NO WONDER

 NO WONDER

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (KJV)

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

When a person has adversaries, it is very easy for others, even his friends, view his actions to defend himself as foolhardy.

 

For one thing, most of us don’t like conflict

Why can’t one party or the other choose the higher ground?

 

For another, conflict isn’t pretty

Even if your side wins, looking at the casualties is ugly.

 

The adrenalin flowing, even in your friends’ side of the conflict, makes him appear awkward, maybe overstate or over do things.

 

The adversary will do everything he can to make your friend look bad.

In Vietnam, and I understand in WWII, the enemy had women broadcasting programs to our soldiers, highlighting mistakes, losses, and other negative propaganda.

 

I think our president is suffering this very thing right now. 

It seems very legitimate to me to want to make sure the election was properly conducted. 

President Trump is really the only man with enough clout to make that happen on a national level.

But there is no way President Trump can do it without looking like a sore loser.

 

That’s also where Apostle Paul was.

He had to do something for the protection of the Gospel. We know from Philippians, that he wasn’t against everyone who was against him,[1] but he was against anything that hindered the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

So, with in the very strongest of terms, I can easily hear even some of his friends thinking he has gone too far right here, Paul claims, 

 

*I. THEY’VE MADE THEMSELVES APOSTLES

Vs 13

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

 

The word apostle means, “sent one.”

It isn’t much different from our word, “missionary.”

 

But the Biblical use of the term clearly restricts its definition to one who was sent directly by Jesus.

 

Acts 1:15-22 (KJV)

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

 

Acts 1:26 (KJV)

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

 

They were completely mistaken in attempting to replace Judas Iscariot.

 

Notice what they believed to be necessary to be an Apostle

·   He needed to be with them all the time Jesus was among them

·   He needed to begin with the baptism of John

·   He needed to have continued with them until Jesus ascended to heaven

 

Clearly this limits the number of potential candidates.

 

What they missed was that an apostle

·   Needed a commission directly from Jesus

Paul had that.

 

Somehow, they thought picking out a couple of men who fit their qualifications and drawing straws could equal Christ praying all night before choosing the twelve.

 

Here we have these men in Corinth who have self-appointed themselves as, not pastors or preachers, but very apostles of Christ.

 

*II. THEY’VE MADE THEMSELVES MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Vs 15

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness

 

Let’s look back at, 2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

 

They were “ordaining themselves” into the ministry exclusive of men like Apostle Paul.

 

They were making themselves ministers without proper authority.

 

It would be like someone disagreeing with the direction of his church, so without permission, he leads a group out sympathizers out of the church, calls his group a church, and then they all make him their minister.

 

·   It’s not really a church and

·   He’s not really a pastor

 

He’s made himself into something God never made him to be.[2]

 

*III. THIS SHOULD NOT SURPRIZE US

Vs 14

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

 

This is a very strong statement.

Apostle Paul here says that this work of making themselves apostles of Christ and ministers of righteousness is Satanic in origin.

 

If you take that to its conclusion, I think it means that every denomination of churches who have a man besides Jesus as its founder is Satanic in its origin.

 

By the way, 

We should not be surprised that people too can be fakes. Deception is part of our fallen world. 

 

Finally

*IV. THEY HAVE AN UNHAPPY END

Vs 15

…whose end shall be according to their works.

 

And not according to mercy and grace.[3]

 

I’ve been chided a few times for warning people that “God is going to get them” for some action that is harmful to the church.

 

That is exactly what Apostle Paul said here.

 

These people have taken it upon themselves to 

·   Challenge God’s ordained leaders and

·   Establish themselves as some sort of authority

 

Their actions were Satanically motivated.

In their case they wanted people to live by the works of the law.

 

And therefore, they would not receive grace. They would be judged according to their works.[4]

 

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[1] Philippians 1:14-18 (KJV)

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

[2] I would also suggest that if a legitimate church ordains an unqualified man, they have made themselves a minister of righteousness, but he is not God’s man.

[3] Romans 11:6 (KJV)

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

[4] The one who trusts works from salvation, his end is eternal judgment in hell and the Lake of Fire. For the Christian who turns against God’s authorities, this judgment will be in the form of chastening for correction while on earth.