QT 6/19/2025 2 Cor 11:7–15, Beware of false leaders

2 Corinthians 11:7–15 (ESV) —

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

 

NOTE: It is a scary thought that there are false apostles out there. How do you see them? Their reputation shouldn't be based off their long exposure or the control they exercise or their number of friends. I've seen people like that who were crackety, complaining, and slowing down efforts that did not agree with their view of what the church should do. Were they deceitful or just deceived by Satan? Some of these men are held in high honor. But were they loving? Was Jesus changing their life? Were they a positive addition to a meeting? Did they help others to succeed? Did they always have to be at the center of attention? And to repeat, were they kind and gentle? A lot of people who are just religious, are not kind and gentle. They don't love others, they only love being at the center. I may be off in my assessment of certain "saints" I've known in years past. I think what scares me the most, is how do you detect these false prophets?

 

PONDER:

1. Rather than worrying about others' falseness, what about myself? Am I kind, gentle, and loving to every person, regardless of status?
2. Do I show irritation with certain people in the church? Jesus loved them all

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see my own failures in relationships. I don't ever want to think of myself more highly than another brother or sister in Christ. I want to be humble. I want to be joyful. I want to seek the best for others.