Are We Hindering the Gospel?

2 Corinthians 10:1 KJV

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

Now here is an interesting chapter.

The apostle begs the Corinthians, in meekness of Christ, not to associate themselves with the false apostles who made it their business to attack Paul. Though Paul refused to be stern when there; and though he had come to town “pressed out of spirit” he was the appointed apostle of God for Corinth. His ministry among them had been certain and God had given him authority among them.

Though Paul had nothing but words to use to convince them, still he maintained his authority and insisted that these men should not have any office in the church without his sanction.

And then Paul implied that this dispute with these false apostles, and Corinthians’ openness to listen to them, had served to hinder the preaching of the gospel. Paul could go no further in taking the gospel to regions beyond until this church had grown past this question.

God is never hindered as He uses even our lack of faith for His purpose. But that does not excuse our lack of faith. Paul said where sin abounds grace much more abounds but that does not mean we should sin so grace may abound.

I have no concern that God will fail. I am concerned that some Christians will find out too late that God prevailed despite them rather than through them.