2 Corinthians 10:12-14 English Standard Version

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.

While looking into the value of being somewhat proud these passages appeared. Boasting has it limits but also has its purpose. Paul lists one limit here which is important and that is in the area of assigned influence. The term overextending might be seen as not going too far and yet going just far enough to reach some who might accept the gospel for the first time.

It is interesting that this applies to first contact for if we seek to talk to the lost we might find that we were not the first to approach them. If those who came before us did not plant the seed on fertile ground, it is an opportunity to have a discussion about what happened during and after the first seeding.

Two issues come to mind about their first encounter. What seed was offered and what was the condition of the soil? If their hearts were prepared to receive and the wrong gospel was presented, this is an opportunity to discuss why they rejected that first seeding. If it was the right seed and the wrong time, then the conversation shifts to what has happened in their lives after that first seeding.

What is important in “bring it” is our recognition of their condition, their thoughts and influences and experiences that might show some cracks in the soil where some watering may need to be done.

1 Corinthians 9:23 English Standard Version (ESV) I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

If we are familiar with the passages preceding this verse we might think of Paul as being a chameleon. He became what he needed to become in order to be accepted into the groups where he was bringing the gospel. He may have looked different but one thing that did not change was the blessing he brought with him wherever he went and not matter what had to endure.

Key in this passage is this one word, share. One cannot share something without bringing it with us. It is the one consistent thing in all the appearances Paul presented. One of the aspects of sharing the gospel is finding a way to be acceptable in their presence long enough for them to comfortably recognize the blessings that flow through us because of who is in us.

Comfort in others allows them to relax and get to know us. With time we will be recognized as a blessing that is different than others in our surroundings. Being a blessing will create in them a desire to be a blessing themselves. Then as their desires are recognized, the gospel can then be shown as the source and that we are merely carriers.

When we can recognize that when we sit in peace with others in turmoil we are running our race at full speed and winning the race. It is spiritual, not physical.

1 Corinthians 9:24 English Standard Version (ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Stop thinking of this spiritual race as being physical.