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Paul’s
Credentials |
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One of Paul’s biggest problems with the church in Corinth was his concern that they viewed him as no more than a blustering preacher; thus, they were not taking seriously his advice in his letters and on his visits. Paul addressed this attitude in the letter of 2 Corinthians, pointing out his credentials as an apostle of Christ and why the Corinthians should take his advice. |
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Commissioned by God |
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Spoke truthfully |
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Acted in holiness, sincerity, and dependence on God alone in his dealings with them |
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Was straightforward and sincere in his letters |
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Had God's Holy Spirit |
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Loved the Corinthian believers |
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Spoke with sincerity and Christ's power |
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Worked among them and changed their lives |
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Lived as an example to the believers |
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Did not give up |
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Taught the Bible with integrity |
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Had Christ as the center of his message |
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Endured persecution as he taught the Good News |
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Was Christ's ambassador, called to tell the Good News |
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6:3, 4(-8) |
Tried to live an exemplary life so others would not be kept from God |
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6:6 |
Led a pure life, understood the gospel, and displayed patience with the Corinthians |
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6:7 |
Was truthful and filled with God's power |
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6:8 |
Stood true to God first and always |
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Never corrupted or exploited anyone |
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Handled their offering for the Jerusalem believers in a responsible, blameless manner |
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Used God's weapons, not his own, for God's work |
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10:7, 8 |
Was confident that he belonged to Christ |
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10:12, 13 |
Would boast not in himself but in the Lord |
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10:14, 15 |
Had authority because he taught them the Good News |
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Endured pain and danger as he fulfilled his calling |
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Was blessed with an astounding vision |
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12:7-10 |
Was constantly humbled by a "thorn" in the flesh that God refused to take away |
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12:12 |
Did miracles among them |
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12:19 |
Was always motivated to strengthen others spiritually |
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Was filled with God's power |
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13:5, 6 |
Passed the test |
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13:9 |
Was always concerned that his spiritual children become mature believers |