2 Corinthians 11: Seek Authenticity

Sermon 10.11.26 - 2 Corinthians 11: Seek Authenticity 2 Corinthians 11:1-6 2 Corinthians 12:11-13 The Trap Of “More” The “super-apostles” were professional speakers who often followed Paul’s ministry trying to lure people away from his churches with polished speech and charisma. They were often well dressed, well paid, and offered “greater truths” to believers wanting MORE from their faith. The people of Corinth described Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:10 “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” Paul described his ministry in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” We see in the world of social media, staged engagements, and celebrity ministries: a longing to be “in the know” or be “exciting and relevant” in today’s culture. There will always be those who peddle the offer of “more” to gain a following, build their wealth and influence, and even to lead others away from God. But Paul encourages us to seek the authentic. Do we seek the authentic gospel? Key verse: 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” The focus is on Christ and his actions. In line with God’s Word (prophecy, promises, and punishments) See sermon from May 31, 2026 for more details. The gospel (good news) is an answer to a terrible problem: All have sinned (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is death (Romans 6:23). God sent Jesus to die for our sins (Romans 5:8). Faith in Jesus - his death, burial and resurrection - will bring about salvation (Romans 10:9,10). Because we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Salvation in Christ testified by the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:12 [speaking about Jesus Christ of Nazareth] “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Ephesians 1:13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 “He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Three Common Distortions Legalism: Teaching salvation by good works or human effort. Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved.” Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” Antinomianism [anti-no-mi-anism]: Promoting a belief that God’s grace permits believers to live without moral guidelines. Titus 2:12 “[The grace of God] teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives” Prosperity Gospel: Redefining the gospel as a means to earthly wealth or health, rather than reconciliation and holiness in Christ. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Luke 6:26-28 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers treated the false prophets in the same way.” Is Jesus enough?