Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year OneSample

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13).

Are you discerning the false from the true?

Jesus repeatedly warns His followers to be aware of deceivers (Matthew 24:4, 5, 11, 24). The term “deceive” that Jesus uses derives from the verb meaning to wander. Our English word planet comes from this term. False teachers and apostles lead people astray. Technically speaking, there are not any apostles today. To qualify to be an apostle, an individual had to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:22), and Paul clearly states that he was the last one to see the risen Lord (1 Corinthians 15:8). Paul uses a different word than Jesus in 2 Corinthians 11:13 to describe those who infiltrate the church. He calls them “deceitful,” which means to beguile through deception or to defraud by deception. Paul exposes their masquerade since they didn’t live up to biblical standards.

Employment Point: Evaluate church leaders by their beliefs and lifestyle.