Dare

2 Corinthians 11:4 KJV

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Jack Hyles taught that we should never defend ourselves but let God be our defense. The concept makes sense biblically on two counts that I can think of;

·         Jesus did not defend himself. Like a lamb before his shearers He opened not His mouth

·         Although David was a man of war he never defended himself either

I have made it a personal practice in very nearly thirty years of ministry, to never defend myself but leave my defense in the hands of God. It has held me in good stead and I am glad I have done it.

However, here is a biblical example of the other. Paul did defend his apostleship, though he did say that doing so was folly. He knew his defense could and would be attacked as boastful and foolish but he begged them to bear with it in this instance.

This verse is a challenge. Paul dares them to find one who has preached

·         A better Jesus

·         A better spirit or

·         A better gospel

than the one he had preached. If any of his accusers or if any of these false apostles had preached a better salvation than he, then they were free to have at it. The obvious implication is that there is none better. Paul put himself and his ministry on the line here. He knew he was God's anointed and he knew his message was truth. He was not afraid to lay it on the line and let it be tested. God would prevail.