2 Corinthians 11:7-15

                                                             2 Corinthians 11:7-15

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?  I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.  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.  As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.  And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!  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.  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Recognizing the difference between the truth and lies is vital for life and eternity.  The church in Corinth had been exposed to the true Gospel as taught by Paul.  However, other people came into the church and began to spread a false gospel.  Paul wants the believers there to be able to distinguish between his teaching and that of the false teachers.

 

PREACHING THE GOSPEL IS MARKED BY SACRIFICIAL LOVE: That which is free is often undervalued and unappreciated.  Since the true Gospel is always free, Paul fears that the church in Corinth was not considering the preciousness of the Gospel because he had brought the Gospel to them free of charge.  Other churches supported him financially while he was ministering in Corinth.  Even so, he still was in need until the brothers from Macedonia came and brought him the supplies he needed.  Paul made great sacrifices to be able to advance the Gospel.  His motive for doing this was his abiding love for God and for the people he was seeking to reach.  Paul refused to be silent about the truth of God’s Word.  As believers, we are called to love others enough that we are willing to make great sacrifices so that others might also believe.

 

PERVERTING THE GOSPEL IS MARKED BY DECEITFUL LIES: Unfortunately, anything as valuable as the Gospel is always at risk of being falsified.  There were men who came in after Paul who claimed to be apostles, but the were not.  There were false apostles who were simply out to deceive others into believing that they were apostles.  However, they had not been sent by God.  Rather, they had been sent by Satan who also disguises himself as an angel of light.  They and those who follow them will be brought to an end at the judgment where their lies will be severe and in accordance with their deeds.  Great attention must be given and courage exercised to expose false teachers.  Self-promotion and the denial of the truth are clear indications that teachings are false.

 

APPLICATION: Love others deeply and be willing to make sacrifices to be able to advance the Gospel.  Trust God to supply that which is needed to do His work.  Beware of those who promote themselves but are not willing to make sacrifices for the cause of Christ.  Stay alert to detect the lies of those who are perverting the Gospel because they usually come well disguised.

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