Word In Life Study Bible
SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY
2 Cor.13:10
If you exercise leadership among other believers, you’ll want to carefully study Paul’s comment about his authority (2 Cor. 13:10). Like many of us, Paul liked to be in charge, and he felt frustrated when people failed to follow his lead, as the Corinthians had. As an apostle, he had spiritual authority over them, which at times led him to deal severely with them (1 Cor. 4:21; 5:5; compare Titus 1:13).
But it’s important to notice how Paul exercised his authority, especially as he grew older in the faith. He didn’t lord it over others or try to use his authority to personal advantage. Nor did he abuse his power by using it to work out his own anger. Instead, he recognized that spiritual authority is given “for edification and not for destruction” (2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10), for building others up, not for tearing them down.
Is that how you use your position and authority? Do you exercise leadership in order to accomplish the best interests of those who follow you? As they carry out your directives, are they built up in Christ, or torn down?
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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