Application Guide

March 21, 2004: “More on The Passion of Christ” by Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor College Park Church. Pastor again emphasized that this is a story, and like many stories that have been told in the past, there are lessons to be learned. Through it all we need to keep our focus on the important message of the gospel, and not get distracted by things that might lead us astray in the practice of our faith and our devotion to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

At the conclusion of the service, Pastor read 2 Corinthians 11:3 and expressed his concern that we, like the people of Corinth, are in danger of being led astray from our devotion to Christ, and encouraged us to focus on Christ and live our lives for him daily.

As we study this scripture passage from various translations, we learn that Pastor Kimber, like the Apostle Paul to the people of Corinth, is afraid (deeply concerned) that our minds (thoughts) will be (may be, are being) led astray (lured away, seduced, corrupted)…

from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ (ESV, NIV and NET),

from the simple purity of your love for Christ (MSG),

from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ (AMP),

from the simplicity that is in Christ (KJV)…free from pretence and hypocrisy (Strong)

from that state of knowledge and holiness in which we ought to abide (Strong)

According to Wesley’s Commentary on this verse, “the simplicity that is in Christ,” is that simplicity which is lovingly intent on Him alone, seeking no other person or thing.

Pastor Kimber often states that we need to keep the main person (Christ) the main thing in our lives, and that we need to focus upon Christ and live our lives for him daily.

Before the conclusion of his message, Pastor played a video clip of a fellow pastor from India who stated that because of our technological advances and the over abundance of resources, we in America learn in 6 months what it takes 5 years to learn in India. The tragedy is that many of us are caught up in our ever increasing desire for knowledge, but we fall far short of the mark when it comes to applying what we learn and putting it into practice.

Let’s spend some time discussing how we can apply 2 Corinthians 11:3 to our lives.

1. What are the characteristics of one who is devoted to Christ?
2. What leads us astray (lures us away) from being devoted to Christ?
3. Who is at the root of the things that lead us astray?
4. What can we do to steadfastly pursue and maintain our devotion to Christ?
5. What would you like to begin doing more of, and less of, in the coming weeks as a result of our study and discussion together?

Take a 3x5 card and make note of what you would like to do “more of” and “less of” in the coming weeks, to focus upon Christ and live your life for him daily.