2 Corinthians 11:7-12 Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?… I. OUR BEST ACTS MAY BE MISINTERPRETED. Acts of the greatest nobility and unselfishness have often been. The world's greatest benefactors have tasted the bitterness of being misunderstood. 1. We should not judge of our acts by man's estimate of them. 2. We should not be surprised by any interpretation put on them. 3. We should not be dismayed by any interpretation. 4. We should rejoice that we have a higher, wiser, and more impartial tribunal than the human. Our Master said, "Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you!" (Luke 6:26) - a pregnant warning to those who live upon the approval of men! II. MISINTERPRETATION SHOULD NOT HINDER US FROM CONTINUING IN A RIGHT COURSE. 1. We have not to give account to men, but to God. 2. To change our conduct might not avoid misinterpretation, but rather give occasion for it (ver. 12). III. MISINTERPRETATION MAY BE MET AT SUITABLE TIMES BY EXPLANATION AND JUSTIFICATION OF CONDUCT. 1. It is well to take away occasion for misinterpretation. Misinterpretation, like martyrdom, should not be courted. Both should be borne heroically when they meet us in the path of duty. 2. It is often well to show that misinterpretation is misinterpretation. We should not forget that misinterpretation may (1) injure our usefulness; (2) injure those who misinterpret us; (3) bring dishonour upon Christ. In this matter we have need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. - H. Parallel Verses KJV: Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? |
    |