2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Helpful Background Information:
In this passage, Paul is explaining his desire for the Corinthians to remain faithful in a time when they are being tempted to commit spiritual adultery by forsaking their relationship with God. In (v.2), Paul actually speaks of the Corinthian believers as though they are “engaged” with or “betrothed” to Christ. This is reminiscent of the way God would speak of Israel as His “betrothed” throughout the Old Testament. Just as God had a righteous jealousy for Israel, so too does Paul have a “godly jealousy” (v.2) for the Corinthians.
The reference to the sin of Eve in the garden (v.3) shows the seriousness of the danger that the Corinthians are facing. The warning portrays Paul’s opponents as servants of Satan himself who are looking to drive a wedge between the Corinthians’ marriage with Christ. They are looking to do this in the same way that Satan stepped in between Eve’s relationship with God. Paul’s words seem to show that “a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” is the goal (v.3).
The language used in this letter provides another example of the relationship between Christ and the Church being likened to that of a husband and wife. Throughout the Bible, the institution of marriage between humans is described as something meant to communicate something about how Christ relates to His people.
Reflection Questions:
In the Bible, disobedience and idolatry are often spoken of as a kind of spiritual adultery. In what ways are idolatry against God and adultery against a spouse similar?
Any temptation to commit spiritual adultery against God is something to be taken seriously. What are some practical ways that you can guard yourself against this specific temptation?
In what sense is it right for God to be “jealous” for His people? How does your understanding of marriage support this?
From Ephesians 5, we saw that marriage is a painting; a physical union pointing to the grand, spiritual union of Christ and his church. However, the relationship between the Triune God and his people is not only described in marriage imagery in the New Testament - it originates in the Old Testament! As we will see today and on Thursday, the relationship between God and Old Testament Israel is often pictured and/or explained in marital terms.
Our passage today comes right after Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, demanding on the Lord’s authority that Pharaoh must release the Israelites from their slavery. Pharaoh refuses and makes the work of the Israelites increasingly difficult. The Israelites confront Moses and Aaron, angry with them, as their previously mentioned appeal to Pharaoh caused hardship. Moses then goes back to speak to the Lord, questioning why he was sent; since, after all, the only thing he managed to do was to make things seemingly worse for the Israelites.
Hence, in Exodus 6, we see God’s reply. God affirms that his hand will cause Pharaoh to let the Israelites go free, and God affirms the covenant promises of freedom and land made to Abraham and the Patriarchs. For our purposes, verse 7 is striking. “I will take you as my people, and I will be your God…” This phrase is known as the Covenant Formula, repeated various times in the Old Testament. This is a vow from the Lord; God voluntarily commits Himself to the Israelites and to them alone. God’s promises to them, his acts of love and faithfulness towards this, were done - not because Israel deserved them - but because God honored the vows he chose to make to them. Even when the Israelites proved to be unfaithful, God never rescinded these vows.
Obviously, these vows sound marital in nature. For centuries, up till today, wedding vows sound very similar! “I take you to be my husband/wife.” The covenant vows between a husband and wife are exclusive, binding, and are the foundation of the marital relationship. Our vows remind us of God’s vows to his people!
Reflection Questions:
God’s vows remind us that our relationship with him is not based on our own works or ability, but purely on his saving grace and promises. What does this teach you about God’s love for you and his church? How can this encourage you when you feel convicted in occasional times of unfaithfulness?
For those who are married (or those who desire to be married in the future), God always stays true to his covenant vows, even when his people sinned against him. What does this teach you about the vows you made to your spouse and the need to honor them?
As Christians and as a church, how does viewing our relationship with God in terms of these marital vows (which he made by his own choice alone) deepen our walks with him?