2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Be Still: Living God, thank you that your Word is alive and active. Bring your word to life for me today as I read. Amen
Read: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
'But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.' (v3-5)
Encounter: The first half of this week, we’re continuing in 2 Corinthians. Today we find ourselves in chapter 11 where Paul introduces us to a group he calls the ‘super-apostles’. That’s right - move over Marvel or DC, it seems we have a new band of superheroes on the block! It turns out he is being sarcastic, and these guys are hindering the people of Corinth more than helping them. Paul describes these super-apostles as 'false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ' (v13) … not exactly a positive review.
Paul’s concern is that the super-apostles are pulling people away from the real Jesus. He’s worried that their minds may be led astray from their 'sincere and pure devotion to Christ.' He warns the Corinthians, and us, about things that look, sound, and seem really good - but aren’t. In verse 14, Paul points out that even Satan can make himself look like 'an angel of light'.
It’s a stark reminder that even something we obviously know is bad, can deceive us by looking bright and appealing. That said, we don’t need to live in fear! Yes, Satan can pretend to be an angel of light, but that’s all it is - pretending. We don’t follow an angel of light, we follow the Light of the World, the One who broke the power of death, sin and grave!
Apply: All of us will have ‘super-apostles’ in our lives. This might not necessarily be people, though for some there may be unhelpful voices leading you away from Jesus. For lots of us, our ‘super-apostles’ will be things that seem good and attractive, but ultimately, are leading us away from 'pure devotion to Christ.' Take a moment to ask Jesus to highlight things that are leading you astray and ask him to help you deal with that stuff.
Devote: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. Convict me where I need to be convicted, forgive me where I have been led astray. Amend and direct me so I may be completely devoted to you.
