2Corinthians 11

Deceived

2 Cor 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

The Church is the bride of christ. As the husband is head of the wife, Christ Jesus is the head of the church, who are those he has saved from sins. in which he died for with great love. We are to present ourself as holy vessels for his use. God is jealous for you, he will not be pleased if your affection is on another spirit or sin.

2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Many want to receive forgiveness and are forgiven. Next, they must allow God to cleanse them through obedience to his word. If we continue in sin, we are not changed. Allow God to show you his way, follow him in peace, he gave all for you and wants all of your heart. No divided heart can please God.

2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

2 Cor 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
2 Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

God takes this offense very seriously. Twice he repeats "let him be accursed" Why is this so serious an offense? Because God's truth is the power for a new life. To pervert the way will lead you and others to destruction. The one who teaches a false word and way is accursed. Revelation repeats this:

Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Why am I speaking so strongly? Because I see false witnesses driven by demonic spirits. We are to be the light of the world, these say they are with us, but preach a different gospel. Tolerance of false teachers, is to not stand with God.

If you oppose God's word, you oppose God. If you argue in strife of words, you have another spirit. If you say you have your own way to God, you are deceived. If you refuse godly counsel you are cursed. For their is one way to God, through the Lord Jesus Christ the Living Word.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Paul's humility

2 Cor 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

He may have been referring to the false apostles that were turning the Corinthians against Paul. they were deceivers, puffing themselves up in their "self serving" glory.

Paul was not less then the highest apostle. Though he in humility counted himself the least because of his life before salvation. Nevertheless, in grace he was not behind the highest apostle for he worked harder and accomplished more then all. Let this be an encouragement to you. What was in the past, is past. Now we give ourselves fully to God and his grace will work through us to accomplish his purpose.

1 Cor 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

2 Cor 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things.

Paul's speech may not have been smooth and polished, but his knowledge of God's word was evident. It is God's word that is true and powerful. Every demon led person tries to get it out of the way, so that they may deceive with their eloquent words of another spirit. Without God's word, we are no match for satan. With the word he is defeated and driven out.

2 Cor 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

Did I do wrong by humbling myself and preaching the gospel to you honoring you, without asking for money? They received the Lord through Paul's preaching, now they were following others who opposed him.

2 Cor 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

Other churches gave support so that he could minister to them.

2 Cor 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

Paul did not want to preach for money. He did receive from churches to support basic needs and to give to the poor church in Jerusalem. At first Paul made tents to support himself, but later he became full-time in ministering, then he received some support. But never did he ask for himself from the Corinthians. A preacher cannot serve God and money. It becomes quite evident which is most important. He served God wonderfully, all Asia through him heard of the way and many were saved.

Angel of Light

2 Cor 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

He was boasting that he was not ministering for money or wealth. He did not burden those he ministered to. When offerings were asked for, it was for worthy needs. I doubt if Paul was concerned of how much retirement income he would have. For he would give his life as a martyr and receive a martyrs reward.

Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

2 Cor 11:11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

God knows I love you.

2 Cor 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

My sacrifice is to not give the false leaders anything to accuse us of. They say that they are as we are, but they are not.

2 Cor 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2 Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Cor 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Appearance are deceiving. A generation of people are seeking their own way. What was called "New Age" is giving way to spiritism. The spirits they serve are intelligent and allow for tolerance of all faiths, but not the truth of God's word. Some say they believe in Jesus, but their god is self. "I" will choose my way they say.

2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Tim 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2 Tim 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Tim 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres (magicians) withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
2 Tim 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

If you know God's word you will not be deceived. These spend time only in destroying the faith of the weak, by tearing down the truth of God's word. They hate God's word and they fear Jesus.

2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

We are responsible to God for what we believe. Someone is watching you. Will you be the light of the Lord or will you follow a false light leading others to destruction? It is no time to be at ease, in the spirit world is great warfare. Satan is seeking to destroy the word and the people of God. Stand in faith armed with faith and the sword of the word of God. We have the victory in Jesus.

Paul's Boasting

2 Cor 11:16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

The false teachers were boasting of their right to be called apostles and calling Paul a fool. Paul said, then I will become a fool and boast of my accomplishments.

2 Cor 11:17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

Paul does not like talking of himself, he would rather talk about Jesus, but he was forced to defend his ministry to oppose the false ones.

2 Cor 11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

He used a bit of bitter humor in this unpleasant task of self boasting.

2 Cor 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

This is almost a question, for he does not think them as wise, but they boast that they are.

1 Cor 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
1 Cor 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
1 Cor 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1 Cor 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (in Christ)

2 Cor 11:20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

They allowed these men to bring them into bondage, probably to the Jewish laws and traditions. These men were destroying their spirits, exalting themselves, even striking them in the face, probably when they are spoken against. These men were tyrants.

2 Cor 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2 Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2 Cor 11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

Paul was too "weak" to abuse the sheep. Is it ever right to abuse those you minister to, putting them into bondage? Paul will now speak boldly, telling of his perilous ministry.

I hate to defend myself, it is God's word that is our defense. Yet, occasionally another will take offense at what they think about us, then we must defend ourself for the truths sake. Generally our defense is ignored or ridiculed. But those of faith will receive the words.

Paul's Dedication

2 Cor 11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

Those who brought false teachings to the church were Jews, probably Judaizers, seeking to put the church under the burdens of the ceremonial laws. They were glorying over the flock as being "more religious" being the children of the covenant of Abraham. Paul says, you are Jews? so am I. Yet who is a true child of Abraham?

Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

2 Cor 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

Are they ministers? Where is the suffering for the gospel?

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Much labour, whippings beyond counting, in many prisons, even death and revivings, these are the marks of Paul's faithfulness. Words are cheap, where is the fruit of your labor? They have stolen their fruit, the sheep, as satan came to steal, to lie and to put into bondage.

2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

The law forbade striking more than forty, so the custom was to give 39 whippings. Hypocrites, indeed the letter of the law kills, but the spirit gives life. Paul was whipped for delivering the gospel truth. He will receive heavenly rewards.

2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Beaten with rods, a pagan custom, often the striking of the bottom of the feet, making it painful to walk. The Jews stoned Paul to death, but he revived, having gone to the third heaven. (2Cor 12:2-5) Three times he was shipwrecked, a night and a day floating in the sea.

2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

He was determined to preach the gospel, despising the perils, he had his calling to fulfill. Don't give up because of perils, be as Paul who relied on the grace of God.

2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

He was so tired, he had much pain, he had many sleepless nights. He hungered and thirsted, without food, even cold and naked.

Phil 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

The care of the churches. The Corinthians were a worldly people, they caused Paul concern. Our pastor says this often, "you are either a missionary or a mission field," let's receive all we need from Jesus, not being under the thief who would keep us bound. Be as Paul, going forth with the word of truth. Teaching and caring for the church. Many are in need of the light of God.

Paul's weakness

2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

He is saying, who is weak and I am not weak and hurting for them with concern? Who is offended, led astray or made to stumble and I am not burning with anger at this evil?

1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

He would boast in his hardships, though he was weak in the flesh God supplied all he needed. His success was God's doing. His part was obeying and not quitting.

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

2 Cor 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

No matter if others believe my story, God knows. Friend God knows every hardship in your life. He only wants you to trust him. He is leading you, sometimes through great trials and tests. He is leading, we follow, we are to be faithful.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

2 Cor 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
2 Cor 11:33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

It illustrates with power the contrast between Saul of Tarsus and Paul the Apostle. Saul of Tarsus traveled to Damascus full of man’s power and authority, directed against God’s people. Paul the Apostle left Damascus humbly in a basket! Is there anything more descriptive of weakness than being let down in a basket over a wall? “Could we think of anything more likely to rob a man of any sense of dignity than that?” (Morgan)

John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The work of God is faith towards Jesus, the Lord is our strength, it is not our strength or abilities, but a trusting relationship through the Holy Spirit. He will guide us, do not give up, victory is near. How you are loved. Lord bless your children who gladly are weak that you would be their strength. Make us strong in your word and may our thoughts be your thoughts. You give us all good things, we will trust and wait on you.

Gary

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