What Did Paul Mean When He Said, “You Are Well-Pleasantly Enduring it”? (2corintians 11:4)
Let’s carefully examine the verse:
2 Corinthians 11:4 (ESV):
“For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.”
Understanding the Context and Meaning
At first glance, this statement might sound like Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to tolerate false teachers and their messages. However, this is not the case.
Paul’s tone here is ironically critical. He is expressing astonishment and disappointment that the Corinthians are so eager to accept false teachings. The phrase “you put up with it readily enough” is sarcastic—Paul is rebuking them for being too tolerant of heresy.
Why is this serious?
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Paul preached the true gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation through His death and resurrection alone (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
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The “another Jesus” refers to false christs or distorted views of Christ, such as denying His true divinity, incarnation, or redemptive work.
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The “different spirit” contrasts with the Holy Spirit, meaning teachings inspired by demonic or deceptive spirits (cf. 1 John 4:1).
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The “different gospel” is any message that adds to or subtracts from the gospel of grace (Galatians 1:6-9).
Paul’s rebuke highlights the danger of compromising the gospel by tolerating teachings that distort the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Theological Significance
This passage teaches us several important theological truths:
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The Uniqueness of the Gospel
There is only one true gospel — the message of salvation by grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Any teaching that changes this gospel is a perversion (Galatians 1:7). -
The Danger of False Teaching
False teachings often come cloaked in religious language but deny essential truths about Christ’s identity and work (2 Timothy 3:13). Accepting such teachings leads believers away from salvation (2 Peter 2:1-3). -
The Role of the Holy Spirit
True believers receive the Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth (John 16:13). A “different spirit” represents a counterfeit spirit promoting error and deception. -
The Responsibility to Discern and Reject Error
Christians must be vigilant, testing all teachings against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Tolerating false doctrine endangers the church’s purity and the souls of believers.
How Should We Respond to False Teaching Today?
1. Do Not Continue Listening to False Messages
Once we recognize a teaching contradicts Scripture, we must stop listening to or following it. For example:
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If a preacher denies that drunkenness is sin, we must reject that teaching because the Bible clearly calls drunkenness a sin (Ephesians 5:18).
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If a church promotes idol worship or syncretism, we must separate ourselves because the Bible forbids idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5).
Continuing to listen to false teachers is effectively “putting up with it”, which Paul condemns.
2. Publicly Expose and Warn Others
When false teaching spreads, it must be confronted openly. Paul commands us to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3) and to warn others of spiritual danger. This protects the community from being deceived.
Galatians 1:6–9 (ESV) gives a stern warning:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Conclusion
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 11:4 challenge us not to be passive or tolerant toward false teaching. Instead, we must:
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Hold fast to the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Discern spirits and teachings carefully through Scripture.
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Reject and separate from any teaching or teacher who distorts the gospel.
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Protect the church by warning others and exposing error.
Let us stand firm in the truth of Christ alone for salvation.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
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Who Were the Sons of Asaph in the Bible?
Before we explore who the Sons of Asaph were, it’s important to first understand Asaph himself.
Asaph was a prominent Levite who was appointed by King David as the chief musician for the worship of God. He was tasked with leading the people in singing and praise before the Ark of the Covenant. Asaph’s role was vital because the Ark represented the very presence of God among the people of Israel.
In 1 Chronicles 6:31-32, we see Asaph’s position:
“These are the men David appointed to lead the singing of praises before the tabernacle of the Lord, after the ark came to rest. They ministered with music before the tabernacle, as David had ordered.”
Asaph’s position was deeply spiritual, not only as a musician but also as a seer or prophet. This is highlighted in 2 Chronicles 29:30, where we see that the Levites were commanded to sing praises to God with the words of David and Asaph the seer:
“Moreover, King Hezekiah and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the Lord with the words of David and Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped.”
Asaph’s descendants continued his legacy of worship. After the Babylonian exile, his lineage was reinstated, and they were still serving as singers and worship leaders in the temple. Ezra 2:41 states:
“The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 128.”
This shows that Asaph’s ministry was not only prophetic but also generational, passing down the responsibility of worship and praise to his children and their descendants.
Some of the Psalms in the Bible are attributed to Asaph, especially Psalms 50 and Psalms 73-83. These Psalms are known as Psalms of Asaph, and they carry the deep prophetic messages from God, showing how Asaph and his family were used by God to deliver prophetic words through music and worship.
Who Are the Sons of Asaph Today?
In the New Testament, we are called to be “priests” (1 Peter 2:9) — a royal priesthood dedicated to God, offering spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ. Just as Asaph was chosen to lead in worship, the Sons of Asaph today represent those who serve God in worship and praise — using music as a means of declaring God’s glory and ministering to His people.
In the Old Testament, the role of Asaph and his descendants was crucial in leading Israel’s worship. Similarly, today, those who serve in worship ministries—whether they are singers, musicians, or worship leaders—carry the mantle of leading God’s people into His presence.
This ministry is a holy calling, requiring purity and dedication to God.
In 1 Chronicles 16:29, the Bible says:
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”
Here, worship is to be done in the beauty of holiness. This means that worship ministry is not just about performance or entertainment. It is about coming before God with a heart of reverence and purity, offering our praises in a way that reflects His holiness.
However, there is a danger in modern worship ministry. Many gospel musicians today have turned worship into performance, treating it like an art form rather than a sacred ministry. Some have adopted worldly styles, dressing inappropriately and dancing suggestively, forgetting that true worship is not about personal glory, but about glorifying God.
The Bible warns us against such behavior. In Amos 6:5, God condemns Israel’s worship leaders for turning their worship into something self-serving:
“You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.”
This verse illustrates how Israel had corrupted their worship, making it about showmanship rather than sincerity and holiness.
Today, the warning is the same. True worship comes from a pure heart. The Sons of Asaph are called to lead in spiritual sincerity, offering praises that reflect God’s holiness and glory.
Lessons for Worship Leaders Today
Holiness in Worship
Just as Asaph and his descendants ministered before the Ark in holiness, today’s worship leaders must also ensure that their lives reflect holiness. The Bible clearly states that worship is not just a public activity — it reflects the heart of the one offering it. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Our worship must be a living sacrifice, where our lives — our actions, thoughts, and words — are set apart for God.
Avoiding Hypocrisy
Worship is not just about how we perform in front of others. It is about sincerity before God. The Bible warns us about those who offer lip service while their hearts are far from God. In Isaiah 29:13, God rebukes the people for their false worship:
“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.'”
If we worship with hypocrisy, we lose the true essence of worship. It becomes mere entertainment rather than a sacred offering.
The Call to Purity in Worship Ministry
Worship leaders today must remember that their service is before God. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul encourages Timothy:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
This instruction applies not just to age, but to holiness in all aspects of life. Worship leaders should set an example in their speech, conduct, and lifestyle, ensuring that everything they do points people to God, not to themselves.
Conclusion
The Sons of Asaph were chosen by God to lead Israel in worship and praise. Today, this ministry continues, and those who serve in worship should be deeply aware of the responsibility and holiness required.
God is calling today’s worship leaders to follow the example of Asaph and his descendants. Worship should be done “in the beauty of holiness” — reflecting the holiness and purity of God.
This is not just a musical task; it is a spiritual and prophetic ministry that can bring healing and deliverance to God’s people.
May we all strive to be true Sons of Asaph, offering worship that honors God with clean hands and a pure heart.
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Understanding the Drink Offering: Its Meaning and Fulfillment
1. What Was the Drink Offering in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the drink offering was a unique part of Israel’s worship. It involved pouring out wine before the Lord on the altar. This act symbolized complete surrender, thanksgiving, and dedication to God.
Leviticus 23:13
“And the grain offering with it shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a food offering to the Lord with a pleasing aroma, and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, a fourth of a hin.”
This was not an offering for consumption — it was poured out, signifying that something valuable was being given fully to God. The drink offering accompanied other offerings like the burnt and grain offerings.
Additional references include:
- Exodus 29:40,
- Leviticus 23:18,
- Numbers 15:5–10,
- Numbers 28:7.
The act of pouring out wine, a symbol of joy and abundance in Jewish culture (Psalm 104:15), represented the total outpouring of oneself in worship. It was a visual expression of love and gratitude toward God.
2. Why Was Wine Used?
God specifically commanded that wine, not water or any other drink, be used. This was purposeful. Wine in Scripture often symbolizes:
- Joy (Judges 9:13),
- Covenant fellowship (Isaiah 25:6),
- Blood and sacrifice (symbolically in the New Testament).
Wine carries weight in redemptive symbolism, especially in the context of covenants and sacrificial worship.
Wine foreshadows the blood of Christ, which would later be poured out for the new covenant. Even in the Old Covenant, God was pointing forward to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
3. Where Did the Practice Begin?
Although formalized in the Mosaic Law, the concept of the drink offering predates the Law. We see it first practiced by Jacob after God appeared to him at Bethel.
Genesis 35:14–15
“Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.”
This moment was a personal act of worship. Jacob was acknowledging God’s covenant promises and dedicating the place to Him. It mirrors the tithe Abraham gave to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), long before the law was given.
Just as the tithe began as an act of faith and devotion (not law), so did the drink offering. It was an expression of worship and surrender to God — a principle that continues under grace.
4. What Does the Drink Offering Represent in the New Testament?
The drink offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
At the Last Supper, Jesus used wine to represent His blood, which would be poured out on the cross.
Luke 22:20
“And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’”
The language “poured out” echoes the Old Testament drink offerings. Jesus’ blood became the final, perfect offering, fulfilling what the drink offering had symbolized for centuries.
Philippians 2:17
“Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”
2 Timothy 4:6
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”
Both Paul and Jesus connected the drink offering with total sacrifice and dedication — not just in ritual, but in life and death.
In Christ, the drink offering was no longer symbolic. His actual blood was poured out on the altar of the cross. That offering is the foundation of the New Covenant, and it’s remembered every time believers take Communion.
5. Application for Believers Today
- The drink offering teaches us to live lives of complete surrender to God.
- It reminds us that true worship involves sacrifice — not just of things, but of ourselves (Romans 12:1).
- Communion is a continual reminder of Christ’s blood poured out, fulfilling the ancient symbols with eternal reality.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
A Shadow Fulfilled in Christ
The drink offering, first seen in Genesis and later codified in the Law, was always meant to point forward. In Christ, the shadow became reality. His blood, symbolized by wine, was poured out once and for all for our salvation (Hebrews 9:12).
So when we see wine in the Old Testament sacrifices, and again in the cup of the New Covenant, we are reminded of a God who fulfilled every symbol in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you as you walk in the light of His finished work.
The Lord is coming!
Why Will There Be a 1000-Year Reign of Christ?
The Bible teaches that after the rapture—when believers are taken to heaven to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb for seven years—they will return with Jesus Christ to reign with Him on earth for 1,000 years. This period is often referred to as the Millennial Kingdom.
But why is this reign necessary? Why doesn’t Christ simply bring everything to completion in heaven?
Let’s explore two major theological reasons for this 1,000-year reign, supported by Scripture and rooted in biblical prophecy.
1. To Grant Sabbath Rest and Reward to the Saints
One key reason for the Millennial Kingdom is to fulfill God’s promise of rest to His people. This is the “Sabbath rest” mentioned in Hebrews 4—a spiritual and literal rest after the struggles and sufferings of life on earth.
Hebrews 4:9–11
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.
For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.”
In this context, the Millennial Kingdom serves as the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises of rest and restoration. Believers who have suffered, been mocked, or denied worldly pleasures for the sake of righteousness will reign with Christ in glory.
Jesus assured His disciples of this in the Gospels:
Matthew 19:28
“Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
This “regeneration” refers to a future, renewed world. During this time, the earth will be restored beyond Edenic conditions (cf. Isaiah 11:6–9), and peace will reign because Satan will be bound:
Revelation 20:1–3
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand… and he bound him [Satan] for a thousand years.”
Believers will have glorified bodies—incorruptible and immortal—as promised in:
1 Corinthians 15:52–53
“…for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
Thus, the Millennial Kingdom is God’s way of vindicating the faithful, restoring what was lost (cf. Joel 2:25), and giving them the kingdom they hoped for.
2. To Subdue All Enemies, Including Death
The second purpose of the Millennial Reign is to fulfill the prophetic mission of Christ to destroy all rebellion and place every enemy under His feet.
1 Corinthians 15:24–26
“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.
The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”
Even during the Millennium, natural human beings (those born during the reign) will still die (Isaiah 65:20), though believers who returned with Christ will not, as they will have glorified, eternal bodies.
This reign is a transitional phase: a bridge between the current age and eternity. During this time, Christ will deal decisively with all evil powers, and at the end of the 1,000 years, death itself will be permanently defeated.
What Happens After the Millennium?
After the 1,000-year reign, Scripture tells us that there will be a final rebellion, a last judgment, and then the ultimate renewal of all things:
Revelation 20:7–10 describes the release of Satan and his final defeat.
Revelation 21:1–4 announces the coming of a new heaven and a new earth, and the descent of the New Jerusalem:
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth… And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them… And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.'”
This eternal state is what theologians call the consummation of all things—God dwelling permanently with humanity.
The Danger of Missing It All
If you are not in Christ, you risk missing:
- The rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
- The 1,000-year reign of Christ
- The eternal joy of the new heaven and new earth
Jesus asked:
Mark 8:36
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
We believe we are living in the generation that may witness the return of Christ. While we don’t know the day or hour (Matthew 24:36), the signs strongly suggest the time is near.
What Should You Do?
It’s time to lift your eyes toward eternity. The temporary pleasures of this world are passing away (1 John 2:17), but Christ has prepared a place for those who love Him (John 14:2–3).
Repent sincerely of your sins. Turn away from them completely. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He will forgive, cleanse, and prepare you for His kingdom.
2 Peter 3:13
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
May the Lord bless you as you prepare for His coming reign.
What’s the Difference Between Death and Perishing?
To most people, death and perishing might seem like the same thing — just different words for life coming to an end. But from a biblical perspective, there’s a meaningful difference, especially when it comes to human beings.
What is Death?
Death is the separation of life from any living organism. It happens to humans, animals, plants — even microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Once life departs from them, we say they are dead.
In Scripture, death can be described simply as the end of biological life. For example, in Ecclesiastes 3:19–20 it says:
“Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other… All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.”
So, death — as a biological reality — is common to all living things.
What is Perishing?
Perishing is also death, but it is used specifically in relation to humans and carries a heavier spiritual and emotional weight.
You wouldn’t say a dog or a tree has experienced perishing— you’d simply say it died. But for a person, we might say they’ve faced perishing because of what death signifies for human beings: judgment, separation from God, and eternal consequences.
Perishing is not just the end of physical life — it’s the tragic result of sin, and the entry point into eternal judgment if a person dies apart from God.
Why Is There a Difference?
This difference matters because humans were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). We have a soul, moral responsibility, and an eternal destiny. That’s why our death (perishing) isn’t the same as that of an animal.
Just as people take notice when an adult cries — because it often signals deep pain — so too, human death should not be seen as ordinary. It is not just a natural process. It is a serious spiritual event.
This is why Scripture says:
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27
That judgment doesn’t await animals. It awaits us — because of the spiritual weight of human life.
Where Did Perishing Come From?
Perishing entered the human experience because of sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they introduced death into the world — both physically and spiritually.
Romans 5:12— “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because of sin, every human faces perishing. And it’s not just the body that dies — the soul, too, is at risk of perishing eternally if separated from God.
The Second Death – Eternal Perishing
The Bible warns of a second, more terrifying death — the death of the soul, which is final and eternal. It’s called the second death, where the unredeemed are cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8 — “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile… they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
This is what makes perishing more than just physical death. It’s eternal separation from God. It is judgment. It is a loss that goes beyond the grave.
But There’s Good News
Jesus came to conquer perishing and offer eternal life to anyone who believes in Him.
John 5:24 — “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
In other words, if you believe in Christ, you don’t just die and perish — you pass from perishing to life. That is the power of the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:10— “…Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
So, What About You?
If you were to die today, are you certain about where your soul would go? Don’t assume you’ll just vanish like an animal. The Bible is clear — those who die in sin face judgment and eternal separation from God.
But the invitation still stands. Jesus can save you from perishing, from both physical death and eternal death. All you need to do is turn to Him in faith and repentance.
John 11:25–26 — “Jesus said… ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
Final Thoughts
- Death happens to every living thing.
- Perishing is death with eternal consequence — it’s uniquely human.
- Sin is the cause of Perishing.
- Jesus is the only one who can save us from it.
So don’t wait. Your soul matters. And life — eternal life — is being offered to you today.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15
May the Lord bless you and lead you to life.
