2 Corinthians 11 reminds me of some simple precautions I take to fortify my marriage. I travel frequently, so it is critical to avoid things that could cause a strain at home. The relationship with my wife is completely unique and exclusive, separate and distinct from all others. Today’s lesson is about avoiding temptation. First, Paul describes his “godly jealousy”. He preached Christ alone as Messiah. Like a father to his daughter on her wedding day, Paul declares, “I promised you to one husband, to Christ”. And he warns those in Corinth that have been flirting with other gods, “just as Eve was deceived… your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”. Those that embrace anything “spiritual” are more likely to fall for a phony. False prophets both then and now tell you what you want to hear. Paul warns us to be careful “if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached… or a different gospel”. It is easy to get a crush on new and easy promises of prosperity, popularity, or even exclusive knowledge. Paul implied that these Corinthian Christians “put up with it easily” any time a philanderer came along. Friend, if you are lax in your primary relationship, don’t be surprised if eyes wander. The gospel that Paul preached was that all have sinned and are separated from God by that sin, but by faith in the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, we are restored. Our level of commitment is directly related to how strongly we believe in the exclusivity of the relationship.
Next Paul compares himself to the “super-apostles” in Corinth that claimed to have special knowledge. Paul was an expert in the Jewish law. He was able to explain how Jesus was represented in every symbol, ceremony, and promise to the Jewish nation. Paul jokes he is not a great orator, “but I do have knowledge”. Paul reminds them that he was supported by other churches during his time in Corinth, “preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge… I was not a burden to anyone”. Paul did not want them to confuse his motives, the reason he spent time with them was because he loved them. And because of his affection, he cannot stand by and watch them be deceived by “false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ”. Here is a warning to all who mess around with anything that appears spiritually attractive, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light”. The best seducers are able to hide their motives. Paul notes that Satan’s “servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness”. Friend, do not “put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you”.
Finally, Paul closes with a list of ways he suffered for representing Christ. His purpose is to show that, unlike his detractors, Paul would be there during good times and bad. Nothing of value comes easily. “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again”. Salvation is free, but protecting that liberty can be painful when jealousy attacks. The unhappy despise our joy. Here is Paul’s resume, “forty lashes minus one… beaten with rods… pelted with stones… shipwrecked… danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles”. It would have been much easier to compromise, but Paul explains, his concern is “for all the churches”. He placed their protection above his own personal safety. Paul concludes, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. In other words, every one of us can be tempted. Wisdom teaches us to create boundaries, and steer clear the scheming seducer. Sacrificial love always gives more than it takes. Jesus promised to return to bring His beloved home. Because of His love, there is no place like home!