2 Corinthians Archives | Core Church LA

Not Allowing Deception

Ephesians 5 does not just call us to love and holiness. It also gives a strong warning. Paul speaks with clarity about sin and about lies that make sin feel safe.

He writes:

“For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words…” (Eph. 5:5–6)

If we want to walk with Jesus, we must commit to not allowing deception in our hearts.

Not Allowing Deception About Sin and Salvation

Paul says, “this you know with certainty.” He does not leave room for fuzzy views. He links a lifestyle of unrepentant sin with no share in God’s kingdom.

Sexual sin, impurity, and greed show a heart that bows to other gods. Paul even calls the covetous person an idolater. That person worships desire more than God.

We cannot rewrite this. Culture may change, but God’s standard does not. What was sin 2,000 years ago still stands as sin today.

This does not mean that if you ever fall, you are lost. Paul speaks about ongoing, willful, unbroken patterns. The person who refuses to repent proves they do not want Christ as Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 lists fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, practicing homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, and others as those who will not inherit the kingdom. But verse 11 gives hope:

“Such were some of you; but you were washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…”

Grace changes people. True faith leads to true turning.

Not Allowing Deception from Empty Words

Paul warns:

“Let no one deceive you with empty words…” (Eph. 5:6)

Empty words sound smooth. They feel kind. They go like this:

“It’s just sex.”
“Everyone does it.”
“If you love each other, then it’s fine.”
“God cares about your heart, not your body.”

These phrases hide the truth. They try to dull the sharp edge of God’s Word.

Not allowing deception means you judge every message by Scripture, not by feelings. You treat God’s Word as the final voice.

1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 says:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality…”

God’s will stands clear. He calls us to flee sexual sin, not see how close we can get. You do not ask, “How far can I go?” You ask, “How can I honor God and honor this person?”

Sexual Sin Cheats Us Out of God’s Best

Deception cheats you. Sin always over-promises and under-delivers.

James 1:14–15 explains how sin works. Desire draws us away. We take the bait. Sin grows. It brings death.

When you give in to sexual sin or impurity, you feel a rush. Soon after, shame comes. Guilt comes. Distance from God follows. You cheat yourself of joy and peace.

The Holy Spirit will pull on your heart. He uses guilt and sorrow not to crush you but to bring you back (2 Cor. 7:9–10). If you fight His voice and keep going, your heart grows hard. The tug grows faint. That is the real danger.

So if you feel conviction today, thank God. That means your heart is still soft.

Turning Point: Repentance and a New Path

If you have crossed lines—porn, sleeping with your boyfriend or girlfriend, living together, secret chats—you can stop. Today can mark a new line in the sand.

Repentance means you:

Agree with God that your sin is sin.
Turn from it, not just feel bad about it.
Take real steps to cut off access (change numbers, delete apps, end wrong ties).
Ask trusted believers to walk with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 tells us:

“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.”

God calls you higher. He does not call you to shame. He calls you to freedom. When you choose purity now, you sow trust, respect, and honor into your future marriage. You start to build a clean story from today on.

Hope for Singles and the Married

If you are single, wait for a man or woman who honors God with you. If someone pushes you past God’s lines, they do not love you; they love themselves. Real love protects.

If you are married and intimacy feels dead, ask God for help. Plan time. Turn off screens. Show affection. Rekindle the gift God made for you both (1 Cor. 7:3–5).

If porn grabs you, cut off the source. Do not play with it. It trains your mind to see people as objects. It makes real love harder. Get help. Bring it into the light.

In all this, not allowing deception means you cling to truth, even when it costs. You trust that God’s way leads to life every time.

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Laying Aside the Old Life

What Laying Aside the Old Really Means

Laying aside the old sounds simple. It does not feel simple. The old ways feel safe. The old sins feel close. Still, God calls us to let them go.

Ephesians 4:20–22 says, “But you did not learn Christ in this way… that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.” The “old self” means who you were before Jesus saved you. That old self chases lies. That old self loves sin.

Laying aside the old means you stop carrying that dead life. You strip it off like filthy clothes, and do not fold it up and keep it in the closet. You throw it out.

Why the Old Life Does Not Fit You Anymore

When you come to Christ, God makes you new. He does not just shine you up. He changes what you are at the core.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” In Christ, you become a new creation. The old life, with its loves and habits, no longer fits who you are.

Think about Lazarus in John 11. Jesus called him out of the tomb. He came out “bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth” (John 11:44). Jesus said, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Lazarus did not stay in grave clothes. They took them off. New life does not belong in burial wraps.

You now live as someone whom God made alive (Colossians 2:13). Sin held you. Jesus freed you. Those grave clothes must go.

Laying Aside the Old and Choosing Real Repentance

Laying aside the old never stops at saying “I am sorry.” It turns. It changes direction. The Bible calls that “repentance.”

Repentance means you agree with God about your sin. You do not blame others or excuse yourself. You admit, “Lord, this is wrong, and I want to stop.” Then you act by walking a different way.

You may still feel the pull of old habits. You may still face strong temptation. That draw does not mean you stay stuck. You bring your sin into the light. Confess it. Ask for help. Choose obedience again and again.

You do not fight alone. The Holy Spirit lives in you. He teaches you, He convicts you, and He gives you power to walk in a new way.

Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind

Ephesians 4:23 says you must “be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” God cares about how you think. He does not just change your actions. He changes your thoughts, your desires, and your will.

A renewed mind thinks like this:

“What does God say about this?”
“How can I please Jesus here?”
“What does the Bible call good?”

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world wants to press you into its mold. God wants to shape you into the image of His Son. He renews your mind as you take in His Word and trust His ways.

You cannot fill your mind with filth and hope for holiness. You cannot feed on lies and hope to love truth. A renewed mind grows as you fill it with Scripture, prayer, and worship, not just with noise.

Common Old Clothes We Need to Strip Off

We see many old “clothes” in Ephesians 4 and in our own lives:

Secret sin you hide from others
Bitterness and unforgiveness
Sexual sin you refuse to give up
Pride that never says, “I was wrong”

Laying aside the old touches every part of life. It may mean deleting apps, ending a sinful relationship, or cutting off a habit that keeps pulling you down. It may mean going to someone you hurt and asking for forgiveness.

You do not have to do all of this in one day. God walks with you step by step. He leads gently. He also speaks clearly. When He says, “This must go,” then it must go.

Hope for Those Who Feel Stuck

You might say, “I tried to change. I still fail. I feel trapped.” You do not stay trapped in Christ. Although you still struggle, you fight with hope. Even though you fail, you rise again. You repent, yet you do not give up.

Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete the good work He began in you. You did not save yourself. You will not grow yourself by your own strength. Jesus holds you. His grace trains you to say “no” to sin and “yes” to Him.

Laying aside the old may hurt. It may cost you friends. It may cost you a lifestyle. In the end, you gain Christ. You gain freedom. You gain a clean heart, a clear mind, and a life that matches the One you love.

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A Purpose in Our Call: More Than Just Getting Saved

God did not call you to Christ so that you could sit, soak, and wait for heaven. He called you to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. There is a purpose in our call, and that purpose touches every part of your life.

Ephesians 4:1–3 sets the tone:

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Your calling is not only about what you do in church. It is about how you walk every day.

A Purpose in Our Call: One Body, Many Lives

Ephesians 4:4–6 says:

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

We belong to one body, the body of Christ, with one Lord, Jesus. All of us share one faith, the gospel. And we share one baptism, into His name.

Denominations may have different labels. Cultures may have different styles. But the real church is one. God calls every believer into that one body. He calls each one with a purpose.

That means your job, your family, your singleness, your school, your skills—none of this sits outside your call. God wants to use all of it.

Colossians 3:23–24 says:

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

So you can sweep floors or lead teams or teach kids or run a company “for the Lord.” Every task becomes worship when you do it with faith and obedience.

Everyday Faithfulness: The Hidden Side of Calling

We often look for a huge moment, a big stage, a special title. But most of the time, God works through small, steady acts of faith.

You show up at work on time.
You do honest work when no one sees.
You honor your spouse with love and respect.
You raise your children with patience and truth.
You live pure and focused in singleness.
You serve quietly in your local church.

1 Corinthians 4:2 says:

“In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”

God cares more about “trustworthy” than “famous.” He cares more about “faithful” than “flashy.”

When you live this way, you show that you believe there is a purpose in our call. You see your whole life as kingdom ground. You see every relationship as a chance to show Christ.

Always Ready to Answer

1 Peter 3:15 gives one of the clearest pictures of daily calling:

“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,
yet with gentleness and reverence.”

First, you set Christ apart as Lord in your heart. You give Him the throne inside you. Then you stay ready to answer. You may talk to a coworker, a neighbor, a family member, a stranger.

You do not need big words, but a real story. Simply share what Jesus did for you and what He promises in His Word.

You speak gently, not with pride. You speak with respect, not with mockery. People push back. They test. People watch your life. When they see steady hope, they start to ask questions.

Serving as Christ’s Hands in a Broken World

God works through people. He works through you. He uses your words, your gifts, your time, and your love.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says:

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us;
we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

An ambassador lives in one land but speaks for another. You live on earth, but you speak for heaven. You carry the King’s message into your school, job, home, and city.

When the church understands this, the world feels the impact. People hear the gospel. The poor receive care. The broken find hope. The lost find truth.

Walking Worthy of the Call

A calling is not a feeling you chase. It is a life you live. Ephesians 4 shows the pattern:

One body, many members.
Many gifts, one purpose.
Steady truth, deep love.
Ordinary people, eternal impact.

There is a purpose in our call, and it begins with Jesus Himself. He calls you by grace, saves you by His cross and fills you with His Spirit. He sends you into this world as light in the dark.

So ask Him:

“Lord, where do You want me to serve?”
“Who do You want me to love?”
“How can I use my gifts for Your glory today?”

Then step out. Obey what you know. Be faithful where you are. Trust God to take your small yes and use it for His great plan.

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Embracing God’s Mercy

God offers us something priceless: His mercy and forgiveness. Embracing God’s mercy provides a fresh start and can transform our lives. Let’s explore this profound gift, drawing insights from Jesus’ interaction with a broken woman in Luke 7.

Understanding the Depth of God’s Mercy

In Luke 7:44-48, Jesus highlights God’s mercy through a powerful story. He turns to Simon and says, “Do you see this woman?” Jesus points out that she has received forgiveness for her many sins because of her great love and repentance. Simon, however, treated Jesus with little respect or affection.

Jesus teaches that those who embrace God’s mercy experience profound change. The woman, who saw herself as a sinner, wept at Jesus’ feet, showing deep repentance. Jesus forgave her, saying, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Walking the Path of Embracing God’s Mercy

Embracing God’s mercy transforms hearts and lives. By acknowledging our mistakes and seeking His forgiveness, we open ourselves to His grace. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Do you feel burdened by guilt, regret, or past decisions? Jesus invites you to bring your brokenness to Him. God is eager to forgive and renew you. Experience the freedom that comes from letting go of past burdens and embracing His mercy.

The Transformative Power of Mercy

Embracing God’s mercy isn’t just about receiving forgiveness. It changes us, freeing us from the chains of our past. Through His mercy, God offers us love, grace, and acceptance.

When we embrace God’s mercy, we become empowered to extend His love to others. Just as Jesus forgave the woman, we too can offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us. This act of grace creates a ripple effect, spreading love and healing to those around us.

Do you know someone in need of hearing this message of grace? Consider sharing Jesus’ teaching with them. Invite them into the understanding that God’s forgiveness is freely available. Everyone deserves a chance to experience the peace and joy that comes from being renewed by Him.

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The Angel Who Deceives

Satan Deceives as an Angel of Light

When the Bible talks about deception, it doesn’t start with ordinary lies. It starts with the master of lies—Satan himself. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul gives us a very specific warning: “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” This verse tells us something big. The devil doesn’t always look scary. In fact, he can look pretty good. He knows how to sound convincing. He can seem wise, gentle, even godly. That’s how he tricks people. And make no mistake, he’s good at it.

This is why we must stay alert. The enemy doesn’t usually show up with horns and a pitchfork. He often shows up looking like someone who cares, like someone offering hope or truth. This is why so many people fall into false teaching, spiritual confusion, or emotional chaos. They thought they were following the light—but it wasn’t the true Light of the world. It was the angel of light, and that’s a disguise worn by the devil himself.

The Angel of Light and Jesus’ Warning in Matthew 24

Jesus gave His disciples a strong word of warning about deception in the end times. In Matthew 24, He sat on the Mount of Olives and told them what would happen in the last days. He talked about earthquakes, wars, persecution, and false prophets. But there’s one thing He repeated four times: “Do not be misled.”

That’s not by accident. Jesus knew how dangerous deception would be. He said that many would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ, and would mislead many. He even said that if possible, they would mislead the very elect—God’s chosen people. That’s how serious the danger is. And what makes the danger even worse is this: the devil doesn’t always lie outright. He often mixes lies with truth.

If something looks good and sounds good, that doesn’t always mean it is good. This is why we need to know God’s Word. The more you know the truth, the easier it is to spot a lie. If you know what Jesus really said, then you’ll know when someone twists His words. If you understand the heart of God, you’ll recognize when something is not from Him—even if it calls itself “Christian” or “spiritual.”

Don’t Be Fooled by the Angel of Light

Here’s the simple truth: the closer we get to the return of Jesus, the more active the devil becomes in deceiving people. He’s not coming with red eyes and smoke. He’s coming with smiles, spiritual language, and a message that sounds almost right. But it won’t be right. It will be twisted, and it will lead people away from Jesus.

That’s why Jesus warned again and again—don’t be misled. Be watchful. Be wise. Know the Word. Stay in prayer. Stay connected to solid, biblical teaching. The devil can’t lead you away when your heart is grounded in truth.

Because the angel of light is out there. But so is the true Light, and His name is Jesus. And when you walk with Him, no darkness can deceive you.

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Equipped To Share Your Faith

When you give your life to Jesus, everything changes. You don’t need to be a pastor, go to Bible college, or have years of experience before you can tell others about Him. The truth is, once you’ve met Jesus, you are ready. That’s what 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 and John 4:6-10 show us so clearly. They remind us that once we know Christ, we are now His ambassadors. That means we speak for Him, live for Him, and love like Him.

Are You Equipped to Share Your Faith?

2 Corinthians 5:17 starts with something huge: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” The old you has gone. It doesn’t matter what you did before—God sees you as brand new. Your past no longer defines you. And that new life comes with a new job. Paul says in verse 20, “We are ambassadors for Christ.” That means you now represent Jesus to the people around you.

You don’t have to know everything. You don’t need all the answers. God doesn’t call perfect people—He calls willing people. If Jesus saved you, you already have the one story you need to begin sharing your faith. He didn’t save you to sit quietly. He saved you so others can meet Him too—through you!

Are You Equipped to Share Like She Was?

Let’s look at the woman at the well in John 4:6-10. She didn’t have a good reputation. In fact, she had five husbands and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. She came to the well at the hottest time of day, maybe to avoid people who judged her. She was broken, tired, and full of shame.

But Jesus met her right there.

He didn’t ignore her sin. Instead, He called it out with truth, but He also offered her grace. He told her about living water—real life—eternal life. And something powerful happened. She believed Him. She dropped her water jar and ran back to town. This woman, who had been hiding from people, suddenly started telling everyone she met, “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did.”

She didn’t have a sermon, nor did she quote Scripture. She didn’t wait for a class. Ultimately, she just shared what Jesus had done in her life. And that’s what God wants from you. When Jesus meets you, He equips you to share your faith.

Are You Ready?

So, are you equipped to share your faith? If you know Jesus, you already have everything you need. God can use your story just like He used the woman at the well. She went from broken and ashamed to bold and unashamed in minutes. All because she met Jesus.

The same can happen with you.

God is looking for people who will say “yes” to Him. People who will speak up. People who know the joy of being made new and want others to know it too. You are His ambassador now. Let the world see what He’s done in you. Don’t wait. Don’t hide. You’re ready.

Because yes—you are equipped for this.

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When Jesus Agreed With Satan

Did Jesus Admit That Satan Rules the World?

At the start of Jesus’ ministry, He faced a direct attack from the devil himself. After fasting for forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was weak and hungry. That’s when Satan showed up, hoping to take advantage of His physical exhaustion.

One of the temptations Satan offered was power over all the kingdoms of the world. He took Jesus to a high mountain and showed Him everything, saying, “All this I will give You if You bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9).

Surprisingly, Jesus didn’t argue. He didn’t say, “These kingdoms don’t belong to you.” Instead, He simply responded, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4:10).

Satan is the Ruler of This World

Why didn’t Jesus correct Satan? Because what Satan said was true! The Bible tells us clearly that Satan is the ruler of this world.

• John 12:31 – Jesus calls Satan “the ruler of this world.”

• John 14:30 – Jesus says, “The ruler of this world is coming.”

• John 16:11 – Jesus confirms that “the ruler of this world has been judged.”

• 2 Corinthians 4:4 – Paul says, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers.”

This means that when Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world, he wasn’t lying. He had real authority—authority that was given to him when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus Knew There Was a Better Way

Even though Jesus agreed with Satan’s claim of authority, He refused the offer. Why? Because Jesus didn’t come to take a shortcut to power. He came to defeat sin and take back what was lost—but not by bowing to Satan.

Satan was trying to get Jesus to bypass the cross. He wanted Jesus to take the easy way out. But Jesus knew that true victory would only come through His death and resurrection.

This is why He responded, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4:10). Jesus refused to compromise, even when Satan offered Him everything.

Who Truly Owns the Kingdoms of the World?

While Satan has temporary rule over this world, his time is running out. Jesus didn’t need to accept Satan’s offer because He already had a plan to take back what was lost.

At the end of time, Revelation 11:15 tells us what will happen:

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever.”

Satan’s rule is temporary. Jesus is the true King, and one day, He will take full authority over the earth.

Conclusion: Satan’s Lies vs. God’s Truth

Yes, Jesus agreed that Satan had power over the world. But He refused to worship him because Satan’s rule is only temporary. Jesus knew that God’s plan was greater.

Satan still tries to tempt us with shortcuts today. He offers fame, power, and wealth, but at the cost of our souls. Like Jesus, we must stand firm and say, “It is written.” We must trust that God’s way is always better.

One day, Jesus will return and fully reclaim His kingdom. Until then, let’s follow His example and serve only the Lord!

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