by verse and today our text will be chapter 12 and verses 11 through 13.

I'll ask you to turn there at this time and once you do if you're able,

please stand you can follow along as I read. If not that's all right.

The Apostle Paul in our text today is true to form going to be rather blunt with these

Christians there in the church in Corinth.

He says by the Spirit in verse 11, I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it.

I ought to have been commended by you.

For I am not in the least inferior to the super apostles, even though I am nothing.

I, verse 12, persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders, and miracles. How were you inferior to the other churches, that I was never a burden to you?

Forgive me for this wrong.

Let's pray if you would join with me.

Lord, we have before us a very interesting passage here in your Word.

And it's for that reason amongst many others that we need for you by the Holy Spirit to bless it to our understanding.

Lord, we need for you desperately really to speak

into our lives in and through your word today. That's why we're here. We want to hear

you speak in that still small refining voice of the Holy Spirit.

So Lord, will you speak?

Your servants are listening.

We pray.

In Jesus' name, amen.

You can be seated.

Thank you.

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