A Sermon Summary on 2 Cor 10:1-11:33
By Pastor Dave Hentschel
In a world craving strong leadership, it can be difficult to distinguish between true, godly leaders and those who only appear to be leading well. Leadership is often judged by outward success, charisma, or personal influence, but Scripture offers a deeper, more discerning lens. In 2 Corinthians 10-11, the apostle Paul provides a blueprint for identifying resilient, Christ-centered leadership in contrast to the arrogance and deception of false leaders.
As we explore three key principles from Paul’s defense of his ministry, let’s ask ourselves: Are we following leaders who reflect Christ, or are we drawn to those who serve themselves?
Principle 1: Good Leaders Lead with Spiritual Authority; Bad Leaders Lead with Worldly Arrogance (2 Cor. 10:1-18)
Paul’s critics in Corinth dismissed him as weak and unimpressive. They claimed he was bold in his letters but timid in person (10:1). These so-called “super-apostles” (11:5) measured leadership by worldly standards—charisma, rhetorical skill, and outward appearance. Paul, however, asserts that true spiritual authority is not about external power but about God’s strength working through humility and obedience.
He reminds the Corinthians that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (10:4). True leaders do not rely on manipulation, self-promotion, or human wisdom. Instead, they lead by the authority of Christ, taking every thought captive in obedience to Him (10:5).
How to Apply This Today:
- Examine the leadership you follow. Are they drawing people to Christ or to themselves?
- Look for humility. Do they seek personal recognition, or do they boast only in the Lord?
- Assess their impact. True spiritual leaders focus on building up others, not tearing them down (10:8).
A leader’s influence should not be measured by outward strength but by their faithfulness to Christ. If a leader is boasting in themselves, they are not leading with spiritual authority.
Principle 2: Good Leaders Serve Others; Bad Leaders Use Others (2 Cor. 11:1-15)
One of the clearest marks of false leadership is self-serving ambition. Paul contrasts his sacrificial service with the deceitful actions of the false teachers infiltrating the Corinthian church. Unlike these impostors who financially exploited the congregation, Paul refused to be a burden (11:7-9). He worked tirelessly, even at personal cost, to serve God’s people.
In contrast, the false teachers were “disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (11:13). Their leadership was built on deception and self-interest rather than love and truth.
How to Apply This Today:
- Beware of leaders who demand loyalty but refuse accountability. Do they serve others, or do they expect to be served?
- Pay attention to how leaders handle money. Are they generous and transparent, or do they manipulate people for financial gain?
- Look for leaders who elevate others. Do they seek to empower and equip, or do they keep people dependent on them?
Paul’s example shows us that true leadership is marked by sacrificial service, not self-preservation. The best leaders are those who give freely, expecting nothing in return.
Principle 3: Good Leaders Step Into Danger; Bad Leaders Step Aside (2 Cor. 11:16-33)
Perhaps the most striking mark of Paul’s leadership is his willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he lists the countless trials he endured: beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, and danger on all sides. While false teachers sought comfort and admiration, Paul embraced hardship because his ultimate goal was faithfulness to Christ.
Rather than boasting in his achievements, Paul declares: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (11:30). This stands in stark contrast to leaders who seek power, prestige, or security.
How to Apply This Today:
- Recognize that godly leadership often comes with suffering. If a leader avoids hardship or refuses to take risks for the gospel, they may be more concerned about self-preservation than truth.
- Ask yourself: Is my faith prepared for difficulty? Following Christ is not always easy, but true leaders step into hardship rather than running from it.
- Follow leaders who rely on God’s strength, not their own. The best leaders are those who admit their weaknesses and point to the sufficiency of Christ.
Paul teaches us that godly leaders don’t seek comfort—they seek faithfulness. A resilient leader is willing to endure trials because they trust in God’s sustaining power.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Leaders
Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 10-11 serves as both a warning and an encouragement. Not everyone who claims to be a leader is worthy of being followed. The world often elevates those who are charismatic, self-confident, and powerful, but Scripture calls us to a different standard:
- Good leaders lead with spiritual authority, not personal arrogance.
- Good leaders serve others instead of using them for personal gain.
- Good leaders step into difficulty rather than avoiding it.
Call to Action: How Will You Respond?
As you reflect on these principles, ask yourself:
- Am I following leaders who reflect Christ or those who seek their own glory?
- Am I personally leading with humility, service, and resilience?
- Am I willing to endure hardship for the sake of Christ, trusting in His strength?
Resilient leadership is not about power or popularity—it is about faithfulness to God. May we seek to follow and become the kind of leaders who serve, sacrifice, and stand firm in Christ.
