The War With Pride, 2 of 5 from November 9, 2025

“In a world absorbed with manipulating appearances we openly practice faithful love.”

2 Corinthians 11:1-15 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)

SUMMARY

This sermon explores the challenge of remaining faithful to Christ in a culture obsessed with controlling narratives and manipulating appearances. Pastor Michael discusses how Paul defended his ministry in 2 Corinthians against "super apostles" who undermined his work through eloquent speech and self-promotion. Instead of matching their aggression, Paul demonstrated genuine love through self-sacrifice and integrity. The message urges believers to focus on practicing faithful love openly, cautioning against messages that contradict Scripture and emphasizing discernment in recognizing false teachers.

REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• 💬 How open are we to views that contradict what Scripture clearly teaches?

• 💬 What burdens do we shoulder to make Jesus’ Good News accessible to others?

• 💬 Whose kingdom and reputation are our lives building?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• 📝 Sermon Notes for this message

• 💾 Download a transcript of this message

• 📰 Blog Summary for this message

• 🖼️ Sermon Slides

• 📖 Fidelity to Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:1-6)

• 📖 “Unburdened” Social life (2 Corinthians 11:7-11)

• 📖 Discerning of Disguises (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

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• Music by Blue Dot Sessions