Week of April 14

“The main measure of your devotion to God is not your devotional life. It is simply your life.” (John Ortberg). We no doubt have heard sermons preached and lessons taught on the necessity for undivided devotion to God, but we are oftentimes unsure about how this dedication is demonstrated. Paul does state that devotion and purity are prerequisites for a continuing relationship to Christ, so let’s carefully examine this focal chapter to learn how we may live in close attachment to Him.

Paul expresses his fear that the Corinthians had been deceived by theologians who, ironically, lacked moral principles. I am sure we all know to be on alert for cunning devices of false teachers and their errant theologies. The moral meaning is clear because Paul uses a verb, “to lead astray,” which frequently applies to moral ruin (NAC). Even though we all understand the seriousness of avoiding bad teaching, which we encounter to this day, this is not the main thrust of Paul’s claim. He was warning against the intentional beguilement, on the part of some, who were snaking their way into the congregation and leading them to become disloyal to Christ!

The scent of flattery. We must consider two things that signal false teaching. Let me illustrate the point before I state it. Doctoral candidates, for example, learn rather quickly that flattery does not fly far when they must defend their theses before expert examiners. Fancy rhetorical language does not mean the written dissertation contains a sound argument. First, Paul warned the Corinthians that a first sign that something evil was occurring was when the teacher used flattery to win their acceptance. In Ashlock speak, “I enjoy smelling a steak cooking on the grill, but I can’t eat the sizzle and scent. The proof is in the tenderness and taste of the meat.” The Spirit will give witness to the truth, and flattery is not a tool He uses. Paul plainly wanted the Corinthians to know they were being lured into an abusive situation (2 Corinthians 11:15). 
 
Moral accountability. Secondly, the fact that they were duped does not clear them from moral wrong. Eve was deceived by the serpent, but she remained accountable. David Garland writes, “It is not difficult to deceive those who wish to be deceived” (NAC). I am penning these words several hours before a total eclipse of the sun. My city is in the “Path of Totality,” which means we should have a good view of the event. And to make things theologically interesting, several end-time prophecy fanatics have been selling their bogus teachings. They make their pitch on fears of the end days. In this case, such an eclipse occurs somewhere in the world every 18 months, but they fail to let innocent listeners know this fact. Nevertheless, there are many people who fall prey to such falsehood. They, too, are accountable.
 
Pride opens a door to spiritual assault. Thirdly, serpents like to nest in friendly environments. The same holds true in a spiritual sense. Corinthian arrogance and desire had primed their hearts toward disobedience. They were already predisposed to error because they lived in a spiritual dreamland where they felt themselves to be sovereign (1 Corinthians 4:8). They became easy marks for Gospel compromise. Look. It is not the devil behind the bush that I worry about most; instead, it is the devil-may-care attitude of my own heart. How about you?

Scientists discovered several years ago that the International Space Station was home to more than astronauts. There were various organisms harmful to humans because they were resistant to antibiotics. Some of the bacteria and fungi originated, of all places, from the astronauts themselves!
 
Our quest to remain healthy before the Lord requires our own purity. We too often are susceptible to the spread of bad theologies because we are the ones who cultivate them. Paul calls us to Gospel purity, which will strengthen church devotion.

1. Poorly nourished biblical/theological training roots deliver bitter discipleship fruit in the long run. There is much good source material for a pure Christian walk, but we must pursue it. Commit yourself to solid Christian growth.
 
2. For Families: A great game to teach this biblical truth is called, “Truth or Lie.” Have your kids join you at the table and pass out blank 3 x 5 cards (cut in half) and pencils or markers. Ask your kids to write four statements about themselves, one per card, and make sure one of the statements is false. Then play the game.

The first player lays out his or her four cards, one at a time, while everyone else guesses whether the statement is true or false. Everyone gets a point for a correct guess. Then the next player lays out their cards, and so on, until everyone has put their cards on the table. The person with the most correct answers wins (you can play this game about any theme: animals, your house, food, etc.).

Share with your kids that they must always be looking for truth and living truly, as God helps them. They will find in their lives that many people do not tell the truth or live it. They are wise when they pray and ask Jesus to help them find good friends who love truth.

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock