Victory Within Our Appointed Sphere

“We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.” 2 Cor. 10:13.

When a person oversteps their appointed sphere, it is usually due to concealed self-confidence and a hidden self-love. They secretly nurture thoughts that they have been chosen for something extraordinary, and consequently they feel like their sphere and appointed area is too limited. They believe that anyone who tries to prevent them from attaining their selfish ambition must be shoved aside and maligned. They want to travel far away, to a place that appeals to their flesh. So they boldly charge ahead, trusting in their own strength. But the moment they come outside their appointed sphere, God’s light and power disappear.

Paul says in verse 14, “For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ.”

Within our sphere we have the right to reach quite far, but we have no right to go beyond our sphere. All such overextending has its root in the flesh and manifests itself as arrogance.

This type of exertion never leads to victory. It just reveals that the person has given in to the fleshly desire of trying to add a few inches to their stature. They think that by doing this, they will be able to quickly catch up with and overtake people who have labored diligently at a snail’s pace within their own sphere. But those who have labored diligently have received power from God to put an end to all such far-fetched notions. God does not permit that kind of victory in His church. Attempting such things will always be wasted effort, no matter how promising a person’s strength and self-confidence seem to be.

Let each one of us remain in the place God has appointed for us in His body. There we can patiently grow the growth of the body.

To go beyond our appointed sphere and area will end in defeat; but God has not appointed us to defeat, but to victory. Therefore, thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ Jesus.