"For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends" (2 Cor. 10:18).
Paul had labored long and hard in Corinth, establishing a new church and exhorting them to follow the commands of Christ. It must have been difficult for him to receive news that other “teachers” had entered his field of labor with the intent to stir up opposition against him. He had started the church in Corinth, and it was his rightful sphere of government, for he had been declared the apostle to the Gentiles. Now, after all his work, others were coming in to claim the work for themselves, giving themselves the praise and glory, and undermining his authority among the people. These men boasted of their own abilities; they might have been very able speakers and leaders, but they did not give the praise to God. They built on another man’s foundation and then took the credit for themselves.
This distressed Paul greatly because he realized that where God is not honored, the church will falter. He wanted the Gospel to be preached and the church to grow according to the means God had established. He did not want to see the Christians in Corinth praise men for their limited abilities, but he wanted them to focus on God and on what Christ had done for them.
Even though the false teachers compared themselves to Paul, claiming superiority, Paul did not respond by exalting himself. He boasted not in himself, but in the Lord. He gloried not in his abilities, but in the power of Christ who alone is King of His church. God declared to the people of Israel, and He declares to His church today, that He will share His glory with no one. Yet, this is precisely what the false teachers in Corinth were doing. They were taking the glory of the church for themselves, robbing God of His central place in the hearts and minds of the people there. This was Paul’s greatest concern, that the people not commend themselves. God had not called these men to rule over them, but He had called Paul. Paul’s commendation, therefore, was not in the approval of men but in God Himself, who alone is to be glorified and praised for His works of grace. Only those who humble themselves before the Lord will be lifted up. Let us not exalt ourselves or glory in man’s abilities, but let us glory in the Lord.
Take stock of the worthy abilities God has given you. Make a list if you want. Go through each one and thank God for His generosity in equipping you with that particular ability. Ask Him to keep you from being puffed up on account of that ability. Confess areas in which you have exalted yourself and been prideful.
