Bargains

2 Corinthians 11
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.        2 Corinthians 11:23

I love to go bargain hunting. In fact, usually, the first place upon entering a store, is the bargain rack. Any purchases made at a bargain prices causes me to look at the ticket and add up how much I saved. After sorting through the bargains, then I "graze along" looking through the regaularly priced items.  (It's my hubby's description of me, which means like an old cow who keeps eating without lifting her head up, I shop similiarly.)

In  Liberty Bible Commentary, Falwell states:
Discipleship cannot be purchased at bargain prices (Luke 9:23 states what Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."). The cost exacted of the Apostle Paul is measured by the tabulation which follows. (verses 24-27)
What Paul does here is demonstrate the depth of his commitment by delineating the sufferings and trial he endured because of it.

"Paul had been an extraordinary sufferer for Christ; he gloried in the grace of God that had enabled him to be more abundant in labors and to endure very great sufferings," said Matthew Henry.

As we recall, Paul wrote 13 books (letters) of the New Testament. What did Paul  endure as he spread the gospel?

• severe beatings (verse 23)
• exposure to death (verse 23)
• five times received 39 lashes (verse 24)
• 3 times beaten with rods (verse 25)
• 3 times shipwrecked (verse 25)
• robbers (verse 26)
• dangerous rivers (verse 26)
• dangers from false brothers (verse 26)
• sleeplessness (verse 25)
• hunger (verse 27)
• thirst (verse 27)
• cold and nakedness (verse 27)
• hidden in a basket and smuggled out of Damascus (verse 33, Acts 9:25)

What a list!  I see that I need a  more endurance without complaining after reading this.


LET IT GROW

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works," reads verses 13-15.

Shepherd's Notes says it this way, "They were false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. Worse still, their behavior proved that they were servants of Satan, not apostles of Christ. Like Satan, they disguised themselves with the appearance of righteousness. False teachers would face God's judgment."  (see 5:10)

"The prince of darkness puts on the garb of light and sets the fashion for his followers in the masquerade to deceive the saints," A.T.Robertson said.

Masquerade means a disguise; concealment; false pretense, according to Webster's Dictionary.

When Paul learned that false teachers had caused Christians in Corinth to stumble in their faith, Paul burned with indignation," says Henry Blackaby. (see verse 29 of NKJV)

Indignation is righteous anger over injustice. (Webster's Dictionary)

Falwell said, "The apostle is deeply concerned about the weaker brethren and he "burned" with indignation when he thought of those who would lead them astray."

"False apostles my have a "good appearance." Don't be taken in by image or outward appearances," warns David Guzik.

"Satan is a roaring lion, and angel of light who persuades men to do things under the name of religion," said Clarke.

Not only is Paul warning the Corinthians, but us also. Let's look out for false teachers masquerading around. I sure don't want to be deceived by them. I'll make sure that God's Word, the Word of Truth, is what my teachers use.


LET IT GO

Glory in the grace of God when I suffer for Him.

Know the Bible so I can recognize a false teacher.