Simplicity in Christ

By Ken Parks December 13, 2012

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.“ --- 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul was very concerned that those who have accepted the Christ as their savior and would turn their minds away from that which is corruptible, the things and issues of this world, the self-centeredness, and love for money.

More so, Paul was concerned that these infant Christians would become deceived by the preaching of a another Jesus, receive a different spirit, and accept a different gospel. And this is what concerns this particular ministry.

For those who are followers of Christ, their lives are meant to be Christ-centered. There is nothing else more important. There are many distractions and hindrances. Paul writes with a deep concern that many will become deceived and turn away from the simplicity of Christ.

If we take care of our mindset and heart-set, then Christ will take care of all these things that shall be added unto you. As selected agents of Christ, we are motivated to endure the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are encapsulated to seek His will. And we are the ones who grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. That which is corruptible, the concerns and things of this world will be tested through the fire. Only that which is pure and righteous will survive.

Unfortunately, there are many fakes, those who put on the appearance of being righteous and who are as sly and cunning as their father, Satan. They are the ones who introduce secret doctrines, cause confusion, animosity, and division. Jesus recognized them. And the Apostle Paul warned us about them.

The Elect, those chosen for His purpose, are the ones who have discernment and can readily perceive the deception of the counterfeits. Jesus told us, “You will know them by their fruits.” They don't have that which is the simplicity in or of Christ. They are corrupted by the things of this world, always talking about how much money they made, their worldly investments, and their materialistic endeavors.

This is a subject by which not too many people appreciate. Selectively, they turn their back on this and would rather read only about the other subject, “God is love.” Yes, God is love. They forget to mention that God has anger and a fiery destination for those who have rejected Him and faked their way through as Christian frauds and con-artists. The day will come when they will cry out and plea their case, “Didn't I go to church and sing the songs about You. And I was one of the first to make donations to my church. I was part of the finance committee and I coached the basketball ministry. I did a lot of things for You.”

Jesus knows everything about us, from the simple and poor to the complicated and rich. And he will reply to the those who have faked their way through, trying to represent righteousness, “I never knew you! Depart form me, you that work evil!”

And where do you suppose they will be sent? A redemption center? Remember, “God is love.” They will be sent to a place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. God doesn't love corruption. God doesn't take part or condone those who work evil. And, he doesn't have any love for the fraudulent and lying souls who purport, “God is love.”

Those who have been called and maintained the path of righteousness until the end are the ones who have the simplicity in Christ. They are born again of His Spirit.