Followers of Christ can establish their legitimacy through their history of faithful service.

Paul wrote to the people in the Corinthian church and he proved his claims were legitimate through his faithfulness in following Christ.

Establishing legitimate rights due to genealogy – lineage of God’s chosen people
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:21-22 “… But in whatever respect anyone else is bold – I speak in foolishness – I am just as bold myself.
22 Are they Hebrews?  So am I.  Are they Israelites?  So am I.  Are they descendants of Abraham?  So am I.

Establishing legitimate belief – faithfully serving the Lord Jesus Christ
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:23 “Are they servants of Christ? –I speak as if insane– I more so…”

Establishing legitimate claims – due to suffering because of following & serving the Lord Jesus
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:24-25 “Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.”

Establishing legitimate history of travel – and the dangers involved
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:26 “I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;”

Establishing legitimate physical challenges – the externals
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:27 “I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

Establishing legitimate pressures – the daily pressures
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:28 “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.”

Establishing legitimate caring – intense concern for others
(NASB) 2 Corinthians 11:29 “Who is weak without my being weak?  Who is led into sin without my intense concern?”

(Amplified Bible) 2 Corinthians 11:29 “Who is weak, and I do not feel [his] weakness?  Who is made to stumble and fall and have his faith hurt, and I am not on fire [with sorrow or indignation]?”

~ Take it to heart ~

Our legitimacy is established when we faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ:
Serving our Lord no matter our circumstances or pressures or other peoples attitudes.