009:013 For, by the practical proof of it which you exhibit in
this service, you cause God to be extolled for your fidelity
to your professed adherence to the Good News of the Christ,
and for the liberality of your contributions for them and
for all who are in need,
009:014 while they themselves also in supplications on your behalf
pour out their longing love towards you because of God's
surpassing grace which is resting upon you.
009:015 Thanks be to God for His unspeakably precious gift!
010:001 But as for me Paul, I entreat you by the gentleness and
self-forgetfulness of Christ--I who when among you have not
an imposing personal presence, but when absent am fearlessly
outspoken in dealing with you.
010:002 I beseech you not to compel me when present to make a bold
display of the confidence with which I reckon I shall show
my `courage' against some who reckon that we are guided
by worldly principles.
010:003 For, though we are still living in the world, it is no worldly
warfare that we are waging.
010:004 The weapons with which we fight are not human weapons,
but are mighty for God in overthrowing strong fortresses.
010:005 For we overthrow arrogant `reckonings,' and every stronghold
that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God,
and we carry off every thought as if into slavery--
into subjection to Christ;
010:006 while we hold ourselves in readiness to punish every act
of disobedience, as soon as ever you as a Church have fully
shown your obedience.
010:007 Is it outward appearances you look to? If any man is confident
as regards himself that he specially belongs to Christ,