All right, let's get into our study of God's Word this morning. We're in 2 Corinthians and we're going chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

And today's text will be chapter 11, verses 16 through 21. If you are already turned there, I'll ask you to stand.

And you can follow along as I read. If not, that's

all right. You can remain seated and follow along as well. The Apostle Paul is writing

to the church in Corinth and by the Holy Spirit says, rather bluntly I might add verse 16, I repeat, let no one take me for a fool.

But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool so that I may do a little boasting.

In this self-confident boasting, I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool.

Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise.

In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or how about this one, slaps you in the face.

To my shame, I admit that we were too weak for that.

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about, I'm speaking as a fool,

I also dare to boast about. Let's pray. Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your word. Thank you for this passage that is

before us today here in your word. Lord, would you bless our time together today?

Would you, Lord, as you're always so faithful to, minister to us?

For those that are here brokenhearted today, would you mend that broken heart?

To those who need comforting today in the midst of affliction, would you comfort by your

Holy Spirit?

Lord, we need you as the hymn of old so aptly says every hour we need thee, O Lord.

So meet us here, Lord, and minister to us here, Lord, we pray.

In Jesus' name, amen.

You can be seated, thank you.

Today's teaching will be part four of a series I've titled Marks of a True Leader. I'm hoping you'll bear with me as I begin

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