1 Second Corinthians “Paul – A Minister of Christ” Lesson 12 Second Corinthians 11:1-15 Page 13

2 Read Second Corinthians 11:1-4 1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 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. 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.

3 Second Corinthians 11:1-3 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:1-3 He was willing to indulge in uncharacteristic argumentation of his own personal behavior and credentials, since that was the basis upon which the Corinthians seemed to make decisions about who deserved to be followed as teachers. (vs.1,2) His concession in that respect was for their spiritual protection. (v.3) He reminded them about how the serpent [Satan] beguiled Eve with craftiness. (v.3)

4 Second Corinthians 11:1-3 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:1-3 His reason for acting foolish [boastful] was over the “rival” teachers who opposed him, Christ, and the gospel. It was Paul who “betrothed” these believers to Christ. (v.3) He was jealous over the “bride” [the Corinthians] being defiled by false teachers causing a separation from the “bridegroom” [Christ] He wanted them to be “a pure virgin” He wanted them to keep the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ

5 Read First Corinthians 11: 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!

6 Second Corinthians 11:4 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:4 A close comparison would show that Paul was the superior minister. (v.4) They should “bear with him” -- hear him out as he talks about himself. Truth never fears an honest investigation by honest people. They had been very tolerant of these deceivers. Now, they should be tolerant of him and listen to him

7 Read First Corinthians 11: For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

8 Read First Corinthians 11: As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

9 Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Their charges against Paul: a. Paul was inferior to other apostles (See 1Corinthians 1:12) Paul’s answers to their charges: a. He was not inferior to the most eminent among the apostles (v.5)

10 Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Their charges against Paul: b. Paul was untrained in speech (oratory and sophistication). Paul’s answers to their charges: b. His inspired knowledge was unquestioned by those who knew him. (v.6)

11 Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Their charges against Paul: c. He had refused support from the church at Corinth. Paul’s answers to their charges: c. There were good reasons for that: (1) His self-denial was for their spiritual good. (v.7) (2) Other churches considered him worthy of support. (vs.8,9)

12 Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Their charges against Paul: c. He had refused support from the church at Corinth. Paul’s answers to their charges: c. There were good reasons for that: (3) It was not because of a lack of love for them. (v.11) (4) Other teachers were unwilling to be compared to Paul in things that really mattered. (v.12)

13 Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Their charges against Paul: d. Other ministers were equal to or better than Paul. Paul’s answers to their charges: d. Other “ministers” were false apostles: (1) They were not sent by heaven but pretended to be. (v.13) (2) They followed Satan as Paul followed Jesus Christ. See 1Corinthians 11:1.

14 Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul’s Defense Against Charges Made By False Teachers Second Corinthians 11:5-15 Their charges against Paul: d. Other ministers were equal to or better than Paul. Paul’s answers to their charges: d. Other “ministers” were false apostles: (3) God is not deceived by their “transformation” though men may be. (v.15)