Keeping Us Safe

Good talkers are persuasive

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

1. Acting against one’s better judgment for the sake of the ministry (v. 1) Paul was comparing himself with them——that is the folly...it is an imperative....a command

Sadly, lack of discernment had created havoc in the Corinthian church. False teachers were seeking to seduce the Corinthians and lead them “astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ”

Galatians 4:6 ESV

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

2. Protecting people’s devotion to Christ against Satanic attack (vv. 2–3)

Gal 5:16-26,

Word Studies in the New Testament Chapter 11

2. I am jealous (ζηλῶ). The translation is correct. The word is appropriate to the image which follows, in which Paul represents himself as the marriage-friend who has betrothed the bride to the bridegroom, and consequently shares the bridegroom’s jealousy of his bride (see on

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

3. The importance of exposing dangerous distortions of the gospel message (v. 4)

Jesus as the Son of God: The majority of Christians believe that Jesus is the divine Son of God. Most Christians believe Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, the Son of God, and part of the Holy Trinity. 

Jesus as a created being: Some denominations, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism, view Jesus as a created being rather than God.

Jesus' role in salvation: Christians believe that Jesus saves humankind through his teachings and by sacrificing himself on the cross to atone for sins.

Islam: Muslims regard Jesus as a revered prophet and messenger of God, but do not believe he is divine or the Son of God.

Hinduism: Hindus view Jesus as a holy man and a wise teacher, sometimes considering him a god. 

Buddhism: Buddhists see Jesus as an enlightened being and a wise teacher, emphasizing his moral teachings.

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

4. Sometimes self-defense is necessary for the sake of the ministry (vv. 5–6)

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

Responding to Criticism (11:5–11)

1. Preaching “free of charge” to silence criticism of moneygrubbing (vv. 7–9)

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

2. Rebutting false accusations can be necessary to protect the integrity of ministry (vv. 10–11)

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

Straight Talk (11:12–15)

1. Removing the grounds employed for criticism (v. 12)

2 Corinthians Concern for Converts (11:1–6)

2. Exposing the true nature of false teachers (vv. 13–15)