2 Corinthians 13:10: Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
Sometimes the minister of the Word must tear down before he can build up. The farmer must pull up the weeds before he can plant the seeds and get a good crop. Paul had to tear down the wrong thinking in the minds of the Corinthians before he could build up the truth in their hearts and minds. The negative attitude of the Corinthians made it necessary for Paul to destroy, but his great desire was to build.
In my own ministry, I have been through two building programs and two remodeling programs and, in spite of all their demands, building programs to me are much easier. It is much simpler and less expensive to build a new structure on unimproved land than to tear down walls and try to remodel an old building. Likewise, it is much easier to take a new believer and teach him the Word than it is to try to change the wrong thinking of an older saint. Wrong ideas can “hold out” against the truth for a long time, until the Spirit of God demolishes the walls in the mind. 1
Personal Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. How do these verses explain the spiritual “tearing down and building up” as a part of our Christian walk with Jesus?
Godly Encouragement
- For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. –1 Corinthians 1:18
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Be known to others as one who builds up the Body of Christ. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for Your faithful love, correction, and encouragement.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
