Wk 18 - A Different Jesus

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: A Different Jesus …Not everyone who claims to know “Jesus” is serving the real Jesus.

Opening Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:4 (ESV)

4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

False Discipleship

1. Deception

2 Corinthians 11:3 “3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

Paul highlights the cunning tactics of false teachers who disguise themselves as servants of Christ but are actually agents of deception. They masquerade as genuine disciples, leading others astray with their deceitful teachings and false claims.

Imagine a wolf in sheep's clothing, cleverly disguising itself among the flock. Similarly, false teachers camouflage their deceitful intentions under a facade of piety and righteousness. They lure unsuspecting believers with their smooth words and persuasive arguments, leading them astray from the truth.

2. Distortion

2 Corinthians 11:4 “4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.”

False discipleship involves the distortion of truth and the manipulation of God's Word for personal gain. These impostors twist Scripture to suit their own agendas, creating a counterfeit version of discipleship that deviates from the life of Jesus Christ.

Like a distorted reflection in a funhouse mirror, the true message of Christ becomes unrecognizable amidst the deceptive distortions of false teachers.

3. Dilution

2 Corinthians 11:5 “5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.”

2 Corinthians 11:6 “6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.”

The true essence of discipleship is diluted by false teachers who undermine authority.

They intend to slander and separate Paul from the church.

Consider a pure stream of water flowing from a mountain spring, gradually contaminated as it passes through polluted lands. False discipleship dilutes the credibility of church leaders, adding impurities and pollutants (i.e. criticism and Slander) that diminish effectiveness. Just as diluted medicine loses its potency, the diluted CREDIBILITY of God’s representative authority lose their ability to minister effectively.

Transition: In contrast to the false disciples, Paul exemplifies authentic discipleship characterized by sincerity, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to Christ. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, Paul remains unwavering in his devotion to spreading the true gospel message.

Paul’s Example of Discipleship

1. No Burden

2 Corinthians 11:7–9 “7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.”

Unlike false teachers who burden others with their deceptive teachings and oppressive demands, Paul carries no burdensome expectations or ulterior motives in his ministry. His genuine love and concern for the Corinthian church drive him to selflessly serve and nurture their spiritual growth.

Picture a selfless servant carrying a heavy load on behalf of others, willingly sacrificing his own comfort for their benefit. Paul exemplifies this selflessness in his ministry, refusing to burden others with his needs or demands. Instead, he joyfully serves the Corinthian church out of love, setting an example of sacrificial discipleship for all believers to emulate.

2. No Hindrance

2 Corinthians 11:10–12 “10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.”

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 “13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”

Paul refuses to allow obstacles or opposition to hinder his mission of discipleship. He perseveres through trials and tribulations, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness to Christ and His calling.

Imagine a sturdy ship navigating treacherous waters, undeterred by storms or obstacles in its path. Similarly, Paul presses forward in his ministry despite facing numerous challenges and opposition. His unwavering faith and determination serve as a powerful reminder that true discipleship knows no hindrance in fulfilling God's call.

How will the Gospel message go forth in 2024 and beyond?

“Co-vocational” pastors:

2 Corinthians (Fast-Growing Church-Planting Movements Use Tent-Making Leaders)

David Garrison, executive director of Global Gates and former vice president for global strategy for the International Mission Board, writes, “Church Planting Movements are driven by lay leaders.” These lay leaders are typically bivocational and come from the harvest—that is, the people group being reached. In other words, if the people being reached are hearing impaired, so too are the lay leaders; if the people are former addicts, so are the lay leaders. If the world is to be reached with the gospel, bivocational lay leaders must become normative in every country, in every denomination.

Conclusion/Reflection:

As we navigate the complexities of discipleship in today's world, let us heed Paul's warnings about false discipleship and strive to embody the sincerity, selflessness, and unwavering commitment exemplified by the apostle. May we reject deception, distortion, and dilution of the gospel message, and instead embrace authentic discipleship marked by sincerity, sacrifice, and steadfast devotion to Christ.

Prayer: Holy Spirit helps us embody the sincerity, selflessness, and unwavering devotion demonstrated by Paul, as we seek to follow Christ wholeheartedly in our discipleship journey.

Talk It Over

How can we distinguish between genuine discipleship and false discipleship in today's context, considering the prevalent deceptive tactics used by false gospel teachers?

Reflecting on Paul's example of discipleship amidst challenges and opposition, what lessons can we learn about perseverance and steadfastness in our own walk with Christ?

In what ways do you think false discipleship impacts the unity and effectiveness of the Church? How can we guard against its influence within our own faith communities?

Paul emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and discerning in our spiritual journey. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our discernment and protect ourselves from falling prey to false gospel teachings?