I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3
When I read this verse for the first time, I remember being captivated by the words “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” I was struggling to decide which method of Bible study to use. Having attended church most of my life, and participating in weekly women’s Bible studies for many years, I knew the Bible pretty well and could answer most questions in the fill-in-the-blank studies without even opening the Bible if I wanted to. I was attempting to learn another method that would enable me to study any part of Scripture on my own. I got too caught up in the method and lost sight of the purpose of studying the Word.
Satan can use even something as necessary and valuable as Bible study to lead us astray from simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. Bible study methods are helpful tools to understand the Word of God, but knowing who God is, and who we are, and how He wants us to live needs to be the focus of our study of the Word. I need to do an attitude check often. Is devotion to Christ my highest goal, or am I caught up in all the trappings — Which method? Which group shall I attend? Am I spending time in the Word to get to know God better, or am I just going through the routine of attending Bible studies because that’s what is expected?
Instead, I should be asking, “How is my relationship with Jesus? Am I getting to know Him better through the study of His Word? Do I desire to know His will for each day? Am I willing to obey when He shows me something specific I need to act on? Am I depending on the Holy Spirit to accomplish what God is calling me to do? Do I love God more than everything and everyone else?”
As believers, we can easily commit to many good things, both at church and in the community. I remember when my life consisted of Bible study leaders’ meetings, group meetings, Steering Committee meetings, monthly gatherings for a special speaker at the church, and lots of time spent with friends who were hurting and needing someone to listen. Again, all these are good things, but I’ve learned the importance of asking God what He wants me to be doing for Him. I want to be doing what He is calling me to do, not merely because there is a position in the church that needs to be filled.
I encourage you to take time with the Lord and ask Him to show you what is His plan is for you. If we are too busy to spend quality time with Him, we are too busy. Ask God to lead you to what He has planned for you, a heart that is focused on “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What evidence do you see in your life that devotion to Christ is your highest goal?
Is there evidence that would indicate you have been led astray from that goal?
Ask God to help you recognize areas of your life that Satan can use to lead you away from simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
Let’s go back to the questions raised in this section: How is your relationship with Christ? Are you getting to know Him better? What are you doing that will enable you to know Him better?
Do you desire to know His will for each day? What action do you take to discover His will?
Are you willing to obey when He shows you something specific you need to act on? What is a recent example of this?
Ask Him to show you anything standing in the way of centering your life on Him and His plan for your life.
When my husband and I graduated from Bible college, we realized how focused we had become on different theological interpretations, methods, memorization for tests. God had to put us through a big trial to bring us back to pure and simple devotion to Him. I have seen this happen to other people who go through Bible training. Both the student and the teacher must balance methods and theology with simply learning to know, love, and serve God. Before I begin my daily Bible study with my Bible and commentaries, I ask the Lord to teach me what He wants me to know for myself, and how to live it out. As I go through the day, I remember something I learned and ask the Lord to help me live it out.
A very necessary lesson, Sherrilyn! Thank you. Having been a pastor’s wife, I know all too well the dangers of religious duty, grasping for the good instead seeking the best. The “simplicity of Christ” also speaks against human “wisdom” as opposed to the simple gospel. So many get in so much trouble and deception in the pride of intellectualism and higher education, complicating the gospel and Christian life.
Beautiful word!