Introduction: October 31 is Reformation Day (not just Halloween), marking the date in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 statements on the church door in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther was, in a sense, walking in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle, because he was standing for the defense of the Word of God. False apostles had infiltrated the church in Corinth. In their process of taking over the church, they tried hard to dis-credit Paul. Part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is written to defend his apostleship. Here he give three reasons that he should be recognized as an apostle:

I. Paul's Dedication (2 Cor. 11:22-29)

A. 2 Corinthians 11:22-29 lists some of the sufferings that Paul endured in order to serve God as an apostle. His dedication proved his calling.

B. In the days of the Reformation, Martin Luther, and many other men and women endured sufferings, and even martyrdom, in order that they might be free to worship God according to the Bible.

C. Because of the courage of our forefathers, we live in a time and place in which suffering for Christ is very minimal. If any suffering DOES come OUR way due to our identification with Christ, we should remain true to Christ and set an example for our children and brethren in the Lord.

II. Paul's Knowledge (2 Cor. 12:1-7).

A. Paul was given great visions and revelations. Thus we have his epistles, the bulk of the New Testament after the Gospels.

B. Neither Martin Luther, nor John Calvin, etc., ever had any revelations from God. They just studied the Bible deeply, and then wrote their commentaries, and documents like the Westminster Confession of Faith. These writings are valuable. But they are not scripture.

C. Since the completion of the New Testament, God is no longer speaking to His people through dreams, visions, tongues and other previous forms of revelation. Beware of those who claim to have special "words" of knowledge, or wisdom personally from God Himself. They deceive themselves, and others, too.

D. If you want knowledge of Heavenly things, don't seek revelations. Just study and live by the Bible.

III. Paul's Power (2 Cor. 12:11-12).

A. Paul manifested the "marks of an apostle" in his ministry: Signs, wonders and miracles.

B. semeiois - "miraculous token", terasin - "miraculous omen full of portent", dunamesin - "a deed possible only with supernatural power." These three words are similar, but they speak of 1) The proof of the identity of the doer; 2) The conveyance of spiritual meaning through the deed; 3) The supernatural power required to do the deed.

C. There are no Apostles today, and no Christians today can do the signs, wonders and miracles that were done by the Apostles.

D. Nevertheless, we DO see the power of God at work in our lives. Conversion is a supernatural miracle. God's power is shown in our hearts by our growth in Grace. Our circumstances display God's Providence. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Conclusion: During the Middle Ages, Christian men and women were not allowed to study the Bible. They were not allowed to worship God according to the Word of God, but rather by the dictates of the all-powerful Roman church. The Reformation was a turning point in history in which millions of Christians became free to live and worship by the Bible, rather than by the doctrines of men. We should cherish that freedom, and take advantage of our heritage to serve God and to win others to Christ.