When Obedience is Complete

 The Apostle Paul's authority was divinely given and so he could command as the Holy Spirit enlightened him.  However, it seems like some of the Corinthians thought he "talked big" in letters but in person he was,

"unimpressive and his speaking amounted to nothing" (2 Corinthians 10:10 NIV).

Yet Paul dared to confront this thinking as he was fully confident he had the

 "authority of the Lord" (v 8), 

not to lord it over them but for the purpose of building these Corinthian believers up and not to tear them down.  

That seems somewhat tongue-in-cheek, as that's exactly what some of them had been doing - tearing him down.  I suppose they didn't want to be submissive to his authority.  They had misjudged, as it was actually the Lord's authority they were rejecting.

Second Corinthians 10:6 seems rather contradictory but seeing this verse in this light is more understandable.  Read the verse...

"And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."

When I first read this verse, I went, "Huh!?  If they are already obedient how could there be disobedience left among them?!"  It didn't make sense to me because at first, it seems like Paul is chomping at the bit and somewhat exasperated with this assembly of believers, yet he had patience to wait until any remnant of disobedience had succumbed; been repented of and instead had become obedient.  He was prepared to wait it out despite the urgency of his tone.

When they did submit, it would have been to God's authority and not his, per se. Paul was

 "ready to punish every act of disobedience" (v 6).  

He had already instructed as much towards the incestuous man of 1 Corinthians 5:1.  He said that they were all together and 

"the power of our Lord Jesus is present" (1 Corinthians 5:4 NIV) 

that they should take the action of 

"handing this man over to Satan" (1 Corinthians 5:5).

This was not to drag and rake him over the coals and humiliate him but to discipline and punish him in view of restoration.  Oh how I like this view!  

"To destruct the flesh but save his spirit" (1 Corinthians 5:5).  

Repentance and restoration - two BIG 'R's of reconciliation in realtionship with God the Father and fellow believers.  Praise-worthy and noteworthy action that all gatherings of believers need to take heed to and implement.

The verse-by-verse commentary gave this explanation in regards to the type of disobedience meant, 

"...those opposed to Paul's apostolic ministry that was bestowed upon him in the Holy Spirit, especially in his writings."

In regard to the "when your obedience is fulfilled" statement, they said,

"...when the Corinthian church would submit itself to the authority of the apostle, it would be obedience to God."

Furthermore,

"...when the church corporately and in obedient faith [obeyed], Paul's apostolic sanctions would not have to be applied".

God our Heavenly Father does discipline us as needed and as He sees fit.  If he does not, then perhaps we are not His legitimate child (Hebrews 12:8).  If we are, then let's all humbly, submissively obey Him in our personal life and among the believers in Jesus Christ - corporately.

True, leadership could be wrong at times but take it to the Lord in prayer and follow His guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit.  There are verses in God's Word to direct our behavior in confronting those in authority over us in any circumstance we may encounter.  No one is above God's discipline in His family (Matthew 1:15-18; 1 Timothy 5:19).

Brothers and sisters-in-Christ, let us all encourage one another, and build each other up in our most holy faith, being completely obedient to the authority God has bestowed upon our spiritual leaders within the church, who are looking out for the interests of others and especially living by faith and circumspectly before God.  Work together as a church to bring all glory and honor to our loving, caring Heavenly Father, God.  May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with us all.

                                                   ~ERC  November 2022~

Based on 2 Corinthians 10 NIV, esp. vs 6.

Sing, Be Thou My Vision, along with Evolsiay Tulip.