2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 11:1–15
There are two primary errors of the early church that have plagued Christians ever since—legalism and lawlessness. This kind of legalism tends to focus on the “thou shalt nots,” often based more on opinion than Scripture—as in, “a Christian wouldn’t do that.” Often, the early church saw this in ascetic, sometimes monk-like practices. Saying, in essence, the really faithful deny the world and its extravagances. Legalism seeks to earn God’s favor through human effort and often assumes God’s favor, or lack thereof, on others who do or do not practice their faith in the same way.
The motto of the lawless is “don’t judge.” The fancy word for lawlessness more commonly used in bible teaching is “antinomianism,” meaning “no law.” In the early church, the Gnostics and influences from Plato led to a belief that spiritual/immaterial things are good, and the physical/created things are evil. Antinomians entertain the flesh deeming obedience either inconsequential or ineffective. If I can’t be perfect, if I need God’s grace, why try?
In 2 Corinthians 11, we see Paul contending with both proponents as he addresses their charges against him. He’s not as “humble” as the legalists and not as “flashy” as the antinomians. Both parties would consider Paul’s teaching foolishness. So, he says, “bear with me in a little foolishness.” This “foolishness” section will continue thought chapter 12.
Paul’s primary concern is the reader’s “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” He didn’t want to burden the church he was building with the cost of his needs, which some used to undermine the value of his teaching—while also accusing him of robbing those from whom he received support. Regardless of their criticism Paul stated, “What I do I will continue to do.”
To address the charge from Paul’s critics, one commentator wrote,
I like this statement because it provides a vision for giving to ministries. It is a great honor to do ministry full-time, supported by the free gifts of the church. Likewise, it illustrates the value of supporting missions. By financial gifts to the Lord, you enable those called to ministry to focus their time and efforts on building up the Body of Christ, rather than dividing their time to support themselves and their families. Your gifts should not only support work in your area locally, but also globally. Giving to CPC means you’re giving to missions around the world. I’d also encourage you to find opportunities to support missionaries outside of that as well!
As I wrap up, here are some questions that the Lord has challenged me to consider.
Written By: Tyler Short
There are two primary errors of the early church that have plagued Christians ever since—legalism and lawlessness. This kind of legalism tends to focus on the “thou shalt nots,” often based more on opinion than Scripture—as in, “a Christian wouldn’t do that.” Often, the early church saw this in ascetic, sometimes monk-like practices. Saying, in essence, the really faithful deny the world and its extravagances. Legalism seeks to earn God’s favor through human effort and often assumes God’s favor, or lack thereof, on others who do or do not practice their faith in the same way.
The motto of the lawless is “don’t judge.” The fancy word for lawlessness more commonly used in bible teaching is “antinomianism,” meaning “no law.” In the early church, the Gnostics and influences from Plato led to a belief that spiritual/immaterial things are good, and the physical/created things are evil. Antinomians entertain the flesh deeming obedience either inconsequential or ineffective. If I can’t be perfect, if I need God’s grace, why try?
In 2 Corinthians 11, we see Paul contending with both proponents as he addresses their charges against him. He’s not as “humble” as the legalists and not as “flashy” as the antinomians. Both parties would consider Paul’s teaching foolishness. So, he says, “bear with me in a little foolishness.” This “foolishness” section will continue thought chapter 12.
Paul’s primary concern is the reader’s “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” He didn’t want to burden the church he was building with the cost of his needs, which some used to undermine the value of his teaching—while also accusing him of robbing those from whom he received support. Regardless of their criticism Paul stated, “What I do I will continue to do.”
To address the charge from Paul’s critics, one commentator wrote,
“Paul had practiced his trade of leather-working (Gr. skenopoios) when he had first arrived in Corinth (Acts 18:3). When Silas and Timothy joined him from Macedonia, Paul stopped this work and devoted all his time to preaching and teaching (Acts 18:5). He apparently did this because these brothers had brought financial gifts with them from the Macedonian churches (cf. Phil. 4:15; 1 Thess. 3:6). Paul’s principle was to preach and teach without charging those who benefited directly from his ministry. This is a good policy in church planting, but it is not normative for a settled pastoral ministry (1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).” (Constable’s Notes, NETBible.org)
I like this statement because it provides a vision for giving to ministries. It is a great honor to do ministry full-time, supported by the free gifts of the church. Likewise, it illustrates the value of supporting missions. By financial gifts to the Lord, you enable those called to ministry to focus their time and efforts on building up the Body of Christ, rather than dividing their time to support themselves and their families. Your gifts should not only support work in your area locally, but also globally. Giving to CPC means you’re giving to missions around the world. I’d also encourage you to find opportunities to support missionaries outside of that as well!
As I wrap up, here are some questions that the Lord has challenged me to consider.
Would you regard your devotion to Christ as “sincere” and “pure”?
How do you practice obedience and what value do you ascribe to it?
Is there anything the Lord has convicted you to stop doing or start doing?
In what ways are you supporting the work of the Lord with your time, talent, and treasure?
Written By: Tyler Short
1 Comment
Very well said Tyler. When there's a "first" deep inward spiritual search, the true outward portrayal will be fruitful.