We left our study last week with Paul telling his detractors in Corinth that as he was in his writings so he would be in deed and practice.

In verse 12, Paul explains that his boldness springs, not from a false and proud opinion of himself. Rather, he measured himself according to the line drawn by the Lord marking out his duties. He saw himself in the light of the work which God had allotted to him.

The false teachers, in contrast, gauged themselves by measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves. Paul says this is not wise. A false picture of oneself will most certainly be the result. They had come to Corinth after Paul’s departure and, like Cuckoos, had sought to take over the work Paul had begun and built on his labours. That was not Paul’s method, 15-16.

Paul’s desire was that when their faith was increased and they no longer needed his attentions, then he wished to expand his labours in accordance with the line laid down by the Lord. Paul had not lost his zeal, despite the many hardships he had suffered.

The chapter closes with a general rule for glorying, verse 17-18. Anything we are or have done has been by the grace of God. We ought to await his commendation for it alone is of any value.

I. GLORYING IN OURSELVES SPRINGS FROM A FALSE VIEW OF OURSELVES

1. Natural man is very prone to self-glory. It is a fruit of our fallen nature. We take a pride in ourselves. This the reason why sinners reject the gospel. They see no need of a Saviour. They need the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 2:9.

2. Natural man has no claim to honour in all that he glories in. Physical appearance, mental accomplishments, personal possessions. In truth, we have no control over these things, James 4:13-16.

3. Natural man’s self-glory springs from a wrong measure of himself. Measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise, verse 12. When we measure ourselves so, we see perfection. All that differs from us is less in quality. How often we gauge others by ourselves and denigrate them in consequence!

II. THE RIGHT ESTIMATE OF OURSELVES IS TO MEASURE OURSELVES IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES

God had assigned to Paul a certain work and it was what he had accomplished within that assignment that was the basis of Paul’s estimate of himself.

1. It is of vital importance that we understand that God has mapped out for us a sphere of service.

There is the general will of God for all men, Ps 40:8; 143:10.

But there is also that specific and personal will of God for me, Acts 18:21, Rom 1:10, Acts 16:6-10.

2. Our success must be gauged in the light of our compliance with that will. By nature we have a poor record, Rom 7:15, 19.

3. Submission to God is the key to success. James 4:7, 10. Phil 2:13, Col 1:29.

4. Paul saw that there was still work to be done. Verses 15-16.

III. LET US HUMBLY LOOK FOR THE LORD’S COMMENDATION

1. High views of ourselves carry no weight with the Lord. Matt 7:21-23.

2. Faithfulness to Christ is what will be commended. Matt 25:21, 23. Note the word few.

3. Faithfulness is sometimes hard won. Rev 2:10.

There are accolades to be won today. The key is surrendering to Christ and walking faithfully with Him.