“Deception vs. Devotion”
II Corinthians 11:1-3
The emphasis:
Paul was greatly concerned for the Corinthian church because they were falling prey to the same trap that Eve had fallen for many years before. They were believing the lies of false teachers who were leading them away from their single-minded devotion to Christ.
We need to be aware of Satan’s deception:
Paul takes great lengths to defend himself from various false allegations in the preceding verses of scripture. In the midst of defending himself, he takes time out to explain the reason for his defensiveness. He uses the image of a father who has a daughter who is engaged to be married.
Paul sheds light on his role as the Spiritual father to the church at Corinth.
Beware of Satan’s subtle deception:
The lines are not always clearly drawn when it comes to enemy of our souls. There are two key areas that Paul illustrates for us. One was the pattern established in the Garden of Eden, and the second focuses on the Corinthian’s performance based Christianity, and their pursuit of Intellectualism.
Paul’s attack on Performance based Christianity, 1:9, 12; 3:5; 4:5, 7, 11; 5:7, 12
Paul’s opposition to Intellectualism, 10:5
Beware of Satan’s deception, which is designed to lead us from devotion in Christ:
Satan is after the minds of men and women. Most people think this refers to those outside of the community of faith, but he is relentless in his pursuit of all mankind.
