Clever or Smart?

Scott Beyer
05/31/23 - Bulletin

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

            There is a difference between clever and smart.  The devil is clever and offers for us to feel clever, too.  Satan is all about shortcuts, bribes, tricks, and crafty ways to avoid doing the work that God calls us to.  Deception may be clever, but it isn’t smart.

            The smart thing to do is to not be led astray from the simple and pure teachings of Christ.  The smart play is to follow the playbook (the Bible) that works every single time.  The smart move is to avoid shortcuts when eternity is at stake.

            Be smart, not clever.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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