Willingness to lose our jobs Willingness to risk our wealth for kingdom work Willingness to go to jail Willingness to be bold

8. How much one cares about the spiritual welfare of others – II Corinthians 11:28- 29

28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

Breaking down these verses… External things – The above painful list pail in comparison Daily pressure – Constant burden Concern - Anxiety Weak – A fallen brother causes weakness in the soul of others Intense concern – Literally means to set on fire. Christians are set on fire in grief and righteous indignation

What does it feel like to work and anguish over those whom you love in Christ who refuse to do the right thing? Paul likens it to feeling like you are a mother with labor pains that will not go away until your children grow up and do the right thing 19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you— Galatians 4

Have you ever heard this saying? A mother is only as happy as her saddest child? It applies to our spiritual children as well.

The true leader’s heart… Carries the burden and pain of fellow believers who are in sin. Why? Because sin destroys lives and robs God of His glory. It literally tears them apart inside

God is concerned about the sheep… 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. John 10

This was a problem that the entire church of Corinth had… 5:1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. I Corinthians 5

Improper ways to handle other peoples burdens… 1.Apathy - Not care at all 2.Codependency 3.Blast them, blame and attack

In Conclusion… Maybe applications for Christian ministry ought to include these questions: 1.Name a time when you were bold for Christ 2.Have you ever suffered for the cause of Christ? Explain 3.How do you handle the pain of Christians who refuse to repent of their sin?