WHOSE TRUTH ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
- Key Verse
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Whose truth are you listening to? Paul was frustrated with the Corinthian church's lack of devotion to the true Christ and the true gospel, even to the point of boasting about his credentials as a Hebrew and his suffering for Christ. He longed for the Corinthians to see that false hope leads to deception and despair.
Reflections
Out of desperation for Sydney, our 8-year-old daughter who was battling leukemia, I was tempted to turn to my own translation of the truth. I only wanted to read the verses that fit my desires and listen to those who were saying what I wanted to hear.
We were in a hospital in New York away from home, church, family and friends.
I walked to chapels and magnificent cathedrals, heard eloquent speakers, lit candles, and skimmed books. I received a crucifix the Pope had blessed, anointing oils, and verses. Though I found momentary peace, none of it lasted, nothing quenched my thirst for the truth. That is, until I gave into the things I had resisted . . . reading the difficult verses, listening to those who were "open and honest," and talking with those who had authenticity because of their own suffering and loss of a child. Though it was not always what I wanted to hear, the message of these apostles of the truth of God's Word was the only thing that gave me hope. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
My heart needed truth -- "the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ" (verse 3) -- and trust in His promises. Though I truly believed He could heal Sydney at any time, He did not promise to heal Sydney physically nor could I pray hard enough or have enough faith to change His will. But, He did promise that He loves me, that He will comfort me, and that His courage will help me live (Isaiah 41:10). He promised that He will never leave me or forsake me, and He is preparing a place for me to live for eternity with Him and with those I love who also trust in Him.
We, too, can lead each other astray by voicing our own hopes and opinions when they are not informed by the Word of God.
I am grateful for the Pauls in my life who loved me enough to tell me the truth.
Discussion Questions
1. Are there areas in your life in which you are allowing yourself to be deceived by listening to false messages?
2. Do you have Pauls in your life who love you enough to tell you the truth? If so, make note of who they are.
3. Are you tempted to share your own opinion more often than Scripture?
4. Paul was not a charismatic or eloquent speaker. Do you let your own weaknesses keep you from sharing the truth of Christ?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
2 Corinthians 11 - Galatians 2 (July 23-27)
Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.
• Make a list of all the things that happened to Paul. Discuss which one you think would be the hardest.
• What does Paul say in verse 30?
• What do you think it means to boast in your weaknesses?
• Have each person make a list of your weaknesses and hardships that you have been through.
Now read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Romans 5:3-5.
• What are the blessings of hardships and weaknesses?
• What does it mean to trust the Lord in the hard times?
• What does it mean to trust Him in your weaknesses?
Activity: Go back over your lists. What is the weakness or hardship that you are struggling with most? Put everyone's name on a piece of paper and have every family member draw a name. This week, do different things to encourage that person in his or her toughest struggle right now. Find verses to encourage them and pray for them.
Jerry Montgomery
July 23, 2012 06:45 AM
Lynette, We can not believe it has been that long since the lord called Sydney home. I hope you and James are doing great.
Arnie Knecht
July 23, 2012 06:51 AM
Lynette, What a beautiful and God honoring reflection on how you sought Him (or, as you would likely say, how He sought you) in the midst of the most intense of all human trials. John Piper, in his paper, "Don't Waste Your Cancer," says this: "Cancer doesn't win if you die. It wins if you fail to cherish Christ." Those are not easy words to live out. Yet your testimony reveals that you, indeed, fulfilled that purpose. I am grateful to have read your entry today. And I am encouraged by how God is continuing to use Sydney's legacy, as He has today, to impact others and bring glory to His Name. Arnie Knecht
Susan Bryans
July 23, 2012 08:26 AM
Lynette, thanks for sharing your heart. You are a great testimony to God's truth and provision, as well as an encourager to lean into the suffering. We all miss Sydney and think of her often!
Lee Danis
July 23, 2012 09:06 AM
Lynette, I can't think of any greater loss and feeling of despair than losing a child. Only folks like you who have faced such a tragedy can relate to what that pain must be like. I thank God that you ultimately found your peace in Him, and that the Holy Scriptures are a source of peace and assurance for you.
Chrissy MacQuilkan
July 23, 2012 09:15 AM
Wow. I know if I lost a sibling (I'm too young to have a daughter) I would never be brave enough to be open about it. Thanks for sharing and I hope to see your face on more journeys to come!
Brett
July 23, 2012 09:15 AM
So encouraged by your devo today. But more encouraged by yours and James's living this out. You have shared and passed on the hope you have with many. Thanks for obediently walking through what was and still is a very difficult thing. Love you guys.
Melissa McDonald
July 23, 2012 09:17 AM
Lynette, what a powerful reminder to remain in the simplicity and purity of Christ when we suffer, AND to be a friend to the suffering by sharing truth, instead of opinion or empty words. It is especially hard in the dark valleys, which JP spoke well on yesterday. I am grateful you continue to share your story with others, and what a beautiful way to honor Sydney.
Sabrina McCulloch
July 23, 2012 09:37 AM
Thanks for the reminder that I need to listen to the Paul's the Lord has placed in my life. Love to you, James and your family!
JPokluda
July 23, 2012 09:49 AM
Lynette, I thought about your family yesterday and many times in the preparation leading up to it. (the "irony" to wake up to this) You have ministered to me, and Sydney's story continues to encourage my faith in the God she lives with. Thank you for your powerful testimony and devotional. I do not pretend to imagine what walking through this looks like, but I cannot imagine stewarding the story any better than you have here. I am grateful for you and your family. JP
Sheri
July 23, 2012 10:25 AM
Lynette, love how you shared so honestly your struggles and reminded us all that God's Word, God's people and God's promises are trustworthy. Love you friend and also love watching you minister to the ladies down at Dawson. You are living out 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Sheri
Julie N
July 23, 2012 12:20 PM
Love how Sydney is such an active missionary. Love you guys.
Sue Bohlin
July 23, 2012 12:31 PM
Lynette, there is such beauty in your pain-filled testimony of the goodness of seeking out "Pauls" in our lives to tell us the truth instead of feeding our flesh. It was Paul's self-assessment over time that jumped out at me as I read today's passage, where he insisted he was not inferior to any of the "super apostles" that the Corinthians cherished. Yet several years later, as he had matured even more in his faith, he told Timothy he was the chief of sinners. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more clearly we see ourselves, especially compared to the perfection of Christ. We see how totally corrupt and bankrupt we are apart from Him. It’s good to be reminded that maturity and humility go hand-in-hand (as opposed to just getting older and crabbier, I guess!).
Mark Nicholson
July 23, 2012 02:36 PM
Lynette, great observations, especially your statement that, "we, too, can lead each other astray by voicing our own hopes and opinions when they are not informed by the Word of God." What a great reminder that we have to resist our temptation to run to the first thing that makes sense to us. Seeing things through Jesus' eyes can still be so counterintuitive for me! The simple and steadfast faith you and James live out has blessed, humbled and encouraged me for years now. As it has many, many others through your ministry. I know I've said it to you before but I love getting to say it in a more public forum: The way you have allowed the Lord to use your heartbreak for His glory has been a literal living out of Genesis 50:20. And I've probably just embarrassed you. Thank you for the great devotional today!
Allison Koons
July 23, 2012 08:53 PM
Thanks so much Lynnette for sharing your poignant thoughts on this chapter. There's so much here..,and so many similarities to God's word on false shepherds in Ezekiel 33-34. Dr. Constables notes (from this chapter and those in Ezekiel) are insightful as well. (Thanks WM for the reccomendation) So interesting how the same Godly concern Paul felt for the early church is seen in God's heart for the Israelites (not to mention the wisdom of Proverbs (2:18, 4:24, 8:7, 34-36,23:23, etc..) Thanks so much, Lynette, for loving Him and us enough to share the truth you've learned in the midst of and since what I can't even describe. (I'm trying and all I get are tears right now.) Thanks too for #2...it reminded me how rare those are who do what you did today. Thank you.
Todd Wagner
July 24, 2012 12:02 AM
Lynette and James...I have been blessed and humbled to watch you both listen to the TRUTH and struggle against the lies and the liar. Grateful for the way you both live now with patient faith and daily resist the temptation to "lead each other astray by voicing our own hopes and opinions when they are not informed by the Word of God." May the Lord multiply your kind and strengthen you confidence in Him. Sydney needs no such prayers. With great love and admiration.