Paul has spoken of the success of his ministry. He thanked God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place, 2 Corinthians 2:14. He had pointed to the Christians in Corinth as evidence of his success.

But in saying this he was merely responding to the criticism of his ministry by his enemies. He was not boasting. To safeguard himself from such a charge, he now states that such success was not the result of his own powers. No! he utterly disclaimed all such pretensions. His sufficiency was of God alone.

I. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF ANY NATURAL MAN TO DO GOOD 

1. He is incapable of producing good thoughts. The reasoning processes of man are utterly depraved. That was seen in man’s response to the Saviour ministry and miracles, John 7:12; 12:10-11. Even when faced with the mighty outpouring of God’s power, man shows his incapacity to reason aright, Acts 2:11-15. What of Paul’s experience before Agrippa and Festus? Acts 26:24-28. 

Man’s heart is full of evil, . . . .The heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, Ecclesiastes 9:3. There is no hatred of sin and love for God and Christ resident in the heart of unregenerate man. 

2. He is incapable of doing good. The above Scriptures show that a power outside of man must work before a sinner will contemplate good. Acts 16:14. The absence of such an spiritual operation can result in only one response to the gospel, Acts 27:23-27. 

What is required is referred to in Phil 4:13. For without me ye can do nothing, John 15:5.