Paul's Epistles - 2 Corinthians Part 16 – The False Apostle

Paul's Epistles - 2 Corinthians

Part 16 – The False Apostle

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth began with letting the church know that Paul was happy to hear that the church had received and responded correctly to his first letter.

Remembering James 5:19, 20 " My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."  

Paul explained why he didn't visit them and that he was pleased they had responded well to his first letter, even though not all had repented.

Last week we looked at Paul encouraging the church to allow the offender of incest return to the congregation, because he had truly repented and turned away from his sin, therefore he had been forgiven. Paul said that his punishment by the church forcing him to leave the congregation was enough, and that since he had repented and was forgiven, they must allow him back.

Paul reminded them that it was not that long ago, they too were not living as God wanted them, and they repented, and were forgiven by Paul.

Paul reminds the church in Corinth, and us as well, that forgiveness to those who have repented is essential, not only because we are commanded to do so by Christ, but because when we forgive, we keep Satan from having a way to outwit us.

Satan will use our unforgiveness as a weapon against us in his schemes.

As long as we have unforgiveness against someone who has repented, we are being disobedient to the Lord, which in turn allows a foothold for Satan to work against us.

Satan is always looking for an area of our lives where we are being disobedient, which allows him room to work his schemes against us.

This week Paul speaks about the False Apostle  

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE II Corinthians 11:1-15

I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! ² I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. ³ 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. ⁴ 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.

⁵ I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.” ⁶ I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. ⁷ Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? ⁸ I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. ⁹ And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. ¹⁰ As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. ¹¹ Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

¹² And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.¹³ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Paul as well as his ministry of the Gospel was under attack.

Some of his opposition were those who were making a living off God’s people, and claiming to belong to Christ, while Paul and his ministry did not.

Paul defends his position and ministry by the evidence which is in the faces of the Corinthian church.

    I.      DECEIVED AS EVE

a. I am jealous of you

                                                     i. With a Godly jealousy

                                                  ii. Not wanting their love for himself, but for how much they loved the Lord

                                               iii. Even when they were led astray, they never stopped zealously loving God

                                                iv. Their love was great, though they were mislead

                                                   v. There are many today who have a “form of religion”, loving God much, but in their own way instead of the way the scriptures tell us to.

1. This was Cain’s problem as well

b. But you were led astray

                                                     i. Like Eve, listening to the words of the devil over God’s Words

                                                  ii. Following any teaching other than that which was set as the foundation by the Apostles and Prophets is a foundation of sand.

c. Anything other than Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is another Jesus

                                                     i. Some teach Jesus was just a Prophet...this is a false teaching

                                                  ii. Some teach Jesus is not God...this is a false teaching

                                               iii. Some teach Jesus did not really die on the cross...this is a false teaching

1. The devil uses a perverted truth to deceive

2. Keeping the name of Jesus in his lies, however, removing Him as the Christ, and the One Crucified!

                                                iv. Just One Bite brand rat poison is 99.995% other ingredients, and .005% poison

1. This means in 1000 pounds of “Just one bite” rat poison, there is less than 1 ounce of poison!

                                                   v. How did Satan deceive Eve, “Did God really say that?”

1. Genesis 2:16-17

II.      SUPER APOSTLE

a. Paul’s “critic” claimed Paul wasn’t a real Apostle

                                                     i. An apostle must have been one who could personally testify to the risen Christ. This was Paul's argument in I Corinthians 9:1 which established his own apostleship: "Have I not seen the Lord?"

                                                  ii. This was also one of the requirements stipulated by the eleven for the replacement of Judas (Acts 1:21-22). 

                                               iii. The credentials of Christ's apostles also included the ability to perform miracles. Jesus Himself gave this power to the twelve when He commissioned them (Matthew 10:1). Again in defending his apostleship to the Corinthians Paul mentioned this as something which identified him as a true apostle: "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds" (II Corinthians 12:12).

                                                iv. Their function was basically to, 1) lay the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 16:18), 2) give God's revelation to men (Ephesians 3:5), and 3) demonstrate the truth of that revelation by the exercising of their sign gifts (II Corinthians 12:12). 

                                                   v. Paul, then, was the last man to enjoy the position of apostleship. He was "one born out of due time" in that he was a later (indeed, the last) addition to the apostolic company (I Corinthians 15:8-11). 

                                                vi. Because of this, evidently, some questioned his apostolic authority, which was no small matter to the apostle. Several times he was forced to defend his own apostleship ( I Corinthians 9:1, Galatians 2). In nine of his thirteen epistles, he is careful to identify himself as an "apostle of Jesus Christ" (e.g., I Corinthians 1:1). He does so most forcefully in Galatians, specifying that his apostleship is a commission of Jesus Christ Himself, not Paul or any other man (Galatians 1:1). It was a very important matter to him that it be recognized that his commission was indeed from Christ personally. He further emphasized that he learned his theology from the Lord first-hand, not from anyone else (Galatians 1:11-24).

                                             vii. God still performs miracles, but through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than a single individual, which is one of the reasons we pray.

                                          viii. Although there are Spiritual Gifts, an individual has no control over who receives, this is determined by the Holy Spirit.

                                                ix. Apostles, as representatives and founders, had the power of God in a  unique way, thus, were able to heal, raise the dead, and perform miracles at will, God’s will, for proving they were founders of the faith.

b. Paul reminds the Corinthian church how he treated them

                                                     i. When Paul first founded the church, they could not afford to pay him a living wage

                                                  ii. Paul received money from other churches while building the church in Corinth

                                               iii. He asked them for nothing

                                                iv. Paul even returned to making tents as a source of income until the church could pay a living wage to him

                                                   v. Paul makes a statement in scripture here...if these Super Apostles are really of God, why do they not offer to come to you for no money?

1. They were obviously after the financial gains

c. There were many “proofs” that Paul was who he claimed to be

                                                     i. Paul gave many proofs of his apostleship

                                                  ii. The fact he founded them without asking for money

                                               iii. The fact they were “changed” by the preaching and power of the Holy Spirit

                                                iv. The fact their spirits were “stirred” from his first letter, and they returned to the Gospel

III.      SINKING SAND OF FALSE APOSTLES

a. Paul decided to stay the course

                                                     i. Paul states, simply by continuing to do what he has been doing, eventually, the ground his accusers stood on would be removed

b. What are the “false apostles” really after?

                                                     i. These false apostles, like in most cases, were after money

c. Deceitful False apostles are recognized

                                                     i. And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.¹³ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 

CONCLUSION - Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.

But they will be revealed by their fruits...which are undeniable of what tree they come from.

Their words and actions rarely match, and if so, not for long.

Their true motivation eventually is revealed, whether good or bad. In Paul’s case, he had a long line of “proof”, a history of his true motivation, ever since his conversion...these accusers could not say the same thing.

Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!

Paul's Epistles - 2 Corinthians Part 15 – Defending Paul’s Ministry

Paul's Epistles - 2 Corinthians

Part 15 – Defending Paul’s Ministry

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth began with letting the church know that Paul was happy to hear that the church had received and responded correctly to his first letter.

Remembering James 5:19, 20 " My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."  

Paul explained why he didn't visit them and that he was pleased they had responded well to his first letter, even though not all had repented.

Last week we looked at Paul encouraging the church to allow the offender of incest return to the congregation, because he had truly repented and turned away from his sin, therefore he had been forgiven. Paul said that his punishment by the church forcing him to leave the congregation was enough, and that since he had repented and was forgiven, they must allow him back.

Paul reminded them that it was not that long ago, they too were not living as God wanted them, and they repented, and were forgiven by Paul.

Paul reminds the church in Corinth, and us as well, that forgiveness to those who have repented is essential, not only because we are commanded to do so by Christ, but because when we forgive, we keep Satan from having a way to outwit us.

Satan will use our unforgiveness as a weapon against us in his schemes.

As long as we have unforgiveness against someone who has repented, we are being disobedient to the Lord, which in turn allows a foothold for Satan to work against us.

Satan is always looking for an area of our lives where we are being disobedient, which allows him room to work his schemes against us.

This week Paul defends his ministry.  

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE II Corinthians 10:1-18

By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! ² I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. ³ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ⁶ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

⁷ You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. ⁸ So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. ⁹ I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.¹⁰ For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.”¹¹ Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.

¹² We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. ¹⁴ We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. ¹⁵ Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶ so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. ¹⁷ But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Paul as well as his ministry of the Gospel was under attack.

Some of his opposition were those who were making a living off God’s people, and claiming to belong to Christ, while Paul and his ministry did not.

Paul defends his position and ministry by the evidence which is in the faces of the Corinthian church.

·        When Paul preached the Gospel, they were saved, converted and built the church.

o   A true conversion as they experienced is NOT possible without the Holy Spirit

o   Paul’s message brought about that change, proving he was from God

·        When the Corinthians strayed from the Truth of the Gospel, Paul’s letter stirred their spirits, and they returned to the Truth of the Gospel.

o   True repentance brought about a renewal of their relationship with God

o   Returning to God proved Paul and his letter was inspired by the Holy Spirit, because it accomplished what Paul had intended, to return the church to a right and good standing and back to their position of Salvation with God.

o   This would only take place with one who is given authority by God

    I.      WHO I (PAUL) AM

a. I Paul, being humble and gentle in Christ

                                                     i. Characteristics given by the Holy Spirit

1. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

b. I do not want to be bold when I come

                                                     i. Bold as I was in my letters to you (I & II Corinthians)

                                                  ii. As bold as I will be towards those who think we must live by worldly standards

                                               iii. His opposition tried proving they were God’s true messengers by measuring themselves by worldly evidence.

c. The weapons we fight with are not worldly

                                                     i. vs 4-6 “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ⁶ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”

                                                  ii. You are judging by appearances.

1. Just because your church may have 5,000 members, how many are saved?

2. Just because your ministry raised $6 million last year, how much of that was actually used to fund Christian ministers families and missionaries to preach and teach the Gospel message?

3. Just because you have some of the most beautiful churches, with gold embellished artifacts, long robes and tall hats, what does your inside look like?

a. Matthew 23:25-28 “"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
"So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. “

II.      WHO THEY (OPPOSITION) SAY I AM

a. They say I am timid face to face, and bold when away?

                                                     i. They say, in his letter he is forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.

                                                  ii. As one speaking Truth, if Truth amounts to nothing in your life, it is because of YOU, not the Word of God.

                                               iii. This statement made by Paul’s opposition about him reveals their hearts, not his ministry.

b. They say they belong to Christ, not us?

                                                     i. Paul answers, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.”

                                                  ii. “When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

                                               iii. Paul’s opposition believed they were right with God because they measured themselves by their own standards instead of the Truth of Scripture.

                                                iv. Anyone can “measure up” to themselves or others...but the real measure of a man is against Christ Jesus.

c. They say we go beyond our limits of boasting?

                                                     i. They attack Paul’s authority (as seen in earlier verses)

                                                  ii. They attack Paul’s message

                                               iii. They attack Paul’s letter to the church (I Corinthians)

                                                iv. Now on with the personal attacks, they attack his boldness in letters, but supposed tameness in person.

                                                   v. They called him unimpressive, and his words amounting to nothing

                                                vi. Then they say he is a braggart

1. Boasting of things with pride and arrogance

                                             vii. Paul corrects them by showing his boasting is in Christ, and what God has given authority to, or what the Holy Spirit has worked through, and what Christ has done in.

III.      WE WHO (PAUL AND MINISTRY) ARE IN CHRIST JESUS

a. The authority Christ gives me is to build you up

                                                     i. Not to tear you down

                                                  ii. This is why Paul did not boast about his authority, unless the time came when he had to correct a church as in this case.

                                               iii. Paul said when he reminded them of his authority, it was not to brag about himself, but to boast about what was entrusted to him by God, and that if the church do what he wrote them, they would return to Grace with God.

                                                iv. The fact that he wrote them, told of his authority, corrected them, and they listened and were returned to God, proved that his boasting was not for self-righteous or prideful lifting up of himself, but to build THEM up, not tear them down.

1. When someone brags of themselves, it is to build themselves up, and in most cases we tear other people down when we do this.

2. However, if we have authority in Christ, we use that authority to build others up, edify and strengthen them, lifting them when they are in sin, not acting is self-righteousness, and behaving as we are better than them, or above them, which is exactly how Paul’s opposition was behaving.

b. Don’t worry, what we are in our letters, we will be in our presence

                                                     i. Paul said this for the benefit of the few within the Corinthian church who had not repented

                                                  ii. These were more than likely some of his oppositions planted members

                                               iii. Trying to cause divisions within the church

c. We will continue to boast!

                                                     i. Because they were boasting appropriately!

                                                  ii. They boasted of the service God had assigned them to

                                               iii. They boasted of the work God had done among the Corinthian Church

                                                iv. They boasted of the Gospel of Christ, which saves and frees from bondage of sin

                                                   v. They boast of the work done by others in the power of the Holy Spirit

CONCLUSION - Our hope is your faith will grow, so your activity will greatly expand

¹⁶ so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. ¹⁷ But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Paul was praying that with the renewal of the Corinthian church, their faith in Christ would grow, and as it did, they would Spiritually mature.

With Spiritual maturity, they would have an ever growing concern for others to receive this Gospel message of Christ Jesus.

They would prepare the way in the lands around them for Paul and his ministers of the Gospel to come, share the message of Christ, and build more churches.

His last verse today reminds the church, and everyone else,

it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!