Beware False Workers in the Church

Summary: Paul declares with solemn certainty - rounded in “the truth of Christ” in him - that no one in Achaia will stop him from this particular “boasting,” namely his firm stance about how he has conducted himself. He anticipates the question of motive and insists it is not because he does not love them; God Himself knows his heart. Precisely for that reason, he says he will keep doing what he is doing, because it removes any opening for those who want an opportunity to claim equality with him in the things they boast about. He then identifies these opponents for what they truly are: false apostles and deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. Paul adds that this kind of disguise should not be surprising, since even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. In the same way, Satan’s servants can also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness—but Paul concludes that their end will correspond to their deeds.   Teaching:  Paul’s reason for continuing as he has been is to cut off those who are looking for an opportunity to attack him and replace him. He wants to eliminate the argument that only apostles who receive money are “real,” and that an apostle like Paul—who does not take support—must therefore be illegitimate.   Their intention is to call themselves apostles and shake the Corinthian church. That is why Paul warns them not to judge by appearances but to judge by the truth - don’t be drawn in or keep looking around for something else. False apostles use persuasive, enticing words to take advantage of people for their own benefit, and in doing so they damage the church. But this is not strange or surprising—Satan himself disguises as an angel of light. People who belong to the devil speak carelessly, as if they are God’s servants. In contrast, Paul did not treat the Corinthians carelessly or harshly. One clear difference between false workers and true servants is their attitude toward the Word. Those who stir up turmoil in the church are rarely people who receive the Word seriously. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Jan 28, 2026 2 Corinthians 11:10-15