In Paul's rebuke of the Judaizers who opposed his teaching, the apostle accuses the false teachers in Corinth of preaching a different gospel than Paul's which he knew to be the only truth. The apostle confronts his accusers with a passive aggressive tone. "1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me." (2 Corinthians 11:1) Paul invites the false teachers in Corinth to join him in folly, in a foolish fantasy that would have the Judaizers align themselves with the apostle, under the armor of salvation, defended by the holy word of God. In some ways Paul's opposers were not entirely against Paul's teaching as much as his authority. "2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:2) The apostle shared his godly jealousy for the Corinthians, and how blessed they now were as anointed disciples of Jesus Christ. Paul's intent for the corinthians was to present them as an offering to God. The apostle's hope to keep his offering pure was now in jeopardy. "3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3) Paul shares is concern for those who opposed him in Corinth, that their corrupt minds could not receive the gospel in spite of its simplicity. The apostle associates the birth of sin with the doubt and opposition felt by the Judaizers as they endeavored to preach a gospel based on lies rather than the holy truth divinely revealed to Paul by the Lord Himself. "4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!" (2 Corinthians 11:4) Paul condemns the false teachers in Corinth for their preaching a different message about Jesus Christ, a gospel that omits resurrection, a spirit fueled by fear and bondage based salvation. Such blasphemous teaching not only leads to destruction, it is a sure path which descends straight to hell where all those who choose evil over the truth will burn in agony for all time. Come to think of it I suppose there might just be a minute element of fear in one's faith... Let us pray! Father God; Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles, God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope May your will be done We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day. Praise God, This message was written by Rev. Daniel St.Pierre
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