What does 2 Corinthians 5:12 teach about true commendation from God versus man? Verse Text 2 Corinthians 5:12: “We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you will have an answer for those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.” Why Paul Brings This Up • Some in Corinth judged apostles by eloquence, credentials, and showy spirituality. • Paul refuses to market himself; instead, he equips believers to defend a ministry evaluated by God’s standards. • The issue is not mere reputation but whose approval ultimately matters—Heaven’s or earth’s. Two Competitors: Outward Appearance vs. Heart Outward Appearance • Polished speech (1 Corinthians 2:1). • Impressive letters of recommendation (2 Corinthians 3:1). • Visible religious acts that draw admiration (Matthew 6:1). Heart Reality • Integrity seen by God alone (1 Samuel 16:7). • Motives ruled by love for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Faithfulness measured by obedience, not applause (John 12:43). What True Commendation Looks Like • Rooted in God’s testing of motives—“God, who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). • Centered on the Lord’s glory—“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). • Validated by transformed lives, not selfies of success (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). • Focused on pleasing God, not courting popularity—“If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). • Ultimately pronounced at Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10). Connecting Scriptures • Romans 2:29—true praise “is not from men, but from God.” • Proverbs 27:2—“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” • 1 Corinthians 4:5—God “will disclose the motives of hearts; at that time each will receive his commendation from God.” • John 5:44—those who seek glory from one another cannot truly believe. Personal Takeaways for Today • Guard your motives: seek the Lord’s “well done,” not social approval. • Evaluate ministries and leaders by fruit and faithfulness, not flash. • Speak of others’ gospel faithfulness so fellow believers can answer critics who value image over substance. • Remember that God’s commendation is eternal; human applause fades as quickly as it rises. |
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