UNDERSTANDING: Inside-Out
A Contrast from 2 Corinthians…..
In Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians, two contrasting expressions appear. First we read of those who “are being transformed,” (3:18, NKJV) and then of those who “transform themselves,” (11:15, NKJV). Although the New King James Version uses the same English word both times, the Greek expressions are very different. It is enlightening to compare the two words – rendered “changed” and “transformed” in the Authorized Version.
For the sake of emphasis, we will start with the second expression. Some people at Corinth had questioned Paul’s apostolic authority. In bringing this second epistle to its close, Paul defended his position. He certainly was not inferior to “the very chiefest apostles,” (11:5)! Then, in a very direct manner, Paul unmasked his opponents. They simply desired to boast – wanting to be seen in just the same light as Paul and his associates. Paul was not deceived by their appearance! “Such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ,” (11:13).
The Greek word used here is metaschematizo – meaning to change in fashion or appearance. The idea is that these “false apostles” demonstrated an outward change only. They had not been changed on the inside. They were “false apostles” because Christ had never commissioned them; “deceitful workers” because they used doubtful methods in order to mislead God’s people. Outwardly they posed as Christ’s apostles – and this is why Paul uses the expression “transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ,” (11:13).
OUTWARD ONLY
Why should they adopt this approach? In the next verse, Paul provides the answer. It ought not to surprise us that such things happen, because “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light,” (11:14). These “false apostles” were simply using the method employed by their master, the devil. He had come to Eve in the Garden of Eden in an attractive form. If he had approached her displaying his true colours, he might not have succeeded in his despicable work. The tense used in this verse indicates that this is what Satan does repeatedly. Beware of this “angel of light”! When Satan comes as a roaring lion, we are the more prepared to meet him (1). He is never more dangerous than when he comes to us in disguise.
If this is the method Satan adopts, it ought not to surprise us that his agents also take on the appearance of “ministers of righteousness,” (11:15). They were doing so in Paul’s day, and things have not changed since then. A person may take the name of “Christian” and may be able to quote and explain the Bible. Beware! The Lord Jesus unmasked those who were the children of their father the Devil in John 8:44. The end of such, Paul tells us, “shall be according to their works,” (11:15).
There is an interesting legend about a man who lived in China many years ago and was accepted into the Emperor’s orchestra through the help of an influential friend. He claimed to be a talented flute-player, though actually he could hardly play a single note! For a while things went well. At concerts he would hold the flute to his lips and at the appropriate moment pretend to play. One day the Emperor announced that he wanted to hear each member of the orchestra perform alone. The man was filled with terror and quickly began to take some lessons – but had very little success. Could he pretend to be ill on the day he was meant to play before the Emperor? No, the royal physician would surely discover the truth. Not wishing to be revealed as a fraud, the man took a fatal dose of poison (2).
We may be able to change ourselves outwardly and deceive other people by pretending to be more spiritual than we really are. Others may succeed in deceiving us by transforming themselves into “ministers of righteousness,” (11:15). But God is not mocked (3). He always knows when the outward appearance is not an accurate indicator of the true inner condition.
FROM THE INSIDE
In contrast, the expression used in 2 Corinthians 3:18 is very different. The Greek word metamorphoo means to change into another form. This change is not simply outward but inward. In this verse Paul contrasts our position with that of Moses. While he was the only one in Israel at the time who could see the glory of the Lord, “we all” can view that glory. Moses had to veil his face after being in the Lord’s presence, but with an “open face” we can draw near. “Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, (we) are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
As we view the Lord in His Word and are occupied with Him, we can “reflect” (NIV) that glory too. An internal change takes place, and we are made more like Christ. The Lord is the object before us; the Holy Spirit is the power within us. We cannot effect the change because it is an internal one, but we can and must take the time to “(behold)… the glory of the Lord.” There must be no “veil” of sin to keep us from seeing Christ. All hypocrisy and compromise must be renounced.
Perhaps the loveliest New Testament example is Stephen. Facing death, he gazed upward to heaven and saw the risen and glorified Lord. Is it any wonder that his face was “as the face of an angel”? (4) He was only reflecting what he had seen.
There is a story that may help to illustrate this point. One day a poor little peasant girl discovered the statue of a Grecian maiden in an Italian city. The figure was so graceful, and had such a beautiful face and noble expression that the peasant girl stood and stared, captivated by what she had found. After standing for some time, she went home to wash her face and comb her hair. The next day she came back and stood once more in front of the statue before returning home – this time to mend her ragged clothing. Day by day she changed. Gradually she became more graceful in appearance and more refined in manner until at last she reflected the beauty of the famous statue (5).
An important difference, however, must be understood. The change in the peasant girl was external and was entirely self-induced. It is no good just “transforming” ourselves outwardly. What is needed is an inner transformation. When the Holy Spirit forms Christ within us, we will not need to put on an appearance. His work will be evident to all.
END NOTES:- (1)1 Pet.5:8. (2)Our Daily Bread: 28 March, 1988; Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (3)Gal.6:7. (4)Acts 7:55-56 & 6:15. (5)Our Daily Bread: 25 September, 1988; Radio Bible Class,Grand Rapids,Michigan.