Not
everything that appears to be true is truly from God, and not every light is
the divine light of God. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul addresses the issue of false
apostles who were misleading the Corinthian church. These false apostles were
teaching a distorted version of the Gospel that did not align with the true
message of Christ. They were presenting themselves as legitimate servants of
righteousness, but their teachings were deceptive and misleading.
Imagine a
beautiful, fragrant flower blooming in the wild, attracting all who pass by
with its vibrant colors and alluring scent. However, beneath its stunning
exterior lies a deadly secret: the flower is highly poisonous. The oleander
plant, for example, produces gorgeous clusters of flowers in various colors,
yet every part of the plant is toxic if ingested. This is a classic example of
something with a deceptive appearance—seemingly delightful and harmless on the
surface, but carrying hidden dangers within.
Similarly,
in our spiritual journey, there can be teachings, leaders, or practices that
appear appealing and genuine, but upon closer inspection, we find they lead us
away from the truth. Just as we must be cautious around beautiful yet poisonous
plants, we must also be discerning in our faith, ensuring that what we embrace
is truly aligned with God's Word.
In today’s
passage, Paul reveals the deceit of false apostles, emphasizing that not
everyone who claims to serve Jesus is genuine. This serves as an essential
reminder for us to be discerning. The enemy can appear attractive and
convincing, leading many astray. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 7:15,
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly
are ravenous wolves."
Paul
cautions us about these “false apostles” who mask themselves as servants of
righteousness. Their disguise can be quite convincing, as they may appear
godly, knowledgeable, loving, wise and sincere. Their outward appearance might
include eloquent speech, charismatic leadership, and seemingly good works.
Dear
friends, guard your hearts and minds! This requires diligence, discernment,
discernment, and a strong foundation in God's Word. Discernment refers to the
ability to judge well and make thoughtful, insightful distinctions between
truth and falsehood, right and wrong, or good and evil. Be diligent in your
study of Scripture and steadfast in prayer. Ask God for wisdom and discernment,
and do not be quick to accept the teachings of anyone without thoroughly
examining those teachings through the lens of God's Word.
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