Paul's Fears

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Paul’s Fears

By: Jim Crews

 

What are some of the things that cause you to be afraid? Most of us face fears at different points of our lives. Most of our fears come from things that we cannot control or things we cannot foresee. More fear is born of our imagination than is found in reality. We usually see fear as a bad thing, but it is still something we all experience.

Paul admitted to having fears.

I Corinthians 2:3

The contrast he makes is interesting and can be clearly seen when we read this in its context.

I Corinthians 2:1-5

As a spokesman for God, Paul demonstrated the power of God.
However, as a man he felt weak and afraid

Paul was a man who could face down a false sorcerer.

Acts 13:6-12
 

 

He was a man who could call a court official a whitewashed wall, and calmly apologize when he learned that the official was the high priest.

Acts 23:1-5

Without a doubt, Paul had courage. But he also had fears.

Paul fears being disappointed. He wrote a letter to the Corinthians strongly rebuking them for the various sins with which they allowed themselves to be afflicted. It grieved him that he had to cause them pain.

II Corinthians 7:8

He had to do battle against sin, but at the same time there were fears as to the outcome.

II Corinthians 7:4-5

It is the duty of a preacher to rebuke with authority.

Titus 2:15

But it doesn’t stop the concerns regarding whether or not it will work.  I’m sure many people see this type of preacher as a hardened, tough veteran. They don’t understand that underneath this exterior, they are still sensitive, caring men.
 

 

Paul rejoiced that his fears were unnecessary in this case. He had learned from Titus that the letter was properly received.

II Corinthians 7:6-7

In Paul, we can see a man who did not let his personal fears interfere with his duty to God. Paul was facing all sorts of problems, but he didn’t let them stop him.

II Corinthians 4:8-9

Still, he was nervous about seeing the Corinthians again in person.

II Corinthians 12:20-21

He remained concerned that while they responded well to his letter, that they wouldn’t actually change. He was afraid that he would find more problems in the group, and that old problems would be continued. He was afraid that instead of a joyful meeting that he would have to be harsh. This was something that neither they nor him would enjoy. Paul hoped to see progress and he was afraid that he might be disappointed when he came.

Paul also fears the deceptions of Satan.

II Corinthians 11:1-4
 

 

Paul understood the power of Satan and the weakness of men.

II Corinthians 11:13-15

He knew how smooth words and flattery work in the hearts of people.

Romans 16:17-18

He knew that false teachers would court the brethren.

Galatians 4:17

They would whisper sweet-nothings in their ears.

II Peter 2:18-19

And men would listen because the things they hear are exactly the things they want to hear.

II Timothy 4:3-4

Paul knew that people could be swayed by powerful personalities. People tend to only look at the surface.

II Corinthians 10:7

Paul knew that in appearance he couldn’t compete.

II Corinthians 10:10

 

 

Though he knew that it wasn’t appearance that mattered, but content. He knew what was being preached was more important than who was doing the preaching.

II Corinthians 11:6

Paul refused to use the tactics of the false teachers.

I Thessalonians 2:5

Paul would do those things that were necessary, and not things the people wanted.

II Corinthians 11:9-12

His using funds from other regions was a cause of complaint among the Corinthians. However, Paul knew the reason for this choice, as the Corinthians ought to have known, but he wouldn’t let their disapproval stop him, because his choice made the false teachers work harder.

Paul fears corruption.

II Corinthians 11:3-4

The “simplicity” in verse 3 doesn’t mean easy to understand, but singleness of purpose that is in Christ The opposite of this is the idea of being divided or doubled.

 

Paul feared that the Corinthians would accept ideas blended with other concepts. This is the same fear he had for the Galatians. Galatians 1:6-10
 

He wanted the Galatians to have no other mind but that of God.

Galatians 5:10

However,  he feared that they would begin to blend Judaism or idolatry with Christianity.

Galatians 4:8-11

Then it would no longer be one faith.

Ephesians 4:4-6

There can be no division or blending.

I Corinthians 1:10

The problem of a blended faith is that retains enough of the truth that the naive believe it without suspecting the elements of poison within. And Paul could see the Corinthians putting up with such heresy.

Much of what passes for Christianity today is actually nothing more than a blending of truth with other philosophies

 

Paul knew he would stand against such heresy and compromise.

II Corinthians 10:1-6

Paul knew how to use the truth to destroy false teachings. When he came, he wanted to come to teach and build up the faith of the Corinthians. But if he had to tear down their false beliefs in order to do this,  he would.

II Corinthians 10:8-11

It is amazing the vast amount of destructive beliefs people will tolerate.

II Corinthians 11:19-20

If Paul came visiting here, what would he find? Would he have reason to fear?