2 Corinthians 11:3
KJV - 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
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Yes. I am in agreement that the English translation of God's word into "the simplicity of Christ" , as written in Paul's letter to the Church at Corinth can be meditated and prayed as devotion and companionship to our Savior. The passage is preceded with ..."I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him." Unity in the Spirit as the body of Christ , however, abiding in the sanctity of constant presence in it's purity (simplicity) with you, His child, in Christ. Please note , perhaps, even in Your own sharing of the Gospel with others...there are times when you as an individual are communicating to others, and times when the manifestations of the Spirit ...living in you ...utter words through your lips, which arrive directly from our awesome Father by way of His Spirit. That transcending communication is the union of Him who is, abiding with you in the simplicity. God grant you the peace to live in that moment. Amen.
One must remember to place the verse in question in it's proper context. Paul was writing to a congregation that was comprised of a mix of gentile and Jewish believers. As evidenced in his first letter, there were several issues going on in Corinth. There were divisions, false teachers and sexual immorality to name a few. Paul had been warning the church to be wary of the tactics of Satan in infiltrating and corrupting the assembly. At this time, it must be remembered, there were Jewish scholars teaching that gentile converts had to keep the Levitical Law in addition to their faith in Christ Jesus. Although this was addressed by the Jerusalem counsel as recorded in Acts 15: 1-29, many of the Pharisees, and scribes had difficulty grapsing the concept that the old Law was no longer in effect. It should also be remembered that the Law was given to the Israelites by God as a means to make them a people separate from the gentiles, and to show them their need for a Savior.(see Gal 3:15-29) The Law contained 613 commands, 248 do's and 365 don'ts. The simplicity Paul was teaching the Corinthians is the same simplicity that is shrouded today; Jesus Christ crucified for our sins, buried and raised the third day to everlasting life. This is the gospel, and if you are in Christ you are one of His and heirs to the promises. Too many try to complicate matters. This is the continuing work of Satan, along with the unscriptural denominational divisions and false doctrine that permeates the airwaves and media. Keep it simple. Have no creed but Christ. The written Word of God is the only authority from God. Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where it doesn't.
The ESV version says "Devotion to Christ" so maybe the simplicity is simply... Devotion to Christ. That out hearts would not be deceived by the enemy and we won't stray from our devotion to Christ.
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