2 Corinthians 9:3-4 NASB95 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to speak of you—will be put to shame by this confidence.
Paul is writing to the church of Corinth, telling them how he has professed to the Macedonians the desire of the Corinthian Church to support others' growth in Jesus. Then, in our text, we see a great example of Paul's maturity and understanding of the fallen state of believers and how to disciple them.
Let me explain.
Paul knows that the church of Corinth has matured to the point of focusing on others before themselves. However, he also knows Satan will continue to attack the church and attempt to cause strife. In so doing, instead of the church working together to focus on the salvation and discipleship of others, they will focus on their selfish desires and turn their focus inward.
With Paul's understanding of this, he desires to make sure the church is ready to help others grow in maturity. We see this in Jesus' discipleship of Peter. At the end of Jesus' time on earth, He taught Peter a lesson. Peter had gone back to fishing (a focus on his life before Christ). Jesus had told the disciples I will make you fishers of men, but Peter went back to fishing for fish to feed himself. Jesus said to him in John 21:15 NASB95 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”
This happened three times. Peter do you love me more than your life as a fisherman? Yes, Lord, I love You. Tend My lambs.
Jesus tells Peter to take care of others. He is saying teach and care for them.
Paul is doing this very thing with the church.
Church of Corinth, Paul says to you, be ready to care for the Macedonians. Because if you are not ready, not only will they not be cared for they will be discipled in the ways of the world, (fishing for your own needs and not for others) instead of being discipled in the way of Christ. The way of Christ is sacrificing your needs for others. Paul was prepared to help the church by sending others ahead so both the leaders and new believers would grow.
The church needs to be careful and understand that people in a fallen world will sometimes fall. So, in Christ's love, let's feed His sheep by being focused on others and not ourselves. Don't get angry or give up but instead continue to help them grow. Feed HIS sheep.
Paul sent brothers in love,
"So that, as I was saying, you may be prepared."
Are the disciples leaders doing the same for the disciples of today?
Love Bro. Scott