Justin Houtz

Deuteronomy 7, 2 Corinthians 11

DateVersionReading Plan
June 9, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Deuteronomy 7

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD was bringing the people into the land they were to possess. He had chosen them not because they were large in number—they were the least of all peoples—but because the LORD loves them and would keep the oath He swore to their fathers. If they obeyed the LORD, the LORD would bless them with multiplication and fruitfulness. The people were to completely destroy the gods of the lands they would possess, utterly detesting and abhorring them.

Application

The people were not only to get rid of all gods and elements of pagan worship but detest and abhor them. The reaction we have to worshiping idols of our day should be equally visceral. Knowing that God alone is deserving of exclusive worship, our attitude against anything that usurps His exalted position must to be of righteous hatred.

2 Corinthians 11

Observation & Interpretation

Paul was jealous for the Corinthians with a godly jealousy. He expressed concern that they had shown a readiness to listen to false teachers. Paul sarcastically spoke of these false teachers as “super-apostles” (”eminent apostles” in the NKJV). The end of these teachers of aberrance would be according to their works. “They destroy—they will be destroyed. Their deeds lead men to their doom; they themselves will be led to final perdition.” (BBC). Paul’s hope was that, in speaking these things, no one would think of him as a boasting fool. He compared himself to these super-apostles, that he also was an Israelite, a seed of Abraham and minister of Christ. He had undergone great affliction and it was his weakness that was the subject of his boasting, not his strength. Paul recounted the instance in which he was let down in a basket through window in in wall and escaped the hands o King Aretas. Quoting J.B. Watson, the BBC explains Paul’s reasoning for this reference:

He takes hold of what men made an occasion of shame and ridicule and sets it in the light of being another proof that the paramount interest in his life was to serve the Lord Christ, for whose sake he was prepared to sacrifice his personal pride and appear as a coward in the eyes of men.

Application

The humility displayed by Paul and its contrast with the super-apostles is worth noting. It was his weakness and willingness to be humiliated for the sake of the gospel that was his source of boasting. We often look on the educated and articulate with high esteem, but it is those of humble estate that are most fruitful for the kingdom. This speaks of its upside-down nature and, as Rebecca McLaughlin once said, “Status in his kingdom lies at the bottom of the pile (Page: 179, Position: 1).”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor and glory. Father, help me by Your Spirit to reveal any idols in my heart, convict me toward mortification that I may worship You alone. Father, help me to see that it is through my weakness that Your power is made perfect.

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