Nothing to prove; nothing to lose

Nothing to prove; nothing to lose.

2 Corinthians 1:1-12

Text V 12

Intro

Believers will be much more effective if we can adopt a

nothing to prove; nothing to lose (except our salvation) mentality.

This will eradicate unhealthy competitiveness 

It will create a genuine bond of love and camaraderie

It will cause people to feel safe to share their struggles and weaknesses

Believers do not need to prove our salvation or holiness to any person. 

This causes rigidness

It hinders the Spirit’s working through us

It places a huge burden on believers shoulders

Believers do not need to fear losing anything because what we treasure most cannot be taken away by any human being.

1 .Suffering

(Chapter 10-12)

Paul had to complete a huge task - to implement the doctrine of the newly established church.

His background as a Pharisee and his studies under one of the greatest scholars of the time has prepared him well for the task.

Purpose of suffering: Reliance on God and not on skills, qualifications or giftedness

His suffering was beyond his ability to bear, but God strengthened him

His suffering was in mind, heart, spirit and body

He had to deal with heresies in the Church; conflict amongst believers; Misconduct amongst believers;

Discipline; Correction of heresies and conflict are complex issues to deal with, but he succeeded.

He was able to influence policy makers and people in power (governers, religious leaders) as a 

result.

2. Sincerity

Sincerity requires openness and honesty of opinion and feeling.

It may be misinterpreted and misunderstood, but do that which will appease conscience.

Sometimes it is very difficult to address certain issues, when you are sincere with others,

you must move pass that uncomfortable feeling.

When you need to speak candidly it is to be done in God’s timing, with His grace and in wisdom.

3. Sanctification

It starts with a relationship with Christ - salvation.

Paul had to meet Jesus on the Road to Damascus to experience the point of salvation.

Every true believer has a point of connection with Jesus 

As you grow in relation to Him, then you become more like Christ. Old habits and ways are slowly

chopped away through suffering because it teaches reliance on God.

Our Lord will even take you to the most awkward/unusual places to teach you a lesson if need be.

Conclusion

Believers will impact lives if we know who has assigned/called/mandated us

In Paul’s opening statement said that he was an apostle by God’s will ,not the church’s nor the remaining  disciples 

We will stand by our convictions if we know what we believe in

Paul stood by his convictions of morality (1 Corinthians Chapter 5)

We will endure suffering because it is intertwined with achievement and growth

Paul suffered greatly in mind, spirit, heart and body, but he achieved his unique mission to implement doctrine in the church for generations to come.(Chapter 10-12)

Paul had every right to prove his standing with Christ because of his persecution of the church at 

every opportunity he got ,but he only did so when distrust grew with regard to his authority and 

sincerity.

His life is a portrayal of someone who had nothing to prove and nothing to lose because what he

treasured most no man could take away from him!!

Can you testify like Paul that you have conducted yourself in the world and ESPECIALLY in your relations with fellow believers in holiness and sincerity??