Not Who They Claim to Be

2 Corinthians 11:1–15 CSB

1 I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me! 2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if a person comes and preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you had not received, or a different gospel, which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly! 5 Now I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.” 6 Even if I am untrained in public speaking, I am certainly not untrained in knowledge. Indeed, we have in every way made that clear to you in everything. 7 Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. 9 When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, since the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have kept myself, and will keep myself, from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do! 12 But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want to be regarded as our equals in what they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works.

We have discussed how Paul was dealing with some who basically did not agree with how he was demonstrating his God given authority over the church in Corinth.

The passage really is Paul explaining to the church why he is the way he is - and why they should listen to him as the man God has placed in authority over them.

Paul articulates how pastors feel… how this pastor feels - so please hear the warnings Paul offers.

You are the bride of Christ, quit fooling around.

There are so many things in this world that draw our attention away from Jesus.

Once our eyes are off of Jesus it is easy to stray.

We are the promised bride and we must remain faithful.

We need to guard our minds against the seducing lies of the enemy.

The best way to defend against a lie, know the truth.

Be alert not everyone is who they claim to be.

False prophets, sheep in wolves clothing, etc.

They almost always look just like the rest of us and they may even say some of the right things.

Watch out for any teaching that is not of God.

Listen to the one God has put in authority over you.