Exposing Super Apostles: Navigating the Pitfalls of Modern Church Idolatry

Ezekiel 11-12; 2 Corinthians 11; Proverbs 19

The early church was just as messed up as we are today. I don’t know if that’s good news or bad, really, but nevertheless, here we are. As we peer into the struggles and entanglements of the first-century church, it’s evident that we need to keep careful watch on the issues that were competing against the very Gospel itself.

Even in Paul’s day, there was a celebrity movement, which threatened to usurp the church from her simple devotion to Jesus, pulling her affections towards the messengers themselves. What is it about our human nature that we crave idolatry? God sets us free, and yet something in us yearns to worship and bow once again to another man or god, to a ministry.

I’ve often wondered if it’s because we know we aren’t deserving of the love of God, and so something in us would rather jump through some hoop, perform some ritual and sacrifice, than become the recipient of God’s grace. Why? Because we want to feel deserving. And if I have to work for it, then whatever the “it” is I’m going after, says something about me. To receive grace, to receive the love of God, is about Him.

Just my two cents.

Celebrity culture was moving in, and the church in Corinth was a launching pad for new preaching talent.

2 Corinthians 11:
1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

Paul is trying to bring the Corinthians back to who they are actually betrothed to in the Person of Jesus. He wasn’t drawing them to himself but trying to reset their gaze to Christ.

It’s interesting to know that Paul didn’t consider himself to be a very eloquent speaker. I have no reason to doubt his personal assessment. There’s also that account in the book of Acts where Paul was preaching so long into the night, that someone fell asleep and fell out of a window. Remember that?
We know God chose Moses, who had a stutter. And we know God hand-picked Paul. It’s noteworthy that both of these men were not charismatic speakers. Maybe God knows better than we do our tendency to make mere men idols.

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

Here, Paul continues to lay what I believe are the main markers for true apostolic ministry, which is the willingness to give all to remain in obedience to the call of God. To say yes, even if that means there is personal cost or loss. Apostolic ministry is first and foremost concerned with the foundations of the church, and that pure devotion to Jesus. After all, the Gospel itself is the story of God becoming flesh to redeem man. The cross was and is costly.

The issue of the apostolic has very little to do with charismatic swagger and everything to do with demonstrating the power of the cross through yieldedness and surrender.

12 And what I am doing, I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

The terms of how we work are the issue. In today’s world, where platforms are built overnight, and talented preachers are making the circuit before they’ve ever discipled even one person, we are all responsible for making sure we are building on the right foundation. What are we doing? What happened to making actual disciples?

We’ve got to come back to the point! The goal isn’t big conferences. The goal is to raise up a people who love God and follow His leadership. The goal is to help families disciple their own children in fear of the Lord and in the faith. Don’t get me wrong, conferences are wonderful, but if the point of the conference is just to do another big conference, then we’ve lost the plot.

16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!

A true apostle is a father. A real apostle is a mother. Spiritual parents don’t make slaves of their children. They don’t devour their sons or take advantage of their daughters. They don’t create a family with distance or haughtiness. Spiritual parents are accessible. They aren’t violent and they won’t purposefully humiliate. True fathers and mothers are in it for the long haul.

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Paul’s making a point that we shouldn’t miss here. In essence, Paul is saying the proof of my apostolic call is the hardship. Let’s not miss this! The proof of Paul’s ministry is the fact that he has a long history of acting out of a deep compelling to go where the Lord was leading and to say what He was hearing. This is costly. And it’s costly for not just Paul, but for anyone who would say yes to being apprehended in this way.

What is apostolic ministry? It is fierce loyalty to Jesus and the unfolding plans of the Father. It is complete devotion to those to whom they are sent. It is the willingness to not just preach the cross, but to demonstrate the cross. It operates out of pure love. Oh yeah, and it may be hidden in a stutter.

Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts

1. Exploring Personal Idolatry: Reflect on the modern-day “celebrity pastors” and the allure of celebrity culture within the church. Consider any moments when you may have prioritized the messenger over the message. What steps can you take to ensure your focus remains on Jesus and His teachings?
2. The Role of Hardship in Spiritual Growth: Paul boasted of his weaknesses and the hardships he faced as proof of his apostolic call. Reflect on your own life: How have challenges and difficulties contributed to your spiritual growth? Can you see the value in embracing rather than avoiding these hardships?
3. Discerning True Apostolic Ministry: Paul outlines characteristics of true apostolic ministry, including humility, service without burden, and a focus on Christ. How does this contrast with what is often seen in the church today? Consider the leaders you look up to—do they exhibit these apostolic qualities?
4. The Temptation of Works Over Grace: Reflect on the notion that humans might prefer to earn God’s love through works rather than accepting it as a gift of grace. Why do you think this is? How does this perspective affect your relationship with God and your understanding of His love?
5. Commitment to Discipleship in the Digital Age: In an era where information is plentiful and attention is fleeting, the importance of deep, meaningful discipleship can be overlooked. Reflect on your personal journey of discipleship. How can you more effectively engage in or facilitate discipleship within your community, focusing on a sincere and pure devotion to Christ?

No matter the time of year, it’s never too late to start reading through the Bible with us. We invite you to join our community and embark on this enriching experience. You can access the reading schedule here to get started today. Explore the timeless wisdom of Scripture, grow in your faith, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow readers. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Embark on a transformative journey with us by joining our mailing list. As a subscriber, you’ll receive heartfelt devotionals, insightful updates, and inspiration. Together, we’ll deepen our faith, connect on a deeper level, and embrace life’s beauty. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of our close-knit community. Let’s start this faith-filled journey together. Subscribe today and let’s go after God with all of our hearts.

Additionally, we are excited to introduce “Prayer Altars” — our new initiative that embodies the belief that prayer alters our reality! In these intimate groups of 2-3, we’re fostering a revival in our everyday lives and surroundings. Our mission is to cultivate deeper connections with God and each other, united in communion and guided by the Lord’s Prayer. Build your Prayer Altar to experience firsthand how prayer can transform not just your life, but also the lives of those around you. Learn more and join the movement here.