Compare Galatians 5:8 with 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 on recognizing false apostles. Galatians 5:8—Hearing the Right Voice “Such persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.” • Paul pinpoints the source: if a teaching lures believers away from the true gospel, it is not from God. • “Persuasion” (peismon) carries the idea of coaxing or seduction—subtle, not blatant. • The One “who calls” is God Himself (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Any message at odds with His previous call is automatically suspect. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15—Unmasking the Imposters “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” • “False apostles”—they claim apostolic authority yet twist the gospel. • “Masquerading” (transformed outwardly) hints at polished appearance, orthodox vocabulary, and charisma. • Their pattern mirrors Satan’s own strategy: counterfeit light designed to blind. • Final judgment is certain—“their end will correspond to their deeds.” How the Two Passages Interlock • Galatians 5:8 identifies the wrong source; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 shows the wrong messengers. • Both stress subtlety: external attractiveness hiding internal corruption. • Each passage calls believers to compare voices against the gospel already received (Galatians 1:8-9). Scriptural Markers for Discernment 1. Gospel Consistency – Compare every message to the finished work of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 1:6-9). 2. Christ-Centered Fruit – Look for genuine love, humility, and holiness (Matthew 7:16-20; James 3:13-18). 3. Doctrinal Submission to Scripture – The whole counsel of God, not selective proof-texts (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 4. Spirit-Testimony – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1-3); the true Spirit exalts Jesus as Lord in the flesh, crucified and risen. Practical Steps for Today’s Church • Stay steeped in Scripture—daily reading guards the mind from persuasive error. • Keep the gospel central in teaching, singing, counseling, and outreach. • Cultivate accountability: elders and members alike evaluating doctrine together (Titus 1:9). • Watch attitudes: pride, greed, and a craving for applause often accompany false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3). Living Alert and Confident The Lord who “calls” also preserves. By grounding ourselves in His Word and staying vigilant, we can spot the counterfeit light and cling to the true Light of Christ (John 8:12). |
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