Reading With the People of God - #6 LOVESample

Memorization Challenge:1 Corinthians 13:11-13

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Reading Primer: Beware of the Masquerade

This powerful message is as relevant today as it was for the church in Corinth. They allowed deceptive teaching to draw them away from pure devotion to Christ. They were willing to receive a different gospel, a different Jesus. Paul warns them not to accept any new doctrine.

He compared them to Eve, how the serpent’s cunning deceived her. She was deceived and wrong to think she could have God on her terms. In the same way, they were being led astray by eloquent speakers. Paul calls them false apostles, deceitful workmen. He compares them with Satan himself, who masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then that his servants would also parade as servants of righteousness. These teachers were in the church spreading their deception.

Paul’s words speak the same warning for us today. Are we also willing to follow popular teachings? Can we be fooled into accepting a contrary gospel that fits our lifestyle and puts God on our terms? Truth is not always easy, but it is always right. There is one truth: Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins. We find this truth in God’s Word, the Bible. This should be the plumb line for our life. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to do our best to present ourselves to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and correctly handles the word of truth.

- Laurie Harry, Artist, aspiring writer.