2 Corinthians 11:1-16
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:3
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When we read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we cannot help but feel the weight of his pastoral burden. It makes us think, what kind of church was the church in Corinth? Situated in a thriving commercial hub and immersed in many cultures, philosophies, and religions, the Corinthian church inevitably reflected its surroundings. It wrestled with internal divisions and rival groups, moral struggles shaped by the city’s permissive climate, and spiritual immaturity marked by pride and self-importance. Humility, which was the very foundation of Christian growth, was often lacking.
Paul, appointed as an apostle by the authority of Christ, had “betrothed” the Corinthians to their true Lord. He writes, “I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (v. 2). Believers living in this world can easily stir God’s jealousy whenever our hearts attach themselves to people, pursuits, or desires above Christ. Paul walked so closely with God that God’s concerns became his concerns. What moved God also moved Paul.
v His love for the church is evident. Paul writes, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (v. 3). Satan deceived Eve by attacking her thoughts, casting doubt on God’s truth and twisting His word (Gen 3:1–7). The Corinthians faced the same danger, where deception begins in the mind and slowly draws the heart away from Christ. Our thoughts remain one of Satan’s primary battlegrounds. This is why Proverbs instructs us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). A watchful and discerning mind is vital if we are to remain faithful.
Paul continues, “If someone comes and proclaims another Jesus… or a different gospel… you put up with it readily enough” (v. 4). Paul preached Christ crucified. A Saviour who is glorious and victorious, yet also the suffering Christ of the cross who calls His people to obedience and sacrifice. The false apostles, however, preached only glory, power, and triumph, while removing the cross. This resembles the prosperity message today, a Jesus of unbroken success, without the call to repentance, holiness, and costly discipleship. It is “another Jesus” and “another gospel.”
This false gospel often looks almost identical to the true one, with similar language, themes, and promises, but with small additions or omissions that shift its centre. Yet even slight distortions can mislead the heart, just as Eve was deceived in the garden. By accepting such teaching, the Corinthians were in fact receiving “another spirit,” not the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, and holiness (Galatians 5:22). The same danger persists in the church today. When we hear messages that sound biblical yet adjust key truths, can we tell the difference?
Reflection:
How can we cultivate discernment to recognise teachings that resemble the true gospel yet alter it “just a little”?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us for the times we have taken Your precious Word lightly. May You cleanse our hearts and give us a hunger for Your Word, so that we may delight in Your truth and walk faithfully in Your ways. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Click to Read
When we read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we cannot help but feel the weight of his pastoral burden. It makes us think, what kind of church was the church in Corinth? Situated in a thriving commercial hub and immersed in many cultures, philosophies, and religions, the Corinthian church inevitably reflected its surroundings. It wrestled with internal divisions and rival groups, moral struggles shaped by the city’s permissive climate, and spiritual immaturity marked by pride and self-importance. Humility, which was the very foundation of Christian growth, was often lacking.
Paul, appointed as an apostle by the authority of Christ, had “betrothed” the Corinthians to their true Lord. He writes, “I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (v. 2). Believers living in this world can easily stir God’s jealousy whenever our hearts attach themselves to people, pursuits, or desires above Christ. Paul walked so closely with God that God’s concerns became his concerns. What moved God also moved Paul.
v His love for the church is evident. Paul writes, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (v. 3). Satan deceived Eve by attacking her thoughts, casting doubt on God’s truth and twisting His word (Gen 3:1–7). The Corinthians faced the same danger, where deception begins in the mind and slowly draws the heart away from Christ. Our thoughts remain one of Satan’s primary battlegrounds. This is why Proverbs instructs us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). A watchful and discerning mind is vital if we are to remain faithful.
Paul continues, “If someone comes and proclaims another Jesus… or a different gospel… you put up with it readily enough” (v. 4). Paul preached Christ crucified. A Saviour who is glorious and victorious, yet also the suffering Christ of the cross who calls His people to obedience and sacrifice. The false apostles, however, preached only glory, power, and triumph, while removing the cross. This resembles the prosperity message today, a Jesus of unbroken success, without the call to repentance, holiness, and costly discipleship. It is “another Jesus” and “another gospel.”
This false gospel often looks almost identical to the true one, with similar language, themes, and promises, but with small additions or omissions that shift its centre. Yet even slight distortions can mislead the heart, just as Eve was deceived in the garden. By accepting such teaching, the Corinthians were in fact receiving “another spirit,” not the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, and holiness (Galatians 5:22). The same danger persists in the church today. When we hear messages that sound biblical yet adjust key truths, can we tell the difference?
Reflection:
How can we cultivate discernment to recognise teachings that resemble the true gospel yet alter it “just a little”?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us for the times we have taken Your precious Word lightly. May You cleanse our hearts and give us a hunger for Your Word, so that we may delight in Your truth and walk faithfully in Your ways. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.