A Paradox for Protection – pt.1 – (2 Corinthians 11:16–12:6)

This study considers Paul’s call to examine ourselves and take sin seriously without falling into endless introspection or hopeless guilt. God’s warning calls for confessing sin, turning from it, and trusting Christ’s power and mercy, with repentance directed toward restoration.

In this lesson, the final three tests of godly spiritual influence concern integrity, commitment to believers’ edification, and willingness to confront unrepentant sin. Paul’s response to his critics shows how genuine concern for holiness differs from influences that merely seek their own advantage.

This lesson begins a two-part study of how to discern genuine spiritual influence among competing voices that claim to care for our growth. Paul’s response to his critics in 2 Corinthians 12:11–21 provides the setting for six tests of trustworthy influence.

In this study, affliction exposes pride and weakness while drawing believers to prayer and dependence on God’s sustaining grace. Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 shows how Christ’s power is revealed in weakness and how suffering can serve God’s good purposes.

7 Warning about Confident Boasting to Protect you from yourself It uses Man’s Metrics vv.16–18 It causes Defective Discernment vv.19–21a It is Often Outmatched vv.21b–27 It neglects Church Concerns 28–29 It evades Humbling Humiliations 30–33 It robs God’s Glory vv.12:1–5) It promotes Superficial Spirituality v.6

7 Warning about Confident Boasting to Protect you from yourself It uses Man’s Metrics vv.16–18 It causes Defective Discernment vv.19–21a It is Often Outmatched vv.21b–27 It neglects Church Concerns 28–29 …