There will be conflicts within a local church.

1
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• Many times it seems that Satan has an advantage.
  He has no limit to the weapons his followers use!

2
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• Many times it seems that Satan has an advantage.
  He has no limit to the weapons his followers use!
• God "limits" us to a few weapons. (2 Cor 103-5)

3
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• (2 Corinthians 103-5 NKJV) For though we walk
  in the flesh, we do not war according to the
  flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not
  carnal but mighty in God for pulling down
  strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every
  high thing that exalts itself against the
  knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
  captivity to the obedience of Christ,

4
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• Christian, never despair because you only have
  the truth!

5
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• Christian, never despair because you only have
  the truth!
• There are times where we must deal with matters
  that are irrelevant to the issue at hand because
  of the insistence of false teachers.

6
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• Christian, never despair because you only have
  the truth!
• There are times where we must deal with matters
  that are irrelevant to the issue at hand because
  of the insistence of false teachers.
• There is a place and time to deal with "foolish"
  matters. (Prov 265)

7
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• (Proverbs 265 NKJV) Answer a fool according to
  his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

8
There will be conflicts within a local church.

• Do not let the forces or error win the "spin"
  war. There are ways to show them what a real
  servant of God does.

9
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (2 Corinthians 111-5 NKJV) Oh, that you would
  bear with me in a little folly and indeed you do
  bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with
  godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one
  husband, that I may present you as a chaste
  virgin to Christ.

10
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent
  deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may
  be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
  Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another
  Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you
  receive a different spirit which you have not
  received, or a different gospel which you have
  not accepted you may well put up with it!

11
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• 5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior
  to the most eminent apostles.

12
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• We are going to move into the mindset of the
  boastful.

13
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• We are going to move into the mindset of the
  boastful.
• These men had lured others into their following
  by boasting. (2 Cor 31-2, 512, 1012-13)

14
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (2 Corinthians 31-2 NKJV) Do we begin again to
  commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others,
  epistles of commendation to you or letters of
  commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle
  written in our hearts, known and read by all men

15
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (2 Corinthians 512 NKJV) For we do not commend
  ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity
  to boast on our behalf, that you may have an
  answer for those who boast in appearance and not
  in heart.

16
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (2 Corinthians 1012-13 NKJV) For we dare not
  class ourselves or compare ourselves with those
  who commend themselves. But they, measuring
  themselves by themselves, and comparing
  themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13
  We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but
  within the limits of the sphere which God
  appointed us a sphere which especially includes
  you.

17
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• Paul will now speak on their ground.

18
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• The heart of Paul revealed. (112-3)

19
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (2 Corinthians 112-3 NKJV) For I am jealous
  for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed
  you to one husband, that I may present you as a
  chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest
  somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his
  craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from
  the simplicity that is in Christ.

20
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• Paul is like a father who has given his daughter
  to be married! He wanted them to be ready when
  Christ returned for the wedding! (Eph 527 Jude
  124)

21
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (Ephesians 527 NKJV) that He might present her
  to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or
  wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be
  holy and without blemish.

22
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (Jude 24 NKJV) Now to Him who is able to keep
  you from stumbling, And to present you faultless
  Before the presence of His glory with exceeding
  joy,

23
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• In order to be ready they needed to have a
  sincere mind.

24
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• haplotes 1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity,
  mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free
  from pretence and hypocrisy 2) not self
  seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself
  by generosity.

25
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• haplotes 1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity,
  mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free
  from pretence and hypocrisy 2) not self
  seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself
  by generosity.
• If they followed these false teachers they would
  be corrupted.

26
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• haplotes 1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity,
  mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free
  from pretence and hypocrisy 2) not self
  seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself
  by generosity.
• If they followed these false teachers they would
  be corrupted.
• The Corinthians had a wrong view of tolerance.
  (113-4)

27
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• Like today, men of the world exalt those who have
  no standards! "Don't judge me.

28
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• Like today, men of the world exalt those who have
  no standards! "Don't judge me.
• Their weakness had already been manifested in
  this area. (1 Cor 51-2)

29
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (1 Corinthians 51-2 NKJV) It is actually
  reported that there is sexual immorality among
  you, and such sexual immorality as is not even
  named among the Gentiles that a man has his
  fathers wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and
  have not rather mourned, that he who has done
  this deed might be taken away from among you.

30
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• The result was to leave them wide open to men who
  would use this tolerance to separate them from
  the people of God and then to enslave them.

31
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• The result was to leave them wide open to men who
  would use this tolerance to separate them from
  the people of God and then to enslave them.
• They were in fact letting men come in and preach
  "another Jesus.

32
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• The result was to leave them wide open to men who
  would use this tolerance to separate them from
  the people of God and then to enslave them.
• They were in fact letting men come in and preach
  "another Jesus.
• How can one preach "another Jesus" and what
  should be our reaction? (2 Jn 9-11)

33
These False teachers thrived in the Corinthians
"tolerance." (111-5)

• (2 John 9-11 NKJV) Whoever transgresses and
  does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not
  have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ
  has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone
  comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do
  not receive him into your house nor greet him
  11 for he who greets him shares in his evil
  deeds.

34
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• (2 Corinthians 115-12 NKJV) For I consider
  that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent
  apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in
  speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have
  been thoroughly manifested among you in all
  things. 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself
  that you might be exalted, because I preached the
  gospel of God to you free of charge?

35
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from
  them to minister to you. 9 And when I was
  present with you, and in need, I was a burden to
  no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came
  from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept
  myself from being burdensome to you, and so I
  will keep myself.

36
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one
  shall stop me from this boasting in the regions
  of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you?
  God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also
  continue to do, that I may cut off the
  opportunity from those who desire an opportunity
  to be regarded just as we are in the things of
  which they boast.

37
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• Paul did not fall short in what God values,
  knowledge! (5-6)

38
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• The "eminent apostles" was like a reference to
  these false apostles.

39
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• The "eminent apostles" was like a reference to
  these false apostles.
• What is the bottom line in God's sight? (1 Jn
  41, 5-6)

40
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• (1 John 45-6 NKJV) They are of the world.
  Therefore they speak as of the world, and the
  world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows
  God hears us he who is not of God does not hear
  us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the
  spirit of error.

41
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• Paul's speech was powerful because of the
  message. (1 Cor 121-23)

42
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• (1 Corinthians 121-23 NKJV) For since, in the
  wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not
  know God, it pleased God through the foolishness
  of the message preached to save those who
  believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks
  seek after wisdom 23 but we preach Christ
  crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to
  the Greeks foolishness,

43
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• What do you look for in a teacher?

44
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• What do you look for in a teacher?
• Paul set an example that these "apostles" would
  not follow.

45
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• What do you look for in a teacher?
• Paul set an example that these "apostles" would
  not follow.
• Paul choose not to take support from the church
  while he was with them. Why?

46
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• What do you look for in a teacher?
• Paul set an example that these "apostles" would
  not follow.
• Paul choose not to take support from the church
  while he was with them. Why?
• He knew that there would be some who would take
  advantage of it.

47
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• He was going to be criticized either way so he
  choose the way that would best teach them a
  lesson. This same critical attitude was directed
  at John the Baptist and Jesus. (117 Lk 733-35)

48
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• (Luke 733-35 NKJV) For John the Baptist came
  neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you
  say, He has a demon. 34 The Son of Man has
  come eating and drinking, and you say, Look, a
  glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax
  collectors and sinners! 35 But wisdom is
  justified by all her children.

49
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• Paul would not burden them out of love. (118-11)

50
Paul set an example that these proud men would
not follow! (115-12)

• Paul knew the false teachers would not follow his
  example here because they loved money and wanted
  others to serve them! (1112)

51
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• (2 Corinthians 1113-16 NKJV) For such are
  false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
  themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no
  wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into
  an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great
  thing if his ministers also transform themselves
  into ministers of righteousness, whose end will
  be according to their works.

52
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• 16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If
  otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I
  also may boast a little.

53
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• Why would men use deception? (1113,3 Eph 414,
  56)

54
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• (2 Corinthians 113 NKJV) But I fear, lest
  somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his
  craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from
  the simplicity that is in Christ.

55
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• (Ephesians 414 NKJV) that we should no longer
  be children, tossed to and fro and carried about
  with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of
  men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful
  plotting,

56
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• (Ephesians 56 NKJV) Let no one deceive you with
  empty words, for because of these things the
  wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

57
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• Because they wanted to reach a goal! (Rom 38 1
  Tim 41-2)

58
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• (1 Timothy 41-2 NKJV) Now the Spirit
  expressly says that in latter times some will
  depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving
  spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking
  lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience
  seared with a hot iron,

59
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• Because they want to have a following. (Gal 417)

60
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• (Galatians 417 NKJV) They zealously court you,
  but for no good yes, they want to exclude you,
  that you may be zealous for them.

61
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• Satan tries to get as close to the original as he
  can!

62
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• Satan tries to get as close to the original as he
  can!
• How do you judge a man's work?

63
These leaders were Satan's workers in disguise.
(1113-16)

• Satan tries to get as close to the original as he
  can!
• How do you judge a man's work?
• How does God judge a man's work?

64
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• (2 Corinthians 1117-33 NKJV) What I speak, I
  speak not according to the Lord, but as it were,
  foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18
  Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I
  also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools
  gladly, since you yourselves are wise!

65
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• 20 For you put up with it if one brings you
  into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes
  from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes
  you on the face. 21 To our shame, I say that we
  were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is
  bold I speak foolishly I am bold also. 22 Are
  they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am
  I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.

66
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• 23 Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a
  fool I am more in labors more abundant, in
  stripes above measure, in prisons more
  frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews
  five times I received forty stripes minus one.
  25 Three times I was beaten with rods once I
  was stoned three times I was shipwrecked a
  night and a day I have been in the deep

67
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in
  perils of robbers, in perils of my own
  countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils
  in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in
  perils in the sea, in perils among false
  brethren 27 in weariness and toil, in
  sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in
  fastings often, in cold and nakedness

68
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me
  daily my deep concern for all the churches. 29
  Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to
  stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? 30
  If I must boast, I will boast in the things which
  concern my infirmity. 31 The God and Father of
  our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever,
  knows that I am not lying.

69
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the
  king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes
  with a garrison, desiring to arrest me 33 but
  I was let down in a basket through a window in
  the wall, and escaped from his hands.

70
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Their "tolerance" forces Paul to this folly.
  (1117-21)

71
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Their "tolerance" forces Paul to this folly.
  (1117-21)
• In God's sight, what were these men doing to the
  Corinthians?

72
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• When one thinks he is wise he will believe
  anything, no matter how foolish! (1 Cor 81-2)

73
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• (1 Corinthians 81-2 NKJV) Now concerning
  things offered to idols We know that we all have
  knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
  2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything,
  he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

74
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Be careful of those who look down on the
  ignorance of brethren in private!

75
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Paul could exceed them in heritage. (1122)

76
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Paul could exceed them in heritage. (1122)
• Paul could exceed them in service. (1123-28)

77
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Paul could exceed them in heritage. (1122)
• Paul could exceed them in service. (1123-28)
• By their standards Paul exceeds them all!

78
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Paul could exceed them in heritage. (1122)
• Paul could exceed them in service. (1123-28)
• By their standards Paul exceeds them all!
• A list of the suffering Paul endured as a
  minister of Christ (24-29)

79
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Paul could exceed them in heritage. (1122)
• Paul could exceed them in service. (1123-28)
• By their standards Paul exceeds them all!
• A list of the suffering Paul endured as a
  minister of Christ (24-29)
• Five times he was beaten with 39 stripes by the
  Jews (24)

80
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Once he was stoned (25b)

81
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Once he was stoned (25b)
• Three times he was shipwrecked (25c)

82
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Once he was stoned (25b)
• Three times he was shipwrecked (25c)
• A night and a day in the deep (25d)

83
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Once he was stoned (25b)
• Three times he was shipwrecked (25c)
• A night and a day in the deep (25d)
• Miscellaneous perils on his many journeys (26)

84
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Once he was stoned (25b)
• Three times he was shipwrecked (25c)
• A night and a day in the deep (25d)
• Miscellaneous perils on his many journeys (26)
• Miscellaneous discomforts (27)

85
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• Once he was stoned (25b)
• Three times he was shipwrecked (25c)
• A night and a day in the deep (25d)
• Miscellaneous perils on his many journeys (26)
• Miscellaneous discomforts (27)
• His daily concern for the condition of churches
  (28-29)

86
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• These things were verifiable. (1 Cor 1132-33)

87
Paul's folly to expose the empty claims of
Satan's workers. (1117-33)

• These things were verifiable. (1 Cor 1132-33)
• Let us speak the truth and live a life that will
  back it up!