Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

False Teachers Identified

The New Testament contains several warnings against false teachers in Christian communities. Jesus Himself warned the disciples about this same thing (Matt. 7:15-20). The apostles also called attention to it (Gal. 1:6-9, 1 Tim. 6:3-5, 2 Pet. 2:1-3).

Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. How does Paul depict the challenges that he is facing with these false teachers?

Paul unmasks the work of false teachers. At the same time, he indicates that his ministry is Christ-centered. He compares the church in Corinth to a bride and identifies himself as her father, with the responsibility to present her to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). He does so because he loves the church (2 Cor. 11:11). So, he was even willing not to be a financial burden to it, even though he had the right to be supported by it (2 Cor. 11:7-12).

On the other hand, the "most eminent apostles" (ironically, this likely refers to the false teachers) are compared to the serpent that deceived Eve (2 Cor. 11:3). Like Satan in the Garden of Eden, the false teachers in Corinth are characterized by deceit and corruption (2 Cor. 11:3-4, NKJV). Paul's main concern was that they could lead the Corinthians astray from their sincere devotion and allegiance to Christ.

The intruders preached a different message than Paul preached--a different Jesus and a different gospel (2 Cor. 11:4). This shows that not everyone who preaches Jesus is a God-commissioned instrument. In that regard, Jesus Himself said, " 'Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven' " (Matt. 7:21, NKJV). In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul says that whoever preaches a different gospel brings a curse upon himself, but some in Corinth tolerated this kind of error.

Paul exposes the false apostles by saying that they are "deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ" (2 Cor. 11:13, NKJV). They disguise themselves as apostles of Christ, just as "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" and "his [Satan's] servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11:14-15, ESV). What a tragic situation: professing servants of Christ working as agents of Satan. Paul concludes his thought by saying that their "end will be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11:15, NKJV).

Look at how strongly he is reacting to error in the church! What should that say to us, as well?

Boasting in the Lord

Yesterday, we saw that Paul and his fellow workers exerted their ministries as a spiritual warfare, and did so using God's weapons. Today, we will see that false teachers act according to human criteria. They boast inappropriately. In turn, Paul boasts only in the Lord. As he wrote: "But 'he who glories, let him glory in the LORD' " (2 Cor. 10:17, NKJV).

Read 2 Corinthians 10:13-17. How can an atmosphere of competitiveness harm the preaching of the gospel?

Paul's use of self-boasting language has intrigued interpreters throughout the centuries. However, self-boasting was a common practice in the ancient world and was controlled by social conventions to avoid offending the audience. Paul knew such conventions, and he followed them. In addition, Paul makes it clear that his way of boasting distinguishes itself from that of the false teachers. He boasts in the Lord (2 Cor. 10:17). This is a quotation from the Old Testament: " 'Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth' " (Jer. 9:24, ESV). By quoting this passage from Jeremiah, Paul shows that it is Christ who is in focus--Christ's love, justice, and righteousness.

In other words, Paul's boasting focuses on God's accomplishments in Christ. Thus, his boasting is biblical and, hence, inoffensive. On the other hand, his opponents got into an atmosphere of competitiveness by comparing themselves to one another. This is foolishness! (2 Cor. 10:12).

In 2 Corinthians 10:14-16, Paul hints that preaching the gospel is the primary focus of his ministry, both in Corinth and in regions beyond Corinth. Paul's love for Jesus led him to talk constantly about the good news of salvation, found in the death and resurrection of Christ.

Unlike the false teachers in Corinth who commended themselves, Paul had been commended and approved by God (2 Cor. 10:12, 18). He was "called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God" (1 Cor. 1:1, NKJV). He was faithful to this calling until the end of his life (2 Tim. 4:7).

Reread 2 Corinthians 10:12-18. How can church leaders, or even members, avoid an atmosphere of competition? Why is it so easy to get caught up in things that really don't matter?

Spiritual War

Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-11. Paul's meekness in his dealings with the Corinthians was sometimes confused with weakness. What words or phrases in this passage reveal Paul's courage to deal with the problem of false teachers in Corinth?

Paul begins 2 Corinthians 10 very personally: "Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you" (2 Cor. 10:1, HCSB). This shows how concerned Paul was about false teachings infiltrating the church. His words in 2 Corinthians 10:1 ironically refer to his opponents' accusation that he was a frightening bully when writing letters from a distance but a pitiful coward when dealing with people face to face (2 Cor. 10:10-11). He responds that what seemed to be weakness should be seen as powerful meekness and Christlike gentleness.

False teachers must be faced with boldness and confidence (2 Cor. 10:2) but mingled with the gentleness of Christ (2 Cor. 10:1). Jesus once said, "I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matt. 11:29, NIV). However, Jesus also boldly confronted the money changers in the temple by overturning their tables and calling them robbers (Matt. 21:12-13). He also called the Pharisees hypocrites and whitewashed tombs right to their faces (Matt. 23:23-27). Like Jesus, Paul also knows that we are in a spiritual war that demands the use of God's whole armor (Eph. 6:12-17).

Paul's language in 2 Corinthians 10 is military because lives are at stake (2 Cor. 10:3-6). This is not a mere human conflict but a divine battle for winning people to Christ. In that connection, every false argument and lofty opinion must be faced and demolished, based on the Word of God, so that every thought may be brought into captivity "to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5, NIV).

In this spiritual warfare, Paul acts in the authority of Christ. This authority, however, aims at edification, not destruction (2 Cor. 10:8). It is easy for spiritual leaders to affirm that they are acting in the authority of God. Nevertheless, they must remember that their authority is given by Christ, and, like Him, they must be meek and humble in heart. Paul's claim of his Christ-given authority is due to his concern that the Corinthians were listening to the wrong people, thereby risking their loyalty to Christ.

How can we be simultaneously gentle and bold when dealing with false teachers? Why must we be both?

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: 2 Cor. 10:1-17; Jer. 9:24; 2 Cor. 11:1-15, 22-28; 2 Cor. 12:20-21; 2 Cor. 13:5

Memory Text: "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV).

As if Paul didn't have enough problems already, another one arose that he had to deal with as well: false teachers in the church. These people were opposed to him and to his work and ministry. Worse, these false teachers had seduced members of Corinth as well. Paul refers to his fight against this problem as a spiritual war.

Would that be an exaggeration? Not at all. Paul knew that, ultimately, those people were opposing not him but Christ Himself. He was not the narcissistic type of leader concerned about maintaining his reputation as a means of legitimizing his power and authority over his subordinates. He knew that the message he was commissioned to preach was a matter of life or death, with eternal consequences. And he knew that he had been sent to do it by God Himself: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God" (1 Cor. 1:1).

When it comes to false teachings, the church is supposed to act with love but firmness, based on the authority of Scripture. The gospel message must be conserved, unspoiled and pure, in order to give souls the hope of eternity.

* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 19.

Sunday ↥       

Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, "A Liberal Church," pp. 335-345, in The Acts of the Apostles.

"Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ, will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time, influence--all the gifts they have received from God's hand, they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gospel. Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of today it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow men may hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful influence upon the hearers."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 71.

"The Lord does not need our offerings. We cannot enrich Him by our gifts. Says the psalmist: 'All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.' Yet God permits us to show our appreciation of His mercies by self-sacrificing efforts to extend the same to others. This is the only way in which it is possible for us to manifest our gratitude and love to God. He has provided no other."--Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 18, 19.

"How great was the gift of God to man, and how like our God to make it! With a liberality that can never be exceeded he gave, that he might save the rebellious sons of men and bring them to see his purpose and discern his love. Will you, by your gifts and offerings, show that you think nothing too good for Him who 'gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life'?"--Ellen G. White, in The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, May 15, 1900.

Discussion Questions:

Dwell more on 2 Corinthians 8:9. Why is the example of Jesus so crucial as far as stewardship is concerned?

John 3:16 hints that the language of heaven is one of giving. Read John 15:13; Ephesians 5:2, 25; Galatians 2:19-20; and 1 John 3:16. What do these passages and John 3:16 have in common, and what message can we take from them?

Based on your reading of 2 Corinthians 8-9, what are the personal benefits of giving?

In addition to giving systematic offerings, what other things can you do to imitate Jesus' self-giving example?

Unity

We have seen that Paul encourages the members in Corinth to get involved in a collection for the impoverished churches in Judea. One of his purposes is to kindle a sense of unity. He wants them to participate, to be part of the mission. He wants to show that the Gentile churches are part of the same family of God as are the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. That is, these people, who were once their opponents, are now, indeed, fellow members with them in God's New Covenant remnant. Paul wants to see the whole Christian family, Jew and Gentile, united in a powerful way that can bear a witness to the church in generations to come.

Titus and two other acclaimed brothers were in charge of the funds. God put this care for the church into the heart of Titus (2 Cor. 8:16). Through the churches, God also chose the two other brothers (2 Cor. 8:18-23). They are called "messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ" (2 Cor. 8:23, NKJV). Whether "the glory of Christ" describes these two faithful brothers or the churches themselves does not matter. Giving offerings is ultimately a signal of loyalty to Christ, the Head of the church (Eph. 4:15).

Second Corinthians 8-9 indicates that the offerings should be given to people appointed by God through the church. The phrases "all the churches" (2 Cor. 8:18, NKJV), "chosen by the churches" (2 Cor. 8:19, NKJV), and "messengers of the churches" (2 Cor. 8:23, NKJV) suggest precisely that. Thus, the following exhortation is not surprising, "Give proof before the churches of your love" (2 Cor. 8:24, ESV).

Bringing offerings to the church--God's appointed instrument on earth--promotes unity and, at the same time, is the result of a sense of unity (2 Cor. 8:13-14). Money can be a great unifier. On the other hand, if people's eyes are not single to the glory of God, money can create division as well.

How does Romans 15:26-27 reveal Paul's desire for unity here?

Finally, Paul depicts the collection as service or ministry, as an act of grace, as a blessing, as an act of worship, and also as fellowship. All that from an offering? Think about it.

How does our giving to fellow churches and missions overseas, often in faraway places, help bring unity to our world church?

Attitude

Read  2 Corinthians 8:1-5. What possible reason could have been behind the Macedonians' willingness to give their offerings with such generosity?

The positive attitude of the Macedonians can be seen in several ways.

First, they gave with abundant joy (2 Cor. 8:2). Paul says that the Macedonians' "abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity" (2 Cor. 8:2, ESV). He later mentions that "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7, NKJV). The Greek word rendered as "cheerful" occurs only here in the New Testament. A term from the same family occurs elsewhere: "The one who does acts of mercy [must do it] with cheerfulness" (Rom. 12:8, ESV). Terms from this word family sometimes appear in extra-biblical literature, with a sense of gladness and happiness. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, being a cheerful giver means giving without reluctance.

Second, they gave with generosity (2 Cor. 8:2). Before Paul mentioned the Macedonians' generosity, he first referred to their "extreme poverty" (ESV). The word "generosity" (in Greek, haplotētos) appears twice more in 2 Corinthians 8, and 9. Paul says, "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion" (2 Cor. 9:11, NIV, emphasis supplied), meaning that we are given so that we can then give. A little further, he mentions "the generosity of your contribution" (2 Cor. 9:13, ESV, emphasis supplied). In this passage, being generous in contributing is a way of confessing Christ's gospel.

Third, they gave "of their own free will" (2 Cor. 8:3, NLT). This means that they gave voluntarily. This becomes even more admirable when one sees they did not give out of their surplus, for their resources were extremely limited. Paul uses the same idea to characterize Titus's willingness to visit the Corinthians. He went to Corinth voluntarily (2 Cor. 8:17).

Fourth, they gave with a sense that giving is a privilege (2 Cor. 8:4). This attitude is perceptible in the Macedonians' request to participate in the collection. "They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service" (2 Cor. 8:4, NIV).

Finally, they participated in the collection as an act of total consecration (2 Cor. 8:5). Paul says, "They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us" (2 Cor. 8:5, ESV). Giving oneself to the Lord results in giving oneself to others. The Macedonians expanded their mission involvement beyond financial assistance. That is, giving and being generous is not limited to money alone.

Planning

Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. What does this passage say about the act of offering?

God's decision to save the world took place even before the world fell into sin. The coming of Christ to die for us was part of an ancient plan (Rev. 13:8). God was not caught by surprise. He had made plans to give Himself through Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 8, and 9, planning is an essential theological principle that concerns the act of giving. This can be seen in at least two ways:

First, planning involves previous decision. Paul says that "each of you should give what you have decided in your heart" (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV). The Greek word translated as "decided" is the verb proaireō. This verb is a compound form. The particle pro means "beforehand" or "in advance," and aireō means in this context "to decide." Thus, proaireō points to a decision made beforehand. Also, by starting his statement with "each of you," Paul indicates that the given amount will not be the same for everyone. His point was simply that whatever people decide to give, they should do it with careful reflection. They should give what they believe is the right amount for them to give.

Second, planning involves the principle of proportionality. Paul reports that the Macedonians "gave according to their means" (2 Cor. 8:3, ESV). Next, he applies this principle of proportionality to the Corinthians as well. Encouraging them to finish the task that they had already committed to, he urges them to complete that project by using the resources that they possess (2 Cor. 8:11). He concludes this thought by saying that the offering is given "according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor. 8:12, ESV). Whereas the Bible defines the proportionality of the tithes, namely, ten percent, the same does not apply to the offerings. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart" (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV) by applying the principle of proportionality. In other words, each one decides which proportion of earnings that he or she will give as an offering. Each one is supposed to give in proportion to what one has. This cannot be done without planning.

How faithful are you with tithes and offerings, no matter how rich or poor you are? What excuses do you use to hold back from giving when you know that you can do more?

Motivation

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1, 5, and 2 Corinthians 9:7, 9, 13, 15. What is the central message of these passages?

The language of giving pervades 2 Corinthians 8, and 9: "The grace of God . . . has been given" (2 Cor. 8:1, ESV); "They gave themselves" (2 Cor. 8:5, ESV); "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart ..., for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV); "He has given to the poor" (2 Cor. 9:9, ESV); "They will glorify God because of ... the generosity of your contribution" (2 Cor. 9:13, ESV); "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15, ESV). Second Corinthians 8 and 9 begin and end with the language of giving (2 Cor. 8:1, and 2 Cor. 9:15). We must read these two chapters with the idea of giving in mind. They present at least four major reasons for giving our offerings.

Gratitude for God's grace (2 Cor. 8:1; 2 Cor. 9:14-15). Second Corinthians 8-9 begins with a reference to "the grace of God" (2 Cor. 8:1). A little further, Paul says, "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 8:9, ESV). The grace of God and Christ is presented here as one's primary reason for the practice of offering. God did so much for us by giving us Christ. By offering our gifts in return, we recognize the grace of God in our lives.

As with the concept of giving, the term "grace" (in Greek, charis) also occurs repeatedly in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Likewise, the word charis occurs at the beginning and the end of this passage (2 Cor. 8:1; 2 Cor. 9:14-15). Paul applies this term with different meanings in the passage to emphasize that the grace of Christ in our lives results in grace for others and for thanksgiving.

Desire to follow the example of Jesus (2 Cor. 8:9). Jesus was rich and became poor (remember that these are symbols for His eternal pre-existence and then coming into humanity, respectively). There is only one way for that to have happened: He gave all. As for us, by sharing our offerings, we provide means for others to know Christ.

Desire to share God's blessings (2 Cor. 9:10-11). We give to others only because we first received from God. He enriches us so that we can be generous.

Sincere love (2 Cor. 8:8, 24). Giving is the test of sincere and genuine love. It is the most substantial evidence that love dwells in one's heart. To use an English expression, it is to "put your money where your mouth is."

How generous are you? In light of the Cross, how much do you give in contrast to what you could give?

The Example of Jesus

The context of 2 Corinthians 8, and 9 has to do with Paul's encouraging members in Corinth to complete a fundraiser for the impoverished churches in Judea. Apparently, they had already committed to doing that (2 Cor. 8:10-11; 2 Cor. 9:5; see also 1 Cor. 16:1-4), but relationship issues between them and Paul had complicated things. After dealing with these issues (2 Corinthians 1-7), Paul now turns to the conclusion of that task (2 Corinthians 8-9).

Initially, Paul appeals to the example of the Macedonians (2 Cor. 8:1-7), whose extreme poverty did not prevent them from overflowing "in a wealth of generosity" (2 Cor. 8:2, ESV). Yes, poverty and generosity can walk together. However, this admirable generosity of the Macedonians is but a replication of Jesus' generosity in giving Himself for us (2 Cor. 8:8-15).

Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. What does this passage tell us about the example of Jesus?

Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 8:9 is one of the most astonishing, powerful, and profound passages in the whole Bible. Paul tells the story of Jesus' mission, but with an incredible economy of words. There is so much theology here. This is the story of redemption, but in only one verse.

Even more impressive is that this story is told through financial language. Yes, Jesus was rich. His richness refers to His pre-existence in heaven (John 17:5). He decided to become poor by giving up the heavenly glory and coming to this world of sorrows. He became literally poor (Luke 9:58). Although He was equal with God, He "emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7, NASB). "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:8, ESV).

Jesus gave His own life so that we might live forever with Him. His offering had a purpose: our salvation. Stewardship and mission go together. Second Corinthians 8-9 tells the story of a particular money offering, but this story is based upon Jesus. During this week, we will see theological principles related to the practice of offering gifts that are based on Christ's offering of Himself.

Dwell on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When you realize that all this was done for you so that you can have hope of something beyond this miserable existence here, what should your reaction be?