2 Corinthians 11:3 – Simplicity in Christ

“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.”
(2 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV)

Paul had a pastor’s heart. He couldn’t be with his church in Corinth and was concerned about them. He thought back at the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. He recalled how the serpent had deceived Eve. He was concerned that the people in the church at Corinth might have a similar problem.

“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!” (2 Corinthians 11:4 NKJV)

There were lots of teachers and preachers going around trying to deceive people into false doctrine. Paul told them if someone preached a different gospel to them not to bear with them.

This wasn’t just a passing thought to Paul. “For I fear.” Paul was alarmed about the matter. The Holy Spirit warned him and he passed on the warning to the church to be on the alert.

Nothing has changed. We have seen all kinds of false teachings. We have cults, occults, religious orders or every sort teaching their doctrines. However, there is only one Gospel. It’s the Gospel, which is simple. It’s the Gospel of grace. Other gospels have made it complex or complicated. You have to do all these things to receive salvation. Paul didn’t want their minds corrupted by complexity.

If the gospel you believe isn’t simple, then you are believing the wrong gospel. God has forgiven your sins forever. God is not mad at you and never will be. You are righteous, holy, and perfect in Christ. You receive this by faith in Jesus. Then you simply rest in His finished work.

Don’t make the gospel complex. It’s simple enough for everyone to understand. It’s all part of being in Christ.