Consider me a fool

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, September 6, 2026

2CO 11:16-22

Title: Consider me a fool

Paul chastises his readers for tolerating the foolish

(2CO 11:16-20). Let that be a lesson for us — identify fools, but don’t give them your ear.

Remember we discussed how anyone who boasts should boast in the Lord? The fools boasted in their flesh, but the flesh has no intrinsic value.

Both the Pharisees and Sadducees thought their flesh (their lineage) had value: MAT 3:1-10

Many with Israelite lineage did not (and do not) believe: ROM 10:11-21

Don’t make the same mistakes as the people of Israel did:

1CO 10:1-12

Paul and the other apostles acted in a Christ-like manner to those at Corinth (2CO 11:21). Unfortunately, the false apostles ran roughshod over the people and the people accepted such.

The apostles’ “weakness” magnified God’s power working within them.

1CO 1:20-31,

1CO 2:3-5

Both Paul and Jesus Christ both share a certain experience that testifies to their gentle nature. Christ is our example:

JOH 18:19-24, ACT 23:1-11

Paul’s “boasting” mentioned his lineage, which he shared with the Judaizers who sought to sow discord among the people

(2CO 11:22). We’ll discuss the some of the rest of his list next week.

If anyone could have put confidence in their flesh, Paul could have. Notably, he did not, and no one should:

PHI 3:1-11

How should we answer a fool once we have identified one? Should we say anything at all? PRO 26:4-5

Those at Corinth tolerated fools, but that does not mean we have to. Be careful about who has your ear, and don’t give your attention to people who deviate from the scriptures.

Salvation is available to all today because of the work Jesus Christ did on the cross. Be wary of those who boast in their flesh or any other characteristics. Those who boast, should boast only in the Lord.

We’ll hear about a testimony next week that is equal terrible and terrific. We’ll also consider what it means to have a forehead like flint. Sometimes, being hard-headed is good.