It must have been hard for Paul to deal with. He has spent so much time and energy on the Corinthians only to find that they are so easily turned aside by false teachers, finding himself wanting to defend himself, and yet knowing that his best defence is to continue doing things as he has been doing them. That only by doing so will he show these other people up for what they are ... false prophets/teachers.
Makes me think that it must be hard for Jim as well. To work so hard with these people here in Exeter, and within the Reformed Church, bringing the truth of you and then finding that people turn aside for other reasons. And then I look at some of the denominational issues that are facing us, and it makes me wonder, how do men (and women) of God who strive so hard for the truth of scripture deal with it all.
I find it rather frustrating myself. But I do like Paul's response where he says:
12And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
He is not going to change his stance for the truth. God will show these false people for what they are. "The Truth will out" so to speak. Helps me to understand Jim better too when he says that he will continue to focus on the preaching of God's word, regardless of what the Church growth movement says about it or not.
Through the direct preaching of the word, the truth will be heard .... sometimes I find... regardless of whether or not people really want to hear it.
