“False and True Apostles!”

I. FALSE APOSTLES – (11:12-22)

A. Their GOAL: To Be Perceived as LEGITIMATE – (v.12)

The GOAL of a false teacher/apostle is to be regarded as TRUE!

(v. 12) – Paul is going to “continue to do” what is right to “…deny an opportunity” of the false apostles to be “…who want to be regarded as our equals in what they boast about.”

LESSON: Don’t give up in the face of false teacher’s influence—rather, get in there and FIGHT!

The TENDENCY is to retreat from persons or situations that make us uncomfortable! The RESULT is that we yield ground to the enemy! We leave behind people who are still being deceived!

B. Their CHARACTERISTICS – (vv.13-15)

They CLAIM to be true apostles! – (v.13a) – “For such people are false apostles…”

They CONFUSE the body of Christ! – (v.13b) – “…deceitful workers”

They CONFORM in outward appearance and actions to the true apostles of Christ! – (v.13c) – “…disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”

They disguise themselves, pretending to be true apostles (and they are not).

The change in their lives did not come from God—it was in the flesh!

Romans 12:2 CSB

2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

“…be transformed” is passive voice—something God does!

As I renew my mind with the Word of God, God transforms me into the image of Christ!

2 Corinthians 3:18 CSB

18 We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

They are SERVANTS of Satan! – (vv.14-15)

“And no wonder! […] So it is no great surprise…”

Beloved, we should never be surprised at the work of the original ‘Master of Disguise’!

False apostles follow the example of Satan in that they don’t come in and announce, “Good morning, I’m here to deceive you! Now give me all your money!”

They masquerade as (v.15b) “…servants of righteousness.”

(Matthew 24:3-14)

Not only are we not to be surprised at their activities, but we also are not to be overly alarmed that they seem to get away with this behavior!

(v.15c) – “…Their end will be according to their works.”

(Psalm 94:1-7, 20-23)

C. Their FRUIT (or RESULTS of their ministry) – (vv.16-22)

Pride – (vv.16-18, 20c)

NLT – “Once again, don’t think that I have lost my wits to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. Such bragging is not something the Lord wants, but I am acting like a fool. And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too.”

Faithless – (v.19) – “For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools!”

The reason I call this “faith-less” is because of (Psalm 14:1)!

Psalm 14:1 CSB

1 The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt; they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good.

I’m not certain that this is Paul’s meaning here, but nonetheless, a false apostle or teacher has no dependence or demonstrated faith in God!

Bondage – (v.20a)

The reference in (v.22) would seem that the bondage he is referring to is that of legalism—Judaizers—the bondage of the Law!

(Galatians 3:1-3; 5:1-12)

Takers – (v.20b) – “…if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you”

Abusive – (v.20c) – “…if someone is arrogant toward you, if someone slaps you in the face.”

Condescending – (vv.22-23a)

Remember that Corinth is a GENTILE city! Part of the claim to fame employed by these guys was their heritage!

The implication is because they were Jewish, they were somehow more spiritual!

And yet, nothing couldn’t be further from the truth!

Ephesians 2:14–22 CSB

14 For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, 15 he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. 16 He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. 17 He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

II. TRUE APOSTLES – (11:23-33)

If these false apostles and teachers are so well disguised, then how do I know the genuine article? What are the characteristics of a TRUE APOSTLE?

A. A Life of SACRIFICE! – (vv.23-27)

2 Timothy 3:12 CSB

12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

B. A Genuine LOVE for the Church! – (v.28)

C. A DEPENDANCY on God! – (vv.29-33)

On the POWER of God! – (vv.29-31)

On the DELIVERANCE of God! – (vv.32-33)