Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians

03 October 2025

Devotion by Deaconess Sarah Imonopi

Theme: Kingdom of God – 2 Corinthians 11

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

2 Corinthians 11

“You seem to accept it readily enough when someone comes and preaches a different Jesus than the one we preached, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted.

(2 Corinthians 11:4)

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul defends his authority as an apostle against men who had slipped into the church and were preaching another gospel. They disguise themselves as servants of Christ, but in truth they are tools of the enemy. Paul speaks with passion—not out of pride, but out of concern for the church. He fears that they might be led away from their simple devotion to Christ (v. 3) and deceived, as Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden by the serpent through his cunning and deceit.

Even in our time today, many arise who claim to possess the truth—some even go so far as to announce the timing of Jesus’ return. Yet Paul warns precisely against this when he writes:

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but to suit their own desires they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

(2 Timothy 4:3)

Verses 13–14 are a serious warning: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light.” Deception often does not happen openly and obviously, but subtly. The devil does not always appear in blatant evil—he often comes charming, eloquent, and seemingly devout. Therefore, all the more: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

Paul calls us to faithfulness to Christ—to a simple, pure faith that is not dazzled by outward impressions, brilliant speech, or human authority.

In contrast, he makes clear in the further course of the chapter what true discipleship really shows itself in: not in outward glory or impressive self-presentation. Paul lists his own sufferings—not to exalt himself, but to show that true discipleship is often connected with sacrifice and humility, not just with fame and success.

Questions for personal reflection:

• Do I test what I hear and believe against the Bible?

• Am I tempted to follow “another Jesus”—a convenient, worldly-shaped image?

  
  

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, keep me from deception. Me a spirit of discernment so that I may distinguish what is true from what is false. Strengthen my faith so that I may hold fast to Your gospel. Help me to follow You in humility and faithfulness.

Amen.