God’s Image Study • Commandment 7: You Shall Not Commit Adultery
James connects the language of adultery with allegiance toward God. Paul brings another part of that examination into view: devotion can be corrupted through deception.
Promised to One Husband
Paul describes having betrothed the Corinthians to one husband, with the purpose of presenting them pure to Christ. He then recalls the serpent’s deception of Eve and expresses concern that their minds could be led away from faithful devotion. Read 2 Corinthians 11:2–3.
The marriage comparison leads directly into a warning about what they receive:
“another Jesus”
“a different spirit”
“a different gospel”
— 2 Corinthians 11:4, LSB, excerpts
The warning concerns teaching presented to those already addressed as belonging to Christ. Using Jesus’ name does not, by itself, establish that the message faithfully represents him.
When Deception Appears Righteous
Later in the chapter, Paul describes deceitful workers presenting themselves as Christ’s apostles. He compares their disguise with Satan’s appearance as an angel of light and speaks of ministers appearing righteous. Read 2 Corinthians 11:13–15.
An appearance of spiritual authority must therefore be examined. Confidence, familiarity, and an impressive presentation cannot replace attention to what is being taught and practiced.
Participation Matters
First Corinthians 10 directs believers to flee idolatry. Paul discusses the cup and bread in relation to sharing in Christ, then compares participation in sacrifices.
His concern reaches what people become sharers in. He states:
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:21, LSB, excerpt
The same verse distinguishes the two tables. The passage does not treat participation in opposing allegiances as compatible. Read 1 Corinthians 10:14–21.
This continues the question we raised when examining union: To whom are we becoming joined, and in what are we participating?
Bring the Examination Home
It is easy to recognize the possibility of deception somewhere else. The harder examination concerns what we already trust.
Have I compared the teaching with the passages it claims to explain? Does it preserve the relationships Scripture describes? Am I willing to reconsider something familiar when the text challenges it?
These questions also apply to this study. Every explanation should remain open to examination against Scripture.
Guarding devotion requires care in what we receive, repeat, support, and practice. A familiar name or outward appearance cannot answer those questions for us.
Threads to Follow
Commandment 7 summary: Bring together desire, allegiance, union, cleansing, and faithful conduct.
Babylon Study: Examine how Scripture describes her influence and why God’s people are called to come out of her.
Continued examination: Keep Paul’s warning about another Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel beside claims of spiritual authority.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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