2Corinthians:10

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* But as for me Paul , I entreat you by the gentleness and self-forgetfulness of Christ –I who when among you have not an imposing personal presence , but when absent am fearlessly outspoken in dealing with you . * I beseech you not to compel me when present to make a bold display of the confidence with which I reckon I shall show my `courage ' against some who reckon that we are guided by worldly principles . * For , though we are still living in the world , it is no worldly warfare that we are waging . * The weapons with which we fight are not human weapons , but are mighty for God in overthrowing strong fortresses . * For we overthrow arrogant `reckonings ,' and every stronghold that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God , and we carry off every thought as if into slavery –into subjection to Christ ; * while we hold ourselves in readiness to punish every act of disobedience , as soon as ever you as a Church have fully shown your obedience . * Is it outward appearances you look to ? If any man is confident as regards himself that he specially belongs to Christ , let him consider again and reflect that just as he belongs to Christ , so also do we . * If , however , I were to boast more loudly of our Apostolic authority , which the Lord has given us that we may build you up , not pull you down , I should have no reason to feel ashamed . * Let it not seem as if I wanted to frighten you by my letters . * For they say »His letters are authoritative and forcible , but his personal presence is unimpressive , and as for eloquence , he has none .« * Let such people take this into their reckoning , that whatever we are in word by our letters when absent , the same are we also in act when present . * For we have not the `courage ' to rank ourselves among , or compare ourselves with , certain persons distinguished by their self-commendation . Yet they are not wise , measuring themselves , as they do , by one another and comparing themselves with one another . * We , however , will not exceed due limits in our boasting , but will keep within the limits of the sphere which God has assigned to us as a limit , which reaches even to you . * For there is no undue stretch of authority on our part , as though it did not extend to you . We pressed on even to Corinth , and were the first to proclaim to you the Good News of the Christ . * We do not exceed our due limits , and take credit for other men 's labours ; but we entertain the hope that , as your faith grows , we shall gain promotion among you –still keeping within our own sphere – promotion to a larger field of labour , * and shall tell the Good News in the districts beyond you , not boasting in another man 's sphere about work already done by him . * But * For it is not the man that commends himself who is really approved , but he whom the Lord commends .

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