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2 Corinthians 11:1-4
The Apostle Paul has stated in 2 Corinthians 10:2-6 (NKJV) that there are some people, “who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.” He now adds an ironic twist to his teaching as he plays the “fool” that some believe that he is. Paul is making a plea with the Corinthians to not be so taken by the simplicity of the gospel as to believe the false message that is being presented to them by others. Paul has declared in his first letter to the church at Corinth, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the
Understanding of the prudent” [Isaiah 29:14].
As Paul proceeds through this second letter to the church at Corinth, he takes on the role of the “fool for Christ” as he plays the role in the comparison to those he describes in 2 Corinthians 10:12 that “commend themselves.” Paul has asked the Corinthians to, “bear with me in a little folly” (2 Corinthians 11:1) as he in opposition to his belief as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:12 to not compare himself with those who commend themselves, to do just that in proving to them at their own game of just how “foolish” they are who commend themselves. Paul has declared in 1 Corinthians 1:25, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” He now intends to utilize this method to convince the Corinthians of their own foolishness that they are being deceived by; just as was Eve deceived by the craftiness of the serpent, so too are the Corinthians being deceived by some false teachers.
This is a promise that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man.
Just as the serpent used his crafty ways to deceive Eve, the devil uses his crafty ways to deceive us today. But one big difference is this: Adam and Eve were created in a perfect world where there was no reason to question anything because there was no sin. Today we have the record of sin and are warned of it in the Bible. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Jesus describes the devil in John 8:43-45 to those who do not believe in Him by stating, “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” If the devil is the father of lies, then he is able to deceive us as well. If you think that you are too smart to be deceived by the devil, think again, as that is his most powerful weapon – as long as you believe that, you are being deceived by the devil. But we find a solution in our Savior Jesus, who came to defeat sin once for all (Romans 6:10). Put your trust in Jesus today and be set free from sin forever – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
The words of the wisdom of this world will always try to be wiser than You, but we know that only You are God Almighty who gives life eternal to all who will put their trust in You. Please help us to wear and utilize the armor of God to fend off the wiles of the devil (Galatians 6:10-18). Please help us to put and keep our focus on You Lord God and please guide our every step – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.