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2 Corinthians 11:3
Verse
Context
Paul and the False Apostles
2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.3I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.4For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty - This is a strong reflection on the false apostle and his teaching: he was subtle, πανουργος and by his subtlety (πανουργια, from παν, all, and εργον, work; his versatility of character and conduct, his capability of doing all work, and accommodating himself to the caprices, prejudices, and evil propensities of those to whom he ministered) he was enabled to corrupt the minds of the people from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ; or, to follow the metaphor, he had seduced the pure, chaste, well educated virgin, from her duty, affection, and allegiance to her one only true husband, the high priest, Jesus Christ. And here he seems to intimate that the serpent had seduced the mind of Eve from her affections and allegiance to Adam, her true husband; and certainly from God, her creator and governor. See at the end of the chapter (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I fear-- (Co2 12:20); not inconsistent with love. His source of fear was their yielding character. subtilty--the utter foe of the "simplicity" which is intent on ONE object, Jesus, and seeks none "other," and no "other" and different Spirit (Co2 11:4); but loves him with tender SINGLENESS OF AFFECTION. Where Eve first gave way, was in mentally harboring for a moment the possibility insinuated by the serpent, of GOD not having her truest interests at heart, and of this "other" professing friend being more concerned for her than God. corrupted--so as to lose their virgin purity through seducers (Co2 11:4). The same Greek stands for "minds" as for "thoughts" (Co2 10:5, also see on Co2 10:5); intents of the will, or mind. The oldest manuscripts after "simplicity," add, "and the purity" or "chastity." in Christ--rather, "that is towards Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I fear lest by any means,.... Jealousy is always attended with fear, care, and solicitude, whether in things natural or spiritual. The apostle, as things were in this church, could not but express his fears, lest as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety; that is, the old serpent the devil, who made use of a serpent, the most subtle creature of all the beasts of the field, and seduced Eve from her obedience to God, to transgress his command, by eating the forbidden fruit. The apostle here speaks the language and sense of the Jews, who say (p), that, "Satan and the serpent have one name", i.e. are the same; and that it was the old serpent (the devil), , "that beguiled Eve" (q), and who is said to be corrupted by him; "the serpent (they say (r)) was corrupted first, after that, , "Eve was corrupted", and after that Adam was corrupted.'' So the apostle was jealous and fearful, knowing that the false apostles were ministers of Satan, artful and cunning men, lest, through their craftiness and sophistry, your minds, says he, should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ; that is, lest their judgments should be misled, their minds be vitiated with corrupt principles, and be carried away in any degree with the error of the wicked, from off the pure and simple doctrine of the Gospel, which respects the person and grace of Christ; and chiefly lies in this one plain, easy, and important truth, salvation alone by him. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "your minds should be corrupted, and should fall from the simplicity that is in Christ". (p) Caphtor, fol. 93. 1. (q) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 50. 1. (r) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 15. 2.
2 Corinthians 11:3
Paul and the False Apostles
2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.3I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.4For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christian Life - a Battleground, the (Satan's Tactics)
By Warren Wiersbe19K58:44Satan's TacticsGEN 3:6MAT 4:7MAT 4:10ROM 12:12CO 11:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the strategy of Satan and how to defeat him. He outlines four basic tactics that Satan uses and emphasizes the importance of understanding them. The speaker then examines four individuals in the Bible who had personal encounters with Satan, including Eve, David, Job, and Jesus. He highlights the specific targets, weapons, purposes, and defenses that Satan employed in each case. The sermon concludes with a call to dedicate our bodies, minds, and wills to God in order to resist Satan's attacks and fulfill God's will.
Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves
By Zac Poonen4.6K1:00:53Deception2CO 11:3GAL 6:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the company we keep and the conversations we engage in. He warns against deceiving ourselves by thinking we can overcome negative influences. The speaker also highlights the need to be doers of God's Word, not just hearers, comparing it to building on a solid foundation. He cautions against being deceived by thinking we can enter God's kingdom while engaging in sinful behavior or taking others to court. The sermon concludes with a reminder that bad company can corrupt good morals.
8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves
By Zac Poonen3.8K1:00:531CO 3:182CO 11:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8REV 12:9This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humility, being prepared to address conflicts, controlling our speech, and acknowledging our sinful nature. The message underscores the significance of being doers of God's word, recognizing the impact of our actions and words, and avoiding self-deception by staying grounded in truth.
Eternal Values - Demonstrating Heaven's Values
By Zac Poonen2.2K52:30EternityJER 17:9MAT 22:39JHN 10:27ACT 20:272CO 11:31JN 2:27REV 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with those of heaven, particularly in relation to money. He highlights the need to fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 6. The speaker also emphasizes that the life of God cannot be organized or predicted, comparing it to the work of the Holy Spirit, which is like the wind. The sermon encourages listeners to seek a deep understanding of eternal life and to be mouthpieces of God, focusing on the message of the heart rather than impressing others with worldly greatness. The speaker urges listeners to follow the example of Jesus in preaching and to study His teachings as a guide.
(Genesis) - Part 21
By Zac Poonen1.7K57:47GenesisGEN 2:22GEN 24:7GEN 24:27GEN 24:63GEN 24:67MAT 6:332CO 11:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking for spiritual qualities rather than earthly qualities when seeking a partner. He highlights the problems that can arise when people prioritize external appearances or education in their choice of a spouse. The speaker encourages believers to focus on knowing more about Jesus and His glory, rather than getting caught up in doctrinal arguments. The sermon also emphasizes the sense of responsibility displayed by Abraham's servant, who prioritized his task over his own hunger.
Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.6K09:59MAT 24:242CO 11:32TH 2:9REV 12:9REV 20:2REV 20:7This sermon delves into the theme of deception as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 11 and Revelation, emphasizing how deception has been a tool of the enemy from the beginning with Eve and will continue until the end times. It explores the concept of self-deception and warns about the prevalence of deception even among believers, stressing the need for discernment and reliance on God's mercy to avoid falling into deception.
How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 1 (Guard Your Garden)
By Don Courville1.6K41:31Spiritual WarfareGEN 2:15PSA 121:5MAT 6:332CO 11:32CO 11:14EPH 5:22EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a hunter encountering a bear and how they negotiate their desires. He then goes on to talk about his experiences and travels, which have given him insights into the most important things he has learned in 42 years. He briefly touches on the submission of the wife, referring to Genesis chapter 2, and emphasizes the importance of following God's commands. The sermon concludes with a lesson about the dangers of being in places we shouldn't be, using a humorous anecdote about a child carrying swimming trunks to school.
Embracing the Gospel of the Kingdom
By John D. Martin1.2K59:30KingdomMAT 6:19MAT 6:33ACT 19:8ACT 20:252CO 11:3COL 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses three reasons why we should not lay up treasures on earth. The first reason is that our heart follows our treasure, so if our treasure is on earth, our heart will be too. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus always referred to the gospel as the gospel of the kingdom, which means that God wants to save human beings and have them express His kingdom on earth. To have the kingdom, we need a kingdom focus, which means our focus should be on the king. Additionally, the preacher highlights the importance of gospel economics, which is a command of Christ that many have failed to obey. The sermon references Matthew chapter 6 as a basis for understanding these teachings.
Don't Be Ignorant of Satans Designs
By Tim Conway1.0K1:05:38ROM 8:382CO 11:3EPH 6:10HEB 13:5REV 12:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of being aware of Satan's designs to divide, discourage, and deaden believers. It highlights the need to stay focused on Christ, maintain unity, and be vigilant in guarding our thought life against distractions that lead us away from sincere devotion to Christ. The message encourages believers to be bold, courageous, and to fight the spiritual battle with the armor of God, centered on Christ.
Keep Your Devotion to Jesus
By Sandeep Poonen94020:04GEN 3:9MAT 25:1ACT 2:422CO 11:3EPH 4:3PHP 2:11JN 1:31JN 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of true fellowship with God and warns against the dangers of stopping short of genuine fellowship by mistaking it for mere friendship or community. It stresses the need for a deep, personal devotion to Jesus above all else, highlighting that fellowship with one another is rooted in individual fellowship with God. The speaker cautions against losing sight of this core relationship with Jesus amidst the activities and responsibilities within the church, emphasizing the priority of knowing and drawing closer to God.
Three New Names
By Sandeep Poonen90839:48ROM 8:152CO 11:3PHP 2:9REV 3:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of being part of the body of Christ and the need for unity among believers to effectively combat the enemy. It highlights the necessity of rejecting worldly ties, including family, culture, and self-identity, in order to embrace a new name associated with God's love and devotion to Jesus. The focus is on developing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that transcends theological knowledge and leads to a life marked by love and unwavering commitment.
Loving Christ Supremely
By Zac Poonen89058:28PSA 73:25MAT 10:37MRK 12:30LUK 7:472CO 11:31TI 1:15HEB 3:131JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a deep and pure devotion to Jesus Christ, focusing on the need to love Him fervently and to understand the depth of His forgiveness towards us. It challenges listeners to prioritize worshiping God above all else, to seek a genuine relationship with Him, and to be aware of both conscious and unconscious sins in their lives. The message encourages a humble and repentant heart, acknowledging the need for God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and grow spiritually.
The Genesis Connection and How to Continue a Godly Heritage
By Ken Ham7551:01:48JDG 21:251CH 12:32PSA 11:3MAT 19:42CO 11:3This sermon by Ken Ham addresses the declining church and culture, emphasizing the importance of standing on the authority of the Word of God, particularly focusing on the Genesis connection. He highlights the need to equip believers with apologetics to defend their faith, pointing out the Genesis 3 attack on the authority of Scripture in our era. The sermon calls for a reformation in the church and culture by returning to the foundational truths of Genesis 1 to 11 and standing firm on the Word of God.
Fervent Devotion to Christ and the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen55326:16MAT 22:362CO 11:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fervent devotion to Jesus Christ, highlighting the danger of being led astray by Satan from simple, pure devotion. It stresses the need to daily take up the cross, symbolizing the death of self-life, as the only way to access the Tree of Life, which represents devotion to Christ. The speaker warns against being deceived by emotional experiences or external actions without genuine love for Christ, emphasizing that true devotion is proven by dying to self in daily life.
Counterfeits and Deceptions
By Zac Poonen52547:25LUK 10:38LUK 18:9JHN 7:37JHN 17:3ROM 3:102CO 11:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the prevalence of confusion and counterfeit in this area. It delves into the necessity of recognizing the value of the original by understanding the existence of counterfeits, particularly in the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit. The speaker explores the concept of God allowing deception and temptation to test His people, leading them to spiritual maturity through overcoming trials and tests. The message stresses the significance of personal intimacy with Jesus, seeking to truly know Him rather than just serving Him, as the essence of eternal life.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 54
By Don Courville32629:08Radio ShowPRO 23:7ISA 26:3JHN 17:17ROM 12:22CO 11:3EPH 4:17PHP 4:81TI 6:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God set the Israelites free from the bondage of the Egyptians and led them to the promised land. He draws a parallel between this story and the freedom we receive through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The preacher emphasizes that when we accept Christ as our Savior, we are set free from the control of Satan and God will provide for all our needs. He also highlights the importance of renewing our minds and focusing on thoughts that align with God's truth. The sermon encourages listeners to simplify their faith and not be corrupted by worldly influences.
Possessed
By Bob Phillips2851:17:53Christian LifeGEN 3:12KI 6:16MAT 6:332CO 11:32CO 11:13EPH 6:121TI 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God's grace and mercy in order to fulfill our responsibilities. Doubting God's integrity and love hinders us from experiencing victory in our lives. The sermon also highlights the existence of counterfeits in the Bible, such as counterfeit Christians, ministers, gospel, righteousness, and church. The preacher mentions a personal anecdote about a parent realizing the negative influence of supernatural-themed cartoons on children and the unseen forces at work in drawing them towards such content. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for adults to be diligent in monitoring what their children watch.
Buy the Truth and Sell It Not - Exhortations to Husbands and Wives
By Phil Beach Jr.2630:29MarriageTruth in RelationshipsOvercoming Pride and ManipulationPSA 119:11PRO 23:7PRO 23:23MAT 7:3JHN 8:322CO 11:3EPH 5:25PHP 4:81PE 3:7REV 3:17Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of truth in relationships, particularly between husbands and wives, highlighting the distinct sins that can arise in both genders: manipulation in women and pride in men. He encourages couples to communicate openly, acknowledging their faults and seeking forgiveness, as this fosters unity and harmony in the home. The sermon stresses the necessity of filling our hearts and minds with truth to combat the lies that can lead to destructive behaviors. Beach reminds the congregation that true freedom comes from embracing God's truth and that our thoughts ultimately shape our actions and destinies. He concludes with a call to seek God's guidance in overcoming pride and manipulation, urging everyone to 'buy the truth and sell it not.'
Contending for the Faith Part 1 - Stealth Attack!
By Phil Beach Jr.171:06:46FaithSpiritual VigilanceContending for the Faith2CO 11:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the need to contend for the faith as he reflects on the dangers of false teachings that can stealthily infiltrate the church, much like the temptations faced by the Corinthians. He warns against the allure of a different Jesus and gospel that leads believers away from pure devotion to Christ, urging them to recognize and resist the subtle lies that can corrupt their faith. Beach encourages a renewed passion for Jesus as the new year approaches, calling for vigilance against the influences that promote lawlessness and dissatisfaction with God's truth. He draws parallels between historical deceptions and the current state of the church, urging believers to seek genuine devotion and to guard against complacency and discontentment.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 8. True Spirituality - Seeking God's Interests
By Zac Poonen0MAT 3:2MAT 16:18MAT 16:21MRK 1:14JHN 12:25ROM 11:312CO 11:3PHP 2:192TH 2:10Zac Poonen preaches about the danger of being led astray from devotion to Christ by the deceitfulness of Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light. He warns against pursuing righteousness like the Pharisees without truly seeking God's interests and walking in the light of His Word. The essence of salvation lies in being saved from 'seeking our own', as seen in the contrast between the Old Testament gospel of personal blessings and the New Testament gospel of God's purposes and heavenly things.
The Practical Way of Victory.
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareFaith and PurityMAT 5:372CO 2:112CO 11:3EPH 4:271TI 3:6Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of maintaining simplicity of faith and purity of thought towards Christ to avoid being beguiled, as Paul warned the Corinthians. He highlights the necessity of careful speech and the act of forgiveness to prevent giving Satan an advantage in our lives. Nee points out that even innocent believers can fall prey to the enemy if they allow pride or unforgiveness to take root. He stresses that Christians must remain vigilant and not give any ground to the devil, as he has certain rights over those who do. The sermon serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the need for constant awareness and adherence to God's principles.
St. Paul's "Election" Is Unto Sanctification.
By Daniel Steele0ROM 5:5ROM 6:192CO 1:122CO 6:62CO 11:3EPH 4:131TH 4:32TH 2:131TI 4:12HEB 12:141PE 1:2Daniel Steele preaches about sanctification and holiness post-Pentecost, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in creating and preserving purity in believing hearts. The act of sanctification involves divine grace removing impurity in those born of the Spirit, leading to deliverance from sin. Sanctification is viewed as the goal of Christian purification in this life, breaking the power of sin and allowing believers to bear fruit and experience eternal life. Steele highlights the importance of sanctification for spiritual perception, love, and clear spiritual eyesight, ultimately glorifying Christ and enabling believers to see God.
How a Spiritual Movement Declines
By Zac Poonen0PSA 12:1MAT 16:3ACT 13:362CO 11:3COL 1:282TI 2:222TI 3:12TI 3:5HEB 8:11REV 2:4Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of sincere devotion to God in a world filled with deception and flattery. He emphasizes the need for believers to know God personally, not just through knowledge of the Bible, to avoid being led astray by cults and false doctrines. Poonen warns about the dangers of losing personal devotion to Christ and the tendency for movements to decline after the passing of their founders, stressing the significance of shepherds after God's own heart who do not seek their own but build up believers in Christ.
The Closing of the Ante-Nicene Period
By J.B. Galloway02CO 11:3EPH 6:121TH 5:211TI 6:122TI 3:16HEB 12:141PE 1:162PE 1:201JN 1:51JN 4:1J.B. Galloway preaches on the early struggles of the Christian Church against paganism and Judaism, leading to the formulation of doctrines like the deity of Christ at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. The sermon highlights the transition from persecution to worldliness, false teachings, and corruption, eventually leading to the Protestant Reformation. It also touches on the controversies around the canon of the New Testament and the distinction between inspired scriptures and apocryphal writings.
Of the Sin and Fall of Our First Parents.
By John Gill0SinFree WillGEN 2:17GEN 3:6LAM 3:37ACT 2:23ROM 5:122CO 11:31TI 2:13JAS 1:151PE 1:20REV 12:9John Gill preaches on the sin and fall of Adam and Eve, emphasizing how they transgressed God's command and fell from their original state of integrity into sin and misery. He explains that Eve was deceived by the serpent and, despite her initial innocence, succumbed to temptation, leading Adam to also sin by heeding her. Gill highlights that their fall was not caused by God or Satan directly, but rather by their own choices and desires, illustrating the nature of free will and the consequences of disobedience. He stresses that while God foreknew their sin, He did not compel them to sin, and that Adam's transgression has lasting implications for all humanity. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word and the dangers of temptation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty - This is a strong reflection on the false apostle and his teaching: he was subtle, πανουργος and by his subtlety (πανουργια, from παν, all, and εργον, work; his versatility of character and conduct, his capability of doing all work, and accommodating himself to the caprices, prejudices, and evil propensities of those to whom he ministered) he was enabled to corrupt the minds of the people from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ; or, to follow the metaphor, he had seduced the pure, chaste, well educated virgin, from her duty, affection, and allegiance to her one only true husband, the high priest, Jesus Christ. And here he seems to intimate that the serpent had seduced the mind of Eve from her affections and allegiance to Adam, her true husband; and certainly from God, her creator and governor. See at the end of the chapter (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I fear-- (Co2 12:20); not inconsistent with love. His source of fear was their yielding character. subtilty--the utter foe of the "simplicity" which is intent on ONE object, Jesus, and seeks none "other," and no "other" and different Spirit (Co2 11:4); but loves him with tender SINGLENESS OF AFFECTION. Where Eve first gave way, was in mentally harboring for a moment the possibility insinuated by the serpent, of GOD not having her truest interests at heart, and of this "other" professing friend being more concerned for her than God. corrupted--so as to lose their virgin purity through seducers (Co2 11:4). The same Greek stands for "minds" as for "thoughts" (Co2 10:5, also see on Co2 10:5); intents of the will, or mind. The oldest manuscripts after "simplicity," add, "and the purity" or "chastity." in Christ--rather, "that is towards Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I fear lest by any means,.... Jealousy is always attended with fear, care, and solicitude, whether in things natural or spiritual. The apostle, as things were in this church, could not but express his fears, lest as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety; that is, the old serpent the devil, who made use of a serpent, the most subtle creature of all the beasts of the field, and seduced Eve from her obedience to God, to transgress his command, by eating the forbidden fruit. The apostle here speaks the language and sense of the Jews, who say (p), that, "Satan and the serpent have one name", i.e. are the same; and that it was the old serpent (the devil), , "that beguiled Eve" (q), and who is said to be corrupted by him; "the serpent (they say (r)) was corrupted first, after that, , "Eve was corrupted", and after that Adam was corrupted.'' So the apostle was jealous and fearful, knowing that the false apostles were ministers of Satan, artful and cunning men, lest, through their craftiness and sophistry, your minds, says he, should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ; that is, lest their judgments should be misled, their minds be vitiated with corrupt principles, and be carried away in any degree with the error of the wicked, from off the pure and simple doctrine of the Gospel, which respects the person and grace of Christ; and chiefly lies in this one plain, easy, and important truth, salvation alone by him. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "your minds should be corrupted, and should fall from the simplicity that is in Christ". (p) Caphtor, fol. 93. 1. (q) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 50. 1. (r) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 15. 2.