2 Corinthians 11: 1-4 • From Accusation to Affection

Review & Overview

1. Previous Study’s Review

We’ve mentioned that in chps.10-13: Paul deals with some Corinthians who were not thrilled about his 1st letter to them...

A letter that exposed that they were Divisive... Sexually Immoral... Unethical... Idolatrous...

So they became Critical of Paul... in chp.10: they questioned his Motives... & his Authority for writing that letter...

Last time together we saw how Paul dealt with the issue of Authority... Spiritual Authority...

He dealt with it by communicating what Spiritual Authority truly is:

It’s Not Based On Outward Appearance

Comes From The Lord

Results in Edification

Is Consistent

Is Not Self Approved

Does Not Boast Beyond Measure

We saw that all of us are in a place of Spiritual Authority weather it’s at home... work... school... or play...

And we all need to understand that Reality...

2. Current Study’s Overview

This brings us to chp.11: and the 3rd accusation against Paul by his critics & it’s about: his LOVE... Read...

This 3rd accusation against Paul is simple... Paul you don’t love us... you don’t have affection toward us... or you wouldn’t have written these things about us... look at vs.11...

So Paul answers this accusation beautifully by comparing his love for them...

To a father’s love for his children... turn to 1 Cor.4:14-16... because this is not the 1st time Paul brought this up... Read...

1 Corinthians 4:14–16 “14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.”

If a father loves his children he warns them...disciplines them...corrects them... because he wants the best for them

So Paul deals with this issue in 2 ways:

Paul’s Jealousy for the Church Vs. 1-4

Paul’s Generosity for the Church Vs. 7-15

Today we are only going to look at Vs. 1-6

1. Paul’s Jealousy for the Church Vs. 1-4

1.1 Paul’s Jealousy is Godly Jealousy Vs. 1-2a

Paul thought it was folly or foolishness to have to prove to them that he was a true apostle unlike the false apostles mentioned in vs.13... & it was folly to question how much he loved them... in vs.11...

But Paul said you do bear with me... so many in Corinth were putting up with Paul...

As it pertains to his 1st letter... they understood his jealousy for them was good...

Talk about Godly jealousy… Doesn’t a husband or wife have the right to be jealous over an affair? Same w/ God...

Paul here has the heart of God...

Exodus 20:5 NKJV

5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

The idea of jealousy often carries negative connotations in our human experience, but when we speak of God's jealousy, we speak of something wholly different and pure.

God’s jealousy is not born of insecurity or pettiness. Rather, it is a reflection of His deep love for us.

He desires our wholehearted devotion, not because He needs it, but because He knows it is for our ultimate good.

APPLICATION: When we wander into sin or replace Him with idols – material possessions, other people, or even our own desires.

We are not just disobeying a command; we are breaking His heart.

Think of a loving parent's concern for their child. When the child strays or puts themselves in harm's way, the parent's heart is stirred not by anger, but by a protective, fervent love. This is a glimpse into God's heart...

APPLICATION: Listen, you belong to God...

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NKJV

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

So Paul, as a jealous father he wasn’t trying to tear them down... but to build them up... for Edification...

If we are jealous for others, as a father is jealous for his children, we’ll build them up not tear them down.

Ephesians 6:4 NKJV

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

1.2 Paul’s Jealousy is Goal-Oriented Vs. 2b

Paul had a godly jealousy for them... a spiritual jealousy... not a fleshy jealousy... a carnal jealousy...

And his jealousy was goal-oriented, he desires to present the church as a pure virgin bride to Christ.

Beautiful picture: just as a father is jealous for his virgin daughter to keep her safe, set apart, pure & holy for her wedding day...

So too Paul has that same jealousy for the church in Corinth... his heart is that they are set apart & holy...

Application for us powerful... because one day Jesus is coming back for His bride, His church at the rapture

So we need to be set apart, pure, holy, consecrated for the bridegroom, Jesus Christ at His coming...

Now positionally being holy or pure is something Christ does for us when we accept Him as our Lord...

But practically this is something we all need to be aware of on a daily bases...

we all need to make a conscience decision to be set apart for the Lord... & then ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to do it...

1.3 Paul’s Jealousy Involves His Fear Vs. 3

A loving father doesn’t want his children to be deceives so that their minds are corrupted... like Eve was...

No, he wants them to stay focused on the simplicity of the gospel... & not fall prey to those who come with a different gospel... or a different Jesus...

Turn w/ me to Genesis 3 - Because there we get a better understanding of how and why Eve was deceived...

So what does the simplicity that is in Christ means?

the 'simplicity of Christ' refers to the unadulterated, straightforward, and pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is a reminder of the uncluttered, uncomplicated nature of our relationship with Christ, free from legalism, complex doctrines, and human traditions that can detract from the essence of the Christian faith.

Our application today is powerful and multifaceted and if your taking notes there are 6 things to note regarding keeping Christ simple and pure in our lives:

1. Guard Against Complications: In a world filled with complex theologies and diverse interpretations, this verse encourages us to cling to the fundamental truths of the gospel – love, redemption, grace, and salvation through Christ alone.

2. Seek Authenticity in Faith: Our faith journey should be marked by authenticity and sincerity, free from pretense or hypocrisy.

Simplicity in Christ means being genuine in our worship and relationships, both with God and with others.

3. Focus on Christ-Centered Living: In our daily lives, this simplicity translates to prioritizing our relationship with Christ over rituals, material possessions, or societal pressures.

It's about living a life that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus.

4. Avoid Distractions: In a world with distractions, simplicity in Christ means keeping our focus on Him. It's about not being swayed by false doctrines or superficial spiritual experiences but staying grounded in the Word of God.

5. Embrace Grace: Lastly, the simplicity of Christ reminds us of the grace that is freely given to us – not earned by complex rites or deeds, but a gift to be received with a humble and open heart.

In essence, the simplicity of Christ is about returning to the heart of our faith – a personal, direct, and unencumbered relationship with Jesus, marked by love, humility, and grace.

1.4 Paul’s Jealousy Involves the Motive for His Fear Vs. 4

Because that’s what the Judaizers were doing... they said you need to believe in Jesus Christ and...

We all know that many today are doing that very thing... they’re preaching a different Jesus...

J.W. Michel... Mormon: spirit bro... Muslim: prophet... Buddhist: avatar of God...

But don’t be deceived because Jesus is God Almighty:

John 10:30 Father & I are one, 20:28 my Lord & God.

Titus 2:13 blessed hope…

Rom.9:5 J.C. is the eternal God.

1 John 5:20 J.C. is the true God.

Isa.9:6 mighty God.

Heb.1:8 thy throne oh God

DONE....