Introduction
Paul launched a defense of his authority in the church in the tenth chapter of 2 Corinthians. In the first six verses, he revealed the true nature and power of his authority. In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (2 Corinthians 10:7-11), Paul explained that the Lord gave him this authority and he exercised it through his perceived weakness.
The apostle did not conform to worldly patterns of leadership or submit to the expectations of worldly people. He exercised authority with two clear complementary goals in mind: He sought to please Christ, his Lord, and he sought to love the church, Christ’s people.
The elements of this worship service will focus on the source of all authority in the church: the Lord Jesus Christ.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Call to Worship Habakkuk 2:18-20
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 2 Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
Notes: This marvelous hymn summons us to give praise to the truth God who reigns from his throne in heaven. By his grace, the great King saves us and sustains us. “Praise with us the God of grace!”
Worship through Giving
Response: Psalm 23b
Hymn 42 Praise Ye the Lord!
Notes: The Lord we serve is the “King of creation.” Nothing lies outside his rule. We respond, “O let all that is in me adore Him!” And we “Praise Him in glad adoration.”
Scripture Reading Matthew 16:13-20
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 54 O Blessed God! How Kind
Notes: Paul reminds the Corinthians that the Lord who saved them has appointed leaders in the church by which they are built up in the faith. Submission to him expresses a recognition of his indescribable grace. This hymn rejoices in God’s eternal plan by which, through Jesus, he has delivered us from condemnation and made us “monuments of grace.”
Message Lordship, Leadership, and Love
2 Corinthians 10:7-11
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 13 Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Notes: Our joy does not come from the unstable and undependable values of the culture, but from Christ, the Lord. He is our focus; in him we rejoice “and triumph evermore.” “He rules o’er earth and heav’n,” and our hope is anchored to the “glorious hope” that “our Lord and Judge shall come.”
Prayer Response Eric Hicks
Benediction John Miles